US20050230925A1 - Releasable seal assemblies and methods of use - Google Patents

Releasable seal assemblies and methods of use Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20050230925A1
US20050230925A1 US11/074,582 US7458205A US2005230925A1 US 20050230925 A1 US20050230925 A1 US 20050230925A1 US 7458205 A US7458205 A US 7458205A US 2005230925 A1 US2005230925 A1 US 2005230925A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
seal assembly
component
active material
releasable seal
releasable
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US11/074,582
Inventor
Alan Browne
Nancy Johnson
Mark Verbrugge
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
GM Global Technology Operations LLC
Original Assignee
GM Global Technology Operations LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by GM Global Technology Operations LLC filed Critical GM Global Technology Operations LLC
Priority to US11/074,582 priority Critical patent/US20050230925A1/en
Assigned to GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC. reassignment GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BROWNE, ALAN L., JOHNSON, NANCY L., VERBRUGGE, MARK W.
Publication of US20050230925A1 publication Critical patent/US20050230925A1/en
Assigned to UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY reassignment UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY SECURITY AGREEMENT Assignors: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
Assigned to CITICORP USA, INC. AS AGENT FOR HEDGE PRIORITY SECURED PARTIES, CITICORP USA, INC. AS AGENT FOR BANK PRIORITY SECURED PARTIES reassignment CITICORP USA, INC. AS AGENT FOR HEDGE PRIORITY SECURED PARTIES SECURITY AGREEMENT Assignors: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
Assigned to GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC. reassignment GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC. RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Assigned to GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC. reassignment GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC. RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: CITICORP USA, INC. AS AGENT FOR BANK PRIORITY SECURED PARTIES, CITICORP USA, INC. AS AGENT FOR HEDGE PRIORITY SECURED PARTIES
Assigned to UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY reassignment UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY SECURITY AGREEMENT Assignors: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
Assigned to UAW RETIREE MEDICAL BENEFITS TRUST reassignment UAW RETIREE MEDICAL BENEFITS TRUST SECURITY AGREEMENT Assignors: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06BFIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
    • E06B7/00Special arrangements or measures in connection with doors or windows
    • E06B7/16Sealing arrangements on wings or parts co-operating with the wings
    • E06B7/22Sealing arrangements on wings or parts co-operating with the wings by means of elastic edgings, e.g. elastic rubber tubes; by means of resilient edgings, e.g. felt or plush strips, resilient metal strips
    • E06B7/23Plastic, sponge rubber, or like strips or tubes
    • E06B7/2314Plastic, sponge rubber, or like strips or tubes characterised by the material
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60JWINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
    • B60J10/00Sealing arrangements
    • B60J10/15Sealing arrangements characterised by the material
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60JWINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
    • B60J10/00Sealing arrangements
    • B60J10/15Sealing arrangements characterised by the material
    • B60J10/16Sealing arrangements characterised by the material consisting of two or more plastic materials having different physical or chemical properties
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60JWINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
    • B60J10/00Sealing arrangements
    • B60J10/20Sealing arrangements characterised by the shape
    • B60J10/24Sealing arrangements characterised by the shape having tubular parts
    • B60J10/244Sealing arrangements characterised by the shape having tubular parts inflatable or deflatable
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60JWINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
    • B60J10/00Sealing arrangements
    • B60J10/40Sealing arrangements characterised by contact between two or more cooperating sealing arrangements
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60JWINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
    • B60J10/00Sealing arrangements
    • B60J10/50Sealing arrangements characterised by means for prevention or reduction of noise, e.g. of rattling or vibration of windows
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05BLOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B47/00Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means
    • E05B47/0001Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means with electric actuators; Constructional features thereof
    • E05B47/0009Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means with electric actuators; Constructional features thereof with thermo-electric actuators, e.g. heated bimetals
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05BLOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B47/00Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means
    • E05B47/0001Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means with electric actuators; Constructional features thereof
    • E05B47/0011Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means with electric actuators; Constructional features thereof with piezoelectric actuators
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05BLOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B81/00Power-actuated vehicle locks
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05BLOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B81/00Power-actuated vehicle locks
    • E05B81/12Power-actuated vehicle locks characterised by the function or purpose of the powered actuators
    • E05B81/20Power-actuated vehicle locks characterised by the function or purpose of the powered actuators for assisting final closing or for initiating opening
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05CBOLTS OR FASTENING DEVICES FOR WINGS, SPECIALLY FOR DOORS OR WINDOWS
    • E05C19/00Other devices specially designed for securing wings, e.g. with suction cups
    • E05C19/16Devices holding the wing by magnetic or electromagnetic attraction
    • E05C19/166Devices holding the wing by magnetic or electromagnetic attraction electromagnetic
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16JPISTONS; CYLINDERS; SEALINGS
    • F16J15/00Sealings
    • F16J15/02Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces
    • F16J15/021Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces with elastic packing
    • F16J15/022Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces with elastic packing characterised by structure or material
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16JPISTONS; CYLINDERS; SEALINGS
    • F16J15/00Sealings
    • F16J15/02Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces
    • F16J15/021Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces with elastic packing
    • F16J15/022Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces with elastic packing characterised by structure or material
    • F16J15/024Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces with elastic packing characterised by structure or material the packing being locally weakened in order to increase elasticity
    • F16J15/025Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces with elastic packing characterised by structure or material the packing being locally weakened in order to increase elasticity and with at least one flexible lip
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16JPISTONS; CYLINDERS; SEALINGS
    • F16J15/00Sealings
    • F16J15/02Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces
    • F16J15/021Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces with elastic packing
    • F16J15/022Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces with elastic packing characterised by structure or material
    • F16J15/024Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces with elastic packing characterised by structure or material the packing being locally weakened in order to increase elasticity
    • F16J15/027Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces with elastic packing characterised by structure or material the packing being locally weakened in order to increase elasticity and with a hollow profile
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16JPISTONS; CYLINDERS; SEALINGS
    • F16J15/00Sealings
    • F16J15/02Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces
    • F16J15/021Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces with elastic packing
    • F16J15/028Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces with elastic packing the packing being mechanically expanded against the sealing surface
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16JPISTONS; CYLINDERS; SEALINGS
    • F16J15/00Sealings
    • F16J15/02Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces
    • F16J15/06Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces with solid packing compressed between sealing surfaces
    • F16J15/061Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces with solid packing compressed between sealing surfaces with positioning means
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16JPISTONS; CYLINDERS; SEALINGS
    • F16J15/00Sealings
    • F16J15/02Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces
    • F16J15/06Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces with solid packing compressed between sealing surfaces
    • F16J15/064Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces with solid packing compressed between sealing surfaces the packing combining the sealing function with other functions
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16JPISTONS; CYLINDERS; SEALINGS
    • F16J15/00Sealings
    • F16J15/02Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces
    • F16J15/06Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces with solid packing compressed between sealing surfaces
    • F16J15/08Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces with solid packing compressed between sealing surfaces with exclusively metal packing
    • F16J15/0806Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces with solid packing compressed between sealing surfaces with exclusively metal packing characterised by material or surface treatment
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08LCOMPOSITIONS OF MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS
    • C08L2201/00Properties
    • C08L2201/12Shape memory
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05BLOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B15/00Other details of locks; Parts for engagement by bolts of fastening devices
    • E05B15/16Use of special materials for parts of locks
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05BLOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B15/00Other details of locks; Parts for engagement by bolts of fastening devices
    • E05B15/16Use of special materials for parts of locks
    • E05B15/1607Adhesive
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05CBOLTS OR FASTENING DEVICES FOR WINGS, SPECIALLY FOR DOORS OR WINDOWS
    • E05C19/00Other devices specially designed for securing wings, e.g. with suction cups
    • E05C19/001Other devices specially designed for securing wings, e.g. with suction cups with bolts extending over a considerable extent, e.g. nearly along the whole length of at least one side of the wing
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05FDEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION; CHECKS FOR WINGS; WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
    • E05F1/00Closers or openers for wings, not otherwise provided for in this subclass
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05YINDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO HINGES OR OTHER SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS AND DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION, CHECKS FOR WINGS AND WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
    • E05Y2201/00Constructional elements; Accessories therefore
    • E05Y2201/40Motors; Magnets; Springs; Weights; Accessories therefore
    • E05Y2201/43Motors
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05YINDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO HINGES OR OTHER SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS AND DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION, CHECKS FOR WINGS AND WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
    • E05Y2400/00Electronic control; Power supply; Power or signal transmission; User interfaces
    • E05Y2400/60Power supply; Power or signal transmission
    • E05Y2400/61Power supply
    • E05Y2400/612Batteries
    • E05Y2400/614Batteries charging thereof
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05YINDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO HINGES OR OTHER SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS AND DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION, CHECKS FOR WINGS AND WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
    • E05Y2800/00Details, accessories and auxiliary operations not otherwise provided for
    • E05Y2800/67Materials; Strength alteration thereof
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05YINDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO HINGES OR OTHER SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS AND DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION, CHECKS FOR WINGS AND WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
    • E05Y2900/00Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof
    • E05Y2900/50Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for vehicles
    • E05Y2900/53Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for vehicles characterised by the type of wing
    • E05Y2900/531Doors
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05YINDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO HINGES OR OTHER SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS AND DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION, CHECKS FOR WINGS AND WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
    • E05Y2900/00Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof
    • E05Y2900/50Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for vehicles
    • E05Y2900/53Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for vehicles characterised by the type of wing
    • E05Y2900/55Windows
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10STECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S277/00Seal for a joint or juncture
    • Y10S277/921Closure or weather strip seal
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10STECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S292/00Closure fasteners
    • Y10S292/65Emergency or safety
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T292/00Closure fasteners
    • Y10T292/11Magnetic

