Airflow control devices based on active materials
US7429074B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 5, 2004 |
| Grant date | Sep 30, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 28, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T50/30
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An airflow control device comprises a body and an active material in operative communication with the body. The active material, such as shape memory material, is operative to change at least one attribute in response to an activation signal. The active material can change its shape, dimensions and/or stiffness producing a change in at least one feature of the airflow control device such as shape, dimension, location, orientation, and/or stiffness to control vehicle airflow to better suit changes in driving conditions such as weather, ground clearance and speed, while reducing maintenance and the level of failure modes. As such, the device reduces vehicle damage due to inadequate ground clearance, while increasing vehicle stability and fuel economy. An activation device, controller and sensors may be employed to further control the change in at least one feature of the airflow control device such as shape, dimension, location, orientation, and/or stiffness of the device. A method for controlling vehicle airflow selectively introduces an activation signal to initiate a change of at least one feature of the device that can be reversed upon discontinuation of the activation signal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.