Abstract: A hinge assembly including a vehicle body hinge member configured to be connected with a vehicle body and a hood hinge member configured to be connected with a vehicle hood. The vehicle body hinge member and the hood hinge member are pivotally connected so the hood can be opened for servicing and closed for driving. In one embodiment, a pedestrian protection device includes a bracket movable between an extended position in which a rear portion of the vehicle hood is in an elevated position and a retracted position in which the rear portion of the vehicle hood is in a drivable position. A shear pin extends through the bracket for maintaining the bracket in the retracted position until a threshold force is applied to the bracket. The device includes an actuator configured to apply at least the threshold force to shear the shear pin, thereby moving the bracket to the extended position. A reset latch relocks the bracket in the retracted position after the shear pin has been sheared.

Abstract: A vehicle component formed using a reinforcing mixture that includes a plurality of basalt fibers. According to one embodiment, the reinforced vehicle component could be formed by a method in which a vehicle component is provided for reinforcement, such as a vehicle panel that may be stamped from steel. Basalt fibers are mixed with a carrier that includes one or more of an epoxy or a glue. The mixture of basalt fibers and the carrier are applied to the vehicle panel. In one embodiment, for example, the mixture could be sprayed onto the vehicle panel for purposes of reinforcement.