Definitions

  • the present disclosure generally relates to seals, and more particularly, to seal assemblies utilizing active materials for releasing and/or separating sealed opposing surfaces in response to an activation signal.
  • Motor vehicles generally employ passive seals to provide sealing engagement between two opposing surfaces, e.g., a passive seal disposed between a windshield and a windshield frame.
  • the resulting seal is generally resistant to forces.
  • a limitation resulting from the use of passive seals in this manner occurs during repairs of one or both of the opposing surfaces or the seal itself. Very often, reuse of the seal is not possible since the repair or seal replacement generally requires separating one surface from the other surface.
  • a method for selectively removing a component from an other component, wherein the component and the other component are in sealing engagement with a releasable seal assembly comprises activating the releasable seal assembly, wherein the releasable seal assembly comprises an active material in operative communication with a seal structure, wherein activating the releasable seal assembly comprises providing an activation signal to the active material to effect a change in at least one attribute in response to the activation signal, wherein the change in the at least one attribute changes a modulus property and/or shape of the seal structure; and removing the component from the other component.
  • FIG. 1 is a cross section view of a releasable seal assembly in accordance with one embodiment, wherein the releasable seal assembly provides sealing engagement between two components;
  • FIG. 2 is the cross section view of the releasable seal assembly in accordance with another embodiment, wherein the illustrated releasable seal assembly depicts a power-off configuration and a power-on configuration;
  • FIG. 3 is a cross section view of a releasable seal assembly in accordance with another embodiment.
  • FIG. 4 is the cross section view of the releasable seal assembly in accordance with another embodiment.
  • the releasable seal assemblies generally includes a seal structure comprising an active material, wherein the active material changes at least one attribute in response to an activation signal to effect release and/or separation of at least one component disposed in a sealing engagement with another component.
  • the releasable seal assemblies can be employed for releasing and/or separating components that define various seal interfaces in consumer related products, trucks, airplanes, trains, recreational vehicles, ships and the like.
  • the releasable sealing assemblies are preferably utilized in selectively releasing one component from another component such as a windshield from a windshield frame, fixed-in-place glazing from its frame, a trunk door from a trunk door frame, a removable hard top from a vehicle body, a sunroof from a sunroof frame, a tail gate from a tail gate frame, a lift gate from a lift gate frame, a light fixture from a light fixture frame, and the like.
  • a releasable seal assembly can be selectively activated to release the seal structure disposed between the windshield and the window frame on the vehicle to provide ease of removal and efficient replacement of a new windshield part.
  • the seal structure sealingly engages the windshield and the window frame.
  • the active releasable sealing assemblies generally include a seal structure comprising an active material, and controller for providing an activation signal to the active material, wherein the active material changes at least one attribute in response to the activation signal.
  • active material refers to several different classes of materials all of which exhibit a change in at least one attribute such as dimension, shape, and/or flexural modulus when subjected to at least one of many different types of applied activation signals, examples of such signals being thermal, electrical, magnetic, mechanical, pneumatic, and the like.
  • One class of active materials is shape memory materials. These materials exhibit a shape memory effect. Specifically, after being deformed pseudoplastically, they can be restored to their original shape in response to the activation signal.
  • Suitable shape memory materials include, without limitation, shape memory alloys (SMA), ferromagnetic SMAs, magnetic SMAs, and shape memory polymers (SMP).
  • SMA shape memory alloys
  • SMP shape memory polymers
  • a second class of active materials can be considered as those that exhibit a change in at least one attribute when subjected to an applied field but revert back to their original state upon removal of the applied field.
  • Active materials in this category include, but are not limited to, piezoelectric materials, chemically active polymers, electroactive polymers (EAP), magnetorheological fluids and elastomers (MR), electrorheological fluids (ER), composites of one or more of the foregoing materials with non-active materials, combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing materials, and the like.
  • the active material may be integrated within a seal structure, define the complete active seal structure, or may be physically linked with the seal structure.
  • the active materials in various embodiments can be used to fabricate the entire seal structure; can be configured to externally actively control the seal structure, e.g., provide actuator means, provide an exoskeleton of the seal structure; and/or can be configured to internally actively control the seal structure, e.g., provide the skeletal structure of the seal structure.
  • controlled release and/or separation of two components can be effected by means of flexural modulus changes, shape changes, geometry changes, and the like to the seal structure.
  • SMAs and SMPs based releasable sealing assemblies may further include a return mechanism in some embodiments to restore the original geometry of the sealing assembly.
  • the return mechanism can be mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, or based on one of the aforementioned active materials.
  • the return mechanism can be a conventional spring biased to the seal structure to provide a restoring force upon deactivation of the active material.
  • the materials integrated with the active materials are preferably those materials already utilized for the manufacture of seals.
  • various rubbers, foams, elastomers, and the like can be utilized in combination with the active material to provide a releasable sealing assembly.
  • suitable seal materials include, but are not intended to be limited to, styrene butadiene rubber, polyurethane, polyisoprene, neoprene, chlorosulfonated polystyrene, natural rubber, synthetic polyisoprene rubber, epoxylated natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, polybutadiene rubber, nitrile-butadiene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, butyl rubber, various elastomers, and the like.
  • the seal assembly can reversibly change its modulus and/or dimensional properties to provide release and/or separation between components, provide minimal effort to remove one or both components, as well as provide effective sealing engagement.
  • Applying an activation signal to the active material can effect the reversible change. Suitable activation signals will depend on the type of active material.
  • the activation signal provided for reversibly changing the dimensional and/or modulus properties of the releasable seal structure may include a thermal signal, an electrical signal, a magnetic signal, a pneumatic signal, a mechanical load, and combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing signals, and the like.
  • the particular activation signal is generally dependent on the materials and/or configuration of the active material within the seal structure.
  • a magnetic and/or an electrical signal may be applied for changing the property of the active material fabricated from magnetostrictive materials.
  • a heat signal may be applied for changing the property of the active material fabricated from shape memory alloys and/or shape memory polymers.
  • the heat signal may be applied via resistive, conductive, or convective heating particularly to SMA and SMP materials.
  • An electrical signal may be applied for changing the property of the active material fabricated from electroactive materials, piezoelectrics, electrostatics, and/or ionic polymer metal composite materials.
  • FIG. 1 there is shown an exemplary releasable seal assembly generally designated by reference numeral 10 in a sealing engagement prior to activation.
  • the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular configuration of the seal assembly or location.
  • the illustrated releasable seal assembly can be employed to provide releasable sealing engagement between a front windshield and a windshield frame.
  • the releasable seal assemblies in this and other embodiments described herein are generally desirable for automotive applications where at least one component needs to be replaced from the vehicle for regular maintenance and/or replacement and the at least one component is desirably disposed in sealing engagement with a seal structure.
  • the releasable seal assemblies as described herein can be re-used or recycled as may be desired to minimize costs associated with repair, replacement and/or maintenance.
  • the active material based seal assembly 10 is illustrated as sealing an interface defined by components 12 , 14 , e.g., a window and a window frame. At least a portion or all of the seal assembly 10 comprises the active material, which is in operative communication with a controller 16 .
  • the controller 16 selectively provides a suitable activation signal to the active material.
  • the seal assembly 10 is adapted to reversibly change at least one attribute, e.g., modulus, shape, and the like, so as to permit removal of one or both components 12 , 14 from the seal assembly 10 , i.e., a reduction in the seal forces or seal surface area against one or both components 12 , 14 .
  • electroactive polymers could be used either directly as all or part of the seal assembly 10 or alternatively, as an intermediate layer between the vehicle surface and an adhesive that is used to bond/attach the part in question. Applying voltage to the electroactive polymer can cause compression of the EAP in a direction parallel to the applied field and expansion of the EAP in the plane perpendicular to the applied field.
  • the electroactive polymer would be incorporated into the seal assembly so that the directions of compression and expansion would be properly aligned to distort the seal assembly geometry so as to assist in freeing the part.
  • shape memory alloys can be embedded within the seal assembly itself or connected externally (in communication with) its external surface. Heating the SMA through either resistive, conductive, and/or convective heating would cause it to return to a memorized shape, the shape memory alloy being aligned so that this return action would distort the seal/gasket geometry in a manner that would assist in release of the part.
  • shape memory polymers could be used either directly as all or part of the seal assembly or as an intermediate layer between the vehicle surface and an adhesive that is used to bond/attach the part in question.
  • shape memory polymers can have their shape set by first heating them above the glass transition temperature of the lower temperature phase, then applying an external force to deform the shape memory polymer to a desired shape while in this high temperature soft phase, and then cooling the shape memory polymer to a temperature below that of the glass transition temperature of the lower temperature phase while still under the external force which force can then be removed after cooling is complete with the SMP keeping the deformed shape.
  • the original shape can be reset by reheating the SMP while unloaded (with external forces removed) above the glass transition temperature of the lower temperature phase.
  • the shape memory polymer can be configured to have a memorized high temperature shape such as a flat strip that would be consistent with easy removal of the part.
  • the shape memory polymer would then be held against the part and heated so as to deform the seal into a channel shape, suitable for retention of the part.
  • This “good hold” shape would then be set in the shape memory polymer by lowering the temperature while maintaining the shape.
  • the part with shape memory polymer retainer could then be mounted using for example an adhesive bond between the SMP and the vehicle. Simple heating of the SMP channel would revert it to its memorized flat shape that would ease part removal, for example.
  • active material based seal assemblies would include the controller 16 for selectively providing a suitable activation signal to the active material unless otherwise noted.
  • an active material based seal assembly 20 includes one or more flange portions 22 that extend from a seal body 24 .
  • the flange portion 20 is in sealing contact with surfaces of the component 12 , 14 and is formed of the active material.
  • the modulus properties and/or the shape of the flange changes to provide a decrease in the sealing forces exerted by the seal assembly and/or surface area of the seal assembly against the components 12 , 14 .
  • the shape can change and cause the seal assembly to retract away from the components 12 , 14 to permit removal of one or both components 12 , 14 .
  • the flange portion 20 may be in the removal path of the desired component to be removed, the change in modulus properties and/or shape permits removal or installation to easily occur.
  • the entire seal assembly 20 is formed of the active material.
  • the seal body undergoes a change in modulus and/or shape change to provide similar advantages described above.
  • seal assembly 10 Although reference has been made to the seal assemblies 10 , 20 as shown, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the specific shape of the seal assembly is not limited. Various seal assembly configurations are contemplated, the shape of which will generally be dependent on the intended application. Preferably, the seal assembly shape is selected to conform substantially to the passive seal structure in which it is intended to replace.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates another exemplary active material based seal assembly 30 .
  • the seal assembly includes a seal body 32 and one or more active 34 materials embedded with the seal body 32 .
  • active 34 materials embedded with the seal body 32 .
  • wires or strips of a shape memory alloy are embedded with the seal body such that activation of the shape memory alloy causes the shape or modulus change in the seal body.
  • the seal body 32 can be solid or may include a wall structure defining an interior region, as may be desired for some applications.
  • the active material based seal assembly 40 includes a seal body 42 defining an interior region 44 . Disposed within the interior region is an active material fluid 46 . Activation of the active material changes the shape or modulus properties.
  • an electroactive polymer gel may be disposed within the interior region. Activation of the electroactive polymer gel causes seal body to expand.
  • Suitable active materials include (but are not limited to) SMP's and MR polymers.
  • SMP's the modulus drops significantly (for example by a factor of 30 for polyurethane based SMP's) when heated above the glass transition temperature of their low temperature component. Such a drop in modulus would cause the seal structure to essentially become limp dramatically easing component removal.
  • applying a neutralizing field to an MR rubber that contains embedded magnetic particles would reduce the stiffness of the MR rubber in this manner easing part removal.
  • the present disclosure is generally categorized as using the active material based seal assemblies to replace and/or augment passive seal structures using embedded or integrated active material components.
  • the active material may be partially embedded or completely embedded within the non-active material.
  • the active material is substantially embedded with the non-active material, which may be completely encased with active or non-active material.
  • the active material or non-active material can be a thin covering.
  • Shape memory polymers generally refer to a group of polymeric materials that demonstrate the ability to return to some previously defined shape when subjected to an appropriate thermal stimulus as long as they are under negligible load while the thermal stimulus is operative.
  • the shape memory polymer may be in the form of a solid or a foam as may be desired for some embodiments.
  • Shape memory polymers are capable of undergoing phase transitions in which their shape orientation is altered as a function of temperature.
  • SMPs are co-polymers comprised of at least two different units which may be described as defining different segments within the copolymer, each segment contributing differently to the flexural modulus properties and thermal transition temperatures of the material.
  • segment refers to a block, graft, or sequence of the same or similar monomer or oligomer units that are copolymerized with a different segment to form a continuous crosslinked interpenetrating network of these segments.
  • These segments may be combination of crystalline or amorphous materials and therefore may be generally classified as a hard segment(s) or a soft segment(s), wherein the hard segment generally has a higher glass transition temperature (Tg) or melting point than the soft segment.
  • Tg glass transition temperature
  • Each segment then contributes to the overall flexural modulus properties of the SMP and the thermal transitions thereof.
  • the thermal transition temperatures of the copolymer may be approximated as weighted averages of the thermal transition temperatures of its comprising segments.
  • the structure may be open celled or close celled as desired.
  • the SMPs are alternated between one of at least two shape orientations such that at least one orientation will provide a size/dimension change relative to the other orientation(s) when an appropriate thermal signal is provided.
  • the shape memory polymer must be at about or above its melting point or highest transition temperature (also termed “last” transition temperature).
  • SMP foams are shaped at this temperature by blow molding or shaped with an applied force followed by cooling to set the permanent shape.
  • the temperature necessary to set the permanent shape is generally between about 40° C. to about 200° C. After experiencing an alteration in shape, the permanent shape is regained when the applied force is removed, and the SMP is again brought to or above the highest or last transition temperature of the SMP.
  • the Tg of the SMP can be chosen for a particular application by modifying the structure and composition of the polymer.
  • the temperature needed for permanent shape recovery can generally be set at any temperature between about ⁇ 63° C. and about 160° C. or above. Engineering the composition and structure of the polymer itself can allow for the choice of a particular temperature for a desired application.
  • a preferred temperature for shape recovery is greater than or equal to about ⁇ 30° C., more preferably greater than or equal to about 40° C., and most preferably a temperature greater than or equal to about 100° C.
  • a preferred temperature for shape recovery is less than or equal to about 250° C., more preferably less than or equal to about 200° C., and most preferably less than or equal to about 180° C.
  • Suitable shape memory polymers can be thermoplastics, interpenetrating networks, semi-interpenetrating networks, or mixed networks.
  • the polymers can be a single polymer or a blend of polymers.
  • the polymers can be linear or branched thermoplastic elastomers with side chains or dendritic structural elements.
  • Suitable polymer components to form a shape memory polymer include, but are not limited to, polyphosphazenes, poly(vinyl alcohols), polyamides, polyester amides, poly(amino acids), polyanhydrides, polycarbonates, polyacrylates, polyalkylenes, polyacrylamides, polyalkylene glycols, polyalkylene oxides, polyalkylene terephthalates, polyortho esters, polyvinyl ethers, polyvinyl esters, polyvinyl halides, polyesters, polylactides, polyglycolides, polysiloxanes, polyurethanes, polyethers, polyether amides, polyether esters, and copolymers thereof.
  • suitable polyacrylates include poly(methyl methaciylate), poly(ethyl methacrylate), poly(butyl methacrylate), poly(isobutyl methacrylate), poly(hexyl methacrylate), poly(isodecyl methacrylate), poly(lauryl methacrylate), poly(phenyl methacrylate), poly(methyl acrylate), poly(isopropyl acrylate), poly(isobutyl acrylate) and poly(octadecylacrylate).
  • polystyrene examples include polystyrene, polypropylene, polyvinyl phenol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, chlorinated polybutylene, poly(octadecyl vinyl ether), ethylene vinyl acetate, polyethylene, poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(ethylene terephthalate), polyethylene/nylon (graft copolymer), polycaprolactones-polyamide (block copolymer), poly(caprolactone) diniethacrylate-n-butyl acrylate, poly(norbornyl-polyhedral oligomeric silsequioxane), polyvinylchloride, urethane/butadiene copolymers, polyurethane block copolymers, styrene-butadienestyrene block copolymers, and the like.
  • blowing agent can be of the decomposition type (evolves a gas upon chemical decomposition) or an evaporation type (which vaporizes without chemical reaction).
  • exemplary blowing agents of the decomposition type include, but are not intended to be limited to, sodium bicarbonate, azide compounds, ammonium carbonate, ammonium nitrite, light metals which evolve hydrogen upon reaction with water, azodicarbonamide, N,N′dinitrosopentamethylenetetramine, and the like.
  • blowing agents of the evaporation type include, but are not intended to be limited to, trichloromonofluoromethane, trichlorotrifluoroethane, methylene chloride, compressed nitrogen gas, and the like.
  • the material can then be reverted to the permanent shape by heating the material above its Tg but below the highest thermal transition temperature or melting point.
  • shape memory alloy compositions Similar to shape memory polymers, shape memory alloys exist in several different temperature-dependent phases. The most commonly utilized of these phases are the so-called martensite and austenite phases. In the following discussion, the martensite phase generally refers to the more deformable, lower temperature phase whereas the austenite phase generally refers to the more rigid, higher temperature phase.
  • austenite start temperature As
  • austenite finish temperature Af
  • the shape memory alloy When the shape memory alloy is in the austenite phase and is cooled, it begins to change into the martensite phase, and the temperature at which this phenomenon starts is referred to as the martensite start temperature (Ms).
  • the temperature at which austenite finishes transforming to martensite is called the martensite finish temperature (Mf).
  • Ms The temperature at which austenite finishes transforming to martensite
  • Mf The temperature at which austenite finishes transforming to martensite.
  • Mf The temperature at which austenite finishes transforming to martensite.
  • expansion of the shape memory alloy is preferably at or below the austenite transition temperature (at or below As). Subsequent heating above the austenite transition temperature causes the expanded shape memory to revert back to its permanent shape.
  • a suitable activation signal for use with shape memory alloys is a thermal activation signal having a magnitude to cause transformations between the martensite and austenite phases.
  • the temperature at which the shape memory alloy remembers its high temperature form when heated can be adjusted by slight changes in the composition of the alloy and through heat treatment. In nickel-titanium shape memory alloys, for instance, it can be changed from above about 100° C. to below about ⁇ 100° C.
  • the shape recovery process occurs over a range of several degrees and the start or finish of the transformation can be controlled to within a few degrees depending on the desired application and alloy composition.
  • the mechanical properties of the shape memory alloy vary greatly over the temperature range spanning their transformation, typically providing shape memory effects, superelastic effects, and high damping capacity.
  • Suitable shape memory alloy materials include, but are not intended to be limited to, nickel-titanium based alloys, indium-titanium based alloys, nickel-aluminum based alloys, nickel-gallium based alloys, copper based alloys (e.g., copper-zinc alloys, copper-aluminum alloys, copper-gold, and copper-tin alloys), gold-cadmium based alloys, silver-cadmium based alloys, indium-cadmium based alloys, manganese-copper based alloys, iron-platinum based alloys, iron-palladium based alloys, and the like.
  • nickel-titanium based alloys indium-titanium based alloys, nickel-aluminum based alloys, nickel-gallium based alloys, copper based alloys (e.g., copper-zinc alloys, copper-aluminum alloys, copper-gold, and copper-tin alloys), gold-cadmi
  • the alloys can be binary, ternary, or any higher order so long as the alloy composition exhibits a shape memory effect, e.g., change in shape orientation, changes in yield strength, and/or flexural modulus properties, damping capacity, superelasticity, and the like.
  • a preferred shape memory alloy is a nickel-titanium based alloy commercially available under the trademark FLEXINOL from Dynalloy, Inc. Selection of a suitable shape memory alloy composition depends on the temperature range where the component will operate.
  • Suitable magnetic materials include, but are not intended to be limited to, soft or hard magnets; hematite; magnetite; magnetic material based on iron, nickel, and cobalt, alloys of the foregoing, or combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing, and the like. Alloys of iron, nickel and/or cobalt, can comprise aluminum, silicon, cobalt, nickel, vanadium, molybdenum, chromium, tungsten, manganese and/or copper.
  • Polymer means a macromolecular compound prepared by polymerizing monomers of the same or different type. Polymer includes homopolymers, copolymers, terpolymers, interpolymers and the like. Monomer or comonomer refers to any compound with a polymerizable moiety which is added to a reactor in order to produce a polymer.
  • the term “interpolymer” means a polymer prepared by the polymerization of at least two types of monomers or comonomers. It includes, but is not limited to copolymers, polymers prepared from two different types of monomers or commoners, used interchangeably with interpolymers.
  • Ionic polymer metal composite means one or more polymer containing a ionic metal composite.
  • Suitable magnetorheological fluid materials include, but are not intended to be limited to, ferromagnetic or paramagnetic particles dispersed in a carrier fluid.
  • Suitable particles include iron; iron alloys, such as those including aluminum, silicon, cobalt, nickel, vanadium, molybdenum, chromium, tungsten, manganese and/or copper; iron oxides, including Fe 2 O 3 and Fe 3 O 4 ; iron nitride; iron carbide; carbonyl iron; nickel and alloys of nickel; cobalt and alloys of cobalt; chromium dioxide; stainless steel; silicon steel; and the like.
  • suitable particles include straight iron powders, reduced iron powders, iron oxide powder/straight iron powder mixtures and iron oxide powder/reduced iron powder mixtures.
  • a preferred magnetic-responsive particulate is carbonyl iron, more preferably, reduced carbonyl iron.
  • the particle size should be selected so that the particles exhibit multi-domain characteristics when subjected to a magnetic field. Diameter sizes for the particles can be less than or equal to about 1,000 micrometers, with less than or equal to about 500 micrometers preferred, and less than or equal to about 100 micrometers more preferred. Also preferred is a particle diameter of greater than or equal to about 0.1 micrometer, with greater than or equal to about 0.5 more preferred, and greater than or equal to about 10 micrometers especially preferred. The particles are preferably present in an amount between about 5.0 to about 50 percent by volume of the total MR fluid composition.
  • Suitable carrier fluids include organic liquids, especially non-polar organic liquids.
  • examples include, but are not limited to, silicone oils; mineral oils; paraffin oils; silicone copolymers; white oils; hydraulic oils; transformer oils; halogenated organic liquids, such as chlorinated hydrocarbons, halogenated paraffins, perfluorinated polyethers and fluorinated hydrocarbons; diesters; polyoxyalkylenes; fluorinated silicones; cyanoalkyl siloxanes; glycols; synthetic hydrocarbon oils, including both unsaturated and saturated; and combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing fluids.
  • the viscosity of the carrier component can be less than or equal to about 100,000 centipoise, with less than or equal to about 10,000 centipoise preferred, and less than or equal to about 1,000 centipoise more preferred. Also preferred is a viscosity of greater than or equal to about 1 centipoise, with greater than or equal to about 250 centipoise preferred, and greater than or equal to about 500 centipoise especially preferred.
  • Aqueous carrier fluids may also be used, especially those comprising hydrophilic mineral clays such as bentonite or hectorite.
  • the aqueous carrier fluid may comprise water or water comprising a small amount of polar, water-miscible organic solvents such as methanol, ethanol, propanol, dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethyl formamide, ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, acetone, tetrahydrofuran, diethyl ether, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and the like.
  • the amount of polar organic solvents is less than or equal to about 5.0% by volume of the total MR fluid, and preferably less than or equal to about 3.0%.
  • the amount of polar organic solvents is preferably greater than or equal to about 0.1%, and more preferably greater than or equal to about 1.0% by volume of the total MR fluid.
  • the pH of the aqueous carrier fluid is preferably less than or equal to about 13, and preferably less than or equal to about 9.0. Also, the pH of the aqueous carrier fluid is greater than or equal to about 5.0, and preferably greater than or equal to about 8.0.
  • Natural or synthetic bentonite or hectorite may be used.
  • the amount of bentonite or hectorite in the MR fluid is less than or equal to about 10 percent by weight of the total MR fluid, preferably less than or equal to about 8.0 percent by weight, and more preferably less than or equal to about 6.0 percent by weight.
  • the bentonite or hectorite is present in greater than or equal to about 0.1 percent by weight, more preferably greater than or equal to about 1.0 percent by weight, and especially preferred greater than or equal to about 2.0 percent by weight of the total MR fluid.
  • Optional components in the MR fluid include clays, organoclays, carboxylate soaps, dispersants, corrosion inhibitors, lubricants, extreme pressure anti-wear additives, antioxidants, thixotropic agents and conventional suspension agents.
  • Carboxylate soaps include ferrous oleate, ferrous naphthenate, ferrous stearate, aluminum di- and tri-stearate, lithium stearate, calcium stearate, zinc stearate and sodium stearate, and surfactants such as sulfonates, phosphate esters; stearic acid, glycerol monooleate, sorbitan sesquioleate, laurates, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, fluoroaliphatic polymeric esters, and titanate, aluminate and zirconate coupling agents and the like.
  • Polyalkylene diols, such as polyethylene glycol, and partially esterified polyols can also be included.
  • Suitable MR elastomer materials include, but are not intended to be limited to, an elastic polymer matrix comprising a suspension of ferromagnetic or paramagnetic particles, wherein the particles are described above.
  • Suitable polymer matrices include, but are not limited to, poly-alpha-olefins, natural rubber, silicone, polybutadiene, polyethylene, polyisoprene, and the like
  • Electroactive polymers include those polymeric materials that exhibit piezoelectric, pyroelectric, or electrostrictive properties in response to electrical or mechanical fields.
  • Materials suitable for use as an electroactive polymer may include any substantially insulating polymer or rubber (or combination thereof) that deforms in response to an electrostatic force or whose deformation results in a change in electric field.
  • Exemplary materials suitable for use as a pre-strained polymer include silicone elastomers, acrylic elastomers, polyurethanes, thermoplastic elastomers, copolymers comprising PVDF, pressure-sensitive adhesives, fluoroelastomers, polymers comprising silicone and acrylic moieties, and the like.
  • Polymers comprising silicone and acrylic moieties may include copolymers comprising silicone and acrylic moieties, polymer blends comprising a silicone elastomer and an acrylic elastomer, for example.
  • Materials used as an electroactive polymer may be selected based on one or more material properties such as a high electrical breakdown strength, a low modulus of elasticity—(for large or small deformations), a high dielectric constant, and the like.
  • the polymer is selected such that is has an elastic modulus at most about 100 MPa.
  • the polymer is selected such that is has a maximum actuation pressure between about 0.05 MPa and about 10 MPa, and preferably between about 0.3 MPa and about 3 MPa.
  • the polymer is selected such that is has a dielectric constant between about 2 and about 20, and preferably between about 2.5 and about 12. The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to these ranges.
  • electroactive polymers may be fabricated and implemented as thin films. Thicknesses suitable for these thin films may be below 50 micrometers.
  • electrodes attached to the polymers should also deflect without compromising mechanical or electrical performance.
  • electrodes suitable for use may be of any shape and material provided that they are able to supply a suitable voltage to, or receive a suitable voltage from, an electroactive polymer. The voltage may be either constant or varying over time.
  • the electrodes adhere to a surface of the polymer. Electrodes adhering to the polymer are preferably compliant and conform to the changing shape of the polymer.
  • the present disclosure may include compliant electrodes that conform to the shape of an electroactive polymer to which they are attached. The electrodes may be only applied to a portion of an electroactive polymer and define an active area according to their geometry.
  • Electrodes suitable for use with the present disclosure include structured electrodes comprising metal traces and charge distribution layers, textured electrodes comprising varying out of plane dimensions, conductive greases such as carbon greases or silver greases, colloidal suspensions, high aspect ratio conductive materials such as carbon fibrils and carbon nanotubes, and mixtures of ionically conductive materials.
  • Suitable materials used in an electrode may include graphite, carbon black, colloidal suspensions, thin metals including silver and gold, silver filled and carbon filled gels and polymers, and ionically or electronically conductive polymers. It is understood that certain electrode materials may work well with particular polymers and may not work as well for others. By way of example, carbon fibrils work well with acrylic elastomer polymers while not as well with silicone polymers.
  • a weatherstrip formed of SMP can be used for a window and a window frame in a sliding door. These windows tend to get damaged upon normal wear and tear. For example, windows are held in place with the weatherstrip formed of SMP in the window frame.
  • the seal is thermally activated to change at least one attribute in the SMP which reduces the forces resulting from the engagement. Thus, the seal is now released and/or separated between the window and window frame.
  • a weatherstrip formed of magnetorheological polymers (MR) rubber contains embedded magnetic particles that would enhance the sealing on a mounting surface such as windshield to window frame.
  • MR magnetorheological polymers
  • Application of a neutralizing field to the active material reduces the stiffness of the MR rubber.
  • the change in modulus causes the MR rubber to become more flexible which reduces the forces associated with the engagement. This flexural modulus change allows ease of removal for part replacement.
  • a releasable seal assembly based on SMA springs can be employed in a windshield and window frame.
  • several releasable seal assemblies are placed along the perimeter of the windshield.
  • the SMA springs are at a slanted configuration to allow compressibility of the seal. This creates the forces to engage the seal.
  • the SMA springs Upon thermal activation, the SMA springs will contract, pulling away from the opposing surface, which reduces the forces in the plane of engagement.
  • the seal between the windshield and the window frame is released allowing the windshield for part removal and part replacement.
  • releasable seal assembly formed of SMA embedded within the seal assembly.
  • the seal assembly is employed to seal and release the window from the window frame of a door in a recreational vehicle. It is desirable to remove the window to allow circulation of air and then re-use the seal for the window.
  • the SMA releasable seal is aligned along the perimeter of the window and frame. Using resistive, conductive, or convective heat would cause the SMA embedded within the seal assembly to distort the seal geometry in such a manner to release the forces from the engagement. As a result, the forces associated with the seal are reduced which releases the seal.
  • the SMA releasable seal forms a seal between the window and frame.
  • the releasable seal assembly formed of SMP appendages can be employed in a channel such as a windshield.
  • the SMP would have a memorized high temperature shape such as a flat strip orientation, which would help with ease of removal of the windshield.
  • the SMP would be held against the channel cavity and heated and deformed into an appendage shape that would be adapted to fit the channel cavity.
  • This particular channel shape and appendage shape such as a knob shape would provide good retention of the windshield to the window frame.
  • This knob shape which is a “good hold” shape would be set in the SMP by lowering its temperature while held in this shape.
  • the part with the SMP knob shape could be mounted using adhesive bond between the SMP and the window frame. Thermal activation of the SMP would revert it to its memorized flat shape, which would reduce the retention and the forces from the engagement.
  • the seal would be released and/or separated helping with part removal and part replacement.
  • seals can be formed and released between fender flares and vehicles, fender skirts and vehicles, and mudguards and vehicles.

