公开(公告)号：US20190193373A1

公开(公告)日：2019-06-27

申请号：US15854190

申请日：2017-12-26

Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC

Inventor： Paul W. Alexander ,  Nilesh D. Mankame ,  Wonhee M. Kim ,  Nancy L. Johnson

IPC: B32B5/02 ,  D04B1/22 ,  B60N2/70

CPC classification number: B32B5/026 ,  B32B2601/00 ,  B32B2605/003 ,  B60N2/7017 ,  D04B1/22 ,  D10B2403/0211

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a first knitted fabric layer defining an outer surface and a second knitted fabric layer defining an inner surface. The inner surface is opposite the outer surface. The vehicle seat further includes a knitted spacer fabric interconnecting the first knitted fabric layer and the second knitted fabric layer. The knitted spacer fabric resiliently biases the first knitted fabric layer and the second knitted fabric layer away from one another. The knitted spacer fabric is configured to buckle when a seated occupant exerts an occupant load on the vehicle seat. The first knitted fabric layer is more elastic than the second knitted fabric layer to conform to the seated occupant when the seated occupant exerts the occupant load on the vehicle seat.

公开(公告)号：US10260958B2

公开(公告)日：2019-04-16

申请号：US15134544

申请日：2016-04-21

Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

Inventor： Richard J. Skurkis ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Paul W. Alexander ,  Dorel M. Sala ,  Nicholas W. Pinto, IV ,  Xiujie Gao

IPC: G01K5/48 ,  H01H37/00

Abstract: A resettable sensor assembly includes a body having a axis and defining a cavity therein. The body includes a first plurality of threads disposed about the axis. The assembly includes a housing mated to the body and including at least one electrical contact. The assembly further includes a plate. The assembly also includes an actuator element configured for translating the plate along the axis between a first position in which the plate contacts the at least one electrical contact and a second position in which the plate is spaced apart from the at least one electrical contact. The element is formed from a shape memory alloy that is transitionable between an austenite crystallographic phase and a martensite crystallographic phase in response to a thermal activation signal to thereby translate the plate between the first position and the second position.

公开(公告)号：US20190105972A1

公开(公告)日：2019-04-11

申请号：US15728059

申请日：2017-10-09

Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC

Inventor： Wonhee M. Kim ,  Paul W. Alexander ,  Julien P. Mourou ,  James H. Shoemaker ,  Besy J. Philip

IPC: B60J7/11 ,  B60J7/12

Abstract: A roof panel includes a first member and a second member. A panel is attached to and interconnects the first member and the second member. The panel is configurable between a deployed configuration for attachment to a vehicle, and a stowed configuration for storage. The panel has a planar form when in the deployed configuration, and a rolled up form when in the stowed configuration. The panel may include an adjustable stiffness panel, such as a layer jamming panel, controllable in response to a control signal to exhibit a first stiffness when in the deployed configuration or the stowed configuration, or a second stiffness for reforming the panel between the deployed configuration and the stowed configuration.

公开(公告)号：US10081969B2

公开(公告)日：2018-09-25

申请号：US14686065

申请日：2015-04-14

Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC ,  Dynalloy, Inc.

Inventor： Paul W. Alexander ,  Roger Herbert Culver ,  Robert Dallos, Jr. ,  Aragorn Zolno ,  James Holbrook Brown

IPC: E05C5/00 ,  E05C1/12 ,  E05B47/00 ,  E05C19/02 ,  F03G7/06 ,  E05B83/28

CPC classification number: E05B47/0009 ,  E05B83/28 ,  E05C19/022 ,  F03G7/065

Abstract: A lockable latching device includes a body defining a cavity therein and having a central longitudinal axis, and a plunger disposed within the cavity. The plunger has a first end and a second end and is translatable with respect to the body along the axis between an open position and a closed position. The device also includes an annular rotator spaced apart from the body along the axis and configured for rotating the plunger about the axis. The device includes an annular latch abutting the rotator that is transitionable between an unlocked state and a locked state. The device also includes an element attached to the latch and formed from a shape memory alloy that is transitionable between an austenite crystallographic phase and a martensite crystallographic phase in response to an activation signal to thereby transition the latch from the locked state to the unlocked state.

