Manipulating center console components utilizing active material actuation

US8540297B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC · US

Inventors

• Alan L. Browne · Grosse Pointe, US
• Matthew Edward Gedris · Royal Oak, US
• Nancy L. Johnson · Northville, US
• Paul W. Alexander · Ypsilanti, US
• John T. Goscicki · Sterling Heights, US
• James Holbrook Brown · Brooks Road, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 12, 2009
• Grant date: Sep 24, 2013
• Expiry date: Nov 25, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R7/04
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A center console comprising a manipulable structural component, such as a pivotal lid, sliding armrest, tambour door, or pivotal cup holder, and at least one active material actuator including an active material element operable to undergo a reversible change, drivenly coupled to the component, and configured to autonomously cause and/or enable the component to be manipulated as a result of the change.