Abstract: A preload mechanism for an actuator is disclosed that includes a rotating element configured to rotate about a pivot. The preload mechanism also includes a bias element with a first end that is coupled to a second contact point of the rotating element and a second end configured to be pinned relative to the pivot. The bias element has a line of action extending from the second end through the first end. The line of action has an offset distance that is the minimum distance between the line of action and the pivot. The offset distance has a first value when the rotating element is in the first position and a second value when the rotating element is the second position, the second value being smaller than the first value.

Abstract: A container is disclosed that has a housing and a lid. The lid has a planar portion and a latch that is freely movable parallel to the planar portion of the lid. The latch has a retention feature and a first reference surface that is perpendicular to the planar portion of the lid. There is a latch mechanism coupled to the housing that has an engagement element configured to engage the retention feature of the latch and a first alignment feature having a first alignment surface. The first alignment feature is configured to laterally displace the latch in a first direction such that the first reference surface aligns with the first alignment surface when the lid is brought together with the housing with the fastener laterally displaced away from the engagement element in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A preload mechanism for an actuator is disclosed that includes a rotating element configured to rotate about a pivot. The rotating element has a first contact point that is configured to couple to the actuator such that contraction of the actuator displaces the first contact point such that the rotating element rotates from a first position to a second position. The preload mechanism also includes a bias element with a first end that is coupled to a second contact point of the rotating element and a second end configured to be pinned relative to the pivot. The bias element has a line of action extending from the second end through the first end. The line of action has an offset distance that is the minimum distance between the line of action and the pivot. The offset distance has a first value when the rotating element is in the first position and a second value when the rotating element is the second position, the second value being smaller than the first value.

Abstract: A container is disclosed that has a housing and a lid. The lid has a planar portion and a latch that is freely movable parallel to the planar portion of the lid. The latch has a retention feature and a first reference surface that is perpendicular to the planar portion of the lid. There is a latch mechanism coupled to the housing that has an engagement element configured to engage the retention feature of the latch and a first alignment feature having a first alignment surface. The first alignment feature is configured to laterally displace the latch in a first direction such that the first reference surface aligns with the first alignment surface when the lid is brought together with the housing with the fastener laterally displaced away from the engagement element in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A container is disclosed that has a housing and a lid. The lid has a planar portion and a latch that is freely movable parallel to the planar portion of the lid. The latch has a retention feature and a first reference surface that is perpendicular to the planar portion of the lid. There is a latch mechanism coupled to the housing that has an engagement element configured to engage the retention feature of the latch and a first alignment feature having a first alignment surface. The first alignment feature is configured to laterally displace the latch in a first direction such that the first reference surface aligns with the first alignment surface when the lid is brought together with the housing with the fastener laterally displaced away from the engagement element in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A container is disclosed that has a housing and a lid. The lid has a planar portion and a latch that is freely movable parallel to the planar portion of the lid. The latch has a retention feature and a first reference surface that is perpendicular to the planar portion of the lid. There is a latch mechanism coupled to the housing that has an engagement element configured to engage the retention feature of the latch and a first alignment feature having a first alignment surface. The first alignment feature is configured to laterally displace the latch in a first direction such that the first reference surface aligns with the first alignment surface when the lid is brought together with the housing with the fastener laterally displaced away from the engagement element in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A preload mechanism for an actuator is disclosed that includes a rotating element configured to rotate about a pivot. The rotating element has a first contact point that is configured to couple to the actuator such that contraction of the actuator displaces the first contact point such that the rotating element rotates from a first position to a second position. The preload mechanism also includes a bias element with a first end that is coupled to a second contact point of the rotating element and a second end configured to be pinned relative to the pivot. The bias element has a line of action extending from the second end through the first end. The line of action has an offset distance that is the minimum distance between the line of action and the pivot. The offset distance has a first value when the rotating element is in the first position and a second value when the rotating element is the second position, the second value being smaller than the first value.

Abstract: A preload mechanism for a memory alloy wire actuator is disclosed that includes a rotating element configured to rotate about a pivot. The rotating element has a first contact point that is configured to couple to the memory alloy wire actuator such that contraction of the memory alloy wire actuator displaces the first contact point such that the rotating element rotates from a first position to a second position. The preload mechanism also includes a bias element with a first end that is coupled to a second contact point of the rotating element and a second end configured to be pinned relative to the pivot. The bias element has a line of action extending from the second end through the first end. The line of action has an offset distance that is the minimum distance between the line of action and the pivot.

Abstract: A combiner positioning system for a head-up display includes a carrier and a locking element. The carrier supports a combiner for the head-up display, and the combiner is movable between a stowed position and a display position. The locking element has an engaged position and a disengaged position. The locking element engages a portion of the carrier in the display position and rigidly holds the carrier in the display position.