Abstract

A releasable seal assembly for selectively removing a component from an other component, wherein the component and the other component are in sealing engagement with the releasable seal assembly. The releasable seal assembly includes a seal structure comprising an active material, wherein the active material is effective to undergo a change in at least one attribute in response to an activation signal, wherein the change in the at least one attribute changes a shape and/or modulus property of the seal structure; an activation device adapted to provide the activation signal in operative communication with the active material; and a controller in operative communication with the activation device. Also disclosed herein are methods for the releasable seal assembly.

Description

    CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • The present application relates to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/552,781 entitled, “Active Seal Assemblies” filed on Mar. 12, 2004, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
  • BACKGROUND
  • The present disclosure generally relates to seals, and more particularly, to seal assemblies utilizing active materials for releasing and/or separating sealed opposing surfaces in response to an activation signal.
  • Motor vehicles generally employ passive seals to provide sealing engagement between two opposing surfaces, e.g., a passive seal disposed between a windshield and a windshield frame. The resulting seal is generally resistant to forces. A limitation resulting from the use of passive seals in this manner occurs during repairs of one or both of the opposing surfaces or the seal itself. Very often, reuse of the seal is not possible since the repair or seal replacement generally requires separating one surface from the other surface.
  • Accordingly, it is desirable to have releasable seal assemblies that can be controlled to selectively release and/or separate the seal upon demand. It would be particularly advantageous if such releasing assemblies result in minimal removal efforts, and provide reuse.
  • BRIEF SUMMARY
  • Disclosed herein are releasable seal assemblies and methods of use. In one embodiment, a releasable seal assembly for selectively removing a component from an other component, wherein the component and the other component are in sealing engagement with the releasable seal assembly comprises a seal structure comprising an active material, wherein the active material is effective to undergo a change in at least one attribute in response to an activation signal, wherein the change in the at least one attribute changes a shape and/or modulus property of the seal structure; an activation device adapted to provide the activation signal in operative communication with the active material; and a controller in operative communication with the activation device.
  • A method for selectively removing a component from an other component, wherein the component and the other component are in sealing engagement with a releasable seal assembly comprises activating the releasable seal assembly, wherein the releasable seal assembly comprises an active material in operative communication with a seal structure, wherein activating the releasable seal assembly comprises providing an activation signal to the active material to effect a change in at least one attribute in response to the activation signal, wherein the change in the at least one attribute changes a modulus property and/or shape of the seal structure; and removing the component from the other component.
  • The above described and other features are exemplified by the following figures and detailed description.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • Referring now to the figures, which are exemplary embodiments and wherein like elements are numbered alike:
  • FIG. 1 is a cross section view of a releasable seal assembly in accordance with one embodiment, wherein the releasable seal assembly provides sealing engagement between two components;
  • FIG. 2 is the cross section view of the releasable seal assembly in accordance with another embodiment, wherein the illustrated releasable seal assembly depicts a power-off configuration and a power-on configuration;
  • FIG. 3 is a cross section view of a releasable seal assembly in accordance with another embodiment; and
  • FIG. 4 is the cross section view of the releasable seal assembly in accordance with another embodiment.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • Disclosed herein are releasable seal assemblies and methods of use. The releasable seal assemblies generally includes a seal structure comprising an active material, wherein the active material changes at least one attribute in response to an activation signal to effect release and/or separation of at least one component disposed in a sealing engagement with another component.
  • Although reference will be made herein to automotive applications, it is contemplated that the releasable seal assemblies can be employed for releasing and/or separating components that define various seal interfaces in consumer related products, trucks, airplanes, trains, recreational vehicles, ships and the like. For automotive applications, the releasable sealing assemblies are preferably utilized in selectively releasing one component from another component such as a windshield from a windshield frame, fixed-in-place glazing from its frame, a trunk door from a trunk door frame, a removable hard top from a vehicle body, a sunroof from a sunroof frame, a tail gate from a tail gate frame, a lift gate from a lift gate frame, a light fixture from a light fixture frame, and the like. By way of example, a releasable seal assembly can be selectively activated to release the seal structure disposed between the windshield and the window frame on the vehicle to provide ease of removal and efficient replacement of a new windshield part. Upon deactivation of the signal, the seal structure sealingly engages the windshield and the window frame.
  • The active releasable sealing assemblies generally include a seal structure comprising an active material, and controller for providing an activation signal to the active material, wherein the active material changes at least one attribute in response to the activation signal. The term “active material” as used herein refers to several different classes of materials all of which exhibit a change in at least one attribute such as dimension, shape, and/or flexural modulus when subjected to at least one of many different types of applied activation signals, examples of such signals being thermal, electrical, magnetic, mechanical, pneumatic, and the like. One class of active materials is shape memory materials. These materials exhibit a shape memory effect. Specifically, after being deformed pseudoplastically, they can be restored to their original shape in response to the activation signal. Suitable shape memory materials include, without limitation, shape memory alloys (SMA), ferromagnetic SMAs, magnetic SMAs, and shape memory polymers (SMP). A second class of active materials can be considered as those that exhibit a change in at least one attribute when subjected to an applied field but revert back to their original state upon removal of the applied field. Active materials in this category include, but are not limited to, piezoelectric materials, chemically active polymers, electroactive polymers (EAP), magnetorheological fluids and elastomers (MR), electrorheological fluids (ER), composites of one or more of the foregoing materials with non-active materials, combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing materials, and the like.
  • The active material may be integrated within a seal structure, define the complete active seal structure, or may be physically linked with the seal structure. Moreover, the active materials in various embodiments can be used to fabricate the entire seal structure; can be configured to externally actively control the seal structure, e.g., provide actuator means, provide an exoskeleton of the seal structure; and/or can be configured to internally actively control the seal structure, e.g., provide the skeletal structure of the seal structure. Still further, controlled release and/or separation of two components can be effected by means of flexural modulus changes, shape changes, geometry changes, and the like to the seal structure. Of the above noted materials, SMAs and SMPs based releasable sealing assemblies may further include a return mechanism in some embodiments to restore the original geometry of the sealing assembly. The return mechanism can be mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, or based on one of the aforementioned active materials. For example, the return mechanism can be a conventional spring biased to the seal structure to provide a restoring force upon deactivation of the active material.
  • In those applications where the active materials are integrated into the seal structure, the materials integrated with the active materials are preferably those materials already utilized for the manufacture of seals. For example, various rubbers, foams, elastomers, and the like can be utilized in combination with the active material to provide a releasable sealing assembly. As such, suitable seal materials include, but are not intended to be limited to, styrene butadiene rubber, polyurethane, polyisoprene, neoprene, chlorosulfonated polystyrene, natural rubber, synthetic polyisoprene rubber, epoxylated natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, polybutadiene rubber, nitrile-butadiene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, butyl rubber, various elastomers, and the like.
  • By utilizing the active material in the releasable seal assembly, the seal assembly can reversibly change its modulus and/or dimensional properties to provide release and/or separation between components, provide minimal effort to remove one or both components, as well as provide effective sealing engagement. Applying an activation signal to the active material can effect the reversible change. Suitable activation signals will depend on the type of active material. As mentioned, the activation signal provided for reversibly changing the dimensional and/or modulus properties of the releasable seal structure may include a thermal signal, an electrical signal, a magnetic signal, a pneumatic signal, a mechanical load, and combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing signals, and the like. The particular activation signal is generally dependent on the materials and/or configuration of the active material within the seal structure. For example, a magnetic and/or an electrical signal may be applied for changing the property of the active material fabricated from magnetostrictive materials. A heat signal may be applied for changing the property of the active material fabricated from shape memory alloys and/or shape memory polymers. For example, the heat signal may be applied via resistive, conductive, or convective heating particularly to SMA and SMP materials. An electrical signal may be applied for changing the property of the active material fabricated from electroactive materials, piezoelectrics, electrostatics, and/or ionic polymer metal composite materials.
  • Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown an exemplary releasable seal assembly generally designated by reference numeral 10 in a sealing engagement prior to activation. The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular configuration of the seal assembly or location. For example, the illustrated releasable seal assembly can be employed to provide releasable sealing engagement between a front windshield and a windshield frame. The releasable seal assemblies in this and other embodiments described herein are generally desirable for automotive applications where at least one component needs to be replaced from the vehicle for regular maintenance and/or replacement and the at least one component is desirably disposed in sealing engagement with a seal structure. The releasable seal assemblies as described herein can be re-used or recycled as may be desired to minimize costs associated with repair, replacement and/or maintenance.
  • In FIG. 1, the active material based seal assembly 10 is illustrated as sealing an interface defined by components 12, 14, e.g., a window and a window frame. At least a portion or all of the seal assembly 10 comprises the active material, which is in operative communication with a controller 16. The controller 16 selectively provides a suitable activation signal to the active material. Once the active material is activated, the seal assembly 10 is adapted to reversibly change at least one attribute, e.g., modulus, shape, and the like, so as to permit removal of one or both components 12, 14 from the seal assembly 10, i.e., a reduction in the seal forces or seal surface area against one or both components 12, 14.
  • By way of example, electroactive polymers could be used either directly as all or part of the seal assembly 10 or alternatively, as an intermediate layer between the vehicle surface and an adhesive that is used to bond/attach the part in question. Applying voltage to the electroactive polymer can cause compression of the EAP in a direction parallel to the applied field and expansion of the EAP in the plane perpendicular to the applied field. Preferably, the electroactive polymer would be incorporated into the seal assembly so that the directions of compression and expansion would be properly aligned to distort the seal assembly geometry so as to assist in freeing the part.
  • As another example, shape memory alloys can be embedded within the seal assembly itself or connected externally (in communication with) its external surface. Heating the SMA through either resistive, conductive, and/or convective heating would cause it to return to a memorized shape, the shape memory alloy being aligned so that this return action would distort the seal/gasket geometry in a manner that would assist in release of the part.
  • Likewise, shape memory polymers could be used either directly as all or part of the seal assembly or as an intermediate layer between the vehicle surface and an adhesive that is used to bond/attach the part in question. As will be described in greater detail below, shape memory polymers can have their shape set by first heating them above the glass transition temperature of the lower temperature phase, then applying an external force to deform the shape memory polymer to a desired shape while in this high temperature soft phase, and then cooling the shape memory polymer to a temperature below that of the glass transition temperature of the lower temperature phase while still under the external force which force can then be removed after cooling is complete with the SMP keeping the deformed shape. The original shape can be reset by reheating the SMP while unloaded (with external forces removed) above the glass transition temperature of the lower temperature phase.
  • By way of example, the shape memory polymer can be configured to have a memorized high temperature shape such as a flat strip that would be consistent with easy removal of the part. The shape memory polymer would then be held against the part and heated so as to deform the seal into a channel shape, suitable for retention of the part. This “good hold” shape would then be set in the shape memory polymer by lowering the temperature while maintaining the shape. The part with shape memory polymer retainer could then be mounted using for example an adhesive bond between the SMP and the vehicle. Simple heating of the SMP channel would revert it to its memorized flat shape that would ease part removal, for example.
  • It should be understood that the following embodiments of active material based seal assemblies would include the controller 16 for selectively providing a suitable activation signal to the active material unless otherwise noted.
  • In another embodiment as shown in FIG. 2, an active material based seal assembly 20 includes one or more flange portions 22 that extend from a seal body 24. The flange portion 20 is in sealing contact with surfaces of the component 12, 14 and is formed of the active material. Upon activation, as shown more clearly in FIG. 2, the modulus properties and/or the shape of the flange changes to provide a decrease in the sealing forces exerted by the seal assembly and/or surface area of the seal assembly against the components 12, 14. In this embodiment, the shape can change and cause the seal assembly to retract away from the components 12, 14 to permit removal of one or both components 12, 14. Although the flange portion 20 may be in the removal path of the desired component to be removed, the change in modulus properties and/or shape permits removal or installation to easily occur. Optionally, the entire seal assembly 20 is formed of the active material. In this embodiment, the seal body undergoes a change in modulus and/or shape change to provide similar advantages described above.
  • Although reference has been made to the seal assemblies 10, 20 as shown, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the specific shape of the seal assembly is not limited. Various seal assembly configurations are contemplated, the shape of which will generally be dependent on the intended application. Preferably, the seal assembly shape is selected to conform substantially to the passive seal structure in which it is intended to replace.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates another exemplary active material based seal assembly 30. The seal assembly includes a seal body 32 and one or more active 34 materials embedded with the seal body 32. For example, wires or strips of a shape memory alloy are embedded with the seal body such that activation of the shape memory alloy causes the shape or modulus change in the seal body. The seal body 32 can be solid or may include a wall structure defining an interior region, as may be desired for some applications.
  • In yet another embodiment as shown in FIG. 4, the active material based seal assembly 40 includes a seal body 42 defining an interior region 44. Disposed within the interior region is an active material fluid 46. Activation of the active material changes the shape or modulus properties. For example, an electroactive polymer gel may be disposed within the interior region. Activation of the electroactive polymer gel causes seal body to expand.
  • Consider next embodiments involving changing the stiffness of the seal structure to assist in part release. Specifically, consider the use of active materials that become more flexible/exhibit reduced modulus when subjected to an applied field, as all or part of the seal structure or as an intermediate layer between the vehicle surface and an adhesive that is used to bond/attach the component. Such use would dramatically reduce the forces and thus mechanical effort required for component removal. Suitable active materials include (but are not limited to) SMP's and MR polymers. In the case of SMP's, the modulus drops significantly (for example by a factor of 30 for polyurethane based SMP's) when heated above the glass transition temperature of their low temperature component. Such a drop in modulus would cause the seal structure to essentially become limp dramatically easing component removal. Similarly, but to a lesser degree, applying a neutralizing field to an MR rubber that contains embedded magnetic particles would reduce the stiffness of the MR rubber in this manner easing part removal.
  • It is further contemplated that in addition to field activated morphing, softening, or loss of integrity being individually used to ease component release as described above, that various combinations involving two or more of these field activated attribute changes can be simultaneously co-employed.
  • As described above, the present disclosure is generally categorized as using the active material based seal assemblies to replace and/or augment passive seal structures using embedded or integrated active material components. In alternatives, the active material may be partially embedded or completely embedded within the non-active material. In another embodiment, the active material is substantially embedded with the non-active material, which may be completely encased with active or non-active material. The active material or non-active material can be a thin covering.
  • Shape memory polymers (SMPs) generally refer to a group of polymeric materials that demonstrate the ability to return to some previously defined shape when subjected to an appropriate thermal stimulus as long as they are under negligible load while the thermal stimulus is operative. The shape memory polymer may be in the form of a solid or a foam as may be desired for some embodiments. Shape memory polymers are capable of undergoing phase transitions in which their shape orientation is altered as a function of temperature. Generally, SMPs are co-polymers comprised of at least two different units which may be described as defining different segments within the copolymer, each segment contributing differently to the flexural modulus properties and thermal transition temperatures of the material. The term “segment” refers to a block, graft, or sequence of the same or similar monomer or oligomer units that are copolymerized with a different segment to form a continuous crosslinked interpenetrating network of these segments. These segments may be combination of crystalline or amorphous materials and therefore may be generally classified as a hard segment(s) or a soft segment(s), wherein the hard segment generally has a higher glass transition temperature (Tg) or melting point than the soft segment. Each segment then contributes to the overall flexural modulus properties of the SMP and the thermal transitions thereof. When multiple segments are used, multiple thermal transition temperatures may be observed, wherein the thermal transition temperatures of the copolymer may be approximated as weighted averages of the thermal transition temperatures of its comprising segments. With regard to shape memory polymer foams, the structure may be open celled or close celled as desired.
