Active seal architectures

US8789314B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC · US
• THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN · US

Inventors

• Paul W. Alexander · Ypsilanti, US
• Diann Brei · Milford, US
• Jonathan E. Luntz · Ann Arbor, US
• Monica Cristina Toma · Ann Arbor, US
• Alan L. Browne · Grosse Pointe, US
• Nancy L. Johnson · Northville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 8, 2009
• Grant date: Jul 29, 2014
• Expiry date: Aug 12, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60J10/248
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Active seal architectures adapted for producing a variable sealing and/or closing force between a closure panel and perimeter, includes a mounting clip, a flexible outer layer fixedly connected to the clip, defining an interior space, and longitudinally extending along the perimeter; and an interior structure comprising and reconfigurable by an active material disposed within the space, and operable to impart differing first and second forces upon the layer and panel when the material is activated and deactivated respectively.