Douglas Autotech Corporation

Other

Joseph C Spencer

Brian C Bowerman

Corbin G Glidden

Patrick D Gaukel

Subin Sha

An assembly is provided for fixing the position of an adjustable component () of a vehicle, comprising in combination a fixed reference frame () within the vehicle such as a dash or a firewall, an adjustable component () also disposed in the vehicle such as an adjustable steering column (), pedals, or a seat. Interconnecting the fixed reference frame () and the adjustable component () is a fluid locking mechanism () which permits selective positioning of the adjustable component relative to the fixed reference frame () and holds the adjustable component () in position. The fluid locking mechanism () is preferably a non-Newtonian flow fluid locking mechanism which uses a magneto-rheological fluid () to fix the position of the adjustable component () in place once the desired position is selected. To provide additional safety for the vehicle occupants, the fluid locking mechanism may be controlled by an electrical microprocessor () or circuit which adjusts the locking strength of the fluid locking mechanism () based upon user inputs and dynamic events.

Non-newtonian flow fluid-locking mechanism for vehicles

An alarm assembly is provided alerting the operator through one of a visual, audible, or tactile signal, the occurrence of a specified event. The alarm assembly includes a locking mechanism coupled to a substrate which has a natural frequency. The locking mechanism is maintained in a condition which inhibits the natural frequency of the substrate unless commanded to do so by an electronic circuit which includes sensors for monitoring one or more specific criterion. The locking mechanism is preferably a non-Newtonian flow fluid locking mechanism which uses a magneto-rheological fluid to dynamically adjust the locking strength of the locking mechanism as well as the natural frequency of the substrate based upon user inputs and dynamic events. The alarm assembly can be dynamically &ldquo;tuned&rdquo; in and out of the natural frequency of the substrate so the substrate vibrates, produces an audible noise, or generates a current upon the occurrence of a predetermined event. Sensors mounted on the substrate provide feedback via a logic system or computer to alter the stiffness of the locking system and increase or decrease the vibration to obtain or avoid the natural frequency.

Alarm mechanism

A transmission shifter assembly is provided having a lever cooperating with at least one linking lever such that movement of the lever results in a corresponding movement of one of the linking lever to select a desired gear, an assembly for selectively locating the lever at a desired gear selection position, and at least one fluid locking assembly cooperating with the locating assembly for locking the lever in a desired position and preventing accidental disengagement. The fluid locking assembly includes at least one linear actuator whose movement is controlled by a magneto rheological fluid.

Transmission lock

A steering column assembly for a vehicle wherein the steering column may be adjustable in a tilt direction, telescoping direction or both. The steering column includes a first housing, a second housing pivotally coupled to one end of the first housing, and a locking assembly interconnecting the first and second housings. The locking assembly includes a clutch having one end attached to the first housing, and an opposite end in sliding engagement with the second housing. A caliper member is provided on the second housing, and extending through the clutch to selectively fix the clutch in place and thus fix the relative position of the first housing in relation to the second.

Steering wheel impact positioning system

A tilt-adjustable steering column assembly, comprising in combination an upper housing pivotally attached to a lower housing along a generally horizontal axis transverse to the upper and lower housings, the pivotal attachment accomplished by a pair of pins, each having a threaded intermediate shaft received in a threaded opening extending through opposite sides of the lower housing, and further having generally hemispherical pins, each received in a complementary-shaped recess formed on opposite sides of the upper housing to form a hemispherical bearing surface and preloading the upper housing in compression.

Growing community of inventors

Coldwater, MI, United States of America

Joseph C Spencer