Abstract:
A latch assembly includes a plunger having a ramp and a lip, with a support member defining an opening through which the plunger extends. A support surface partially defines the opening and supports the plunger. The plunger is selectively movable between an extended position, in which the plunger protrudes a first distance from the opening, and a retracted position, in which the plunger protrudes a second distance from the opening, with the second distance being less than the first distance. In the extended position, the ramp and the lip are on a first side of the opening. In contrast, in the retracted position, the ramp and the lip are on a second side of the opening, with the lip engaging the support member to maintain the retracted position.
Abstract:
Active material based haptic communication and alert systems are provided. In an embodiment, a haptic alert system comprises: an active material in operative communication with a vehicle surface, the active material being capable of changing at least one attribute in response to an applied activation signal; and a controller in communication with the active material, wherein the controller is configured to selectively apply the activation signal, and wherein the vehicle surface has at least one property that changes with the change in the at least one attribute of the active material.
Abstract:
A system and method for self-piercing riveting including an alignment mechanism comprising laser diodes and sensors for facilitating alignment of a rivet gun and a back-up located on opposite sides of sheet metal parts to be joined, and an oscillation piercing technique for reducing force loads on structures, particularly robotic structures, carrying the rivet gun and the back-up.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to an improved laminated, sound damping resistance weldable composite and a method for its manufacture. The metal composite structure (10) features two metal members (12)(14) sandwiching a viscoelastic layer (26) where the viscoelastic layer entrains electrically conductive particles (28). Barrier elements (32) (34) are disposed between the metal members and the viscoelastic layer to inhibit and/or prevent contaminant migration into the metal from the viscoelastic layer and/or conductive particles during welding.
Abstract:
An improved cooling system for adapting to a two-component welding electrode device having a shank and cap, includes a retractable nozzle tube, a manifold, and an adjustment element for adjustably interconnecting the tube and manifold. A threaded bushing or plunger is attached to the tube and operable to adjust the distance between the interior surface of the cap and the outlet of the tube to a preferred distance. A threaded sleeve interconnects the tube and bushing for additional adjustability. The tube defines an elastically compressible bellows section, and a spacer is removably attached to the distal end of the tube for automatic adjustment of the outlet position by the cap.
Abstract:
A blind rivet system including a number of parts to be joined that have aligned holes. A tubular rivet body is disposed in the aligned holes and includes a rivet head portion and a sleeve portion. The head portion and sleeve portion include a longitudinal bore. A mandrel having a head portion greater in diameter than the bore and a shaft portion is disposed within the longitudinal bore. An adhesive is disposed in an annular space defined by the interior surface of the bore and an exterior surface of the shaft portion. An installation tool having a seal intersects with the rivet head portion such that when the head portion is drawn within the bore during installation, the adhesive is maintained within the tubular rivet body and extruded from the annular space to a region between faying surfaces of the parts to be joined.
Abstract:
A seat belt status monitoring system for use with one or more seat belts of an automotive vehicle. The system includes a status monitor incorporated into the seat belt buckle and has a receiver and operator signaling device located in the instrument panel. The status monitor utilizes a piezoelectric element to generate an electrical signal that is fed to a transmitter to generate a wireless signal from the buckle. A mechanical sensing member is used to activate the piezoelectric element to generate its electrical signal by imparting a mechanical force on the piezoelectric during insertion and removal of the seat belt tongue from the buckle. A microswitch in the buckle is used by the transmitter to determine whether the seat belt is latched or unlatched, and this information is conveyed by the transmitted wireless signal. The wireless signal uniquely identifies the particular seat belt buckle from which it is transmitted so that the receiver can keep track of the status of each of a number of different seat belt buckles within the vehicle.
Abstract:
A layered switch assembly permits more than one electric circuit function to be obtained from each of a set of switches used to control electric circuit functions such as the operation or adjustment of seats, mirrors or other components in an automotive vehicle passenger compartment. A group of switches for operator control is embedded in an armrest, console, or the like. Overlying the discrete switches are two or more flexible sheet or membrane layers for selective activation of one or more of the switches. Illuminated indicia on each switch activation layer identify the underlying switch operation. The uppermost layer controls the electrical switch function unless that layer has been moved aside to expose the next lower switch function activation layer.
Abstract:
Friction stir fastener equipment and method in which a series of friction stir rivets are rotatably mounted in a supply station and a computer controlled arm terminating in a rotating working head having special gripping jaws that precisely locates and grips a selected rivet. The arm then moves the rotating rivet and progressively drives it into the work until a frictionally heated and plasticized zone of material around the shank of the rivet begins to solidify. The jaws then release the rivet from the drive so that the rivet rotation decelerates to zero. Sufficient hardening of the zone effects the completion of one stir riveting cycle which may be automatically repeated.
Abstract:
A friction stir rivet is rotated and driven through a first fusible workpiece into an engaged second fusible workpiece, causing local portions of the first and second workpieces to plasticize. A slideable cap contacts the exposed surface of the first workpiece shortly after the process begins. The contact causes the cap to act as a retaining element, limiting the escape of plasticized material from stir site. Once the rivet is driven into the first and second workpieces, rotation ceases and the plasticized material hardens around the rivet. A weld is thus created, joining the workpieces and encompassing the rivet, which provides additional mechanical strength.