The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 02, 2016
Filed:
May. 05, 2014
GM Global Technology Operations Llc, Detroit, MI (US);
Steven C. Lang, Columbus, MI (US);
Nilesh D. Mankame, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Hesham A. Ezzat, Troy, MI (US);
GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
A door assembly includes a structure including an exterior panel defining an opening, and a grab bar. The grab bar is moveable relative to the exterior panel. A first linkage system and a second linkage system interconnect the grab bar and the structure. A drive assembly is coupled to the first linkage system and the second linkage system to move the grab bar between an extended position and a retracted position. The drive assembly includes a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuator that contracts in response to a control signal, to move the grab bar. A seal may be provided to seal between the grab bar and the structure. A heating element may provide a thermal load to heat the grab bar, a seal surrounding the grab bar, or both.