Extendable arm assembly
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorsPaul W. Alexander, Wonhee Michael Kim, Tiantian Li
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An extendable arm assembly includes an extendable arm structure defining a first axis, a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and a third axis perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis. The extendable arm structure is configured to be actuated between a stowed configuration and an extended configuration in which the extendable arm structure extends along the first axis. The extendable arm structure includes a main body having a plurality of recesses and a plurality of hinge portions, and a first bladder disposed on the main body delimiting the recesses formed in the main body. The extendable arm assembly is configured to apply vacuum to the recesses to fold the main body along the hinge portions.
Claims20
An extendable arm assembly comprising:
- an extendable arm structure defining a first axis, a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and a third axis perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis, the extendable arm structure configured to be actuated between a stowed configuration and an extended configuration in which the extendable arm structure extends along the first axis, the extendable arm structure comprising:
- a main body comprising a plurality of recesses and a plurality of hinge portions, and
- a first bladder disposed on the main body delimiting the plurality of recesses formed in the main body, and
- a second bladder disposed on the main body at a position overlapping the plurality of hinge portions,
- wherein the extendable arm assembly is configured to apply a vacuum to the plurality of recesses to fold the main body along the plurality of hinge portions,
- wherein the extendable arm structure is a first extendable arm structure,
- wherein the extendable arm assembly further comprises a second extendable arm structure attached to the first extendable arm structure, and
- wherein the first extendable arm structure is attached to the second extendable arm structure at a portion between adjacent hinge portions of the plurality of hinge portions.
An extendable arm assembly comprising:
- an extendable arm structure defining a first axis, a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and a third axis perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis, the extendable arm structure configured to be actuated between a stowed configuration and an extended configuration in which the extendable arm structure extends along the first axis, the extendable arm structure comprising:
- a main body comprising a plurality of recesses and a plurality of hinge portions, and
- a first bladder disposed on the main body delimiting the plurality of recesses formed in the main body,
- wherein the extendable arm assembly is configured to apply a vacuum to the plurality of recesses to fold the main body along the plurality of hinge portions,
- wherein the extendable arm structure is a second extendable arm structure,
- wherein the extendable arm assembly further comprises a first extendable arm structure and a third extendable arm structure, and
- wherein the second extendable arm structure and the third extendable arm structure are attached to opposite sides of the first extendable arm structure along the third axis.
A vehicle comprising:
- a seat;
- an occupant securing device configured to secure an occupant of the vehicle;
- and
- an extendable arm assembly comprising an extendable arm structure on which at least one end of the occupant securing device is attached, the extendable arm structure defining a first axis, a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and a third axis perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis, the extendable arm structure configured to be actuated between a stowed configuration and an extended configuration in which the extendable arm structure extends along the first axis, the extendable arm structure comprising:
- a main body comprising a plurality of recesses and a plurality of hinge portions, and
- a first bladder disposed on the main body delimiting the plurality of recesses formed in the main body,
- wherein the extendable arm assembly is configured to apply a vacuum to the plurality of recesses to fold the main body along the plurality of hinge portions.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.