Heated vehicle shutter
US9975421B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 18, 2016 |
| Grant date | May 22, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 17, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T10/88
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A shutter assembly includes a shutter frame and at least one louver moveably mounted to the shutter frame. The shutter assembly also includes a mechanism configured to shift the at least one louver relative to the shutter frame to select a position for the shutter assembly between and inclusive of fully-opened and fully-closed. The shutter assembly additionally includes a heating element configured to generate thermal energy sufficient to melt ice formation on the shutter assembly and facilitate shifting of the at least one louver relative to the shutter frame. Furthermore, the shutter assembly includes a controller configured to regulate the mechanism and activate the heating element. A method of controlling operation of a shutter assembly and a vehicle having such a shutter assembly are also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.