  • In practice, the SMPs are alternated between one of at least two shape orientations such that at least one orientation will provide a size/dimension change relative to the other orientation(s) when an appropriate thermal signal is provided. To set a permanent shape, the shape memory polymer must be at about or above its melting point or highest transition temperature (also termed “last” transition temperature). SMP foams are shaped at this temperature by blow molding or shaped with an applied force followed by cooling to set the permanent shape. The temperature necessary to set the permanent shape is generally between about 40° C. to about 200° C. After experiencing an alteration in shape, the permanent shape is regained when the applied force is removed, and the SMP is again brought to or above the highest or last transition temperature of the SMP. The Tg of the SMP can be chosen for a particular application by modifying the structure and composition of the polymer.
  • The temperature needed for permanent shape recovery can generally be set at any temperature between about −63° C. and about 160° C. or above. Engineering the composition and structure of the polymer itself can allow for the choice of a particular temperature for a desired application. A preferred temperature for shape recovery is greater than or equal to about −30° C., more preferably greater than or equal to about 40° C., and most preferably a temperature greater than or equal to about 100° C. Also, a preferred temperature for shape recovery is less than or equal to about 250° C., more preferably less than or equal to about 200° C., and most preferably less than or equal to about 180° C.
  • Suitable shape memory polymers can be thermoplastics, interpenetrating networks, semi-interpenetrating networks, or mixed networks. The polymers can be a single polymer or a blend of polymers. The polymers can be linear or branched thermoplastic elastomers with side chains or dendritic structural elements. Suitable polymer components to form a shape memory polymer include, but are not limited to, polyphosphazenes, poly(vinyl alcohols), polyamides, polyester amides, poly(amino acids), polyanhydrides, polycarbonates, polyacrylates, polyalkylenes, polyacrylamides, polyalkylene glycols, polyalkylene oxides, polyalkylene terephthalates, polyortho esters, polyvinyl ethers, polyvinyl esters, polyvinyl halides, polyesters, polylactides, polyglycolides, polysiloxanes, polyurethanes, polyethers, polyether amides, polyether esters, and copolymers thereof. Examples of suitable polyacrylates include poly(methyl methaciylate), poly(ethyl methacrylate), poly(butyl methacrylate), poly(isobutyl methacrylate), poly(hexyl methacrylate), poly(isodecyl methacrylate), poly(lauryl methacrylate), poly(phenyl methacrylate), poly(methyl acrylate), poly(isopropyl acrylate), poly(isobutyl acrylate) and poly(octadecylacrylate). Examples of other suitable polymers include polystyrene, polypropylene, polyvinyl phenol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, chlorinated polybutylene, poly(octadecyl vinyl ether), ethylene vinyl acetate, polyethylene, poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(ethylene terephthalate), polyethylene/nylon (graft copolymer), polycaprolactones-polyamide (block copolymer), poly(caprolactone) diniethacrylate-n-butyl acrylate, poly(norbornyl-polyhedral oligomeric silsequioxane), polyvinylchloride, urethane/butadiene copolymers, polyurethane block copolymers, styrene-butadienestyrene block copolymers, and the like.
  • Conducting polymerization of different monomer segments with a blowing agent can be used to form the shape memory polymer foam. The blowing agent can be of the decomposition type (evolves a gas upon chemical decomposition) or an evaporation type (which vaporizes without chemical reaction). Exemplary blowing agents of the decomposition type include, but are not intended to be limited to, sodium bicarbonate, azide compounds, ammonium carbonate, ammonium nitrite, light metals which evolve hydrogen upon reaction with water, azodicarbonamide, N,N′dinitrosopentamethylenetetramine, and the like. Exemplary blowing agents of the evaporation type include, but are not intended to be limited to, trichloromonofluoromethane, trichlorotrifluoroethane, methylene chloride, compressed nitrogen gas, and the like. The material can then be reverted to the permanent shape by heating the material above its Tg but below the highest thermal transition temperature or melting point. Thus, by combining multiple soft segments it is possible to demonstrate multiple temporary shapes and with multiple hard segments it may be possible to demonstrate multiple permanent shapes.
  • As previously discussed, other suitable shape memory materials for fabricating the seal assembly also include shape memory alloy compositions. Similar to shape memory polymers, shape memory alloys exist in several different temperature-dependent phases. The most commonly utilized of these phases are the so-called martensite and austenite phases. In the following discussion, the martensite phase generally refers to the more deformable, lower temperature phase whereas the austenite phase generally refers to the more rigid, higher temperature phase. When the shape memory alloy is in the martensite phase and is heated, it begins to change into the austenite phase. The temperature at which this phenomenon starts is often referred to as austenite start temperature (As). The temperature at which this phenomenon is complete is called the austenite finish temperature (Af). When the shape memory alloy is in the austenite phase and is cooled, it begins to change into the martensite phase, and the temperature at which this phenomenon starts is referred to as the martensite start temperature (Ms). The temperature at which austenite finishes transforming to martensite is called the martensite finish temperature (Mf). Generally, the shape memory alloys are softer and more easily deformable in their martensitic phase and are harder, stiffer, and/or more rigid in the austenitic phase. In view of the foregoing properties, expansion of the shape memory alloy is preferably at or below the austenite transition temperature (at or below As). Subsequent heating above the austenite transition temperature causes the expanded shape memory to revert back to its permanent shape. Thus, a suitable activation signal for use with shape memory alloys is a thermal activation signal having a magnitude to cause transformations between the martensite and austenite phases.
  • The temperature at which the shape memory alloy remembers its high temperature form when heated can be adjusted by slight changes in the composition of the alloy and through heat treatment. In nickel-titanium shape memory alloys, for instance, it can be changed from above about 100° C. to below about −100° C. The shape recovery process occurs over a range of several degrees and the start or finish of the transformation can be controlled to within a few degrees depending on the desired application and alloy composition. The mechanical properties of the shape memory alloy vary greatly over the temperature range spanning their transformation, typically providing shape memory effects, superelastic effects, and high damping capacity.
  • Suitable shape memory alloy materials include, but are not intended to be limited to, nickel-titanium based alloys, indium-titanium based alloys, nickel-aluminum based alloys, nickel-gallium based alloys, copper based alloys (e.g., copper-zinc alloys, copper-aluminum alloys, copper-gold, and copper-tin alloys), gold-cadmium based alloys, silver-cadmium based alloys, indium-cadmium based alloys, manganese-copper based alloys, iron-platinum based alloys, iron-palladium based alloys, and the like. The alloys can be binary, ternary, or any higher order so long as the alloy composition exhibits a shape memory effect, e.g., change in shape orientation, changes in yield strength, and/or flexural modulus properties, damping capacity, superelasticity, and the like. A preferred shape memory alloy is a nickel-titanium based alloy commercially available under the trademark FLEXINOL from Dynalloy, Inc. Selection of a suitable shape memory alloy composition depends on the temperature range where the component will operate.
  • Suitable magnetic materials include, but are not intended to be limited to, soft or hard magnets; hematite; magnetite; magnetic material based on iron, nickel, and cobalt, alloys of the foregoing, or combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing, and the like. Alloys of iron, nickel and/or cobalt, can comprise aluminum, silicon, cobalt, nickel, vanadium, molybdenum, chromium, tungsten, manganese and/or copper.
  • Polymer means a macromolecular compound prepared by polymerizing monomers of the same or different type. Polymer includes homopolymers, copolymers, terpolymers, interpolymers and the like. Monomer or comonomer refers to any compound with a polymerizable moiety which is added to a reactor in order to produce a polymer. The term “interpolymer” means a polymer prepared by the polymerization of at least two types of monomers or comonomers. It includes, but is not limited to copolymers, polymers prepared from two different types of monomers or commoners, used interchangeably with interpolymers. Ionic polymer metal composite means one or more polymer containing a ionic metal composite.
  • Suitable magnetorheological fluid materials include, but are not intended to be limited to, ferromagnetic or paramagnetic particles dispersed in a carrier fluid. Suitable particles include iron; iron alloys, such as those including aluminum, silicon, cobalt, nickel, vanadium, molybdenum, chromium, tungsten, manganese and/or copper; iron oxides, including Fe2O3 and Fe3O4; iron nitride; iron carbide; carbonyl iron; nickel and alloys of nickel; cobalt and alloys of cobalt; chromium dioxide; stainless steel; silicon steel; and the like. Examples of suitable particles include straight iron powders, reduced iron powders, iron oxide powder/straight iron powder mixtures and iron oxide powder/reduced iron powder mixtures. A preferred magnetic-responsive particulate is carbonyl iron, more preferably, reduced carbonyl iron.
  • The particle size should be selected so that the particles exhibit multi-domain characteristics when subjected to a magnetic field. Diameter sizes for the particles can be less than or equal to about 1,000 micrometers, with less than or equal to about 500 micrometers preferred, and less than or equal to about 100 micrometers more preferred. Also preferred is a particle diameter of greater than or equal to about 0.1 micrometer, with greater than or equal to about 0.5 more preferred, and greater than or equal to about 10 micrometers especially preferred. The particles are preferably present in an amount between about 5.0 to about 50 percent by volume of the total MR fluid composition.
  • Suitable carrier fluids include organic liquids, especially non-polar organic liquids. Examples include, but are not limited to, silicone oils; mineral oils; paraffin oils; silicone copolymers; white oils; hydraulic oils; transformer oils; halogenated organic liquids, such as chlorinated hydrocarbons, halogenated paraffins, perfluorinated polyethers and fluorinated hydrocarbons; diesters; polyoxyalkylenes; fluorinated silicones; cyanoalkyl siloxanes; glycols; synthetic hydrocarbon oils, including both unsaturated and saturated; and combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing fluids.
  • The viscosity of the carrier component can be less than or equal to about 100,000 centipoise, with less than or equal to about 10,000 centipoise preferred, and less than or equal to about 1,000 centipoise more preferred. Also preferred is a viscosity of greater than or equal to about 1 centipoise, with greater than or equal to about 250 centipoise preferred, and greater than or equal to about 500 centipoise especially preferred.
  • Aqueous carrier fluids may also be used, especially those comprising hydrophilic mineral clays such as bentonite or hectorite. The aqueous carrier fluid may comprise water or water comprising a small amount of polar, water-miscible organic solvents such as methanol, ethanol, propanol, dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethyl formamide, ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, acetone, tetrahydrofuran, diethyl ether, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and the like. The amount of polar organic solvents is less than or equal to about 5.0% by volume of the total MR fluid, and preferably less than or equal to about 3.0%. Also, the amount of polar organic solvents is preferably greater than or equal to about 0.1%, and more preferably greater than or equal to about 1.0% by volume of the total MR fluid. The pH of the aqueous carrier fluid is preferably less than or equal to about 13, and preferably less than or equal to about 9.0. Also, the pH of the aqueous carrier fluid is greater than or equal to about 5.0, and preferably greater than or equal to about 8.0.
  • Natural or synthetic bentonite or hectorite may be used. The amount of bentonite or hectorite in the MR fluid is less than or equal to about 10 percent by weight of the total MR fluid, preferably less than or equal to about 8.0 percent by weight, and more preferably less than or equal to about 6.0 percent by weight. Preferably, the bentonite or hectorite is present in greater than or equal to about 0.1 percent by weight, more preferably greater than or equal to about 1.0 percent by weight, and especially preferred greater than or equal to about 2.0 percent by weight of the total MR fluid.
  • Optional components in the MR fluid include clays, organoclays, carboxylate soaps, dispersants, corrosion inhibitors, lubricants, extreme pressure anti-wear additives, antioxidants, thixotropic agents and conventional suspension agents. Carboxylate soaps include ferrous oleate, ferrous naphthenate, ferrous stearate, aluminum di- and tri-stearate, lithium stearate, calcium stearate, zinc stearate and sodium stearate, and surfactants such as sulfonates, phosphate esters; stearic acid, glycerol monooleate, sorbitan sesquioleate, laurates, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, fluoroaliphatic polymeric esters, and titanate, aluminate and zirconate coupling agents and the like. Polyalkylene diols, such as polyethylene glycol, and partially esterified polyols can also be included.
  • Suitable MR elastomer materials include, but are not intended to be limited to, an elastic polymer matrix comprising a suspension of ferromagnetic or paramagnetic particles, wherein the particles are described above. Suitable polymer matrices include, but are not limited to, poly-alpha-olefins, natural rubber, silicone, polybutadiene, polyethylene, polyisoprene, and the like
  • Electroactive polymers include those polymeric materials that exhibit piezoelectric, pyroelectric, or electrostrictive properties in response to electrical or mechanical fields. An example of an electrostrictive-grafted elastomer with a piezoelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoro-ethylene) copolymer. This combination has the ability to produce a varied amount of ferroelectric-electrostrictive molecular composite systems. These may be operated as a piezoelectric sensor or even an electrostrictive actuator.
  • Materials suitable for use as an electroactive polymer may include any substantially insulating polymer or rubber (or combination thereof) that deforms in response to an electrostatic force or whose deformation results in a change in electric field. Exemplary materials suitable for use as a pre-strained polymer include silicone elastomers, acrylic elastomers, polyurethanes, thermoplastic elastomers, copolymers comprising PVDF, pressure-sensitive adhesives, fluoroelastomers, polymers comprising silicone and acrylic moieties, and the like. Polymers comprising silicone and acrylic moieties may include copolymers comprising silicone and acrylic moieties, polymer blends comprising a silicone elastomer and an acrylic elastomer, for example.
  • Materials used as an electroactive polymer may be selected based on one or more material properties such as a high electrical breakdown strength, a low modulus of elasticity—(for large or small deformations), a high dielectric constant, and the like. In one embodiment, the polymer is selected such that is has an elastic modulus at most about 100 MPa. In another embodiment, the polymer is selected such that is has a maximum actuation pressure between about 0.05 MPa and about 10 MPa, and preferably between about 0.3 MPa and about 3 MPa. In another embodiment, the polymer is selected such that is has a dielectric constant between about 2 and about 20, and preferably between about 2.5 and about 12. The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to these ranges. Ideally, materials with a higher dielectric constant than the ranges given above would be desirable if the materials had both a high dielectric constant and a high dielectric strength. In many cases, electroactive polymers may be fabricated and implemented as thin films. Thicknesses suitable for these thin films may be below 50 micrometers.
  • As electroactive polymers may deflect at high strains, electrodes attached to the polymers should also deflect without compromising mechanical or electrical performance. Generally, electrodes suitable for use may be of any shape and material provided that they are able to supply a suitable voltage to, or receive a suitable voltage from, an electroactive polymer. The voltage may be either constant or varying over time. In one embodiment, the electrodes adhere to a surface of the polymer. Electrodes adhering to the polymer are preferably compliant and conform to the changing shape of the polymer. Correspondingly, the present disclosure may include compliant electrodes that conform to the shape of an electroactive polymer to which they are attached. The electrodes may be only applied to a portion of an electroactive polymer and define an active area according to their geometry. Various types of electrodes suitable for use with the present disclosure include structured electrodes comprising metal traces and charge distribution layers, textured electrodes comprising varying out of plane dimensions, conductive greases such as carbon greases or silver greases, colloidal suspensions, high aspect ratio conductive materials such as carbon fibrils and carbon nanotubes, and mixtures of ionically conductive materials.
  • Materials used for electrodes of the present disclosure may vary. Suitable materials used in an electrode may include graphite, carbon black, colloidal suspensions, thin metals including silver and gold, silver filled and carbon filled gels and polymers, and ionically or electronically conductive polymers. It is understood that certain electrode materials may work well with particular polymers and may not work as well for others. By way of example, carbon fibrils work well with acrylic elastomer polymers while not as well with silicone polymers.
  • By way of example, a weatherstrip formed of SMP can be used for a window and a window frame in a sliding door. These windows tend to get damaged upon normal wear and tear. For example, windows are held in place with the weatherstrip formed of SMP in the window frame. The seal is thermally activated to change at least one attribute in the SMP which reduces the forces resulting from the engagement. Thus, the seal is now released and/or separated between the window and window frame.
  • In another example, a weatherstrip formed of magnetorheological polymers (MR) rubber contains embedded magnetic particles that would enhance the sealing on a mounting surface such as windshield to window frame. Application of a neutralizing field to the active material reduces the stiffness of the MR rubber. The change in modulus causes the MR rubber to become more flexible which reduces the forces associated with the engagement. This flexural modulus change allows ease of removal for part replacement.
  • In another example, a releasable seal assembly based on SMA springs can be employed in a windshield and window frame. For example, several releasable seal assemblies are placed along the perimeter of the windshield. Inside the releasable seal assembly, the SMA springs are at a slanted configuration to allow compressibility of the seal. This creates the forces to engage the seal. Upon thermal activation, the SMA springs will contract, pulling away from the opposing surface, which reduces the forces in the plane of engagement. Thus, the seal between the windshield and the window frame is released allowing the windshield for part removal and part replacement.
  • Other examples include the releasable seal assembly formed of SMA embedded within the seal assembly. The seal assembly is employed to seal and release the window from the window frame of a door in a recreational vehicle. It is desirable to remove the window to allow circulation of air and then re-use the seal for the window. For example, the SMA releasable seal is aligned along the perimeter of the window and frame. Using resistive, conductive, or convective heat would cause the SMA embedded within the seal assembly to distort the seal geometry in such a manner to release the forces from the engagement. As a result, the forces associated with the seal are reduced which releases the seal. Upon deactivation, the SMA releasable seal forms a seal between the window and frame.
  • In another example, the releasable seal assembly formed of SMP appendages can be employed in a channel such as a windshield. For example, the SMP would have a memorized high temperature shape such as a flat strip orientation, which would help with ease of removal of the windshield. The SMP would be held against the channel cavity and heated and deformed into an appendage shape that would be adapted to fit the channel cavity. This particular channel shape and appendage shape such as a knob shape would provide good retention of the windshield to the window frame. This knob shape, which is a “good hold” shape would be set in the SMP by lowering its temperature while held in this shape. The part with the SMP knob shape could be mounted using adhesive bond between the SMP and the window frame. Thermal activation of the SMP would revert it to its memorized flat shape, which would reduce the retention and the forces from the engagement. Thus, the seal would be released and/or separated helping with part removal and part replacement.
  • The various examples provided herein are merely exemplary and are not intended to be limiting. Other examples may include releasable seal assemblies used to seal and release parts that may be desirable for the appearance or functionality of a vehicle. For example, seals can be formed and released between fender flares and vehicles, fender skirts and vehicles, and mudguards and vehicles.
  • While the disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (16)

