Patents by Inventor Wonhee M. Kim
Wonhee M. Kim has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11951051Abstract: A lifting system includes a top plate, a bottom plate and N pairs of hinged plates. The N pairs of hinged plates are connected by 2N pairs of hinges to N sides of the top plate and the bottom plate, where N is an integer greater than 2. A bladder is arranged between the top plate and the bottom plate and between inner edges of the N pairs of hinged plates.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2022Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Wonhee M. Kim, Paul W. Alexander
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Patent number: 11897408Abstract: A vehicle includes a passenger compartment having a roof structure having a front header, a pair of side headers and a rear header. A headliner is disposed beneath the roof structure. At least one inflatable bladder is disposed along at least one of the front header, the pair of side headers and the rear header. The at least one inflatable bladder is connected to an inflator. A rib structure is disposed adjacent to the at least one inflatable bladder. The inflatable bladder inflates to a maximum height of 12 cm below the at least one of the front header, the pair of side headers and the rear header.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2021Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Jeff E. Nasca, Daniel W. Booth, Wonhee M. Kim, Peter J. Gareau, William J. Barnes
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Patent number: 11840395Abstract: An inflatable insulation panel includes a bladder configured to contain air, plurality of tethers disposed within an interior cavity of the bladder, and at least one reflective film disposed within the interior cavity of the bladder. The bladder includes a first wall, a second wall opposite of the first wall, and perimeter walls extending between and connected to perimeter edges of the first and second walls. The first and second walls and the perimeter walls collectively defining the interior cavity of the bladder. The plurality of tethers extend between and are connected to interior surfaces of the first and second walls. The plurality of tethers limit movement of the first and second walls away from one another when the bladder is inflated. The at least one reflective film is disposed between the interior surfaces of the first and second walls.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2021Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Paul E. Krajewski, Taeyoung Han, Wonhee M. Kim
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Publication number: 20230363961Abstract: A lifting system includes a top plate, a bottom plate and N pairs of hinged plates. The N pairs of hinged plates are connected by 2N pairs of hinges to N sides of the top plate and the bottom plate, where N is an integer greater than 2. A bladder is arranged between the top plate and the bottom plate and between inner edges of the N pairs of hinged plates.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2022Publication date: November 16, 2023Inventors: Wonhee M. KIM, Paul W. ALEXANDER
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Patent number: 11745297Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for shape controlled gripping of a workpiece. A layer jamming structure includes a membrane defining an internal cavity containing a number of overlapping material layers. A pressure system includes a pump coupled with the internal cavity. A shape conforming tool includes at least one part configured to move to apply a force to the layer jamming structure. The shape conforming tool, by operation of the part, conforms the layer jamming structure to the workpiece. The pressure system, with operation of the pump, changes a pressure in the internal cavity to impart rigidity to the layer jamming structure.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2020Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: HyungMin Chae, Tyson W. Brown, Mark A. Smith, Richard J. Skurkis, Wonhee M. Kim
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Patent number: 11666998Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for gripping of a workpiece with a layer jamming structure having rigid datum structures. A system includes a layer jamming structure configurable in an inactivated conformable state, with a membrane defining an internal cavity containing a number of overlapping material layers. The rigid structures engage the layer jamming structure. A pressure system includes a pump coupled with the internal cavity to change a pressure therein to transform the layer jamming structure from the inactivated conformable state to an activated rigid state disposed around the workpiece. The rigid structures help conform the layer jamming structure to the workpiece during transformation to the activated rigid state and to present datum fixturing surfaces in the activated rigid state.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2020Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: HyungMin Chae, Tyson W. Brown, Richard J. Skurkis, Md Ashabul Anam, Wonhee M. Kim
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Patent number: 11617438Abstract: An inflatable cabinet is provided and includes a first inflatable cabinet stand and a base. The first inflatable cabinet stand is for storing products. The first inflatable cabinet stand includes members and first connectors. The members include side walls, a back wall, and a top member. The base is connected to the first inflatable cabinet stand and includes an air pump, second connectors and air lines. An air pump is configured to pump air into at least one of the members of the first inflatable cabinet stand. The second connectors are configured to connect to the first connectors. The air lines are connected between the air pump and the second connectors.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2020Date of Patent: April 4, 2023Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Paul E. Krajewski, Wonhee M. Kim, Paul W. Alexander
