Abstract: A method of initializing operation of a shutter arranged relative to a grille opening in a vehicle having a power-plant includes detecting a start-up of the power-plant. The method also includes sensing a temperature of ambient air. The method also includes commanding the shutter to achieve a fully-opened position when the temperature of ambient air is above a predetermined value such that a flow of ambient air to the power-plant through the grille opening is substantially unrestricted. The method additionally includes commanding the shutter to achieve a fully-closed position when a temperature of the power-plant is maintained below a threshold value such that the flow of ambient air through the grille opening to the power-plant is substantially blocked. A vehicle using a controller configured to perform the above method is also provided.

Abstract: A system for controlling an aerodynamic shutter of a vehicle includes an ambient temperature estimation module that determines an ambient temperature. A shutter control module that determines whether to actuate the shutter based on the ambient temperature. The shutter control module also determines a predetermined period before selectively applying a predetermined torque value to the shutter. The predetermined period is selected based on the ambient temperature.

Abstract: A shutter system includes a first louver configured to rotate about a first pivot axis and a second louver configured to rotate about a second pivot axis. The second pivot axis is arranged at an angle that is smaller than 180 degrees with respect to the first pivot axis. The shutter system also includes a dual-drive actuation mechanism configured to rotate the first and the second louvers about the respective pivot axes. The dual-drive mechanism includes a first driven element operatively connected to the first louver and a second driven element operatively connected to the second louver. The dual-drive mechanism also includes a drive element configured to receive a drive torque and apply the drive torque simultaneously to the first and second driven elements. A vehicle having the above shutter system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for controlling an aerodynamic shutter of a vehicle includes an ambient temperature estimation module that determines an ambient temperature. A shutter control module that determines whether to actuate the shutter based on the ambient temperature. The shutter control module also determines a predetermined period before selectively applying a predetermined torque value to the shutter. The predetermined period is selected based on the ambient temperature.

Abstract: A method of initializing operation of a shutter arranged relative to a grille opening in a vehicle having a power-plant includes detecting a start-up of the power-plant. The method also includes sensing a temperature of ambient air. The method also includes commanding the shutter to achieve a fully-opened position when the temperature of ambient air is above a predetermined value such that a flow of ambient air to the power-plant through the grille opening is substantially unrestricted. The method additionally includes commanding the shutter to achieve a fully-closed position when a temperature of the power-plant is maintained below a threshold value such that the flow of ambient air through the grille opening to the power-plant is substantially blocked. A vehicle using a controller configured to perform the above method is also provided.

Abstract: A shutter system includes a first louver configured to rotate about a first pivot axis and a second louver configured to rotate about a second pivot axis. The second pivot axis is arranged at an angle that is smaller than 180 degrees with respect to the first pivot axis. The shutter system also includes a dual-drive actuation mechanism configured to rotate the first and the second louvers about the respective pivot axes. The dual-drive mechanism includes a first driven element operatively connected to the first louver and a second driven element operatively connected to the second louver. The dual-drive mechanism also includes a drive element configured to receive a drive torque and apply the drive torque simultaneously to the first and second driven elements. A vehicle having the above shutter system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A shutter system for controlling airflow through a grille opening in a vehicle includes a shutter housing. The shutter system also includes a louver supported by and configured to rotate relative to the shutter housing about a pivot axis. The shutter system also includes a first positive stop configured to prevent the louver from rotating past a fully-opened position and a second positive stop configured to prevent the louver from rotating past a fully-closed position. The shutter system additionally includes a shield arranged relative to the shutter housing and configured to screen the first and second positive stops from the airflow and protect the positive stops from airborne dirt and debris. A vehicle having the above shutter system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of acknowledging a presence of an individual relative to a vehicle having a grille opening includes detecting that the vehicle is stationary. The method also includes sensing the presence of the individual relative to the vehicle. The method additionally includes setting an adjustable shutter in motion in response to the sensed presence of the individual when the vehicle is stationary. The shutter is arranged relative to the grille opening and is operable to selectively open and close the grille opening to present an appearance of a “wink”. A system using a controller configured to regulate the shutter and perform such a method is also provided.