Abstract: A body panel for a vehicle includes an outer lens and a light engine projecting a light into the outer lens. The body panel includes a duct, which is disposed at a substantially equal vertical elevation as the outer lens. The light engine is positioned relative to the outer lens to allow the duct to pass directly behind the outer lens, at approximately the same vertical elevation, to improve air flow through the duct.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a grille badge including an outer member and an inner member configured to be snapped together. The inner member includes a living hinge to facilitate the connection to the outer member. The inner member is at least initially inserted into the outer member in a bent position, the inner member being bent or snapped into place via the living hinge provided thereto during manufacturing and/or assembly. In certain example embodiments, the outer element includes at least one slot for receiving at least one corresponding tab provided to the inner element. In certain example embodiments, the inner and outer members include corresponding snap features for securing the connection therebetween. An assembled grille badge may be connected, directly or indirectly, to a vehicle (e.g., to the vehicle, to a front-end assembly, to a grille, etc.), for example, using one or more snap features.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for maximizing cooling in fuel economy in automotive vehicle having an argument. A grille opening in the vehicle allows air to flow toward the engine compartment along a first path and a bottom breather opening allows air to flow toward the engine compartment along a distinct, second path. An air separator extends between the first and second paths to prevent mixing of airflow along these paths. In one embodiment, the air separator is a thin dividing wall preferably formed of a deformable material. The deformable portion extends toward a condenser/radiator assembly at low vehicle speeds. At increased vehicle speeds, the deformable portion deflects and preferably adopts a generally curvilinear contour of ducting to enhance airflow along the second path. An associated method of controlling airflow is provided by terminating the air separator closely adjacent a condenser/radiator assembly to limit mixing of airflow along separate paths.

Abstract: A variable-bias shutter system for controlling an airstream through an entryway includes a plurality of louvers. Each louver has a pivot axis and a louver face that includes a first portion arranged to one side and a second portion arranged to the other side of the respective pivot axis. The shutter system also includes a mechanism configured to select a position for the shutter system by rotating in tandem each of the plurality of louvers about the respective pivot axis. An area of the first portion that is exposed to the airstream is smaller than an area of the second portion when the shutter system is substantially closed. Additionally, the area of the first portion that is exposed to the airstream is larger than the area of the second portion when the shutter system is not closed. A vehicle employing the variable-bias shutter system is also disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustable radiator grill arrangement for a motor vehicle comprises at least one air channel, through which an air flow for the incident flow of a radiator can be guided. The grill arrangement has a first grill element and a second grill element, which are moveable relative to one another, in order to open or to close the air channel. The first grill element comprises a closing edge, which is disposed at a distance from a counter-edge when the air channel is opened and adjacent to the counteredge when the air channel is closed. The first grill element comprises an elastically deformable closing element, which forms the closing edge.

Abstract: Forward structure of a motor vehicle includes a frame structure, a bumper beam disposed forward of and connected to the frame structure, and a radiator frame disposed forward of the frame structure and behind the bumper beam. First and second swing arms are connected to the radiator frame at respective first and second forward pivot axes and are connected to the frame structure at respective first and second rear pivot axes. The four pivot axes are substantially parallel to one another and substantially transverse to the vehicle, such that a frontal impact urging the bumper beam rearward against the radiator frame causes the radiator frame to pivot about the swing arms. Forward-most portions of the frame structure, immediately adjacent to the bumper beam, may take the form of deformation elements or crush cans that are designed to yield in a manner to absorb crash energy.

Abstract: Forward structure of a motor vehicle includes a frame structure, a bumper beam disposed forward of and connected to the frame structure, and a radiator frame disposed forward of the frame structure and behind the bumper beam. First and second swing arms are connected to the radiator frame at respective first and second forward pivot axes and are connected to the frame structure at respective first and second rear pivot axes. The four pivot axes are substantially parallel to one another and substantially transverse to the vehicle, such that a frontal impact urging the bumper beam rearward against the radiator frame causes the radiator frame to pivot about the swing arms. Forward-most portions of the frame structure, immediately adjacent to the bumper beam, may take the form of deformation elements or crush cans that are designed to yield in a manner to absorb crash energy.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a front grille and a vehicle presence notification apparatus that includes a supersonic speaker, where the vehicle presence notification apparatus is behind the front grille. The front grille includes a plurality of grille bars that may be in a front range of the supersonic speakers. The grille bars that are positioned in the front range of the supersonic speaker includes a curved convex and an upper plate, which have a substantial U shape cross section. The supersonic wave is reflected on an inside surface of one grille bar in a downward direction, and is reflected again on an outside surface of an adjacent grille bar in a forward or frontal direction to output toward a front field of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle front structure has a pair of right and left apron side members 1 each extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction and having a closed cross section structure, a bumper 2 located on the vehicle front side Fr of the front end portion of the apron side member 1, and a grille 5 attached to air intake openings 3, 4 in the bumper 2. In this vehicle front structure, shock absorbing parts 20 formed integrally with the grille 5 are disposed between the bumper 2 and the front end portions of the apron side members 1.

