Load-resistant spoiler mechanism for vehicle
AssigneeMultimatic Inc.
InventorJoel David Causley
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A spoiler mechanism (13) for a vehicle (10) includes a spoiler (16) that has a stowed position and first and second deployed positions. An actuator (22) is configured to move the spoiler (16) though the stowed and first and second deployed positions in response to a command. A multi-link assembly (20) is interconnected by pivot points. The multi-link assembly (20) is operatively connected to the spoiler (16). In the first deployed position at least three pivot points are aligned with one another in a plane and provide a first geometrically locked position. In the second deployed position a second geometrically locked position is provided in which a link of the multi-link assembly (20) abuts another structure.
Claims20
A spoiler mechanism for a vehicle comprising:
- a spoiler that has a stowed position and first and second deployed positions;
- an actuator configured to move the spoiler though the stowed and first and second deployed positions in response to a command;
- and
- a multi-link assembly interconnected by pivot points, the multi-link assembly operatively connected to a spoiler, wherein the first deployed position is provided in which at least three pivot points are in a plane providing a first geometrically locked position, and the second deployed position is arranged in a second geometrically locked position in which a link of the multi-link assembly abuts another structure.
A method of deploying a spoiler mechanism that includes a multi-link assembly interconnected by pivot points, the multi-link assembly operatively connected to a spoiler, the method comprising the steps of:
- deploying the spoiler to a first deployed position in which at least three pivot points are in a plane;
- and
- deploying the spoiler to a second deployed position in which one of the links in the multi-link assembly abuts a stop.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.