Abstract:
A support system includes a support, a root magnet, an object, and a cover magnet. The root magnet is fixedly attached to the support. The cover magnet is fixedly attached to the object. The root magnet and the cover magnet are configured to be magnetically attracted to one another such that the object is magnetically attached to the support when the root magnet and the cover magnet are aligned with one another in an attachment arrangement. The root magnet and the cover magnet are configured to magnetically repel one another such that the object is detached from the support when the root magnet and the cover magnet are unaligned with one another in a detachment arrangement.
Abstract:
A door assembly includes a structure including an exterior panel defining an opening, and a grab bar. The grab bar is moveable relative to the exterior panel. A first linkage system and a second linkage system interconnect the grab bar and the structure. A drive assembly is coupled to the first linkage system and the second linkage system to move the grab bar between an extended position and a retracted position. The drive assembly includes a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuator that contracts in response to a control signal, to move the grab bar. A seal may be provided to seal between the grab bar and the structure. A heating element may provide a thermal load to heat the grab bar, a seal surrounding the grab bar, or both.
Abstract:
A conformable shape memory article comprises a deformable enclosure covering and discrete particles disposed within the enclosure covering, wherein the discrete particles comprise a shape memory polymer, or the discrete particles have a hollow shell structure comprising a shape memory alloy. In a more specific embodiment, the enclosure is elastically deformable.
Abstract:
An energy harvesting system includes a heat engine and a component. The heat engine includes a belt, a first member, and a second member. The belt includes a strip of material and at least one wire at least partially embedded longitudinally in the strip of material. The wire includes a shape memory alloy material. A localized region of the at least one wire is configured to change crystallographic phase between martensite and austenite and either contract or expand longitudinally in response to exposure to a first temperature or a second temperature such that the strip of material corresponding to the localized region also contracts or expands. The first member is operatively connected to the belt and moves with the belt in response to the expansion or contraction of the belt. The component is operatively connected to the first member such that movement of the first member drives the component.
Abstract:
A method of achieving a target activation parameter, such as a predetermined response time and/or consistency when thermally activating at least one active material element, such as a shape memory alloy actuator or shape memory polymer hinge, includes deciding whether to prime the element based on energy efficiency and/or overall system costs/performance.
Abstract:
A structural component for a vehicle and a process and system for forming the structural component. A first cavity is formed in a first hollow passage between a first bladder and an interior surface of a component forming the structural component. A first structural reinforcement layer is formed in the first cavity by filling the first cavity with a first polymer resin and foaming the first polymer resin to form a first polymer resin foam. A second cavity is formed in the first hollow passage and a second structural reinforcement layer is formed in the second cavity by filling the second cavity with a second polymer resin and foaming the second polymer resin to form a second polymer resin foam.
Abstract:
A system for de-emphasizing fixed vehicle-mounted objects within a rear camera display includes a rear camera system adapted to capture images as the vehicle moves in reverse and display the captured images on the rear camera display, and a data processor in communication with the rear camera system and the rear camera display and adapted to collect sequential images captured by the rear camera system, compare the plurality of sequential images, identify fixed vehicle-mounted objects within the sequential images, calculate a portion of the sequential images that are obscured by identified fixed-vehicle objects, and, when the portion of the sequential images that are obscured by identified fixed-vehicle objects lies within a pre-determined range, to outline the identified fixed vehicle-mounted objects within the rear camera display, and augment the identified fixed vehicle-mounted objects.
Abstract:
A vehicle, suspension system and method of dampening a force on the suspension system is disclosed. The suspension system includes a damper having a first damping element and a second damping element configured to rotate relative to each other in response to a force received at the suspension system. The second damping element induces an eddy current in the first damping element during relative rotation. A feature of one at least one of the first damping element and the second damping element provides a first electrical resistance to the eddy current during relative rotation in a first direction and a second electrical resistance to the eddy current during relative rotation in a second direction. The first electrical resistance generates a first damping force and the second electrical resistance generates a second damping force.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a haptic device having at least one vibration motor, such as a linear vibration motor, configured to selectively generate a vibration at least partially along an actuator axis. An interfacing plate is configured to transmit the vibration and is at least partially composed of a compliant material. The linear vibration motor and the interfacing plate are embedded in a host. The host defines a first surface with a recessed zone extending from the first surface. The interfacing plate is configured to fit in the recessed zone. The host includes a chamber contiguous with the recessed zone, with the linear vibration motor being positioned in the chamber. The chamber may include respective walls having a plurality of protrusions configured to at least partially absorb the vibration. The haptic device may be part of a seat assembly.
Abstract:
A vehicle hood covering an underhood object includes an inner surface of the vehicle hood facing the underhood object and spaced from the underhood object, and an outer surface of the vehicle hood opposite the inner surface. A local energy absorber is operatively attached to the inner surface of the vehicle hood. The local energy absorber is a multiply-connected structure. The local energy absorber includes a wall defining an interior surface having symmetry about a central plane normal to the inner surface of the vehicle hood. A plurality of apertures is defined in the wall symmetrically about the central plane to initiate buckling and fracture in the wall during an impact applied to the outer surface defining an impact event having a duration of less than 20 milliseconds.