×

Active materials based approaches to latch snug down and articles containing the same

  • US 7,478,845 B2
  • Filed: 03/11/2005
  • Issued: 01/20/2009
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/12/2004
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A locking arrangement including a locking device in combination with a suspended body for locking the suspended body to a supporting body, comprising:

  • a striker disposed on the suspended body; and

    a rotatable latch disposed on the supporting body having a first finger and a second finger, each of the fingers having a respective convex side and a respective concave side opposite the convex side;

    wherein the concave side of the first finger faces the convex side of the second finger;

    the striker being positioned to initially contact the concave side of the second finger upon closure of the suspended body relative to the supporting body and effect rotation of the rotatable latch such that the first finger forms a mechanical interlock with the striker;

    wherein the latch is in operative communication with an active material based actuator that comprises an active material;

    wherein the fingers are rigid and the rotatable latch includes a rigid segment and a flexible segment, wherein the flexible segment is disposed between the fingers and the rigid segment such that the rotatable latch bends at the flexible segment in response to application of a force to the rotatable latch;

    wherein the active material based actuator is adapted to rotate the first finger and exert a force against the striker in response to an applied activation signal to the active material and effect further closure of the locking device.

View all claims
  • 12 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×