1. A releasable seal assembly for selectively removing a component from an other component, wherein the component and the other component are in sealing engagement with the releasable seal assembly, the releasable seal assembly comprising:
a seal structure comprising an active material, wherein the active material is effective to undergo a change in at least one attribute in response to an activation signal, wherein the change in the at least one attribute changes a shape and/or modulus property of the seal structure;
an activation device adapted to provide the activation signal in operative communication with the active material; and
a controller in operative communication with the activation device.
2. The releasable seal assembly of claim 1, wherein the active material comprises a shape memory alloy, a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy, a shape memory polymer, a piezoelectric material, a chemically active polymer, an electroactive polymer, a magnetorheological fluid or elastomers, an electrorheological fluids, composites of one or more of the foregoing materials with non-active materials, and combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing materials.
3. The releasable seal assembly of claim 1, wherein the change in the at least attribute is reversible.
4. The releasable seal assembly of claim 1, wherein the active material is an actuator externally disposed relative to and in operative communication with the seal structure.
5. The releasable seal assembly of claim 1, wherein the active material defines a recess, a cavity, a groove, or a channel of the seal structure.
6. The releasable seal assembly of claim 1, wherein the seal structure forms a weatherstrip, a seal, a gasket, or a lace strip between the component and the other component.
7. The releasable seal assembly of claim 1, wherein the component and the other component comprise a windshield and a windshield frame, fixed-in-place glazing and its frame, a trunk door and a trunk door frame, a removable hard top and a vehicle body, a sunroof and a sunroof frame, a tail gate and a tail gate frame, a lift gate and a lift gate frame, a light fixture and a light fixture frame.
8. The releasable seal assembly of claim 1, wherein the seal structure defines an interior region filled with a fluid of the active material.
9. The releasable seal assembly of claim 8, wherein the active material fluid comprises a magnetorheological fluid or an electrorheological fluid.
10. The releasable seal assembly of claim 8, wherein the activation signal comprises an electrical signal, a magnetic signal, a loading or applied stress, a thermal signal, or combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing activation signals.
11. The releasable seal assembly of claim 1, further comprising a spring in biased communication with the seal structure to restore the seal structure in the absence of the activation signal.
12. A method for selectively removing a component from an other component, wherein the component and the other component are in sealing engagement with a releasable seal assembly, the method comprising:
activating the releasable seal assembly, wherein the releasable seal assembly comprises an active material in operative communication with a seal structure, wherein activating the releasable seal assembly comprises providing an activation signal to the active material to effect a change in at least one attribute in response to the activation signal, wherein the change in the at least one attribute changes a modulus property and/or shape of the seal structure; and
removing the component from the other component.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the active material comprises a shape memory alloy, a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy, a shape memory polymer, a piezoelectric material, a chemically active polymer, an electroactive polymer, a magnetorheological fluid or elastomers, an electrorheological fluid, composites of one or more of the foregoing materials with non-active materials, and combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing materials.
14. The method of claim 12, further comprising discontinuing the activation signal and restoring the releasable seal assembly to its original properties.
15. The method of claim 12, wherein the component and the other component comprise a windshield and a windshield frame, a fixed-in-place glazing and its frame, a trunk door and a trunk door frame, a removable hard top and a vehicle body, a sunroof and a sunroof frame, a tail gate and a tail gate frame, a lift gate and a lift gate frame, a light fixture and a light fixture frame.
16. The method of claim 12, wherein the activation signal comprises an electrical signal, a magnetic signal, a loading or applied stress, a thermal signal, or combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing activation signals.
US11/074,582 2004-03-12 2005-03-08 Releasable seal assemblies and methods of use Abandoned US20050230925A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/074,582 US20050230925A1 (en) 2004-03-12 2005-03-08 Releasable seal assemblies and methods of use

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US55278104P 2004-03-12 2004-03-12
US11/074,582 US20050230925A1 (en) 2004-03-12 2005-03-08 Releasable seal assemblies and methods of use

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20050230925A1 true US20050230925A1 (en) 2005-10-20

