Jamming resistant aero louver
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorsScott P. Charnesky, Kerry A. Charnesky, Michael J. Sigelko, Bradley K. Rogers, Kyle C. Smith
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A louver for a vehicle includes a panel having a central portion and a first outer edge portion. A hinge interconnects the central portion and the first outer edge portion. The louver rotates about a rotation axis in a first direction from an open position to a closed position. The hinge bends to allow the first outer edge portion to move relative to the central portion to reduce an effective moment arm resisting rotational movement of the louver when the louver is bound.
Claims20
A vehicle comprising:
- a body defining an inlet;
- and
- a louver coupled to the body and rotatably moveable about a rotation axis between an open position allowing airflow through the inlet and a closed position blocking airflow through the inlet;
- wherein the louver includes a central portion and a first outer edge portion, disposed adjacent the central portion;
- wherein the louver rotates about the rotation axis in a first direction when moving from the closed position into the open position;
- and
- wherein the louver includes a hinge disposed between the central portion and the first outer edge portion and configured for bending movement to allow the first outer edge to move relative to the central portion when moving from the closed position to the open position.
A louver for selectively opening and closing an inlet of a vehicle body, the louver comprising:
- a panel extending along a longitudinal axis and including a central portion, a first outer edge portion, and a second outer edge portion, wherein the first outer edge portion and the second outer edge portion are disposed opposite each other across the central portion;
- and
- an anti-stick coating disposed on an outer surface of the panel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.