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Patent number: 11614083Abstract: An inflatable structure includes a top end cap, a bottom end cap, a bladder, a nozzle, a loop, and a first tether. The bladder is attached to the top and bottom end caps and is configured to hold pressurized fluid therebetween. The nozzle is configured to allow fluid to enter and exit the bladder. The loop is attached to one of the top and bottom end caps. A tether is disposed within the bladder, coupled to the other one of the top and bottom end caps, and extends through the at least one loop. The top end cap assumes a first position when the bladder is inflated. When the top end cap is adjusted from the first position to a second position, the first tether is configured to maintain the top end cap in the second position.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2019Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignees: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGANInventors: Wonhee M. Kim, Paul W. Alexander, Jonathan E. Luntz, Diann Brei, Laura Alejandra Giner Munoz, Kunj P. Patel, Adeline Emily Wihardja, Noah Luntzlara
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Publication number: 20230091405Abstract: A vehicle includes a passenger compartment having a roof structure having a front header, a pair of side headers and a rear header. A headliner is disposed beneath the roof structure. At least one inflatable bladder is disposed along at least one of the front header, the pair of side headers and the rear header. The at least one inflatable bladder is connected to an inflator. A rib structure is disposed adjacent to the at least one inflatable bladder. The inflatable bladder inflates to a maximum height of 12 cm below the at least one of the front header, the pair of side headers and the rear header.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2021Publication date: March 23, 2023Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Jeff E. NASCA, Daniel W. BOOTH, Wonhee M. KIM, Peter J. GAREAU, William J. BARNES
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Patent number: 11541795Abstract: An inflatable system includes a first bladder configured to contain gas and a second bladder configured to contain gas. The first bladder includes a top wall, a bottom wall opposite of the top wall, a sidewall extending between and connected to perimeter edges of the top and bottom walls, and a plurality of tethers extending between and connected to interior surfaces of the top and bottom walls. The second bladder includes a top wall, a bottom wall opposite of its top wall, a sidewall extending between and connected to perimeter edges of its top and bottom walls, and a plurality of tethers extending between and connected to interior surfaces of its top and bottom walls. The bottom wall of the first bladder is secured to the top wall of the second bladder.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2020Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Paul W. Alexander, Louis D. Thole, Conner J. Stormer, Daniel W. Booth, Wonhee M. Kim, David Acosta
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Patent number: 11458808Abstract: A shutter system for use in a vehicle. The shutter system comprises a panel mounted on a conduit through which air flows, the panel having a first plurality of apertures for permitting air to flow therethrough; and a grille movably mounted on a surface of the panel, the grille having a second plurality of apertures for permitting air to flow therethrough. In an open position, the grille is aligned with the panel such that the first and second plurality of apertures are aligned to permit air to flow through both the first and second plurality of apertures. In a closed position, the grille is aligned with the panel such that the first and second plurality of apertures are not aligned and air is blocked from flowing through the first and second plurality of apertures. The shutter system comprises a first actuator mechanism coupled to the panel and the grille and comprising a first bias spring and a first shape-memory alloy (SMA) spring.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2020Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Wonhee M. Kim, Calin Tapuchievici, Nicholas J. Christoff, Kevin P. Nguyen
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Patent number: 11390331Abstract: A pick-up truck cargo area includes a cargo floor having a forward end, a rearward end and a pair of side edges extending between the forward end and the rearward end. A pair of inflatable bedside panels extend along the pair of side edges. A pair of bed side rails extend above the cargo floor and support the pair of inflatable bedside panels.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2020Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Louis D. Thole, Karan Moorjani, Paul W. Alexander, Wonhee M. Kim
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Publication number: 20220212858Abstract: An inflatable insulation panel includes a bladder configured to contain air, plurality of tethers disposed within an interior cavity of the bladder, and at least one reflective film disposed within the interior cavity of the bladder. The bladder includes a first wall, a second wall opposite of the first wall, and perimeter walls extending between and connected to perimeter edges of the first and second walls. The first and second walls and the perimeter walls collectively defining the interior cavity of the bladder. The plurality of tethers extend between and are connected to interior surfaces of the first and second walls. The plurality of tethers limit movement of the first and second walls away from one another when the bladder is inflated. The at least one reflective film is disposed between the interior surfaces of the first and second walls.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2021Publication date: July 7, 2022Inventors: Paul E. Krajewski, Taeyoung Han, Wonhee M. Kim
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Patent number: 11351923Abstract: A multi-layer bladder includes: a first bladder layer; a mask including a plurality of apertures; a second bladder layer bonded to the first bladder layer within the apertures in the mask and where the mask is not present between the first and second bladder layers, where the mask is configured to prevent bonding of the second bladder layer to the first bladder layer where the mask is present; and a fluid channel that is located between the first and second bladder layers and that extends to the mask from an outer edge of the multi-layer bladder.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2019Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Assignees: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGANInventors: Paul W. Alexander, Wonhee M. Kim, Jonathan E. Luntz, Diann Brei, Laura Alejandra Giner Munoz, Boyu Wan, Paul Q. Powers, Patrick K. Kenney, Koray Benli
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Publication number: 20220161380Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for shape controlled gripping of a workpiece. A layer jamming structure includes a membrane defining an internal cavity containing a number of overlapping material layers. A pressure system includes a pump coupled with the internal cavity. A shape conforming tool includes at least one part configured to move to apply a force to the layer jamming structure. The shape conforming tool, by operation of the part, conforms the layer jamming structure to the workpiece. The pressure system, with operation of the pump, changes a pressure in the internal cavity to impart rigidity to the layer jamming structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2020Publication date: May 26, 2022Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: HyungMin Chae, Tyson W. Brown, Mark A. Smith, Richard J. Skurkis, Wonhee M. Kim
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Publication number: 20220161378Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for gripping of a workpiece with a layer jamming structure having rigid datum structures. A system includes a layer jamming structure configurable in an inactivated conformable state, with a membrane defining an internal cavity containing a number of overlapping material layers. The rigid structures engage the layer jamming structure. A pressure system includes a pump coupled with the internal cavity to change a pressure therein to transform the layer jamming structure from the inactivated conformable state to an activated rigid state disposed around the workpiece. The rigid structures help conform the layer jamming structure to the workpiece during transformation to the activated rigid state and to present datum fixturing surfaces in the activated rigid state.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2020Publication date: May 26, 2022Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: HyungMin Chae, Tyson W. Brown, Richard J. Skurkis, Md Ashabul Anam, Wonhee M. Kim
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Publication number: 20220134927Abstract: An inflatable system includes a first bladder configured to contain gas and a second bladder configured to contain gas. The first bladder includes a top wall, a bottom wall opposite of the top wall, a sidewall extending between and connected to perimeter edges of the top and bottom walls, and a plurality of tethers extending between and connected to interior surfaces of the top and bottom walls. The second bladder includes a top wall, a bottom wall opposite of its top wall, a sidewall extending between and connected to perimeter edges of its top and bottom walls, and a plurality of tethers extending between and connected to interior surfaces of its top and bottom walls. The bottom wall of the first bladder is secured to the top wall of the second bladder.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2020Publication date: May 5, 2022Inventors: Paul W. ALEXANDER, Louis D. THOLE, Conner J. STORMER, Daniel W. BOOTH, Wonhee M. KIM, David ACOSTA
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Publication number: 20220135146Abstract: A pick-up truck cargo area includes a cargo floor having a forward end, a rearward end and a pair of side edges extending between the forward end and the rearward end. A pair of inflatable bedside panels extend along the pair of side edges. A pair of bed side rails extend above the cargo floor and support the pair of inflatable bedside panels.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2020Publication date: May 5, 2022Inventors: Louis D. THOLE, Karan MOORJANI, Paul W. ALEXANDER, Wonhee M. KIM
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Patent number: 11299084Abstract: A selectively rigidizable membrane for cargo management comprises a vacuum bladder, and a first architectural layer and a second architectural layer, each of the first and second architectural layers including a plurality of tiles interconnected by flexural elements, each of the tiles of the first and second architectural layers including at least one constraining element extending therefrom, wherein, when atmospheric pressure is present within the vacuum bladder, the first and second architectural layers are slidably moveable relative to one another and the membrane is flexible, and further wherein, when negative pressure is applied to the vacuum bladder, the first and second architectural layers are forced into engagement with one another, the constraining elements of the first and second architectural layers providing mechanical interference and preventing sliding movement of the first and second architectural layers relative to one another, causing the membrane to become substantially rigid.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2019Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignees: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGANInventors: Paul W. Alexander, Wonhee M. Kim, Jonathan E. Luntz, Diann Brei, Koray Benli, Sarah M. Sober, Laura Alejandra Giner Munoz, Nancy L. Johnson
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Patent number: 11260542Abstract: A vacuum cup assembly and a method of lifting an object are provided. The vacuum cup assembly includes a cup structure defining an opening at a proximal end, a recess at a distal end, and a cavity region between the proximal and distal ends, where the cavity region includes at least one cavity. The opening is in fluid communication with the recess and with the cavity region. Inner structures are disposed in the cavity region. The inner structures are configured to hold the cup structure in a gripping position when a negative pressure is applied to the cavity region through the opening in the cup structure. The cup structure is configured to be in a resting position without the negative pressure being applied to the cavity region. The vacuum cup assembly has a first shape in the resting position and a second shape in the gripping position.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2019Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: HyungMin Chae, Wonhee M. Kim, Dooil Hwang