Family

ID=34994186

Family Applications (9)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/063,652 Abandoned US20050198904A1 (en) 2004-03-12 2005-02-23 Active seal assemblies for movable windows
US11/074,578 Abandoned US20050212304A1 (en) 2004-03-12 2005-03-08 Active seal assisted latching assemblies
US11/074,575 Active 2025-06-03 US7258347B2 (en) 2004-03-12 2005-03-08 Discrete active seal assemblies
US11/074,582 Abandoned US20050230925A1 (en) 2004-03-12 2005-03-08 Releasable seal assemblies and methods of use
US11/076,434 Expired - Fee Related US8109042B2 (en) 2004-03-12 2005-03-09 Methods for varying seal force in active seal assemblies for doors
US11/077,498 Expired - Fee Related US7815232B2 (en) 2004-03-12 2005-03-09 Door closure assist assemblies
US11/077,493 Active 2029-07-09 US8240677B2 (en) 2004-03-12 2005-03-09 Active material based seal assemblies
US11/769,905 Active 2025-07-21 US7845648B2 (en) 2004-03-12 2007-06-28 Discrete active seal assemblies
US11/972,560 Expired - Fee Related US7815233B2 (en) 2004-03-12 2008-01-10 Door closure assist assemblies

Family Applications Before (3)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/063,652 Abandoned US20050198904A1 (en) 2004-03-12 2005-02-23 Active seal assemblies for movable windows
US11/074,578 Abandoned US20050212304A1 (en) 2004-03-12 2005-03-08 Active seal assisted latching assemblies
US11/074,575 Active 2025-06-03 US7258347B2 (en) 2004-03-12 2005-03-08 Discrete active seal assemblies

Family Applications After (5)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/076,434 Expired - Fee Related US8109042B2 (en) 2004-03-12 2005-03-09 Methods for varying seal force in active seal assemblies for doors
US11/077,498 Expired - Fee Related US7815232B2 (en) 2004-03-12 2005-03-09 Door closure assist assemblies
US11/077,493 Active 2029-07-09 US8240677B2 (en) 2004-03-12 2005-03-09 Active material based seal assemblies
US11/769,905 Active 2025-07-21 US7845648B2 (en) 2004-03-12 2007-06-28 Discrete active seal assemblies
US11/972,560 Expired - Fee Related US7815233B2 (en) 2004-03-12 2008-01-10 Door closure assist assemblies

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (9) US20050198904A1 (en)
DE (2) DE112005000573B4 (en)
WO (2) WO2005089186A2 (en)

Cited By (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20050198774A1 (en) * 2004-03-12 2005-09-15 Henry Christopher P. Door closure assist assemblies
US20050252091A1 (en) * 2004-05-13 2005-11-17 Ku Ja K Device for and method of preventing noise from door window glass for vehicles
DE102006012520A1 (en) * 2006-03-18 2007-09-20 Sg Technologies Gmbh Extruded sealing strip
US20080236720A1 (en) * 2007-03-27 2008-10-02 Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. Joining polymer workpieces to other components
US20090230723A1 (en) * 2008-03-12 2009-09-17 Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. Vehicle closure assembly with shape memory polymer seal
US20100011666A1 (en) * 2008-07-15 2010-01-21 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. Seal For Sliding Glass Window
US20100057009A1 (en) * 2008-09-03 2010-03-04 Cook Incorporated Introducer for use in inserting a medical device into a body vessel and method for same
US20100052260A1 (en) * 2007-03-07 2010-03-04 Siemens Aktiengesellscahft Device and method for producing a seal
US20120037588A1 (en) * 2010-08-13 2012-02-16 Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd. Piezoelectric sealing cap and assembly including the same
US20120241648A1 (en) * 2011-03-24 2012-09-27 Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc. Heat lip seal for cryogenic processing
US20120258318A1 (en) * 2009-12-29 2012-10-11 Rescoll Assembly of two substrates bonded by a flexible polymer, and methods for assembly and dismantling by means of migration of said bonded assembly
US20140361499A1 (en) * 2013-06-11 2014-12-11 General Electric Company Shape memory alloy intersegment seals
US20160115759A1 (en) * 2013-06-06 2016-04-28 Halliburton Energgy Services, Inc. Changeable Well Seal Tool
WO2018198106A1 (en) * 2017-04-23 2018-11-01 Plasan Re'em Ltd. Method and system for removing a windshield from an armored vehicle
US10597917B2 (en) 2017-10-09 2020-03-24 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Stretchable adjustable-stiffness assemblies
US20220013838A1 (en) * 2020-07-08 2022-01-13 Reinz-Dichtungs-Gmbh Foldable gasket with continuous sealing contour

