Hood lift mechanisms utilizing active materials and methods of use

US7556117B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC · US
• THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN · US

Inventors

• Alan L. Browne · Grosse Pointe, US
• Nancy L. Johnson · Northville, US
• Kenneth A. Strom · Big Rapids, US
• Diann Brei · Milford, US
• Jonathan E. Luntz · Ann Arbor, US
• Brian M. Barnes · Ypsilanti, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 20, 2006
• Grant date: Jul 7, 2009
• Expiry date: Nov 14, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R21/38
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Hood lift mechanisms for reversibly increasing the energy absorption capability at appropriate force levels of a vehicle closure includes a vehicle closure; an active material in operative communication with the vehicle closure, wherein the active material comprises a shape memory alloy, a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy, a shape memory polymer, a magnetorheological fluid, an electroactive polymer, a magnetorheological elastomer, an electrorheological fluid, a piezoelectric material, an ionic polymer metal composite, or combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing active materials; and an activation device in operative communication with the active material, wherein the activation device is operable to selectively apply an activation signal to the active material and effect a reversible change in a property of the active material, wherein the reversible change results in an increased clearance distance between the vehicle closure and an underlying component.