Abstract: An energy absorbing structure includes a base, a loading platform, a pair of side supports, a center support, and a pair of flexible segments. The loading platform is spaced apart from the base. The side supports project from the base toward the loading platform. The center support projects from the loading platform toward the base. The flexible segments extend from the side supports to the center support and connect the side supports to the center support. The flexible segments have straight edges and curved surfaces disposed between the straight edges. The straight edges extend from the side supports to the center support and are oriented at an oblique angle relative to the base. Each of the curved surfaces faces one of the base and the loading platform.

Abstract: An energy absorbing structure includes a base, a loading platform, a pair of side supports, a center support, and a pair of flexible segments. The loading platform is spaced apart from the base. The side supports project from the base toward the loading platform. The center support projects from the loading platform toward the base. The flexible segments extend from the side supports to the center support and connect the side supports to the center support. The flexible segments have straight edges and curved surfaces disposed between the straight edges. The straight edges extend from the side supports to the center support and are oriented at an oblique angle relative to the base. Each of the curved surfaces faces one of the base and the loading platform.

Abstract: A bi-stable or multi-stable device having two or more stable positions includes an elastically deformable member having two or more stable positions of minimal potential energy, the deformable member being movable, in response to an external force applied to the deformable member, between stable positions by moving through a position at which the deformable member has a peak potential energy. The device also includes an energy storage member, either separate from or part of the deformable member, that absorbs energy from the external force applied to the deformable member as the deformable member moves from a stable position toward a position of peak potential energy, and releases energy as the deformable member moves from a position of peak potential energy toward a stable position, wherein the energy storage member includes a super elastic shape memory alloy (SMA).

Abstract: In an embodiment, a device comprises an active material. Activation of the active material causes deformation within the device to conform to and/or retain an object without engaging the object below a surface of the object. In another embodiment, contact with an object causes deformation within the device to conform to and/or retain the object. In yet another embodiment, an object holder can comprise: a recess, a cover disposed over the recess, and a switch configured to cause the active material to retain a deformed shape in the recess. The cover comprises an active material. The active material is configured to deform into the recess when contacted with an object.

Abstract: A system for and method of providing overload protection for an active material actuator, includes a magnetically functioning mechanism comprising, for example, one or more permanent or electromagnets, and/or magnetorheological fluid, and configured to produce a holding force less than the capacity of the actuator, and more preferably, a modifiable holding force responsive to load influencing conditions.

Abstract: A pinch-protection mechanism adapted for use with a closure panel and method for use of the same, said mechanism comprising at least one structural component defining an adjustable edge section manipulable between first and second configurations and an active material element coupled to the component, such that the change causes or enables the edge section to be manipulated to one of said first and second configurations, and manipulating the edge section between said first and second configurations eliminates, warns of, or mitigates a pinch condition.

Abstract: A system for and method of providing overload protection for an active material actuator, includes a magnetically functioning mechanism comprising, for example, one or more permanent or electromagnets, and/or magnetorheological fluid, and configured to produce a holding force less than the capacity of the actuator, and more preferably, a modifiable holding force responsive to load influencing conditions.

Abstract: A bi-stable or multi-stable device having two or more stable positions includes an elastically deformable member having two or more stable positions of minimal potential energy, the deformable member being movable, in response to an external force applied to the deformable member, between stable positions by moving through a position at which the deformable member has a peak potential energy. The device also includes an energy storage member, either separate from or part of the deformable member, that absorbs energy from the external force applied to the deformable member as the deformable member moves from a stable position toward a position of peak potential energy, and releases energy as the deformable member moves from a position of peak potential energy toward a stable position, wherein the energy storage member includes a super elastic shape memory alloy (SMA).

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of conditioning a thermally activated shape memory alloy wire for use in an application, wherein the apparatus includes an adjustable hard-stop and the preferred method includes pre-determining a minimum activating current, allowable strain, and a loading magnitude and form based on the wire configuration and application, and further includes applying a double-exponential model to determine a final recoverable strain over fewer cycles.

Abstract: Systems for detecting animate objects in a vehicle compartment include active materials based sensors for detecting the presence of an animate object in the compartment. The systems produce a response if the sensors detect the presence of an animate object in the compartment and at least one other predetermined condition exists.

Abstract: A pinch-protection mechanism adapted for use with a closure panel and method for use of the same, said mechanism comprising at least one structural component defining an adjustable edge section manipulable between first and second configurations and an active material element coupled to the component, such that the change causes or enables the edge section to be manipulated to one of said first and second configurations, and manipulating the edge section between said first and second configurations eliminates, warns of, or mitigates a pinch condition.

Abstract: Methods for improving adhesion between a shape memory alloy and a polymeric material include functionalizing a surface of the shape memory polymer with a phosphorous containing compound or an organosilane coupling agent. Other methods include surface texturing the shape memory alloy surface, independently or in combination with the functionalization.

Abstract: A method of making a polymeric article is disclosed. The method includes unrolling a thermoplastic sheet material from a roll. The method also includes heating the thermoplastic sheet to a temperature sufficient to soften the thermoplastic sheet. The method further includes feeding the thermoplastic sheet, a first continuous support structure, and a second continuous support structure to at least two calendering rolls. Still further, the method includes embedding the first continuous support structure and the second continuous support structure into the thermoplastic sheet using the at least two calendering rolls to form a reinforced sheet; and over-molding the reinforced sheet to form the polymeric article.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes an active material in operative communication with a seat surface configured to undergo a change in at least one property upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the change in at least one property is effective to change at least one feature of the seat surface.

Abstract: Reinforced hoses and clamps generally include a shape memory alloy material configured to provide tangential forces to the generally circular hoses and clamps. The shape memory alloy can be in the form of a ring embedded within the hose or may be in operative communication with the clamp such that a phase change in the shape memory alloy upon thermal activation provides the tangential forces.

Abstract: An active material assembly for interconnecting with at least one structural member of a structure, sustaining a load over a predetermined period, and selectively effecting a change in the structure, includes at least one active material element, such as a shape memory wire, and a reinforcing connector, such as a ring terminal crimp fixedly secured to the wire, and more preferably including the use of one or more tube or shim intermediate the wire and crimp, wave form imparting configurations, collets, or ferrules.

Abstract: A headrest assembly including active material drivenly coupled to a headrest component, such as for example, an interior frame member, bag, or gear device wherein the material is actuated upon receipt of an activation signal, and configured to morph, reposition, reduce the resistance of, change a modulus property of, or otherwise modify an engaging surface defined by the headrest when actuated, and autonomously restore the headrest upon the deactivation of the material.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of conditioning a thermally activated shape memory alloy wire for use in an application, wherein the apparatus includes an adjustable hard-stop and the preferred method includes pre-determining a minimum activating current, allowable strain, and a loading magnitude and form based on the wire configuration and application, and further includes applying a double-exponential model to determine a final recoverable strain over fewer cycles.

Abstract: Active material actuated headrest assemblies and their methods of operation are described herein. The headrests include an active material incorporated in a frame member, a bag, gear device, or the like, wherein the active material actuates upon receipt of an activation signal.

Abstract: A headrest assembly including active material drivenly coupled to a headrest component, such as for example, an interior frame member, bag, or gear device ,wherein the material is actuated upon receipt of an activation signal, and configured to morph, reposition, reduce the resistance of, change a modulus property of, or otherwise modify an engaging surface defined by the headrest when actuated, and autonomously restore the headrest upon the deactivation of the material.