Families Citing this family (186)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7280016B2 (en) * 2003-02-27 2007-10-09 University Of Washington Design of membrane actuator based on ferromagnetic shape memory alloy composite for synthetic jet actuator
US8072302B2 (en) * 2003-02-27 2011-12-06 University Of Washington Through Its Center For Commercialization Inchworm actuator based on shape memory alloy composite diaphragm
US6979050B2 (en) * 2003-12-04 2005-12-27 General Motors Corporation Airflow control devices based on active materials
US7059664B2 (en) * 2003-12-04 2006-06-13 General Motors Corporation Airflow control devices based on active materials
US7252313B2 (en) * 2004-03-12 2007-08-07 Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. On demand morphable automotive body moldings and surfaces
US8261892B2 (en) * 2004-03-12 2012-09-11 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Customizable strut assemblies and articles that employ the same
US7854467B2 (en) * 2004-11-05 2010-12-21 General Motors Corporation Airflow control devices based on active materials
WO2006055618A2 (en) * 2004-11-17 2006-05-26 Alfmeier Prazision Ag Baugruppen And Systemlosungen Shape-memory alloy actuator and latches including same
US7484735B2 (en) * 2004-12-09 2009-02-03 General Motors Corporation Reversible thermally expandable and/or contractible seal assemblies
US20060163818A1 (en) * 2005-01-24 2006-07-27 Breen Bryan S Shaft seal with memory metal retainer spring
US20080290693A1 (en) * 2005-03-09 2008-11-27 Tobias Melz Device for Protecting Passengers in a Motor Vehicle in the Event of Energy Input Caused by a Collision and Oriented at the Motor Vehicle Door
DE102005021587A1 (en) * 2005-05-10 2006-11-16 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Refrigeration appliance and operating method for it
DE102005021592A1 (en) * 2005-05-10 2006-11-16 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Refrigeration device with door opening help
DE102005031172A1 (en) * 2005-07-04 2007-01-11 Metzeler Automotive Profile Systems Gmbh Door seal for cars has lower section which clips on to bodywork and upper, tubular section which is made from flexible material and has chamber filled with liquid or gas which can escape via bore into second chamber as section is compressed
JP2009502584A (en) * 2005-08-01 2009-01-29 ストゥラ エンソ アクチボラグ Laminated structure
EP1912872A1 (en) * 2005-08-01 2008-04-23 Stora Enso Ab A package
US7444813B1 (en) * 2005-08-19 2008-11-04 Hrl Laboratories; Llc Volume-conversion techniques for active-materials-based morphing structures
US20070114791A1 (en) * 2005-09-19 2007-05-24 Honeywell International, Inc. Lightweight firewall protection
US7469538B2 (en) 2005-10-28 2008-12-30 Searete Llc Self assembling/quick assembly structure using shape memory alloy materials
US20070119218A1 (en) * 2005-10-28 2007-05-31 Searete Llc Adaptive engaging assembly
US8104793B2 (en) * 2006-02-03 2012-01-31 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Pyrotechnic triggering of thermally activated shape memory materials for selectively changing a structural and/or mechanical property of a vehicle member
CA2640455A1 (en) * 2006-02-07 2007-08-16 Stora Enso Ab Laminate structure and method of producing the same
DE102006010828B3 (en) * 2006-03-07 2007-05-03 Tyco Electronics Amp Gmbh Electric switching element, especially relay, has swiveling levers-type switching mechanism
DE102006030681A1 (en) * 2006-07-04 2008-01-17 Rainer Koch Sensor arrangement for securing the load of containers
US8016549B2 (en) 2006-07-13 2011-09-13 United Technologies Corporation Turbine engine alloys and crystalline orientations
US7271346B1 (en) * 2006-10-06 2007-09-18 Mark Ettinger Window seal with electrical raceway
WO2008057903A2 (en) * 2006-11-01 2008-05-15 Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. Systems for detecting animate objects in a vehicle compartment
CA2607700A1 (en) * 2006-11-03 2008-05-03 General Electric Company Mechanical sealing system and method for rotary machines
US7993537B2 (en) * 2007-02-23 2011-08-09 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Method for improving adhesion between a shape memory alloy and a polymer
US7677639B2 (en) * 2007-02-23 2010-03-16 Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. Active material based closure hinge and alignment process
US8432057B2 (en) * 2007-05-01 2013-04-30 Pliant Energy Systems Llc Pliant or compliant elements for harnessing the forces of moving fluid to transport fluid or generate electricity
DE102007027585B4 (en) * 2007-06-12 2012-07-19 Federal-Mogul Sealing Systems Gmbh Elastic component
JP2009006848A (en) * 2007-06-28 2009-01-15 Tokai Rubber Ind Ltd Seal member
US20100253009A1 (en) * 2007-07-09 2010-10-07 Aram Corporation Gasket for Food Processing Plant, Piping Joint Structure for Food Processing Plant Using the Gasket and O-Ring for Food Processing Plant
US8068959B2 (en) * 2007-08-07 2011-11-29 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Vehicle door active and passive control device
US20090047197A1 (en) * 2007-08-16 2009-02-19 Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. Active material based bodies for varying surface texture and frictional force levels
US8550222B2 (en) * 2007-08-16 2013-10-08 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Active material based bodies for varying frictional force levels at the interface between two surfaces
US7905538B2 (en) * 2007-08-31 2011-03-15 Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. Active material based concealment devices for seams
US8282153B2 (en) * 2007-08-31 2012-10-09 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Active material based seam concealment device
WO2009059332A1 (en) * 2007-11-02 2009-05-07 University Of Washington Design of shape memory - shape memory polymer composites for reversible shape changes
US7977952B2 (en) * 2007-12-21 2011-07-12 Gary Krutz Polymeric structures and methods for producing and monitoring polymeric structures
GB0800770D0 (en) * 2008-01-17 2008-02-27 Airbus Uk Ltd Aerofynamic sealing member for aircraft
DE202008015788U1 (en) * 2008-03-14 2009-07-30 Kiekert Ag Assembly of motor vehicle door and at least one associated elastomeric door rubber seal on a motor vehicle body
DE102008017306A1 (en) 2008-04-04 2009-10-08 Schaeffler Kg Sealing device has sealing unit with electroactive adjusting element, where adjusting device is provided to change characteristic of sealing unit
CN102056759B (en) * 2008-04-10 2015-01-14 通用汽车环球科技运作公司 Active seal architectures
US8016249B2 (en) * 2008-05-14 2011-09-13 Raytheon Company Shape-changing structure member with embedded spring
US7939178B2 (en) * 2008-05-14 2011-05-10 Raytheon Company Shape-changing structure with superelastic foam material
US8382042B2 (en) * 2008-05-14 2013-02-26 Raytheon Company Structure with reconfigurable polymer material
DE102008023929B4 (en) 2008-05-16 2019-10-02 Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft motor vehicle
FR2934209B1 (en) * 2008-07-28 2010-07-30 Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa SEALING SYSTEM FOR A SLIDING GLASS OF A MOTOR VEHICLE, VEHICLE COMPRISING SUCH A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SUCH A SYSTEM
US8540297B2 (en) * 2008-09-15 2013-09-24 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Manipulating center console components utilizing active material actuation
DE102008042138A1 (en) 2008-09-16 2010-03-18 Audi Ag Sealing system for sealing opening i.e. door, of motor vehicle, has current loading coil changing magnetic field in electromagnetic co-activation with magnetizable particle during variation of current flow in coil
US8350782B2 (en) * 2008-09-29 2013-01-08 Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated Modulating thickness of colored fluid in color display
US20100148011A1 (en) * 2008-11-12 2010-06-17 Sanderson Terry M Telescoping structure and method
US8056853B2 (en) * 2008-11-25 2011-11-15 Raytheon Company Reconfigurable wing and method of use
US8387536B2 (en) 2008-12-04 2013-03-05 Raytheon Company Interceptor vehicle with extendible arms
DE102008064513A1 (en) * 2008-12-22 2010-06-24 Veritas Ag Adjustable grille arrangement
US20100154181A1 (en) * 2008-12-23 2010-06-24 Ford Global Technologies Llc Shape Memory Fastener
US7814705B2 (en) * 2008-12-23 2010-10-19 Reed Robert S Automatic storm shutter
US8326497B2 (en) * 2009-01-12 2012-12-04 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Vehicle door close/open assist and anti-slam device
DE102009007429A1 (en) * 2009-02-04 2010-08-12 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Rail vehicle with vehicle door seal
US8888136B2 (en) * 2009-02-25 2014-11-18 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Methods of preventing or reducing the effects of roof impact in automotive applications
US8922100B2 (en) * 2009-03-04 2014-12-30 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Woven active fiber composite
US8573535B2 (en) * 2009-03-27 2013-11-05 Raytheon Company Shape-change material and method
JP5083459B2 (en) * 2009-03-30 2012-11-28 富士通オプティカルコンポーネンツ株式会社 Communication module
GB0908354D0 (en) 2009-05-15 2009-06-24 Airbus Uk Ltd Blade seal
US8972032B2 (en) * 2009-06-25 2015-03-03 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Method for overload protection of SMA device
US8436571B2 (en) 2009-06-25 2013-05-07 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Actuator system including an active material
US8821224B2 (en) * 2009-06-26 2014-09-02 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Shape memory alloy active hatch vent
US8744603B2 (en) 2009-06-26 2014-06-03 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Method for position feedback based control for overload protection
FR2949499B1 (en) * 2009-08-26 2011-10-07 Sarl Baia ELECTROMAGNETIC SUCTION
US8403799B2 (en) * 2009-11-11 2013-03-26 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Axle assembly including differential lock and blocking member
KR101147394B1 (en) * 2009-12-18 2012-05-22 주식회사 오르다코리아 Parts for magnet toy
US8215684B2 (en) * 2010-01-20 2012-07-10 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Vehicle stowage assembly having electromagnetic closure
EP2368955A1 (en) 2010-03-26 2011-09-28 Sika Technology AG Shape memory material on the basis of a structural adhesive
GB2480105B (en) * 2010-05-07 2012-11-21 Einstein Ip Ltd Flood protection device
US20110283627A1 (en) * 2010-05-22 2011-11-24 Butterfly Safety Products Llc Smoke guard device and accessories
DE102010031471A1 (en) * 2010-07-16 2012-01-19 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Motor car, has body section locked by displaceable window pane, and pivoting device provided for bringing seal out of contact with displaceable additive pane before and/or during transfer movement of displaceable additive pane
GB201012595D0 (en) 2010-07-27 2010-09-08 Zephyros Inc Oriented structural adhesives
US8328268B2 (en) * 2010-10-14 2012-12-11 GM Global Technology Operations LLC System for controlling an access opening in a body of a vehicle
US8485581B2 (en) * 2010-10-14 2013-07-16 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Active material based holding fixtures
US8657361B2 (en) * 2010-11-30 2014-02-25 GM Global Technology Operations LLC System and method for actuating multiple components in a vehicle having an access opening
US8479662B2 (en) 2011-02-10 2013-07-09 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Rail vehicle having a vehicle door seal
CN103597555A (en) * 2011-03-07 2014-02-19 约翰逊控股公司 Component for a vehicle
US20120260579A1 (en) * 2011-04-15 2012-10-18 Ultrafab, Inc. Multiple Hollow Bulb Seal
DE102011051370A1 (en) * 2011-06-27 2012-12-27 Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. Friction device for transmitting e.g. rotational torques in motor car, has activation device formed as control unit to control activation signal based on measurement signal generated by measuring element and reference signal
US9027636B2 (en) 2011-07-18 2015-05-12 Dennis W. Gilstad Tunable down-hole stimulation system
US8567753B1 (en) * 2011-07-18 2013-10-29 Dennis W. Gilstad Tunable valve assembly
US8746654B2 (en) 2011-07-18 2014-06-10 Dennis W. Gilstad Tunable fluid end
US8567754B1 (en) 2011-07-18 2013-10-29 Dennis W. Gilstad Tunable valve assembly
US8905376B2 (en) 2011-07-18 2014-12-09 Dennis W. Gilstad Tunable check valve
US8708306B2 (en) 2011-08-03 2014-04-29 Barbara C. Gilstad Tunable valve assembly
US8939200B1 (en) 2011-07-18 2015-01-27 Dennis W. Gilstad Tunable hydraulic stimulator
US9080690B2 (en) 2011-07-18 2015-07-14 Dennis W. Gilstad Tunable check valve
US8720857B2 (en) 2011-07-18 2014-05-13 Dennis W. Gilstad Tunable fluid end
US8944409B2 (en) 2011-07-18 2015-02-03 Dennis W. Gilstad Tunable fluid end
US8827244B2 (en) 2011-07-18 2014-09-09 Dennis W. Gilstad Tunable fluid end
US9447617B2 (en) * 2011-07-22 2016-09-20 Overhead Door Corporation Sliding door panel hold open assembly
WO2013066439A1 (en) 2011-11-04 2013-05-10 Raytheon Company Chord-expanding air vehicle wings
US20130312330A1 (en) * 2012-05-23 2013-11-28 Faurecia Interior Systems, Inc. Sealing arrangements for doors of motor vehicles and methods of making the same
US9318883B2 (en) * 2012-06-05 2016-04-19 Siemens Industry, Inc. Sealed doors, enclosures, and methods adapted for use with electrical arc-prone components
CN102927285A (en) * 2012-11-02 2013-02-13 张家港市润禾橡塑制品有限公司 Sealing device between transverse bulkhead and vertical bulkhead in marine cargo hold
EP2733777B1 (en) * 2012-11-16 2014-12-17 Air Products And Chemicals, Inc. Seal between metal and ceramic conduits
DE102012220987A1 (en) * 2012-11-16 2014-05-22 Aktiebolaget Skf Seal arrangement for sealing oil space of machine assembly, has seal holding sealing lip at contact surface relative to seal carrier and made from electro-active polymer, and voltage source connected with seal through electric line
RU2519877C2 (en) * 2012-12-10 2014-06-20 Евгений Анатольевич Обжиров Electrostatic locking unit
US8952809B2 (en) * 2013-01-08 2015-02-10 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Methods and apparatus to perform self-protection procedures on electronic devices
DE102013007451A1 (en) * 2013-05-02 2014-11-20 Bü-Sch Armaturen GmbH Sealing ring and slide valve
US9581214B2 (en) * 2013-06-24 2017-02-28 The Regents Of The University Of California Semi-active isolators based on magnetorheological nanocomposites
DE102013213289A1 (en) * 2013-07-08 2015-01-08 Olympus Winter & Ibe Gmbh Surgical instrument
WO2015011687A1 (en) 2013-07-26 2015-01-29 Zephyros Inc Thermosetting adhesive films including a fibrous carrier
RU2542794C1 (en) * 2013-08-07 2015-02-27 Евгений Анатольевич Обжиров Electrostatic locking unit
CN104373602A (en) * 2013-08-12 2015-02-25 苏州维艾普新材料股份有限公司 Electric field controllable magnetic sealing device
DE102013217508A1 (en) * 2013-09-03 2015-03-05 Kiekert Ag Motor vehicle with clamping unit to increase the body rigidity
DE102013016301A1 (en) 2013-10-02 2015-04-02 Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft Motor vehicle lock
DE102013220584A1 (en) * 2013-10-11 2015-04-16 Robert Bosch Gmbh control valve
KR101394285B1 (en) * 2013-11-18 2014-05-14 주식회사 슈피겐코리아 Connecting device opening and shutting front cover of portable electronic device and case thereof
DE102013224751A1 (en) 2013-12-03 2015-06-03 Robert Bosch Gmbh Battery cell with auxetic components
EA201600547A1 (en) * 2014-01-22 2016-11-30 Евгений Анатольевич ОБЖИРОВ ELECTROSTATIC CASTLE
US9725154B2 (en) * 2014-05-13 2017-08-08 The Boeing Company Method and apparatus for reducing structural vibration and noise
US9454188B2 (en) * 2014-06-03 2016-09-27 Apple Inc. Electronic device structures joined using shrinking and expanding attachment structures
WO2016092475A1 (en) * 2014-12-10 2016-06-16 Okulov Paul D Micro electro-mechanical strain displacement sensor and usage monitoring system
US9169707B1 (en) 2015-01-22 2015-10-27 Dennis W. Gilstad Tunable down-hole stimulation array
DE102015001180A1 (en) * 2015-01-30 2016-08-04 Hella Kgaa Hueck & Co. Actuator for a moving part
US10170682B2 (en) * 2015-03-06 2019-01-01 The Regents Of The University Of Michigan Dielectric elastomer actuator
US9957748B2 (en) 2015-03-11 2018-05-01 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Sealing assembly
WO2016149820A1 (en) * 2015-03-23 2016-09-29 Atomic Energy Of Canada Limited / Énergie Atomique Du Canada Limitée Valve packing assembly having shape-memory member
US9481438B1 (en) * 2015-04-01 2016-11-01 Brunswick Corporation Outboard motor cowl assembly using shape memory alloy to actuate seal and/or latch
US9528311B1 (en) * 2015-04-16 2016-12-27 Exelis, Inc. Thermal release of a self-opening cover
EP3130826A1 (en) * 2015-08-14 2017-02-15 Claverham Limited Seal
US10648268B2 (en) * 2015-08-31 2020-05-12 Cameron International Corporation Annual blowout preventer with radial actuating member
DE102015217811A1 (en) * 2015-09-17 2017-03-23 Robert Bosch Gmbh Sealing device and drive machine with a sealing device
FR3042251B1 (en) * 2015-10-13 2018-03-09 L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude MAGNETIC JOINT FOR CRYOGENIC MACHINES
WO2017095926A1 (en) 2015-12-01 2017-06-08 Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Corporation Annular seals
US10502162B2 (en) * 2015-12-09 2019-12-10 Rohr, Inc. Dielectric seal device
DE102016103661A1 (en) * 2016-03-01 2017-09-07 Khs Gmbh Actuator for controlling the fluid paths of a filling unit for a beverage filling installation, filling unit for a beverage filling installation and beverage filling installation
CN105856271B (en) * 2016-06-01 2019-01-18 哈尔滨工业大学 A kind of aviation machine arm and preparation method thereof based on shape-memory polymer and dielectric elastomer
US10612658B2 (en) 2016-06-03 2020-04-07 Fmc Technologies, Inc. Shape memory alloy member for use in polymer or composite seal applications
US10274017B2 (en) * 2016-10-21 2019-04-30 General Electric Company Method and system for elastic bearing support
GB2555480A (en) * 2016-11-01 2018-05-02 Airbus Operations Ltd Actuatable aircraft component
DE102016121176A1 (en) * 2016-11-07 2018-05-09 Cqlt Saargummi Technologies S.À.R.L. Gasket, in particular on doors, flaps and / or windows of vehicle bodies
US10711452B1 (en) * 2016-12-23 2020-07-14 William Ernst Smith Actuatable modular structures
US20180215237A1 (en) * 2017-02-01 2018-08-02 GM Global Technology Operations LLC System and method for hvac outlet flow control vent using electrically responsive vanes
DE102017001314A1 (en) 2017-02-11 2017-08-17 Daimler Ag Sealing device for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle
US20180283560A1 (en) * 2017-03-30 2018-10-04 General Electric Company Blowout prevention system including blind shear ram
KR101938068B1 (en) 2017-05-15 2019-01-14 임재경 Nonflammable Gasket For Door Frame Comprising Two Parts of Different Material Property and the Manufacturing Apparatus thereof
KR101966527B1 (en) * 2017-06-28 2019-04-05 현대자동차주식회사 Weather strip for door of vehicle having variable cross-section
DE102017114712A1 (en) 2017-06-30 2019-01-03 Khs Gmbh Actuator for controlling the fluid paths of a filling unit for a beverage filling installation, filling unit for a beverage filling installation and beverage filling installation
US20190040675A1 (en) * 2017-08-04 2019-02-07 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Seal with shape memory alloy elements for actuation and heating
KR102059657B1 (en) * 2017-10-23 2019-12-26 인하대학교 산학협력단 Noise reducing window using mr elastomer
DE102017221460A1 (en) * 2017-11-29 2019-05-29 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Holding device for a motor vehicle and motor vehicle
GB2570307B (en) 2018-01-18 2021-12-08 Ford Global Tech Llc A motor vehicle door anti-rattle mechanism
US10746014B2 (en) * 2018-02-09 2020-08-18 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Method and system for monitoring a condition of an elastic element used in a downhole tool
US10609855B2 (en) 2018-06-26 2020-04-07 Cnh Industrial America Llc Magnetic marker arm retention
GB2576897A (en) * 2018-09-05 2020-03-11 Edwards Ltd Non-elastomer seals, vacuum pump systems with such seals and a method of manufacture of such seals
US11548261B2 (en) 2018-10-24 2023-01-10 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. Structure with selectively variable stiffness
US11067200B2 (en) 2018-10-24 2021-07-20 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. Self-healing microvalve
US11088635B2 (en) 2018-10-25 2021-08-10 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. Actuator with sealable edge region
US11041576B2 (en) 2018-10-25 2021-06-22 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. Actuator with static activated position
US10946535B2 (en) 2018-10-25 2021-03-16 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. Earthworm-like motion of soft bodied structure
US11081975B2 (en) 2018-10-25 2021-08-03 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. Somersaulting motion of soft bodied structure
US11498270B2 (en) 2018-11-21 2022-11-15 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. Programmable matter
US11195506B2 (en) 2018-12-03 2021-12-07 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. Sound-modulating windows
US10859101B2 (en) 2018-12-10 2020-12-08 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. Soft-bodied actuator with pinched configuration
US11066016B2 (en) 2018-12-18 2021-07-20 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. Adjusting vehicle mirrors
US10682903B1 (en) * 2018-12-18 2020-06-16 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. Active seals for vehicles
US11479308B2 (en) 2019-01-09 2022-10-25 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. Active vehicle interface for crosswind management
US11192469B2 (en) 2019-01-30 2021-12-07 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. Vehicle seat with morphing bolsters
US11285844B2 (en) 2019-01-31 2022-03-29 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. Vehicle seat with morphing portions
US11473567B2 (en) 2019-02-07 2022-10-18 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. Programmable surface
US10960793B2 (en) 2019-03-06 2021-03-30 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. Active vehicle seat with morphing portions
US11370330B2 (en) 2019-03-22 2022-06-28 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. Vehicle seat with morphing portions
US11752901B2 (en) 2019-03-28 2023-09-12 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. Vehicle seat with tilting seat portion
US10933974B2 (en) 2019-04-29 2021-03-02 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. Morphable body with shape memory material members
CN110656851B (en) * 2019-04-29 2020-09-15 浙江圣纳智能科技有限公司 Wind-proof movable door body
DE102020108469A1 (en) 2020-03-27 2021-09-30 Airbus Operations Gmbh Vehicle door assembly and vehicle with a vehicle door assembly
EP3919714B1 (en) * 2020-06-04 2023-05-17 Athmer OHG Seal with an automatically movable sealing strip and with a measuring device for detecting deformations resulting from tension and compression
CN111706195A (en) * 2020-06-28 2020-09-25 沈小迪 Pneumatic auxiliary rebound magnetic suspension self-protection film-covering ground suction device
US11674599B2 (en) * 2020-07-15 2023-06-13 The Boeing Company Seal assembly including shape memory stiffening members
US11598419B2 (en) 2020-07-15 2023-03-07 The Boeing Company Seal assembly with actuation members constructed of shape memory material
US11592112B2 (en) 2020-07-15 2023-02-28 The Boeing Company Labyrinth barrier with members constructed of a shape memory material
CN112234322B (en) * 2020-10-20 2023-05-09 广东电将军能源有限公司 Leakage-proof indication type battery
CN112682285B (en) * 2020-11-30 2021-11-19 浙江万里学院 Temperature sensing driving mechanism
DE102021123442A1 (en) 2021-09-10 2023-03-16 Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft Plastic housing for automotive applications
US11897379B2 (en) 2021-10-20 2024-02-13 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. Seat with shape memory material member actuation
KR20230073833A (en) * 2021-11-19 2023-05-26 현대자동차주식회사 Pressure variable type weather strip
KR20230073834A (en) * 2021-11-19 2023-05-26 현대자동차주식회사 Variable type weather strip assembly

Citations (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4424865A (en) * 1981-09-08 1984-01-10 Sperry Corporation Thermally energized packer cup
US4761917A (en) * 1987-02-03 1988-08-09 General Motors Corporation Deflatable weatherstrips
US4805347A (en) * 1987-09-03 1989-02-21 General Motors Corporation Bellows system for deflating weatherstrips
US4956625A (en) * 1988-06-10 1990-09-11 Tecnomagnete S.P.A. Magnetic gripping apparatus having circuit for eliminating residual flux
US5046285A (en) * 1990-09-17 1991-09-10 General Motors Corporation Vacuum system for deflating weatherstrips
US5668744A (en) * 1995-05-05 1997-09-16 Owens-Corning Fiberglas Technology Inc. Active noise control using piezoelectric sensors and actuators
US6009699A (en) * 1997-10-23 2000-01-04 Cousin Biotech (S.A.R.L.) Composite synthetic string for a tennis racket
US6176934B1 (en) * 1999-09-16 2001-01-23 Semitool, Inc. Inflatable door seal
US6393765B1 (en) * 2000-08-24 2002-05-28 The United States Of America Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Superelastic sealing closures
US20020113380A1 (en) * 2001-02-02 2002-08-22 Clark Cary R. Hybrid superelastic shape memory alloy seal
US20020152688A1 (en) * 2000-05-26 2002-10-24 Bernard Dron Seal for motor vehicle opening frame
US6485029B1 (en) * 2000-10-11 2002-11-26 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Inflatable sealing device
US6489871B1 (en) * 1999-12-11 2002-12-03 Simon C. Barton Magnetic workholding device
US6615545B2 (en) * 2001-03-12 2003-09-09 Delphi Technologies, Inc. Vehicle door cinching method and apparatus
US20040008853A1 (en) * 1999-07-20 2004-01-15 Sri International, A California Corporation Electroactive polymer devices for moving fluid
US6702301B1 (en) * 1999-09-23 2004-03-09 Meritor Light Vehicle Systems, Inc. Active window seal
US20040253566A1 (en) * 2003-06-16 2004-12-16 Trw Automotive U.S. Llc Apparatus for reducing noise entering a vehicle passenger compartment through a pressure relief valve
US20050198907A1 (en) * 2004-03-12 2005-09-15 Mcknight Geoffrey P. Active material based seal assemblies and methods for varying seal force

