Shape memory alloy active hatch vent

US9346345B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC · US

Inventors

• Paul W. Alexander · Ypsilanti, US
• Xiujie Gao · Troy, US
• Alan L. Browne · Grosse Pointe, US
• Mark A. Voss · Richmond, US
• Derek L. Patterson · Shelby Charter Township, US
• Lei Hao · Troy, US
• Chandra S. Namuduri · Troy, US
• James Holbrook Brown · Brooks Road, US
• Aragorn Zolno · Whittier, US
• John N. Owens · Franklin, US
• Alexander Millerman · Bloomfield Hills, US
• Kevin B. Rober · Big Rapids, US
• Suresh Gopalakrishnan · Troy, US
• Sanjeev M. Naik · Troy, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 10, 2014
• Grant date: May 24, 2016
• Expiry date: Jul 29, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02T10/88
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A vent assembly is disposed within an interior space of a vehicle for opening and closing fluid communication between the interior space and an exterior of the vehicle. The vent assembly includes a housing defining a plurality of openings and a plurality of vanes disposed in the openings. An actuator mechanism moves the vanes between an open position and a closed position, and includes a shaped memory alloy (SMA) member for actuating the vanes between the open and closed positions. The SMA member is activated when a hatch of the vehicle is opened to move the vanes into the open position and thereby open fluid communication between the interior space and the exterior to alleviate excessive air pressure buildup during closure of the hatch.