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：US09775252B2

公开(公告)日：2017-09-26

申请号：US14931056

申请日：2015-11-03

Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

Inventor： Nicholas W Pinto, IV ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Nicholas P. Irish ,  Michael P. Balogh ,  Daad B Haddad

IPC: B23K1/19 ,  H05K3/34 ,  B23K1/20 ,  B23K35/36 ,  B23K35/362

CPC classification number: H05K3/3489 ,  B23K1/0016 ,  B23K1/19 ,  B23K1/203 ,  B23K3/025 ,  B23K3/027 ,  B23K3/047 ,  B23K3/082 ,  B23K35/3605 ,  B23K35/362 ,  B23K2101/42 ,  B23K2103/14 ,  B23K2103/18 ,  B23K2103/26 ,  H05K3/341 ,  H05K3/3457 ,  H05K2201/10287

Abstract: A method of soldering a shape memory alloy (SMA) element to a component includes positioning a tinned end of the SMA element with respect to a surface of the component, and then directly soldering the tinned end to the surface using solder material having a low liquidus temperature of 500° F. or less when an oxide layer is not present on the SMA element. The end may be soldered using lead-based solder material at a higher temperature when an oxide layer is present. The end may be tinned with flux material containing phosphoric acid or tin fluoride prior to soldering the SMA element. The SMA element may be submersed in an acid bath to remove the oxide layer. The solder material may contain tin and silver, antimony, or zinc, or other materials sufficient for achieving the low liquidus temperature. Heat penetrating the SMA element is controlled to protect shape memory abilities.

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：US09488241B2

公开(公告)日：2016-11-08

申请号：US13954478

申请日：2013-07-30

Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

Inventor： Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson

IPC: F16F9/30 ,  B32B15/01 ,  B23K35/02 ,  C22C5/02 ,  C22C9/01 ,  C22C9/04 ,  C22C14/00 ,  C22C18/02 ,  C22C19/00

CPC classification number: F16F9/30 ,  B23K35/0244 ,  B32B15/01 ,  B32B15/011 ,  C21D2201/01 ,  C21D2211/001 ,  C21D2211/008 ,  C22C5/02 ,  C22C9/01 ,  C22C9/04 ,  C22C14/00 ,  C22C18/02 ,  C22C19/007

Abstract: An energy absorber is disclosed herein. The energy absorber includes a structure defining a hollow interior portion. The energy absorber also includes a working volume defined in at least a portion of the hollow interior portion. The energy absorber further includes shape memory alloy (SMA) particles positioned within the working volume. The SMA particles have an Austenite finish temperature (Af) that is lower than a temperature encountered in an application in which the energy absorber is used so that the SMA particles exhibit stress-induced superelasticity.

Abstract translation: 本文公开了一种能量吸收器。 能量吸收器包括限定中空内部部分的结构。 能量吸收器还包括限定在中空内部的至少一部分中的工作容积。 能量吸收器还包括位于工作容积内的形状记忆合金（SMA）颗粒。 SMA颗粒的奥氏体终止温度（Af）低于在使用能量吸收器的应用中遇到的温度，使得SMA颗粒表现出应力诱导的超弹性。

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：US09187061B2

公开(公告)日：2015-11-17

申请号：US14057592

申请日：2013-10-18

Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC

Inventor： Donald K. Grimm ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson

IPC: B60R25/10 ,  B60R25/01 ,  B60R25/102

CPC classification number: B60R25/1001 ,  B60R25/01 ,  B60R25/1004 ,  B60R25/102

Abstract: An electronic device finder system includes a vehicle having a door handle, a piezo switch operatively positioned within the door handle, and a signal transmitter operatively connected to the piezo switch. The piezo switch has an on state that is triggered by door handle movement, and the signal transmitter is to generate a signal in response to detection of the on state of the piezo switch. An electronic device, selected from the group consisting of a key-fob and a mobile device, includes a signal receiver to receive the signal from the signal transmitter and an alarm system operatively connected to the signal receiver. The alarm system is to generate an alarm in response to the signal receiver receiving the signal.

Abstract translation: 电子设备取景器系统包括具有门把手的车辆，可操作地定位在门把手内的压电开关，以及可操作地连接到压电开关的信号发射器。 压电开关具有由门把手移动触发的导通状态，并且信号发射器响应于检测到压电开关的导通状态而产生信号。 从由键盘和移动设备组成的组中选择的电子设备包括从信号发射器接收信号的信号接收器和可操作地连接到信号接收器的报警系统。 报警系统是响应于接收信号的信号接收器产生报警。

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。

公开(公告)号：US20140262644A1

公开(公告)日：2014-09-18

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: F16D65/847

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。