Family Cites Families (53)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US568744A (en) * 1896-10-06 Adolphus henry cook
US3055193A (en) * 1958-11-14 1962-09-25 Gen Motors Corp Refrigerating apparatus
US3260788A (en) * 1964-03-11 1966-07-12 Emerson & Cuming Inc Magnetic radio frequency seal for shielded enclosures
US3869873A (en) * 1974-05-20 1975-03-11 Elliott Williams Company Inc Door structure for large freezer
DE2621352B2 (en) * 1976-05-14 1979-03-08 Fa. Carl Freudenberg, 6940 Weinheim Magnetic shaft seal
US4073521A (en) * 1976-08-30 1978-02-14 Mena Joseph M Closure lock with inflatable bladder
US4281841A (en) * 1978-03-30 1981-08-04 The United States Of America As Represented By The United States Department Of Energy O-Ring sealing arrangements for ultra-high vacuum systems
US4399317A (en) * 1981-09-18 1983-08-16 Keene Corporation Sealing apparatus for radio frequency shielding enclosure
CH658107A5 (en) * 1983-03-25 1986-10-15 Peter Mueller METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SEALING TWO PARTS OF A MOVING BODY.
JPH0670429B2 (en) * 1985-04-03 1994-09-07 時枝 直満 Linear motion type actuator
US4676025A (en) * 1986-01-02 1987-06-30 Schlegel Corporation Remotely activatable seal
ES8707840A1 (en) * 1986-04-01 1987-01-01 Torres Martinez M System of construction of terraced structures for crops
GB2198773B (en) * 1986-11-25 1990-05-09 Draftex Ind Ltd Sealing arrangements
GB8802973D0 (en) * 1988-02-10 1988-03-09 Molins Plc Wrapping machines
GB2223258B (en) * 1988-09-30 1992-04-22 Draftex Ind Ltd Sealing and retaining strips
CA1326874C (en) * 1988-11-16 1994-02-08 James F. Keys Magnetic window seal assembly
DE4005007A1 (en) * 1990-02-19 1991-08-22 Hans Steinkopf Gmbh Radial shaft seal for high shaft speeds - has elastic compression ring fitted perpendicular to and around inwardly directed sealing lips
US5181341A (en) * 1990-05-14 1993-01-26 The Standard Products Company Variable gap filling system
US5120175A (en) * 1991-07-15 1992-06-09 Arbegast William J Shape memory alloy fastener
US5361542A (en) * 1992-06-10 1994-11-08 Schlegel Corporation Deflatable seal
GB2273733B (en) * 1992-12-22 1996-05-01 Draftex Ind Ltd Sealing methods and arrangements
US5390974A (en) * 1993-12-27 1995-02-21 Ford Motor Company Variable hardness weatherstrip
US5637984A (en) * 1994-10-20 1997-06-10 Nanotechnology, Inc. Pseudo-mechanical system incorporating ohmic electromechanical transducer and electrical generator
US5771742A (en) * 1995-09-11 1998-06-30 Tini Alloy Company Release device for retaining pin
US6053992A (en) * 1995-12-06 2000-04-25 Memry Corporation Shape memory alloy sealing components
US5700337A (en) * 1996-03-01 1997-12-23 Mcdonnell Douglas Corporation Fabrication method for composite structure adapted for controlled structural deformation
US5702533A (en) * 1996-06-28 1997-12-30 Lam Research Corporation Particulate free vacuum compatible pinch seal
GB2321266B (en) * 1997-01-15 2000-08-23 Draftex Ind Ltd Window sealing and wiping arrangements
US5979828A (en) * 1997-04-30 1999-11-09 Mcdonnell Douglas Apparatus for eliminating gaps in an aircraft
US5967187A (en) * 1997-12-19 1999-10-19 Xerox Corporation Oscillatory dual flap valve system
JPH11224455A (en) * 1998-02-05 1999-08-17 Nec Corp Locking device
US6019025A (en) * 1998-04-07 2000-02-01 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Shape memory alloy activated retractable elastomeric sealing device
US6260892B1 (en) * 1998-05-04 2001-07-17 Zhi Chung Chang Electromagnetic lock having guiding mechanism
US6098992A (en) * 1998-05-20 2000-08-08 Long; Neil G. Vehicle compartment seals
US6009669A (en) * 1999-03-11 2000-01-04 Northrop Grumman Corporation Shape memory wire actuated aircraft door seal
US6310411B1 (en) * 1999-04-21 2001-10-30 Hewlett-Packard Company Lock assembly for a personal computer enclosure
US6682521B2 (en) * 2000-03-23 2004-01-27 Dennis N. Petrakis Temperature activated systems
JP4078411B2 (en) * 2000-08-29 2008-04-23 ニチアス株式会社 Soundproof cover for automobile engine and method for producing foam material for soundproof cover
FR2816903B1 (en) * 2000-11-22 2003-02-07 France Design DEVICE FOR IMPROVING THE RIGIDITY OF THE STRUCTURE OF A VEHICLE, IN PARTICULAR OF A VEHICLE WITH RETRACTABLE ROOF
GB2370322B (en) * 2000-12-20 2003-03-12 Fmc Corp Metallic seal components
DE10112397A1 (en) * 2001-03-13 2002-10-24 Freudenberg Carl Kg Sealing ring has lip which is biased towards machine shaft by spring attached to connector allowing its position and force applied to lip to be adjusted
ES2213097T3 (en) * 2001-03-27 2004-08-16 C.R.F. Societa Consortile Per Azioni DOOR LOCK.
US6902214B2 (en) * 2001-06-19 2005-06-07 Jerry R. Smith Electromechanical locking method and device
TWI231064B (en) * 2002-05-31 2005-04-11 Reveo Inc Metal air cell incorporating easily refuelable electrodes
US6856221B1 (en) * 2003-03-07 2005-02-15 Raymond E. Zehrung Reversible solenoid
ITTO20030262A1 (en) * 2003-04-04 2004-10-05 Fiat Ricerche LOCKING DEVICE WITH SHAPE MEMORY ACTUATORS.
US20040194970A1 (en) * 2003-04-07 2004-10-07 Eatwell William Donald Expandable seal member with shape memory alloy
US7234533B2 (en) * 2003-10-03 2007-06-26 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Well packer having an energized sealing element and associated method
US7059664B2 (en) * 2003-12-04 2006-06-13 General Motors Corporation Airflow control devices based on active materials
US7594359B2 (en) * 2004-03-12 2009-09-29 Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. Active seal assemblies for sound isolation
US7204472B2 (en) * 2004-03-12 2007-04-17 Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. Active pressure relief valves and methods of use
US7331616B2 (en) * 2004-07-15 2008-02-19 General Motors Corporation Hood latch assemblies utilizing active materials and methods of use
US7484735B2 (en) * 2004-12-09 2009-02-03 General Motors Corporation Reversible thermally expandable and/or contractible seal assemblies

Patent Citations (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4424865A (en) * 1981-09-08 1984-01-10 Sperry Corporation Thermally energized packer cup
US4761917A (en) * 1987-02-03 1988-08-09 General Motors Corporation Deflatable weatherstrips
US4805347A (en) * 1987-09-03 1989-02-21 General Motors Corporation Bellows system for deflating weatherstrips
US4956625A (en) * 1988-06-10 1990-09-11 Tecnomagnete S.P.A. Magnetic gripping apparatus having circuit for eliminating residual flux
US5046285A (en) * 1990-09-17 1991-09-10 General Motors Corporation Vacuum system for deflating weatherstrips
US5668744A (en) * 1995-05-05 1997-09-16 Owens-Corning Fiberglas Technology Inc. Active noise control using piezoelectric sensors and actuators
US6009699A (en) * 1997-10-23 2000-01-04 Cousin Biotech (S.A.R.L.) Composite synthetic string for a tennis racket
US20040008853A1 (en) * 1999-07-20 2004-01-15 Sri International, A California Corporation Electroactive polymer devices for moving fluid
US6176934B1 (en) * 1999-09-16 2001-01-23 Semitool, Inc. Inflatable door seal
US6702301B1 (en) * 1999-09-23 2004-03-09 Meritor Light Vehicle Systems, Inc. Active window seal
US6489871B1 (en) * 1999-12-11 2002-12-03 Simon C. Barton Magnetic workholding device
US20020152688A1 (en) * 2000-05-26 2002-10-24 Bernard Dron Seal for motor vehicle opening frame
US6393765B1 (en) * 2000-08-24 2002-05-28 The United States Of America Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Superelastic sealing closures
US6485029B1 (en) * 2000-10-11 2002-11-26 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Inflatable sealing device
US20020113380A1 (en) * 2001-02-02 2002-08-22 Clark Cary R. Hybrid superelastic shape memory alloy seal
US6615545B2 (en) * 2001-03-12 2003-09-09 Delphi Technologies, Inc. Vehicle door cinching method and apparatus
US20040253566A1 (en) * 2003-06-16 2004-12-16 Trw Automotive U.S. Llc Apparatus for reducing noise entering a vehicle passenger compartment through a pressure relief valve
US20050198907A1 (en) * 2004-03-12 2005-09-15 Mcknight Geoffrey P. Active material based seal assemblies and methods for varying seal force

Cited By (30)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7845648B2 (en) 2004-03-12 2010-12-07 Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. Discrete active seal assemblies
US20050198904A1 (en) * 2004-03-12 2005-09-15 Browne Alan L. Active seal assemblies for movable windows
US20050206095A1 (en) * 2004-03-12 2005-09-22 Keefe Andrew C Discrete active seal assemblies
US7815232B2 (en) * 2004-03-12 2010-10-19 Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. Door closure assist assemblies
US7258347B2 (en) * 2004-03-12 2007-08-21 Gm Gobal Technology Operations, Inc. Discrete active seal assemblies
US20050198774A1 (en) * 2004-03-12 2005-09-15 Henry Christopher P. Door closure assist assemblies
US20070246898A1 (en) * 2004-03-12 2007-10-25 Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. Discrete active seal assemblies
US20050252091A1 (en) * 2004-05-13 2005-11-17 Ku Ja K Device for and method of preventing noise from door window glass for vehicles
US7313888B2 (en) * 2004-05-13 2008-01-01 Kia Motors Corporation Device for and method of preventing rattling of door window glass for vehicles
DE102006012520A1 (en) * 2006-03-18 2007-09-20 Sg Technologies Gmbh Extruded sealing strip
US20100052260A1 (en) * 2007-03-07 2010-03-04 Siemens Aktiengesellscahft Device and method for producing a seal
US20080236720A1 (en) * 2007-03-27 2008-10-02 Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. Joining polymer workpieces to other components
US8250725B2 (en) * 2007-03-27 2012-08-28 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Joining polymer workpieces to other components
US7845707B2 (en) 2008-03-12 2010-12-07 Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. Vehicle closure assembly with shape memory polymer seal
US20090230723A1 (en) * 2008-03-12 2009-09-17 Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. Vehicle closure assembly with shape memory polymer seal
US20100011666A1 (en) * 2008-07-15 2010-01-21 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. Seal For Sliding Glass Window
US8042303B2 (en) * 2008-07-15 2011-10-25 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. Seal having an electroactive actuator a for sliding glass window
US8308692B2 (en) * 2008-09-03 2012-11-13 Cook Incorporated Introducer for use in inserting a medical device into a body vessel and method for same
US20100057009A1 (en) * 2008-09-03 2010-03-04 Cook Incorporated Introducer for use in inserting a medical device into a body vessel and method for same
US20120258318A1 (en) * 2009-12-29 2012-10-11 Rescoll Assembly of two substrates bonded by a flexible polymer, and methods for assembly and dismantling by means of migration of said bonded assembly
US20120037588A1 (en) * 2010-08-13 2012-02-16 Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd. Piezoelectric sealing cap and assembly including the same
US20120241648A1 (en) * 2011-03-24 2012-09-27 Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc. Heat lip seal for cryogenic processing
US10107064B2 (en) * 2013-06-06 2018-10-23 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Changeable well seal tool
US20160115759A1 (en) * 2013-06-06 2016-04-28 Halliburton Energgy Services, Inc. Changeable Well Seal Tool
US20140361499A1 (en) * 2013-06-11 2014-12-11 General Electric Company Shape memory alloy intersegment seals
WO2018198106A1 (en) * 2017-04-23 2018-11-01 Plasan Re'em Ltd. Method and system for removing a windshield from an armored vehicle
US10828972B2 (en) 2017-04-23 2020-11-10 Plasan Re'em Ltd. System for bonding a windshield to a windshield frame
US10597917B2 (en) 2017-10-09 2020-03-24 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Stretchable adjustable-stiffness assemblies
US20220013838A1 (en) * 2020-07-08 2022-01-13 Reinz-Dichtungs-Gmbh Foldable gasket with continuous sealing contour
US11621453B2 (en) * 2020-07-08 2023-04-04 Reinz-Dichtungs-Gmbh Foldable gasket with continuous sealing contour

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2005089190A2 (en) 2005-09-29
US20050212304A1 (en) 2005-09-29
US20080104796A1 (en) 2008-05-08
WO2005089186A2 (en) 2005-09-29
US7815233B2 (en) 2010-10-19
WO2005089186A3 (en) 2007-07-26
US8109042B2 (en) 2012-02-07
US7815232B2 (en) 2010-10-19
US20050206095A1 (en) 2005-09-22
US7845648B2 (en) 2010-12-07
US20050198907A1 (en) 2005-09-15
US20050206096A1 (en) 2005-09-22
WO2005089190A3 (en) 2006-09-14
US20050198774A1 (en) 2005-09-15
US20070246898A1 (en) 2007-10-25
US8240677B2 (en) 2012-08-14
DE112005000562T5 (en) 2007-01-11
DE112005000573T5 (en) 2007-02-15
US7258347B2 (en) 2007-08-21
DE112005000573B4 (en) 2013-04-18
DE112005000562B4 (en) 2009-06-25
US20050198904A1 (en) 2005-09-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20050230925A1 (en) Releasable seal assemblies and methods of use
US7252313B2 (en) On demand morphable automotive body moldings and surfaces
US7392876B2 (en) Hood assembly utilizing active materials based mechanisms
US7204472B2 (en) Active pressure relief valves and methods of use
US7063377B2 (en) Hood lift mechanisms utilizing active materials and methods of use
US7401846B2 (en) Volume-filling mechanical assemblies and methods of operating the same
US8282153B2 (en) Active material based seam concealment device
US7331616B2 (en) Hood latch assemblies utilizing active materials and methods of use
US20070063540A1 (en) Hood lift mechanisms utilizing active materials and methods of use
US20050275243A1 (en) Closure lockdown assemblies and methods utilizing active materials
WO2006089261A2 (en) On demand morphable automotive body moldings and surfaces
US7895917B2 (en) Conformal grasp handle
US20090278363A1 (en) Active Materials Based Impact Management Systems
US20090278342A1 (en) Vehicle roll bar apparatus with active material actuation
US20060186126A1 (en) Active material node based reconfigurable structures

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC., MICHIGAN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:BROWNE, ALAN L.;JOHNSON, NANCY L.;VERBRUGGE, MARK W.;REEL/FRAME:016319/0961

Effective date: 20050414

AS Assignment

Owner name: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, DISTRICT

Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:022201/0405

Effective date: 20081231

Owner name: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY,DISTRICT

Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:022201/0405

Effective date: 20081231

AS Assignment

Owner name: CITICORP USA, INC. AS AGENT FOR BANK PRIORITY SECU

Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:022553/0446

Effective date: 20090409

Owner name: CITICORP USA, INC. AS AGENT FOR HEDGE PRIORITY SEC

Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:022553/0446

Effective date: 20090409

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION

AS Assignment

Owner name: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC., MICHIGAN

Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY;REEL/FRAME:023124/0429

Effective date: 20090709

Owner name: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.,MICHIGAN

Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY;REEL/FRAME:023124/0429

Effective date: 20090709

AS Assignment

Owner name: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC., MICHIGAN

Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNORS:CITICORP USA, INC. AS AGENT FOR BANK PRIORITY SECURED PARTIES;CITICORP USA, INC. AS AGENT FOR HEDGE PRIORITY SECURED PARTIES;REEL/FRAME:023127/0468

Effective date: 20090814

Owner name: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.,MICHIGAN

Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNORS:CITICORP USA, INC. AS AGENT FOR BANK PRIORITY SECURED PARTIES;CITICORP USA, INC. AS AGENT FOR HEDGE PRIORITY SECURED PARTIES;REEL/FRAME:023127/0468

Effective date: 20090814

AS Assignment

Owner name: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, DISTRICT

Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:023156/0052

Effective date: 20090710

Owner name: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY,DISTRICT

Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:023156/0052

Effective date: 20090710

AS Assignment

Owner name: UAW RETIREE MEDICAL BENEFITS TRUST, MICHIGAN

Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:023162/0001

Effective date: 20090710

Owner name: UAW RETIREE MEDICAL BENEFITS TRUST,MICHIGAN

Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:023162/0001

Effective date: 20090710