公开(公告)号：US11745297B2

公开(公告)日：2023-09-05

申请号：US17103698

申请日：2020-11-24

Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

Inventor： HyungMin Chae ,  Tyson W. Brown ,  Mark A. Smith ,  Richard J. Skurkis ,  Wonhee M. Kim

IPC: B23Q7/04 ,  B25J9/14 ,  B25J13/08 ,  B25J9/16 ,  B25J15/00

CPC classification number: B23Q7/043 ,  B23Q7/046 ,  B25J9/14 ,  B25J9/1612 ,  B25J9/1633 ,  B25J13/082 ,  B25J15/0028

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for shape controlled gripping of a workpiece. A layer jamming structure includes a membrane defining an internal cavity containing a number of overlapping material layers. A pressure system includes a pump coupled with the internal cavity. A shape conforming tool includes at least one part configured to move to apply a force to the layer jamming structure. The shape conforming tool, by operation of the part, conforms the layer jamming structure to the workpiece. The pressure system, with operation of the pump, changes a pressure in the internal cavity to impart rigidity to the layer jamming structure.

公开(公告)号：US11666998B2

公开(公告)日：2023-06-06

申请号：US17103721

申请日：2020-11-24

Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

Inventor： HyungMin Chae ,  Tyson W. Brown ,  Richard J. Skurkis ,  Md Ashabul Anam ,  Wonhee M. Kim

IPC: B23Q3/08 ,  B23Q1/38 ,  B25B5/06 ,  B25B5/14

CPC classification number: B23Q3/088 ,  B23Q1/38 ,  B25B5/065 ,  B23Q2703/04 ,  B25B5/14

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for gripping of a workpiece with a layer jamming structure having rigid datum structures. A system includes a layer jamming structure configurable in an inactivated conformable state, with a membrane defining an internal cavity containing a number of overlapping material layers. The rigid structures engage the layer jamming structure. A pressure system includes a pump coupled with the internal cavity to change a pressure therein to transform the layer jamming structure from the inactivated conformable state to an activated rigid state disposed around the workpiece. The rigid structures help conform the layer jamming structure to the workpiece during transformation to the activated rigid state and to present datum fixturing surfaces in the activated rigid state.

公开(公告)号：US11465351B2

公开(公告)日：2022-10-11

申请号：US16733759

申请日：2020-01-03

Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

Inventor： HyungMin Chae ,  Mark A. Smith ,  Richard J. Skurkis ,  Whitney A. Poling

IPC: B29C64/245 ,  B33Y50/02 ,  B29C64/25 ,  B29C64/153 ,  B33Y30/00 ,  B33Y10/00 ,  B29C64/393

Abstract: A configurable build volume system for a powder bed fusion manufacturing process includes a chamber wall defining a chamber, the chamber wall extending in the X-, Y-, and Z-axis directions, a plurality of build platforms enclosed within the chamber, a plurality of adjustment mechanisms coupled to the plurality of build platforms such that each build platform is coupled to a separate adjustment mechanism, a sensor mounted within the chamber and configured to capture data regarding a Z-axis position of each of the plurality of build platforms, and a controller in electronic communication with the plurality of adjustment mechanisms and the sensor. The controller receives the Z-axis position data and generates a plurality of control signals to adjust a Z-axis position of each of the plurality of build platforms and each of the plurality of build platforms is actively and independently controlled by the controller.

公开(公告)号：US20220152785A1

公开(公告)日：2022-05-19

申请号：US17098854

申请日：2020-11-16

Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

Inventor： Richard J. Skurkis ,  Tyson W. Brown ,  Mark A. Smith ,  Miguel A. Saez ,  John P. Spicer

IPC: B25B5/14

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for locating a pair of components relative to one another using complex surfaces. One component has a complex surface, where the complex surface is smoothly contoured. Another component is shaped to be connected with the first component. A fixture locates the first component relative to the second component. The fixture includes a locator with a complex surface region shaped to mate with the complex surface of the one component to locate the fixture relative to that component. The fixture includes another locator to locate the fixture relative to the second component.

公开(公告)号：US10597917B2

公开(公告)日：2020-03-24

申请号：US15728034

申请日：2017-10-09

Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC

Inventor： Ian J. Sutherland ,  Michael J. Walker ,  Wonhee M. Kim ,  Paul W. Alexander ,  Richard J. Skurkis ,  Amberlee S. Haselhuhn ,  Xiujie Gao

IPC: E05C17/00 ,  B60R5/04 ,  B60J1/20 ,  B60P7/06

Abstract: A stretchable adjustable-stiffness assembly includes a casing and first and second friction layers. The casing can be fluidly sealed and includes an interior compartment containing a fluid. The fluid can shift between a first interior pressure and a second interior pressure less than the first interior pressure and an exterior pressure. The first and second friction layers are disposed within the interior compartment. The assembly can shift between relaxed and fixed configurations. In the relaxed configuration, the fluid has the first interior pressure, the casing is stretchable between a first dimension and a second dimension greater than the first dimension, and the assembly has a first stiffness. In the fixed configuration, the first fluid has the second interior pressure, the casing length is fixed, the first and second friction layers are engaged, and the assembly has a second stiffness greater than the first stiffness.

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：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：US20150202993A1

公开(公告)日：2015-07-23

申请号：US14672939

申请日：2015-03-30

Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

Inventor： Nilesh D. Mankame ,  Jennifer P. Lawall ,  Richard J. Skurkis

IPC: B60N2/02 ,  B60N2/66 ,  B60N2/44

CPC classification number: B60N2/0224 ,  B60N2/002 ,  B60N2/0244 ,  B60N2/0284 ,  B60N2/66 ,  B60N2/919 ,  B60N2/99 ,  B60N2002/924

Abstract: A power adjusted seat assembly includes a seat, and is adapted for use when a resting load is present within the seat. The assembly further includes at least one reconfigurable seat structure shiftable between first and second permanent dimensions, orientations, positions, or conditions. An active material actuator is drivenly coupled to the structure. A mechanical transmission is drivenly coupled to the structure, so as to act in concert with the actuator, and is configured to receive and modify at least a portion of the load. The actuator and transmission are cooperatively configured to cause the structure to shift between the first and second permanent dimensions, orientations, positions, or conditions, when the resting load is present and the actuator is activated.

Abstract translation: 功率调节的座椅组件包括座椅，并且适于在座椅内存在静止负载时使用。 组件还包括可在第一和第二永久尺寸，取向，位置或条件之间移动的至少一个可重构座椅结构。 活动材料致动器被驱动地联接到结构。 机械传动装置被驱动地联接到结构上，以便与致动器一致地起作用，并且构造成接收和修改至少一部分负载。 致动器和变速器协同地构造成使得当存在静止负载并且致动器被激活时，结构在第一和第二永久尺寸，取向，位置或条件之间移动。

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。