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Methods of preventing or reducing the effects of roof impact in automotive applications

  • US 8,888,136 B2
  • Filed: 01/04/2012
  • Issued: 11/18/2014
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/25/2009
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method adapted for use by a vehicle comprising a roof and a seat, and by a passenger disposed within the seat, and for autonomously preventing or reducing the effects of an impact between the passenger and the roof, said method comprising:

  • a. determining a vehicle condition indicative of an imminent roof impact;

    b. in response to determining the condition, activating a shape memory active material actuator in a non-contracted condition that holds a bi-stable mount in an upright condition, thereby causing the shape memory active material actuator to contract and release the bi-stable mount so that the bi-stable mount swings past a neutral axis and achieves a collapsed condition, whereby the seat is autonomously modified to a lowered condition; and

    c. preventing or reducing the effects of the roof impact, as a result of autonomously modifying the seat.

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