Abstract: A combiner positioning system for a head-up display, the system including a combiner for the head-up display, where the combiner is movable between a stowed position and a display position, positioning means built to move the combiner from the stowed position into the display position, and actuation means built to disengage locking means. The positioning means includes spring means built to move the combiner from the stowed position into the display position by means of a spring force in case the locking means are disengaged, and the combiner is built to be moved manually from the display position into the stowed position, where in the stowed position the combiner is built to lock into place by engaging the locking means.

Abstract: A container is disclosed that has a housing and a lid. The lid has a planar portion and a latch that is freely movable parallel to the planar portion of the lid. The latch has a retention feature and a first reference surface that is perpendicular to the planar portion of the lid. There is a latch mechanism coupled to the housing that has an engagement element configured to engage the retention feature of the latch and a first alignment feature having a first alignment surface. The first alignment feature is configured to laterally displace the latch in a first direction such that the first reference surface aligns with the first alignment surface when the lid is brought together with the housing with the fastener laterally displaced away from the engagement element in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A combiner positioning system for a head-up display includes a carrier and a locking element. The carrier supports a combiner for the head-up display, and the combiner is movable between a stowed position and a display position. The locking element has an engaged position and a disengaged position. The locking element engages a portion of the carrier in the display position and rigidly holds the carrier in the display position.

Abstract: A container is disclosed that has a housing and a lid. The lid has a planar portion and a latch that is freely movable parallel to the planar portion of the lid. The latch has a retention feature and a first reference surface that is perpendicular to the planar portion of the lid. There is a latch mechanism coupled to the housing that has an engagement element configured to engage the retention feature of the latch and a first alignment feature having a first alignment surface. The first alignment feature is configured to laterally displace the latch in a first direction such that the first reference surface aligns with the first alignment surface when the lid is brought together with the housing with the fastener laterally displaced away from the engagement element in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A combiner positioning system for a head-up display includes a carrier and a locking element. The carrier supports a combiner for the head-up display, and the combiner is movable between a stowed position and a display position. The locking element has an engaged position and a disengaged position. The locking element engages a portion of the carrier in the display position and rigidly holds the carrier in the display position.

Abstract: A combiner positioning system for a head-up display, the system including a combiner for the head-up display, where the combiner is movable between a stowed position and a display position, positioning means built to move the combiner from the stowed position into the display position, and actuation means built to disengage locking means. The positioning means includes spring means built to move the combiner from the stowed position into the display position by means of a spring force in case the locking means are disengaged, and the combiner is built to be moved manually from the display position into the stowed position, where in the stowed position the combiner is built to lock into place by engaging the locking means.

Abstract: A preload mechanism for a memory alloy wire actuator is disclosed that includes a rotating element configured to rotate about a pivot. The rotating element has a first contact point that is configured to couple to the memory alloy wire actuator such that contraction of the memory alloy wire actuator displaces the first contact point such that the rotating element rotates from a first position to a second position. The preload mechanism also includes a bias element with a first end that is coupled to a second contact point of the rotating element and a second end configured to be pinned relative to the pivot. The bias element has a line of action extending from the second end through the first end. The line of action has an offset distance that is the minimum distance between the line of action and the pivot.

Abstract: A preload mechanism for a memory alloy wire actuator is disclosed that includes a rotating element configured to rotate about a pivot. The rotating element has a first contact point that is configured to couple to the memory alloy wire actuator such that contraction of the memory alloy wire actuator displaces the first contact point such that the rotating element rotates from a first position to a second position. The preload mechanism also includes a bias element with a first end that is coupled to a second contact point of the rotating element and a second end configured to be pinned relative to the pivot. The bias element has a line of action extending from the second end through the first end. The line of action has an offset distance that is the minimum distance between the line of action and the pivot.

Abstract: A head-up display system includes housing, a combiner to display information in an operating position and a cover to protect the combiner. The combiner moves between the operating position and a storage position. The cover moves between an open position and a closed position to protect the combiner in its storage position with the cover in its closed position. The system includes a drive to move the cover between its open and closed positions. The drive includes a main lever and a support lever that is pivoted with a moving end to the main lever and with a fixed end to the housing. The main lever is pivoted with a cover end to the cover and with a driver end to a rotational drive to drive an essential linear movement of the cover end of the main lever during the movement of the cover between its open and closed positions.

Abstract: A combiner positioning system for a head-up display includes a carrier and a locking element. The carrier supports a combiner for the head-up display, and the combiner is movable between a stowed position and a display position. The locking element has an engaged position and a disengaged position. The locking element engages a portion of the carrier in the display position and rigidly holds the carrier in the display position.

Abstract: A combiner positioning system for a head-up display includes a carrier and a locking element. The carrier supports a combiner for the head-up display, and the combiner is movable between a stowed position and a display position. The locking element has an engaged position and a disengaged position. The locking element engages a portion of the carrier in the display position and rigidly holds the carrier in the display position.