Abstract: An energy-absorbing structure is provided. The energy-absorbing structure includes a first panel member and a second panel member coupled together. The first panel member has a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge. The second panel member defines a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge. The second panel member further defines a first deformable wall extending from the first edge thereof and away from the first panel member and a second deformable wall extending from the second edge thereof and away from the first panel member. The first deformable wall defines a first plurality of apertures and the second deformable wall defines a second plurality of apertures. The first and second plurality of apertures may be defined as one of an array of perforations and a plurality of slots. The energy-absorbing structure may be provided as a hood for a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A breakaway headlamp mounting system is provided for a vehicle subjectable to an external force and having a body structure, a headlamp, and a hood. The breakaway headlamp mounting system has a mounting tab attached to the headlamp and attachable to the body structure and a mounting tab breakaway feature included in one of the hood, the body structure, and the mounting tab. The mounting tab breakaway feature is configured to break the mounting tab in response to the external force when the mounting tab is attached to the body structure.

Abstract: An energy absorber system for a vehicle includes a first panel and a second panel spaced apart from the first panel to define a cavity therebetween, wherein the second panel defines an aperture therethrough. The energy absorber system also includes an energy absorber disposed within the cavity and attached to the first panel. The energy absorber system further includes a plurality of fasteners, and a plate mounted to the second plate by the plurality of fasteners so as to cover the aperture. A vehicle including the energy absorber system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A closure assembly and method of operation for a vehicle closure includes a latch for selectively securing the closure to the vehicle, and a lockable bumper assembly that includes an electronic locking mechanism that can selectively secure the bumper in a pocket of the base to add an additional mechanism for securing the closure to the vehicle. The locking mechanism may be controlled to secure the bumper to the base after a controller detects that the latch is latched and the bumper is seated in the pocket of the base.

Abstract: A support mechanism for a vehicle closure panel is provided. The support mechanism includes a connection rod and a counterbalancing device. The connection rod is configured to secure the closure panel in a second position and control the speed of the closure panel as it moves between a first position and a second position. The counter balancing device includes a connection rod base structure, at least one guide block, of a first material, at least one resistance member, of a second material, and at least one spring element. The guide block interacts with the resistance member. The interaction of the first material of the guide block and the second material of the resistance member creates a resistance force of variable force output to counterbalance the weight of the closure panel as the closure panel moves between the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A support mechanism for a vehicle closure panel is provided. The support mechanism includes a connection rod and a counterbalancing device. The connection rod is configured to secure the closure panel in a second position and control the speed of the closure panel as it moves between a first position and a second position. The counter balancing device includes a connection rod base structure, at least one guide block, of a first material, at least one resistance member, of a second material, and at least one spring element. The guide block interacts with the resistance member. The interaction of the first material of the guide block and the second material of the resistance member creates a resistance force of variable force output to counterbalance the weight of the closure panel as the closure panel moves between the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A closure assembly for a vehicle includes a striker assembly and a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism includes a housing rotatably supporting a first wedge block for rotation about a first axis, and a second wedge block for rotation about a second axis. The first wedge block includes a first cam surface that engages the striker assembly as the latch mechanism moves along a path to limit lateral movement of the latch mechanism in a first direction transverse to the path. The second wedge block includes a second cam surface that engages the striker assembly as the latch mechanism moves along the path to limit lateral movement of the latch mechanism in a second direction transverse to the path, opposite the first direction. The first wedge block and the second wedge block are disposed within an interior space of the housing.

Abstract: A decklid assembly for a vehicle includes a first panel and a second panel spaced apart from the first panel to define a void therebetween. The decklid assembly also includes a deployable handle assembly at least partially disposed within the void and including a mounting element and a handle. The mounting element defines a cavity therein and is configured for attaching to at least one of the first panel and the second panel, wherein the mounting element extends into the void and abuts the first panel and the second panel. The handle is pivotably attached to the mounting element and is configured for transitioning between a stowed position wherein the handle covers the cavity, and a deployed position wherein the handle does not cover the cavity. A vehicle including the decklid assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body and a closure panel moveably attached to the body. When the closure panel is in a closed position, a closure restraint system interconnects the body and the closure panel and restricts lateral movement of the closure panel relative to the body. The closure restraint system includes a fixed wedge block attached to one of the body and the closure panel, and a rotatable wedge block attached to the other of the body and the closure panel. The rotatable wedge block includes a curved cam surface, and is rotatable about a rotation axis relative to the fixed wedge block when engaged by the fixed wedge block to move the contact between the fixed wedge block and the rotatable wedge block along the curved cam surface to maintain a consistent closing force for closing the closure panel.

Abstract: A closure assembly for securing a moveable panel relative to a body of a vehicle includes a striker assembly and a latch mechanism. The striker assembly includes a biasing mechanism that, when engaged by the latch mechanism, simultaneously biases the latch mechanism in a lateral direction and an axial direction to dampen movement of the latch mechanism relative to the striker assembly. The biasing mechanism provides dual damping rates.

Abstract: A closure assembly includes a striker assembly and a latch mechanism moveable along a longitudinal path relative to each other. One of the striker assembly and the latch mechanism includes a plate defining a first surface, and the other of the striker assembly and the latch mechanism includes an articulating member defining a second surface moveable into abutting engagement with the first surface of the plate. The articulating member moves into abutting engagement with the plate after the latch mechanism and the striker assembly have moved into a closed position relative to each other to restrict lateral movement between the striker assembly and the latch mechanism relative to the longitudinal path.

