Abstract:
A hood lift mechanism for reversibly increasing the energy absorption capability at appropriate force levels of a vehicle hood includes a vehicle hood; an active material in operative communication with the vehicle hood, wherein the active material comprises a shape memory alloy, a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy, a shape memory polymer, a magnetorheological fluid, an electroactive polymer, a magnetorheological elastomer, an electrorheological fluid, a piezoelectric material, an ionic polymer metal composite, or combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing active materials; and an activation device in operative communication with the active material, wherein the activation device is operable to selectively apply an activation signal to the active material and effect a reversible change in a property of the active material, wherein the reversible change results in an increased clearance distance between the vehicle hood and an underlying component.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a strut assembly (10) comprising a piston (3) in slideable communication with the housing (2); an actuator (16) in operative communication with the piston (3), wherein the actuator (16) comprises a shape memory material and is adapted to control the displacement of the piston. Disclosed herein too is a method of operating a strut assembly (10) comprising displacing a suspended body (60) in operative communication with a piston; and activating an actuator (16) in operative communication with the piston, wherein the actuator (16) comprises a shape memory material.
Abstract:
A system for controlling fluid flow about a vehicle. The system comprises a fluid flow control device, an obstacle sensor for detecting obstacles, and a controller. The fluid flow control device has a body with at least one surface and an actuation means in operative communication with the surface. The actuation means is operative to alter at least one attribute of the fluid flow control device in response to a control signal. The controller has control logic for generating the control signal in response to the obstacle sensor.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a programmable shim (28) for positioning a work piece (12) comprising a first plate (30); an optional reference frame (32); and an actuator (34) in operative communication with the first plate (30) and the reference frame (32). Disclosed herein too is a method of aligning a work piece (12) comprising disposing the work piece (12) upon a first plate (30) of a programmable shim (28); activating an actuator (34) with an external stimulus; wherein the actuator (34) is in operative communication with the first plate (30); and displacing the work piece (12).
Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a strut assembly (10) comprising a piston (3) in slideable communication with a housing (2); a seal (6) in operative communication with the piston (3) and/or the housing (2); wherein the seal (6) comprises an active material adapted to control the motion of the piston (3). Disclosed herein too is a method of operating a strut assembly (10) comprising a suspended body (60) in mechanical communication with a piston (3); wherein the piston (3) comprises a piston head (14) and a piston rod (12); activating an active material in operative communication with the piston head (14); and controlling the motion of the suspended body (60).
Abstract:
A hood elevation system for a vehicle includes an actuator configured to selectively move at least a portion of a vehicle hood between an elevated and a retracted position. The hood elevation system also includes a self-locking mechanism configured to allow movement of the hood between the elevated and retracted positions initiated by the actuator, but to resist retraction of the hood as a result of certain loads applied to the hood. The self-locking mechanism thus enables repeated elevation and retraction of the hood. In a preferred embodiment, the self-locking mechanism is configured to deform, thereby absorbing energy from an impact to the hood.
Abstract:
A hood lift mechanism for reversibly increasing the energy absorption capability at appropriate force levels of a vehicle hood includes a vehicle hood; an active material in operative communication with the vehicle hood, wherein the active material comprises a shape memory alloy, a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy, a shape memory polymer, a magnetorheological fluid, an electroactive polymer, a magnetorheological elastomer, an electrorheological fluid, a piezoelectric material, an ionic polymer metal composite, or combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing active materials; and an activation device in operative communication with the active material, wherein the activation device is operable to selectively apply an activation signal to the active material and effect a reversible change in a property of the active material, wherein the reversible change results in an increased clearance distance between the vehicle hood and an underlying component.