Motorized vehicles with deflectable components
US8366179B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 15, 2011 |
| Grant date | Feb 5, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 15, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62K2025/041
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A deflectable component for a motorized vehicle can include a deflectable part formed at least partially from a superelastic and or shape memory material, wherein at least a portion of the deflectable component is moved to a deflected position upon application of a threshold force when moving at or above a predetermined speed, and returning to an undeflected position when moving below the predetermined speed. The deflectable component may comprise a connection link fabricated at least partially from a superelastic and/or shape memory material to tailor the flex point characteristics of a connected surface to a desired response. The deflectable component may improve the performance of motorized vehicles by improving the aerodynamic and fuel efficiency, as well as other beneficial effects.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.