摘要 |
A latch for engaging and disengaging two opposing surfaces includes a pin disposed on one surface and a gate disposed on an opposite surface; an active material in operative communication with the pin or the gate, wherein the active material comprises a shape memory alloy, a shape memory polymer, a magnetorheological fluid, an electroactive polymer, a magnetorheological elastomer, an electrorheological fluid, a piezoelectric material, or combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing active materials; and an activation device in operative communication with the active material, wherein the activation device is operable to selectively apply an activation signal to the active material and effect a reversible change in a property of the active material, wherein the reversible change results in an engagement or a disengagement of the pin or the gate from the other of the pin or the gate, wherein the disengagement without the activation signal is opposed by a lifting force. |
申请人 |
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.;THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN |
发明人 |
BREI, DIANN;REDMOND, JOHN;WILMOT, NATHAN A.;BROWNE, ALAN L.;JOHNSON, NANCY L.;JONES, GARY L. |