Abstract: A closure assembly for securing a moveable panel relative to a body of a vehicle includes a striker assembly and a latch mechanism. A biasing mechanism includes a bumper fixedly attached to the striker assembly, and an arm fixedly attached to the latch mechanism. The arm is flexible about an axis in one of an inward direction or an outward direction. The arm engages the bumper and is biased inward in response to movement of the latch mechanism toward the striker assembly for simultaneously biasing the latch mechanism in a lateral direction and an axial direction to dampen movement of the latch mechanism relative to the striker assembly.

Abstract: A closure assembly for securing a moveable panel relative to a body of a vehicle includes a striker assembly and a latch mechanism. A biasing mechanism includes a bumper fixedly attached to the striker assembly, and an arm fixedly attached to the latch mechanism. The arm is flexible about an axis in one of an inward direction or an outward direction. The arm engages the bumper and is biased inward in response to movement of the latch mechanism toward the striker assembly for simultaneously biasing the latch mechanism in a lateral direction and an axial direction to dampen movement of the latch mechanism relative to the striker assembly.

Abstract: A closure assembly includes a striker assembly and a latch mechanism moveable along a longitudinal path relative to each other. One of the striker assembly and the latch mechanism includes a plate defining a first surface, and the other of the striker assembly and the latch mechanism includes an articulating member defining a second surface moveable into abutting engagement with the first surface of the plate. The articulating member moves into abutting engagement with the plate after the latch mechanism and the striker assembly have moved into a closed position relative to each other to restrict lateral movement between the striker assembly and the latch mechanism relative to the longitudinal path.

Abstract: A decklid assembly for a vehicle includes a first panel and a second panel spaced apart from the first panel to define a void therebetween. The decklid assembly also includes a deployable handle assembly at least partially disposed within the void and including a mounting element and a handle. The mounting element defines a cavity therein and is configured for attaching to at least one of the first panel and the second panel, wherein the mounting element extends into the void and abuts the first panel and the second panel. The handle is pivotably attached to the mounting element and is configured for transitioning between a stowed position wherein the handle covers the cavity, and a deployed position wherein the handle does not cover the cavity. A vehicle including the decklid assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A closure assembly includes a striker assembly and a latch mechanism. The striker assembly includes a first wedge block and a second wedge block disposed opposite each other across a path. The first wedge block rotates about a first axis and includes a first cam surface defining a continuously variable distance to the first axis for engaging the latch mechanism. The second wedge block rotates about a second axis and includes a second cam surface defining a continuously variable distance from to the second axis for engaging the latch mechanism. Abutting engagement between the latch mechanism and the first cam surface limits lateral movement of the latch mechanism relative to the path in a first direction, and abutting engagement between the latch mechanism and the second cam surface limits lateral movement of the latch mechanism relative to the path in a second direction, which is opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A closure assembly includes a striker assembly and a latch mechanism. The striker assembly includes a first wedge block and a second wedge block disposed opposite each other across a path. The first wedge block rotates about a first axis and includes a first cam surface defining a continuously variable distance to the first axis for engaging the latch mechanism. The second wedge block rotates about a second axis and includes a second cam surface defining a continuously variable distance from to the second axis for engaging the latch mechanism. Abutting engagement between the latch mechanism and the first cam surface limits lateral movement of the latch mechanism relative to the path in a first direction, and abutting engagement between the latch mechanism and the second cam surface limits lateral movement of the latch mechanism relative to the path in a second direction, which is opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A closure assembly for securing a moveable panel relative to a body of a vehicle includes a striker assembly and a latch mechanism. The striker assembly includes a biasing mechanism that, when engaged by the latch mechanism, simultaneously biases the latch mechanism in a lateral direction and an axial direction to dampen movement of the latch mechanism relative to the striker assembly. The biasing mechanism provides dual damping rates.

Abstract: A damping assembly is disposed within a housing of a latch assembly to slow rotation of a forkbolt as the forkbolt rotates between an over-travel position and a latched position within the housing. The damping assembly includes a first passage and a second passage that are each configured to allow a fluid to flow therein. A restriction passage fluidly connects the first passage and the second passage and increases the pressure of the fluid within the passages. A check valve is configured to allow unidirectional flow of the fluid through the passages. An engagement mechanism is operatively connected to the passages and is configured to engage the forkbolt as the forkbolt rotates between the over-travel position and the latched position. The fluid within the passages reacts against the engagement mechanism to slow rotation of the forkbolt as the forkbolt rotates between the over-travel position and the latched position.

Abstract: A multiple position ball stud assembly for a closure strut supporting a closure pivotally attached adjacent to an opening, and a method of operation, is disclosed. The ball stud assembly may comprise a ball stud and a ball stud actuator. The ball stud may have a socket portion mounted on a closure lift assist strut and a guide pin extending from the socket portion. The ball stud actuator assembly may include a housing, a guide for receiving the guide pin, and an actuator for moving the guide pin along the guide to thereby cause the ball stud to move relative to the housing. The multiple position ball stud assembly may also include a control assembly that engages the actuator for selectively causing the actuator to move the guide pin along the guide.