公开(公告)号：US20180142999A1

公开(公告)日：2018-05-24

申请号：US15359860

申请日：2016-11-23

Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

Inventor： Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Paul W. Alexander ,  Geoffrey P. McKnight ,  Guillermo A. Herrera ,  Christopher B. Churchill ,  Andrew C. Keefe ,  Xiujie Gao

IPC: G01B7/16 ,  G01N25/02

CPC classification number: G01N25/02 ,  G01M99/00

Abstract: A method of testing a SMA element includes connecting the SMA element to a validation tool, and applying an electrical current to the SMA element over a test cycle. A resistance of the SMA element during the test cycle is measured, while the electrical current is being applied. The measured resistance of the SMA element during the test cycle is correlated to an estimated strain value of the SMA element during the test cycle. A temperature of the SMA element during the test cycle is estimated. A stress in the SMA element during the test cycle is estimated from a stress predicting grid, using the estimated strain value and the estimated temperature of the SMA element during the test cycle. The proper functionality of the SMA element may be determined based on the estimated stress in the SMA element.

公开(公告)号：US20150001996A1

公开(公告)日：2015-01-01

申请号：US14487694

申请日：2014-09-16

Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

Inventor： Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  William B. Carter ,  Geoffrey P. McKnight ,  Andrew C. Keefe ,  Guillermo A. Herrera

IPC: H01L41/09 ,  F03G7/06 ,  H01L41/04

CPC classification number: H01L41/09 ,  F03G7/06 ,  G05G1/02 ,  G05G5/06 ,  H01H5/30 ,  H01L41/04 ,  H01L41/0926

Abstract: A reconfigurable bi-stable device includes an elastically deformable panel laterally disposed between and connected to one or more mounting members directly or indirectly connected to opposing ends of the panel, with the panel maintained under compressive force along at least one vector extending between the opposing ends. The compressive force deforms the panel into a one of two stable deformed positions, with the device disposed such that the panel may be moved between each of the two stable deformed positions by application of manual force to one of two opposing faces of the panel. A first shape memory alloy (SMA) or piezo actuator member is connected to the panel, the actuator member being capable of moving the panel from a first one of the two stable deformed positions to a second one of the two stable deformed positions.

Abstract translation: 可重构双稳态装置包括横向设置在直接或间接连接到面板的相对端的一个或多个安装构件之间并且连接到面板的相对端部之间并连接到面板的相对端部的弹性变形板，其中面板沿着在相对端之间延伸的至少一个矢量保持在压缩力 。 压缩力使面板变形为两个稳定的变形位置之一，其中该装置设置成使得面板可以通过对面板的两个相对面之一施加手动力而在两个稳定的变形位置中的每一个之间移动。 第一形状记忆合金（SMA）或压电致动器构件连接到面板，致动器构件能够将面板从两个稳定变形位置中的第一个移动到两个稳定变形位置中的第二个。

公开(公告)号：US09588020B2

公开(公告)日：2017-03-07

申请号：US14271118

申请日：2014-05-06

Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC

Inventor： Alan L. Browne ,  Xiujie Gao ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Christopher B. Churchill ,  Guillermo A. Herrera ,  Geoffrey P. McKnight

IPC: F03G7/06 ,  G01M99/00

CPC classification number: G01M99/007 ,  F03G7/06 ,  F03G7/065 ,  G01M99/008 ,  G03B2205/0076

Abstract: A method of testing a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuated device includes cyclically operating the device. The method further includes determining a number of cycles in a functional life of the device based on observations of the device during the cyclical operation. The functional life is a range of consecutive cycles of operation of the device beginning with a first cycle during which the device performs within a specified limit. The functional life is immediately followed by a cycle during which the device performs outside of the specified limit. The method still further includes applying a progressive substitution sub-process to identify an opportunity to increase the number of cycles in the functional life of the device.

Abstract translation: 测试形状记忆合金（SMA）致动装置的方法包括循环地操作该装置。 该方法还包括基于在周期性操作期间设备的观察来确定设备的功能寿命中的周期数。 功能寿命是器件从指定限制内​​执行的第一个周期开始的连续操作循环的范围。 功能寿命紧随其后的是设备执行超出规定限制的周期。 该方法还包括应用逐行替换子过程来识别增加设备的功能寿命中的循环次数的机会。

公开(公告)号：US20140113149A1

公开(公告)日：2014-04-24

申请号：US13655915

申请日：2012-10-19

Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

Inventor： Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  William B. Carter ,  Geoffrey P. McKnight

IPC: B29C43/52 ,  B32B27/00

CPC classification number: B29C43/003 ,  B29C43/203 ,  Y10T428/31678

Abstract: An adjustable shape memory hold article, and method of adjusting same, are disclosed, where the includes a plurality of shape memory polymer segments having different activation temperatures or a shape memory polymer having a differential between TS and TF of at least 10° C. and no more than 70° C.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种可调节的形状记忆保持物品及其调节方法，其中包括具有不同活化温度的多个形状记忆聚合物片段或具有至少10℃的TS和TF之间的差异的形状记忆聚合物， 不超过70°C

