Methods of deploying a cover utilizing active material and an external heat source
First Claim
1. A method of deploying a vehicular cover having an active material based actuator utilizing an external heat source spaced from the cover and actuator, said method comprising the steps of:
- a. securing the cover relative to the source such that at least a portion of the actuator is thermally coupled to the source, said at least portion presenting a first temperature;
b. securing the cover relative to a space and/or surface;
c. heating said at least portion with the heat source, so as to achieve a second temperature and cause a change in a physical property of the actuator; and
d. deploying the cover as a result of the change when the second temperature is achieved, so as to modify the space and/or block access to the surface, wherein the actuator is communicatively coupled to at least one sensor and a controller cooperatively configured to selectively transmit data to the actuator, and step c) further includes the steps of autonomously deploying the cover only after receiving the data.
12 Assignments
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods of deploying and stowing a cover coupled to an actuator comprising active material, includes the steps of heating the material with an external heat source, so as to cause a change in physical property and deploying the cover due to the change, and preferably includes accelerating the heating of the material by focusing the energy of the source with a lens or prism, engaging the cover with an input device and retracting the cover upon input, releasing stored energy as a result of the change, or further deploying the cover by use of a ratcheting mechanism, use of a timer for delayed actuation, use of a sensor configured to determine a condition, such as an opened door or the presence of an occupant, interconnecting to a windshield wiper, immersing the actuator in a heated fluid, and conduction heating the actuator through contact with a heated panel.
14 Citations
4 Claims
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1. A method of deploying a vehicular cover having an active material based actuator utilizing an external heat source spaced from the cover and actuator, said method comprising the steps of:
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a. securing the cover relative to the source such that at least a portion of the actuator is thermally coupled to the source, said at least portion presenting a first temperature; b. securing the cover relative to a space and/or surface; c. heating said at least portion with the heat source, so as to achieve a second temperature and cause a change in a physical property of the actuator; and d. deploying the cover as a result of the change when the second temperature is achieved, so as to modify the space and/or block access to the surface, wherein the actuator is communicatively coupled to at least one sensor and a controller cooperatively configured to selectively transmit data to the actuator, and step c) further includes the steps of autonomously deploying the cover only after receiving the data. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A method of deploying a cover utilizing an external heat source spaced from the cover, wherein said cover is adapted for use with a vehicle presenting at least one glazing and defining an interior compartment, and includes an active-material based actuator communicatively coupled to the compartment, said method comprising the steps of:
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a. securing the cover relative to the source such that the actuator is exposed and thermally coupled to the source, said actuator presenting a first temperature; b. heating the actuator with the heat source, so as to achieve a second temperature whereat the actuator is caused to undergo a change in physical property; c. autonomously sensing a condition status within the compartment and conveying the condition to the actuator; and d. selectively deploying the cover as a result of the change, when the second temperature is achieved, based on the condition status.
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Specification