公开(公告)号：US09895969B2

公开(公告)日：2018-02-20

申请号：US14276390

申请日：2014-05-13

Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

Inventor： Paul W. Alexander ,  Roger Herbert Culver ,  Robert Dallos, Jr. ,  Aragorn Zolno ,  James Holbrook Brown

IPC: E05C3/12 ,  B60K15/05 ,  E05B47/00 ,  E05B83/34 ,  E05C19/02

CPC classification number: B60K15/05 ,  E05B47/0009 ,  E05B83/34 ,  E05C19/022 ,  Y10T292/0945

Abstract: A push-push latch includes a slider slidably disposed on a frame. A resilient element is to urge the slider toward an extended state. The slider or the frame defines a cam-track. A pin member is connected to the frame or the slider. The pin member selectably engages a closed course in the cam-track to cause the slider to alternate between a retracted state and the extended state in response to alternating application and removal of an actuating force on the slider. An interference member is on the frame to selectively prevent the pin member from engaging the closed course thereby locking the slider in the retracted state. A pivotable catch is rotatably on the slider to open in the extended state and to close in the retracted state. A shape memory alloy actuator selectively causes the interference member to selectively prevent the pin member from engaging the closed course.

公开(公告)号：US09746044B1

公开(公告)日：2017-08-29

申请号：US15130199

申请日：2016-04-15

Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

Inventor： Richard J. Skurkis ,  Paul W. Alexander ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Jason F. Laws ,  Nicholas W. Pinto, IV

IPC: G01K1/14 ,  H01H37/32 ,  F16D66/00 ,  F16D65/18 ,  F16D55/225

CPC classification number: F16D66/00 ,  F16D55/225 ,  F16D65/18 ,  F16D2066/001

Abstract: A resettable sensor assembly includes an elongate valve body having a longitudinal axis and defining a cavity therein. A housing is at least partially disposed within a cooperates with the elongate valve body and includes at least one electrical contact. A support member disposed within the elongate valve body cavity cooperates with a plate to communicate with the at least one electrical contact. An actuator element configured for translating the plate along the axis between a first position in which the plate contacts the at least one electrical contact and a second position in which the plate is spaced apart from the at least one electrical contact. The element is formed from a shape memory alloy that is transitionable between an austenite crystallographic phase and a martensite crystallographic phase in response to a thermal activation signal to thereby translate the plate between the first position and the second position.

公开(公告)号：US20160207075A1

公开(公告)日：2016-07-21

申请号：US14995798

申请日：2016-01-14

Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC ,  DYNALLOY, Inc.

Inventor： Paul W. Alexander ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  James Holbrook Brown ,  Tyler P. Ownby ,  Brian W. Bowling

IPC: B08B3/04 ,  F16K1/32

CPC classification number: F16K1/32 ,  B05B1/00 ,  B05B1/1627 ,  B05B1/1636 ,  B05B1/1645 ,  B05B1/1654 ,  B05B1/20 ,  B05B1/3046 ,  B05B1/32 ,  B05B9/0423 ,  B08B3/02 ,  F16K11/18 ,  F16K11/22 ,  F16K27/003 ,  F16K31/025

Abstract: A valve manifold includes a housing defining an inlet port and a plurality of outlet ports. Each of the plurality of outlet ports defines a sealing face. The manifold also includes a plurality of poppets, wherein each of the plurality of poppets is disposed within a respective one of the plurality of outlet ports and is configured for translating towards and away from the sealing face. The manifold also includes a plurality of actuators each configured for translating a respective one of the plurality of poppets towards and away from the sealing face, wherein each of the plurality of actuators is formed from a shape memory alloy transitionable between a first state and a second state in response to a thermal activation signal. A washer system, a device, and a method of simultaneously controlling fluid flow to a first component and a second component of the device are also disclosed.

Abstract translation: 阀歧管包括限定入口和多个出口的壳体。 多个出口端口中的每一个限定了密封面。 歧管还包括多个喷嘴，其中多个喷嘴中的每一个设置在多个出口中的相应一个中，并且被配置为朝向和远离密封面平移。 歧管还包括多个致动器，每个致动器被配置用于将多个弹簧中的相应弹簧平移到密封面并远离密封面，其中多个致动器中的每一个由形状记忆合金形成，该形状记忆合金可在第一状态和第二状态之间转换 响应于热激活信号。 还公开了同时控制流体流向装置的第一部件和第二部件的洗涤器系统，装置和方法。

公开(公告)号：US09267493B2

公开(公告)日：2016-02-23

申请号：US13648307

申请日：2012-10-10

Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC

Inventor： Alan L. Browne ,  Paul W. Alexander ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Xiujie Gao ,  Nilesh D. Mankame ,  Guillermo A. Herrera ,  Geoffrey P. McKnight

IPC: F03G7/06

CPC classification number: F03G7/06

Abstract: Some on-vehicle devices, such as air dams, air spoilers, and HVAC system baffles, may have movable components that are pulled from one position to another by shrinkage of a linear shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator. Upon an activation signal, the shrinkage of the SMA actuator occurs when it is resistance heated by an electrical current. It is found that useful information concerning the overall intended operation of the on-vehicle device may be obtained by computer analysis of the temporal variation of both current flow through the actuator and its electrical resistance as it is heated to perform its function in the device. A comparison of present current flow and variation of resistance, during activation of the device, with prescribed stored values can reveal malfunction of components of the device as it is being used, in place, on the vehicle.

Abstract translation: 一些车载设备，例如空气坝，空气扰流器和HVAC系统挡板，可以具有通过线性形状记忆合金（SMA）致动器的收缩从一个位置拉动到另一个位置的可移动部件。 在激活信号时，当SMA电阻被电流加热时，​​SMA致动器的收缩发生。 发现关于车载设备的总体预期操作的有用信息可以通过对通过致动器的电流的时间变化及其被加热以在其中执行其功能的电阻的计算机分析来获得。 在设备激活期间，当前电流和电阻变化与规定的存储值进行比较可以显示设备在组件被部署在车辆上时的故障。

公开(公告)号：US20150330371A1

公开(公告)日：2015-11-19

申请号：US14812666

申请日：2015-07-29

Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

Inventor： Shivaram AC ,  Vidyashankar R. Buravalla ,  Paul W. Alexander

IPC: F03G7/06

CPC classification number: E05B47/0009 ,  E05B83/30 ,  F03G7/065

Abstract: A device for cycling a component between a first condition and a second condition includes an element and a reset apparatus connected to and driven by the element. The element is formed from a shape memory alloy, wherein the alloy is transitionable between a martensite crystallographic phase and an austenite crystallographic phase in response to a thermal energy source. The apparatus is actuatable by the element from an initial state in which the alloy has the martensite phase and the component is in the first condition, to an actuated state in which the alloy has the austenite phase and the component is in the second condition. The apparatus is resettable from the actuated state to a reset state in which the alloy transitions from the austenite to the martensite phase while the component is in the first condition, and further resettable from the reset state to the initial state.

Abstract translation: 用于在第一状态和第二状态之间循环部件的装置包括连接到元件并由该元件驱动的元件和复位装置。 该元件由形状记忆合金形成，其中该合金可响应于热能源而在马氏体晶相和奥氏体晶相之间是可转变的。 该装置可以通过元件从其中合金具有马氏体相并且部件处于第一状态的初始状态致动到合金具有奥氏体相并且部件处于第二状态的致动状态。 该装置可以从致动状态复位到复合状态，其中合金从奥氏体转变为马氏体相，同时部件处于第一状态，并且还可以从复位状态复位到初始状态。

公开(公告)号：US09004241B2

公开(公告)日：2015-04-14

申请号：US13799016

申请日：2013-03-13

Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC

Inventor： Alan L. Browne ,  Tadge J. Juechter ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Paul W. Alexander ,  Xiujie Gao ,  Richard J. Skurkis ,  Kirk D. Bennion

IPC: F16D65/12 ,  F16D65/847

CPC classification number: F16D65/847 ,  B60T5/00

Abstract: An inlet, positioned to access the flow of air passing around and under a moving vehicle, may draw in air which is conveyed through a duct and discharged to cool a brake on a vehicle. The inlet has a closure. The closure is opened and closed on demand by a temperature-operated actuator incorporating an active or smart material under the direction of a controller. In embodiments, a sensor, suitably positioned to sense a temperature representative of the brake temperature, communicates the sensed brake temperature to the controller. The controller may respond to the sensed brake temperature, by triggering operation of the actuator. Typically the closure is opened to allow passage of cooling air to the brake when the sensed brake temperature exceeds, or is anticipated to exceed, a predetermined temperature.

Abstract translation: 定位成进入通过移动车辆周围和下方的空气流的入口可以吸入通过管道输送的空气并排出以冷却车辆上的制动器。 入口有一个闭合。 根据需要，通过在控制器的方向上并入有活动或智能材料的温度操作的致动器来打开和关闭封闭件。 在实施例中，适于定位以感测代表制动温度的温度的传感器将感测到的制动温度传送到控制器。 控制器可以通过触发致动器的操作来响应感测到的制动温度。 通常，当感测到的制动温度超过或预期超过预定温度时，封闭件被打开以允许冷却空气通过制动器。