Hood lift mechanisms utilizing active materials and methods of use
US7823682B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 20, 2006 |
| Grant date | Nov 2, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 3, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE05Y2900/536
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A hood lift mechanism for reversibly increasing the energy absorption capability at appropriate force levels of a vehicle hood includes a vehicle hood; an active material in operative communication with the vehicle hood, 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 hood and an underlying component.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.