Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

University of Illinois

University of Michigan

Girish Krishnan

Nilesh D Mankame

Ruoyu Sun

Sridhar Kota

Elizabeth T Hsiao-Wecksler

Joshua Bishop-Moser

Chenzhang Xiao

Ye Lwin Oo

Deen Farooq

Gaurav Singh

A structural component for a vehicle includes a component including an interior surface defining a first hollow passage and a structural reinforcement contacting the interior surface of the component. The structural reinforcement and component define a cross-section and the structural reinforcement partially fills the cross-section. A process for forming the structural component including inserting a bladder into the first hollow passage defined by the interior surface of the component and inflating the bladder in the first hollow passage, forming a cavity between the bladder and the interior surface, filling the cavity with a polymer resin, and foaming the polymer resin. A system for forming a structural component for a vehicle includes a component including a first hollow passage defined by an interior surface of the component, a bladder insertable into the first hollow passage of the component, and a supply line connected to an interior of the bladder.

Inflatable-based process for controlling structural foam reinforcement molding

A structural component for a vehicle and a process and system for forming the structural component. A first cavity is formed in a first hollow passage between a first bladder and an interior surface of a component forming the structural component. A first structural reinforcement layer is formed in the first cavity by filling the first cavity with a first polymer resin and foaming the first polymer resin to form a first polymer resin foam. A second cavity is formed in the first hollow passage and a second structural reinforcement layer is formed in the second cavity by filling the second cavity with a second polymer resin and foaming the second polymer resin to form a second polymer resin foam.

Inflatables-based process for creating multi-layer internal reinforcements

A fiber reinforced actuator includes first and second sets of fibers coupled with and arranged along a control volume to controllably constrain mobility of an actuator body. Fibers of the first set can be arranged with respect to fibers of the second set and with respect to a central axis to impart the actuator with various combinations of torsional and axial force responses. A third fiber may be included to form a helical actuator. A plurality of actuators can be coupled together for coordinated movement, thereby providing additional mobility directions, such as trans-actuator bending. The fiber-reinforced actuators and actuator assemblies are potential low cost, low energy consumption, lightweight, and simple replacements for existing motion devices such as servo-motor driven robots.

Fiber-reinforced actuator

A crutch includes a pole, a cuff, a handle, a forearm support member, and a second forearm support member. The cuff and the handle are attached to the pole. The forearm support member, comprising an actuator, is disposed between the cuff and the handle and is moveable between a constricted position and a non-constricted position. The second forearm support member is disposed within the forearm support member. The energy generating device is configured to move the forearm support member between the constricted position and the non-constricted position.

Forearm and wrist support for crutch users

Growing community of inventors

Mahomet, IL, United States of America

Girish Krishnan