Active material enabled self-actuated devices

US7631915B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC · US

Inventors

• Alan L. Browne · Grosse Pointe, US
• Louise E. Stauffer · Bloomfield Hills, US
• Roy J. Mathieu · Rochester Hills, US
• Joseph F. Szczerba · Grand Blanc, US
• Nancy L. Johnson · Northville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 28, 2008
• Grant date: Dec 15, 2009
• Expiry date: Aug 28, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60N3/023
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A self-actuating device includes a member in physical communication with a vehicle surface and an active material. The member is configured to have at least a first form and a second form, wherein one of the first form and the second form is configured to stow the member and the other of the first form and the second form is configured to present the member. The active material is in operable communication with the member. The active material is configured to undergo a change in at least one property upon receipt of an activation signal and the change in at least one property is effective to transition the member from one of the forms to another of the forms.