Deployable camera systems

US9623811B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC · US
• Dynalloy, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Paul W. Alexander · Ypsilanti, US
• Debbie E. Nachtegall · Rochester Hills, US
• Nancy L. Johnson · Northville, US
• Scott R. Webb · Macomb Township, US
• James Ryan Yates · Mission Viejo, US
• James Holbrook Brown · Brooks Road, US
• Aragorn Zolno · Whittier, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 30, 2014
• Grant date: Apr 18, 2017
• Expiry date: Oct 26, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R2011/0094
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A deployable camera system for a vehicle includes a body defining a cavity therein, and a camera including a housing having an exterior surface. The camera is reversibly transitionable between a stowed position in which the camera is recessed into the cavity and the exterior surface is substantially flush with the body, and a deployed position wherein the camera protrudes from the cavity and the exterior surface is not substantially flush with the body. The deployable camera system includes a first shape memory alloy element transitionable between a first state and a second state in response to a first thermal activation signal.