Land vehicles: bodies and tops – Bodies – With distinct wind deflector
Reexamination Certificate
2007-02-20
2007-02-20
Patel, Kiran B. (Department: 3612)
Land vehicles: bodies and tops
Bodies
With distinct wind deflector
C296S180100
Reexamination Certificate
active
11268328
ABSTRACT:
An airflow control device comprises a body and an active material in operative communication with the body. The active material, such as shape memory material, is operative to change at least one attribute in response to an activation signal. The active material can change its shape, dimensions and/or stiffness producing a change in at least one feature of the airflow control device such as shape, dimension, location, orientation, and/or stiffness to control vehicle airflow to better suit changes in driving conditions such as weather, ground clearance and speed, while reducing maintenance and the level of failure modes. As such, the device reduces vehicle damage due to inadequate ground clearance, while increasing vehicle stability and fuel economy. An activation device, controller and sensors may be employed to further control the change in at least one feature of the airflow control device such as shape, dimension, location, orientation, and/or stiffness of the device. A method for controlling vehicle airflow selectively introduces an activation signal to initiate a change of at least one feature of the device that can be reversed upon discontinuation of the activation signal.
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Browne Alan L.
Johnson Nancy L.
General Motors Corporation
Marra Kathryn A.
Patel Kiran B.
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