Shape memory alloy (SMA) system
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A seat track assembly for adjusting a seat assembly of a vehicle, the seat track assembly comprising:
- a first track;
a second track that is moveable with respect to the first track;
an electrically operable latch mechanism associated with the second track and being operative to inhibit relative movement of the tracks, the latch mechanism including multiple triggers that are electrically driven between each of a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the locked position corresponds with the triggers engaging with the first track and the unlocked position corresponds with the triggers disengaging from the first track;
at least one shape memory alloy (SMA) element, the SMA element configured to facilitate electrically engaging and disengaging the triggers;
a controller for electrically controlling movement of the SMA elements, and thereby, movement of the triggers;
wherein the controller is configured to control excitation of the SMA elements through electrical stimulation;
wherein the controller is configured to limit excitation of the SMA elements as a function of temperatures of the elements; and
wherein the assembly includes at least a first and second SMA element and the controller is configured to excite the second SMA element during excitation of the first SMA element so as to fine-tune movement of the first SMA element.
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Abstract
A shape memory alloy (SMA) system suitable for use in any number of environments, including but not limited to latching and unlatching vehicle seat tracks. The system including any number of configurations to support any number of operations, including but not limited to push-push, pull-pull, push-pull, and pull-push operations.
41 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A seat track assembly for adjusting a seat assembly of a vehicle, the seat track assembly comprising:
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a first track; a second track that is moveable with respect to the first track; an electrically operable latch mechanism associated with the second track and being operative to inhibit relative movement of the tracks, the latch mechanism including multiple triggers that are electrically driven between each of a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the locked position corresponds with the triggers engaging with the first track and the unlocked position corresponds with the triggers disengaging from the first track; at least one shape memory alloy (SMA) element, the SMA element configured to facilitate electrically engaging and disengaging the triggers; a controller for electrically controlling movement of the SMA elements, and thereby, movement of the triggers; wherein the controller is configured to control excitation of the SMA elements through electrical stimulation; wherein the controller is configured to limit excitation of the SMA elements as a function of temperatures of the elements; and wherein the assembly includes at least a first and second SMA element and the controller is configured to excite the second SMA element during excitation of the first SMA element so as to fine-tune movement of the first SMA element. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A seat track assembly for adjusting a seat assembly of a vehicle, the seat track assembly comprising:
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a first track; a second track that is moveable with respect to the first track; an electrically operable latch mechanism associated with the second track and being operative to inhibit relative movement of the tracks, the latch mechanism including multiple triggers that are moveable between a locked position in which the triggers are engaged with the first track and an unlocked position in which the triggers are disengaged from the first track; at least one shape memory alloy (SMA) element, the SMA element configured to facilitate electrically engaging and disengaging the triggers; a controller for electrically controlling movement of the SMA elements, and thereby, movement of the triggers; and wherein the assembly includes at least a first and second SMA element and the controller is configured to excite the second SMA element during excitation of the first SMA element so as to fine-tune movement of the first SMA element. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8)
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9. A seat track assembly comprising:
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a first track; a second track that is moveable relative to the first track; a latch mechanism attached the second track, the latch mechanism being operable between a locked positioned and an unlocked position, the locked position preventing movement of the second track with at least one pin being journaled within at least one aperture in the first track, the unlocked position allowing movement of the second track with the at least one pin being removed from the at least one aperture; a first shape memory alloy (SMA) element configured to move the at least one pin from the locked position to the unlocked position when a first current is received; a second SMA element configured to moved the at least one pin from the unlocked position to the locked position when a second current is received; and a controller configured to provide the first and second currents to the first and second SMA elements, wherein the controller continuously provides the second current to the second SMA element to force movement of the at least one pin to the locked position in the absence of the first current being received by the first SMA element. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification