Vehicle closure assembly with shape memory polymer seal
US7845707B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 12, 2008 |
| Grant date | Dec 7, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 16, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC08L2201/12
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A closure assembly with a shape memory polymer seal is provided for use with a vehicle. The closure assembly includes a frame member configured for attachment to the vehicle body to selectively transition from a closed position to an open position. The seal structure includes a base portion elongated along and attached to a peripheral edge of the frame member or the vehicle body, and a flexible contact portion extending integrally from the base portion and configured for sealing communication with an opposing surface. A thermally-activated smart material (TASM), namely a shape memory polymer member, is disposed inside a cavity within the contact portion. A thermoelectric device is in thermal communication with the TASM, and is characterized by a thermal differential when current flows therethrough. The TASM is activated in response to the thermal differential of the thermoelectric device, thereby altering at least one physical property of the TASM.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.