公开(公告)号：US10527567B2

公开(公告)日：2020-01-07

申请号：US15359860

申请日：2016-11-23

Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

Inventor： Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Paul W. Alexander ,  Geoffrey P. McKnight ,  Guillermo A. Herrera ,  Christopher B. Churchill ,  Andrew C. Keefe ,  Xiujie Gao

IPC: G01L1/00 ,  G01N25/02

Abstract: A method of testing a SMA element includes connecting the SMA element to a validation tool, and applying an electrical current to the SMA element over a test cycle. A resistance of the SMA element during the test cycle is measured, while the electrical current is being applied. The measured resistance of the SMA element during the test cycle is correlated to an estimated strain value of the SMA element during the test cycle. A temperature of the SMA element during the test cycle is estimated. A stress in the SMA element during the test cycle is estimated from a stress predicting grid, using the estimated strain value and the estimated temperature of the SMA element during the test cycle. The proper functionality of the SMA element may be determined based on the estimated stress in the SMA element.

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：US20150323424A1

公开(公告)日：2015-11-12

申请号：US14271118

申请日：2014-05-06

Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC

Inventor： Alan L. Browne ,  Xiujie Gao ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Christopher B. Churchill ,  Guillermo A. Herrera ,  Geoffrey P. McKnight

IPC: G01M99/00

CPC classification number: G01M99/007 ,  F03G7/06 ,  F03G7/065 ,  G01M99/008 ,  G03B2205/0076

Abstract: A method of testing a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuated device includes cyclically operating the device. The method further includes determining a number of cycles in a functional life of the device based on observations of the device during the cyclical operation. The functional life is a range of consecutive cycles of operation of the device beginning with a first cycle during which the device performs within a specified limit. The functional life is immediately followed by a cycle during which the device performs outside of the specified limit. The method still further includes applying a progressive substitution sub-process to identify an opportunity to increase the number of cycles in the functional life of the device.

Abstract translation: 测试形状记忆合金（SMA）致动装置的方法包括循环地操作该装置。 该方法还包括基于在周期性操作期间设备的观察来确定设备的功能寿命中的周期数。 功能寿命是器件从指定限制内​​执行的第一个周期开始的连续操作循环的范围。 功能寿命紧随其后的是设备执行超出规定限制的周期。 该方法还包括应用逐行替换子过程来识别增加设备的功能寿命中的循环次数的机会。

公开(公告)号：US20140026555A1

公开(公告)日：2014-01-30

申请号：US14014778

申请日：2013-08-30

Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

Inventor： Paul W. Alexander ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Nilesh D. Mankame ,  Xiujie Gao ,  Geoffrey P. McKnight ,  Andrew C. Keefe ,  Peter Maxwell Sarosi ,  Christopher P. Henry ,  Patrick B. Usoro

IPC: F03G7/06 ,  F16G1/26

CPC classification number: F03G7/065 ,  F02G5/04 ,  F16G1/26 ,  F16H7/02 ,  Y02T10/166

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 translation: 能量收集系统包括热机和部件。 热机包括皮带，第一部件和第二部件。 带包括一条材料条和至少部分地沿纵向地嵌入材料条中的线。 导线包括形状记忆合金材料。 所述至少一根导线的局部区域被配置为改变马氏体和奥氏体之间的结晶相，并且响应于暴露于第一温度或第二温度而纵向收缩或膨胀，使得对应于局部区域的材料条也收缩 或扩展。 第一构件可操作地连接到带并响应于带的膨胀或收缩而与带一起移动。 组件可操作地连接到第一构件，使得第一构件的移动驱动构件。

公开(公告)号：US08747264B2

公开(公告)日：2014-06-10

申请号：US14014778

申请日：2013-08-30

Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC

Inventor： Paul W. Alexander ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Nilesh D. Mankame ,  Xiujie Gao ,  Geoffrey P. McKnight ,  Andrew C. Keefe ,  Peter Maxwell Sarosi ,  Christopher P. Henry ,  Patrick B. Usoro

IPC: F02G5/04

CPC classification number: F03G7/065 ,  F02G5/04 ,  F16G1/26 ,  F16H7/02 ,  Y02T10/166

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 translation: 能量收集系统包括热机和部件。 热机包括皮带，第一部件和第二部件。 带包括一条材料条和至少部分地沿纵向地嵌入材料条中的线。 导线包括形状记忆合金材料。 所述至少一根导线的局部区域被配置为改变马氏体和奥氏体之间的结晶相，并且响应于暴露于第一温度或第二温度而纵向收缩或膨胀，使得对应于局部区域的材料条也收缩 或扩展。 第一构件可操作地连接到带并响应于带的膨胀或收缩而与带一起移动。 组件可操作地连接到第一构件，使得第一构件的移动驱动构件。