Patent ID: 8540297
Filing Date: 2013-09-24
Classification: B60N,B60R

Abstract:
1. A manipulable center console adapted for use in a vehicle, said console comprising: a manipulable structural center console component; a one-way shape memory alloy (SMA) wire actuator operable to undergo a reversible change in fundamental property when exposed to or occluded from an activation signal, so as to be activated and deactivated respectively, and operatively coupled to the component; a spring-biased pawl intermediately coupled to the component and the one-way SMA wire actuator; and a catch defined in a compartment coupled to the component, the catch to lockingly engage the spring-biased pawl when the component is in a closed condition; wherein when the one-way SMA wire actuator is activated, the one-way SMA wire actuator disengages the spring-biased pawl from the catch to manipulate the component into an open condition.