Abstract: A variable output torque rod system for panel counterbalance includes a telescoping torque rod having a solid inner rod with a first end concentrically disposed in a tubular outer rod, wherein the tubular outer rod includes a first end fixed relative to a storage area, and wherein the solid inner rod includes a second end secured in a slider block relative to the panel. The telescoping torque rod is configured to store energy by being twisted when the panel is pivoted in a first direction relative to the storage area, and wherein the slider block is operative to adjust an overall length and cross-sectional area of the telescoping torque rod when the slider block is moved from a fully extended position to at least one other position that is less than the fully extended position.

Abstract: A variable output torque rod system for panel counterbalance includes a telescoping torque rod having a solid inner rod with a first end concentrically disposed in a tubular outer rod, wherein the tubular outer rod includes a first end fixed relative to a storage area, and wherein the solid inner rod includes a second end secured in a slider block relative to the panel. The telescoping torque rod is configured to store energy by being twisted when the panel is pivoted in a first direction relative to the storage area, and wherein the slider block is operative to adjust an overall length and cross-sectional area of the telescoping torque rod when the slider block is moved from a fully extended position to at least one other position that is less than the fully extended position.

Abstract: A hood hinge assembly is provided for operatively attaching a hood to a vehicle. The assembly includes a base link configured to be coupled to the vehicle; a deploy link coupled to the base link; and a hood link coupled to the deploy link and configured to be coupled to the hood. In a first transition from a first position into a second position, the base link and the deploy link pivot with one another relative to the base link, and, in a second transition from the first position into a third position, the hood link pivots relative to the deploy link.

Abstract: A hood hinge assembly is provided for operatively attaching a hood to a vehicle. The assembly includes a base link configured to be coupled to the vehicle; a deploy link coupled to the base link; and a hood link coupled to the deploy link and configured to be coupled to the hood. In a first transition from a first position into a second position, the base link and the deploy link pivot with one another relative to the base link, and, in a second transition from the first position into a third position, the hood link pivots relative to the deploy link.

Abstract: A hood hinge assembly for operatively attaching a hood to a vehicle body of a vehicle including a base adapted to be operatively fixed to the vehicle. The hood hinge assembly also includes an actuator link adapted for pivotal attachment to the hood at a first pivot point and a mount link pivotally attached to the actuator link at a second pivot point. The hood hinge assembly includes a lever link pivotally attached to the mount link at a third pivot point and pivotally attached to the base at a fourth pivot point. The hood hinge assembly further includes an actuator operable to pivot the actuator link, mount link, and the lever link to thereby move the first pivot point away from the vehicle. The hood hinge assembly includes a support link pivotally attached to the mount link at a fifth pivot point. The support link is operable to support the mount link at the fifth pivot point as the mount link pivots about the second pivot point.