Active air vent utilizing smart material actuation

US8607744B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC · US

Inventors

• Paul W. Alexander · Ypsilanti, US
• Alan L. Browne · Grosse Pointe, US
• Xiujie Gao · Troy, US
• Thomas H. Froling · Beverly Hills, US
• Richard J. Skurkis · Lake Orion, US
• Matthew D. Scrase · Troy, US
• Clifford Jason Yee · Novi, US
• Evan P. Joranlien · Shelby Charter Township, US
• Mark Dickens · Franklin, US
• Arnold G Warner · Durand, US
• Laurence M Lemaire · Ferndale, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 26, 2008
• Grant date: Dec 17, 2013
• Expiry date: Oct 3, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02T10/12
• WIPO field: Engines, pumps, turbines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An active air intake adapted for selectively regulating fluid flow into an engine generally includes a housing defining an opening, a covering member disposed relative to the opening and translatable between opened and closed conditions, an actuator including an active material element operable to effect movement of the member, a load limit protector configured to present a secondary output path for the element, an overheat protection mechanism for preventing unintentional activation and stress loads in the element, a biasing mechanism for returning the member to the original condition, and a latching mechanism for retaining the member in the closed condition.