Active seal architectures
AssigneesGM Global Technology Operations LLC, The Regents of the University of Michigan
InventorsPaul W. Alexander, Diann Brei, Jonathan E. Luntx, Monica Cristina Toma, Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Active seal architectures adapted for producing a variable sealing and/or closing force between a closure panel and perimeter, includes a mounting clip, a flexible outer layer fixedly connected to the clip, defining an interior space, and longitudinally extending along the perimeter; and an interior structure comprising and reconfigurable by an active material disposed within the space, and operable to impart differing first and second forces upon the layer and panel when the material is activated and deactivated respectively.
Claims20
An active seal producing a variable sealing and/or closing force, and adapted for use with an opening defining a perimeter and a closure panel configured to engage the perimeter, so as to close the opening, said seal comprising:
- a mounting clip;
- a flexible outer layer fixedly connected to the clip, defining an interior space, and longitudinally extending along the perimeter;
- and
- an interior structure comprising an active material element, presenting longitudinal and lateral profiles, and configured to impart a first force upon the layer or produce a first stiffness when the element is deactivated, and a second force upon the layer or second stiffness when activated.
An active seal producing a variable sealing and/or closing force, and adapted for use with an opening defining a perimeter and a closure panel configured to engage the perimeter, so as to close the opening, said seal comprising:
- a mounting clip;
- a flexible outer layer fixedly connected to the clip, defining an interior space, and longitudinally extending along the perimeter;
- and
- an interior structure comprising active material, presenting longitudinal and lateral profiles, and configured to impart a first force upon the layer or produce a first stiffness when the element is deactivated, and a second force upon the layer or second stiffness when activated,
- wherein the structure includes at least one arch presenting a first curvature when the element is activated and second curvature when deactivated, and the first and second curvatures cooperatively present the variable force,
- wherein the structure causes the layer to achieve a first configuration when the element is activated, and a second configuration when the element is deactivated, and includes a latch or presents a bi-stable configuration operable to retain the layer in one of the first and second configurations.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.