US 12,280,654 B2
Linkage for improved diagnostics for kinematic assembly
Jeffrey B. Manhire, Rochester, MI (US); Braendon R. Lindberg, Metamora, MI (US); and Daniel Vander Sluis, Rochester Hills, MI (US)
Assigned to MAGNA EXTERIORS, INC., Aurora (CA)
Appl. No. 17/801,881
Filed by Magna Exteriors Inc., Concord (CA)
PCT Filed Mar. 3, 2021, PCT No. PCT/US2021/020611
§ 371(c)(1), (2) Date Aug. 24, 2022,
PCT Pub. No. WO2021/178498, PCT Pub. Date Sep. 10, 2021.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/984,686, filed on Mar. 3, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2023/0084367 A1, Mar. 16, 2023
Int. Cl. B60K 11/08 (2006.01); B60K 11/04 (2006.01); F24F 13/15 (2006.01)
CPC B60K 11/085 (2013.01) [B60K 11/04 (2013.01); F24F 13/15 (2013.01)] 15 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A kinematic linkage assembly for an active grille shutter system comprising:
an active grille shutter system having a frame forming an aperture, wherein the frame is connectable to a vehicle engine compartment;
a kinematic linkage assembly connected with the frame of the active grille shutter system, wherein the kinematic linkage assembly includes a plurality of vanes pivotally connected to the frame at a first connection and a second connection, wherein the plurality of vanes are each moveable between an open position and a closed position, such that when the plurality of vanes are in the closed position, air is prevented from moving through the aperture of the frame and when the plurality of vanes are in the open position, air is able to move through the aperture of the frame;
the kinematic linkage assembly further includes at least one drive series that includes the plurality of vanes, wherein a first vane of the plurality of vanes is connected to an actuator that supplies rotation force to the at least one drive series, wherein the at least one drive series in part defines a force pathway that traverse the plurality of vanes in a serpentine pattern, thereby causing the plurality of vanes to rotate between the open position and the closed position when rotational force is transmitted through the force pathway; and
wherein the first connection and the second connection between the frame and each of the plurality of vanes includes a two piece end cap each having a first piece with at least one vane retainer, and a second piece having at least one vane retainer, wherein the first piece and the second piece are connected together at a pivot and when one of the plurality of vanes is placed in contact with the at least one vane retainer of the first piece and the at least one vane retainer of the second piece the first piece and the second piece rotate about the pivot.