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US 7,866,737 B2Granted
Active material actuated louver system
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorsAlan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Jan H. Aase, James H. Brown
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An active material actuated louver system having an actuator mechanism operable to selectively place a louver or louver system in an open or closed state of operation. The actuator mechanism includes a cable or wire formed from an active material, such as a shape memory alloy.
Claims16
A louver system comprising:
- an actuator mechanism including at least one selectively actuatable wire formed from an active material operable to change shape when actuated;
- a louver operatively selectively pivotable between an open position and a closed position, said louver being operatively connected to said actuator mechanism;
- wherein said actuator mechanism is operable to selectively pivot said louver when said at least one selectively actuatable wire is actuated;
- a shut-off mechanism operatively connected to said actuator mechanism and operable to cause said actuator mechanism to selectively pivot said louver into said open position in the event of failure of said actuator mechanism;
- and
- wherein said shut off mechanism includes at least one other selectively actuatable wire formed from shape memory alloy, having a first end anchored and a second end mounted to said actuator mechanism, and wherein said at least one other selectively actuatable wire actuates said actuator mechanism when said at least one other selectively actuatable wire is actuated.
3 more elements
A louver system comprising:
- an actuator mechanism including at least one selectively actuatable wire formed from an active material operable to change shape when actuated;
- a louver operatively selectively pivotable between an open position and a closed position, said louver being operatively connected to said actuator mechanism;
- wherein said actuator mechanism is operable to selectively pivot said louver when said at least one selectively actuatable wire is actuated;
- a movable rack;
- a pivotable shaft having said louver mounted thereon;
- a gear mounted to said shaft for unitary rotation therewith;
- wherein said movable rack is in meshing engagement with said gear;
- wherein said at least one selectively actuatable wire is mounted with respect to said movable rack and operable to move said movable rack to pivot said louver when said at least one selectively actuatable wire is actuated;
- a pin mounted with respect to said movable rack;
- and
- a latching arm operable to selectively engage said pin to prevent the movement of said movable rack.
8 more elements
A louver system comprising:
- an actuator mechanism including at least one selectively actuatable wire formed from an active material operable to change shape when actuated;
- a louver operatively selectively pivotable between an open position and a closed position, said louver being operatively connected to said actuator mechanism;
- wherein said actuator mechanism is operable to selectively pivot said louver when said at least one selectively actuatable wire is actuated, wherein said at least one selectively actuatable wire is actuated in response to one of convective or conductive heat from one of engine compartment heat, engine heat, or engine coolant heat;
- and
- a spring member operable to tension said at least one selectively actuatable wire.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.