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US 12,752,621 B2Granted
Twisted coiled actuator kinematic system for automotive aero devices
AssigneeMagna Exteriors Inc.
InventorsDaniel R. Vander Sluis, Braendon R. Lindberg, Jeffrey Caraway, Mark A Richardson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An active air module for a vehicle. The module includes an active air feature having at least an open and closed position. Air is allowed to enter when in the open position and airflow is at least partially blocked in the closed position. A soft actuator such as a twisted coiled polymer actuator apparatus is used for actuation of the active air feature from the closed position to the open position.
Claims13
An active air module for a vehicle, comprising:
- an active air feature having at least an open position and a closed position wherein airflow through the active air feature is allowed when in the open position and airflow is at least partially blocked in the closed position;
- and
- a shape changing actuator apparatus for actuation of the active air feature from the closed position to the open position, wherein the shape changing actuator apparatus has a pivoted actuator including a lever and a cam, the cam includes a first catch for holding the lever in an open or closed position, the lever is attached to the active air feature and biased by a spring in a first-direction, a first shape changing actuator is attached to the lever for moving the lever in a second direction against the spring for cocking the lever, wherein a first pawl engages the first catch in the cam for holding of the lever in the open position, a second shape changing actuator is attached to the first pawl for selectively triggering the lever for moving of the active air feature to the closed position when releasing the first pawl, and wherein the cam includes a second catch, and a second pawl is provided for engaging the second catch, and a third shape changing actuator is provided for actuation of the second pawl for holding the cam in the closed position.
An active air module for a vehicle comprising:
- an active air feature having at least an open position and a closed position wherein air is allowed to enter when in the open position and airflow is at least partially blocked in the closed position;
- and
- a twisted coil polymer (TCP) actuator apparatus for actuation of the active air feature from the closed position to the open position, wherein the actuator apparatus has a pivotal actuator including a lever and a cam, the cam includes a first catch for holding the lever in an open or closed position, the lever is attached to the active air feature and biased by a spring in a first-direction, a first TCP actuator is attached to the lever for moving the lever in a second direction against the spring for cocking the lever, wherein a first pawl engages the first catch in the cam for holding of the lever in the open position, a second TCP actuator is attached to the first pawl for selectively triggering the lever for moving of the active air feature to the closed position when releasing the first pawl, and wherein the cam includes a second catch, and a second pawl is provided for engaging the second catch, and a third TCP actuator is provided for actuation of the second trigger pawl for holding the cam in the closed position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.