Abstract: A shutter system for use in a vehicle. The shutter system comprises a panel mounted on a conduit through which air flows, the panel having a first plurality of apertures for permitting air to flow therethrough; and a grille movably mounted on a surface of the panel, the grille having a second plurality of apertures for permitting air to flow therethrough. In an open position, the grille is aligned with the panel such that the first and second plurality of apertures are aligned to permit air to flow through both the first and second plurality of apertures. In a closed position, the grille is aligned with the panel such that the first and second plurality of apertures are not aligned and air is blocked from flowing through the first and second plurality of apertures. The shutter system comprises a first actuator mechanism coupled to the panel and the grille and comprising a first bias spring and a first shape-memory alloy (SMA) spring.

Abstract: An actively controlled flap system includes a bar defining a rotational axis, a first flap rotatably coupled to the bar and configured to rotate about the rotational axis, and a second flap rotatably coupled to the bar and configured to rotate about the rotational axis, the second flap including an opening extending through the second flap. The first flap is rotatable between a first position in which the opening in the second flap is covered by the first flap and a second position in which the opening in the second flap is uncovered, and the second flap is rotatable between a third position and a fourth position.

Abstract: A shutter system for use in a vehicle. The shutter system comprises a panel mounted on a conduit through which air flows, the panel having a first plurality of apertures for permitting air to flow therethrough; and a grille movably mounted on a surface of the panel, the grille having a second plurality of apertures for permitting air to flow therethrough. In an open position, the grille is aligned with the panel such that the first and second plurality of apertures are aligned to permit air to flow through both the first and second plurality of apertures. In a closed position, the grille is aligned with the panel such that the first and second plurality of apertures are not aligned and air is blocked from flowing through the first and second plurality of apertures. The shutter system comprises a first actuator mechanism coupled to the panel and the grille and comprising a first bias spring and a first shape-memory alloy (SMA) spring.

Abstract: A vehicle having an active panel is disclosed. The vehicle defines a rearmost surface. The vehicle includes a frame defining a D-pillar, an active panel, and an actuation system. The active panel extends in a fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle and covers at least a portion of the D-pillar. The active panel defines a trailing edge that is oriented towards an aft direction and is moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The actuation system is operatively connected to the active panel and is configured to extend the active panel from the stowed position into the deployed position and from the deployed position into the stowed position. The trailing edge of the active panel is substantially aligned with the rearmost surface of the vehicle in the stowed position and extends beyond the rearmost surface of the vehicle in the deployed position.