초록 ▼

A vehicle member generally comprises a thermally activated shape memory material in operative communication with a pyrotechnic device. The pyrotechnic device is effective to thermally change a dimension, a shape, an orientation change, an elastic modulus property change or a combination comprising a

A vehicle member generally comprises a thermally activated shape memory material in operative communication with a pyrotechnic device. The pyrotechnic device is effective to thermally change a dimension, a shape, an orientation change, an elastic modulus property change or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing properties of the shape memory material, which results in a structural and/or mechanical change to the vehicle member.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A vehicle assembly adapted for use with and for modifying a vehicle having a structural frame, said assembly comprising: a conformable structural member composing the frame;at least one thermally activatable shape memory material drivenly coupled to the conformable structural member;a pyrotechnic

1. A vehicle assembly adapted for use with and for modifying a vehicle having a structural frame, said assembly comprising: a conformable structural member composing the frame;at least one thermally activatable shape memory material drivenly coupled to the conformable structural member;a pyrotechnic material in operative communication with the shape memory material, wherein the pyrotechnic material is effective to thermally change a dimension, a shape, an orientation, an elastic modulus property or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing properties of the thermally activatable shape memory material in response to a triggering event, and wherein the change is operable to modify the conformable structural member; andan activation device for selectively discharging the pyrotechnic material. 2. The vehicle assembly of claim 1, wherein the thermally activatable shape memory material comprises a shape memory polymer. 3. The vehicle assembly of claim 1, wherein the pyrotechnic material is adapted to discharge a heated gas at a temperature that is effective to thermally change a dimension, a shape, an orientation, an elastic modulus property, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing properties to the shape memory material. 4. The vehicle assembly of claim 1, wherein the pyrotechnic material is adapted to radiate thermal energy to the shape memory material in an amount effective to change a dimension, a shape, an orientation, an elastic modulus property, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing properties to the shape memory material. 5. The vehicle assembly of claim 1, wherein the pyrotechnic material is adapted to conductively heat the shape memory material to a temperature that is effective to thermally change a dimension, a shape, an orientation, an elastic modulus property, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing properties to the shape memory material. 6. The vehicle assembly of claim 1, wherein the pyrotechnic material comprises a layer in contact with the shape memory material. 7. The vehicle assembly of claim 1, wherein the pyrotechnic material is distributed with the shape memory material. 8. The vehicle assembly of claim 1, wherein the conformable structural member is in operative communication with a second vehicle member, wherein thermal activation of the shape memory material is adapted to displace the second vehicle member. 9. The vehicle assembly of claim 1, wherein the conformable structural member is in operative communication with a second vehicle member, wherein thermal activation of the shape memory material is adapted to change compliance of the second vehicle member. 10. The vehicle assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the active material is shape memory alloy, and the pyrotechnic material is configured to heat the alloy through radiation or convection.