Abstract: A carrier for a front end module as a front structure of a vehicle, and a front end module system, comprises a sub frame formed to extend horizontally across an opening of a quadrangular main frame in which a radiator is to be arranged, and air guides are formed on the main frame and the sub frame to project forward.

Abstract: A vehicle body part (60) has a perforated grid portion (61) secured in an aperture in a non-perforated portion (601,602), an edge portion of the grid portion defining part of the edge of the body part. A support member (8) extends along the edge portion of the grid portion (60) and supported from the non-perforated portion (601,602), and a seal (9) for contact with an adjacent body part extends around at least said part of the edge of the body part. The seal has a cross-section which includes a first lobe (9c) which covers the edge portion of the grid (61) to protect a vehicle operator from injury by this edge portion and improving styling. The seal cross-section also has a second lobe (9d) which extends between the grid (61) and the support member (8) to prevent vibration of the grid and damage of the paint finish of these components. The seal cross-section also includes a U-shaped channel portion (9a) which encloses the edge of the support member (8).

Abstract: A work vehicle comprises a tractor and a fan/grill unit. The fan/grill unit comprises a fan and a grill providing a portion of the exterior of the work vehicle. The fan and the grill are separately pivotally mounted to the tractor. The fan and the grill are coupled to one another in a four-bar linkage arrangement with the tractor such that the fan/grill unit is configured to pivot relative to the tractor between a closed position and an opened position.

Abstract: In a vehicular hood hinge arrangement structure in which the rear end part of a front hood is pivotally supported on a vehicle body via a hood hinge attached to the top end surface of a dash side front member at the side of a cowl box adopting a hollow structure the upper side of which is open, the hood hinge is arranged on the outside in the vehicle width direction of a vertical surface extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction of a cowl side panel closing the side end of the cowl box and in front of a front surface of a side body outer panel (front pillar) erected almost vertically in the side part of a vehicle body.

Abstract: A system for variable engine compartment ventilation in a slim and compact unit with components used in non-related industries. The system can have at least one bank of movable louvers rotatably mounted within a louver frame for guiding a flow of air into a vehicle engine compartment; a motor to rotate the louvers with a motor gear formed on an output shaft rotatably connected in parallel to at least one helix cable by a helix cable drive gear and a louver pinion gear integral with each louver engaging the helix cable along its length; and a control unit for operating the assembly of movable louvers in response to an output signal from a vehicle communication bus. The output signal of the vehicle communication bus can be in response to input from an engine coolant temperature sensor or a vehicle speed sensor.

Abstract: A roller shutter device is mounted in front of a radiator of a motor vehicle for regulating air flow entering into the engine compartment and traversing the radiator. The shutter is wound on a transverse roller which is received in an additional space defined in front of the radiator by a reinforcement crosspiece of the body having a substantially C-shaped outwardly projecting cross-section, which divides the front opening of the body into at least one lower opening and into at least one upper opening. The roller shutter is provided in one of said upper and lower openings; while an auxiliary shutter device which can be of the tilting louver type or even of the roller shutter type is associated to the other opening.

Abstract: A vehicle end structure mainly includes a vehicle bumper fascia and a grille assembly. The vehicle bumper fascia includes a sill portion and a receiving member extending from the sill portion. The receiving member defines a channel with an opening extending in a forward vehicle facing direction. The grille assembly includes inner grille and outer grille members that are coupled together. The inner grille member has a support member formed at a periphery of the inner grille member. The support member is disposed in the channel of the receiving member to limit movement of the inner grille member in a direction normal to the forward vehicle facing direction. The outer grille member is disposed on a forward vehicle facing side of the inner grille member to conceal the support member from view in the first direction.

Abstract: A housing is provided for a radiator blind of a motor vehicle that includes, but is not limited to a base section that is configured to accommodate the radiator blind, a prescribed port, and an adapter section that is secured to the prescribed port.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a vehicle grille may include a frame, a shutter, and a drive mechanism. The shutter may be connected to the frame and may be pivotable relative thereto between a first position and a second position. The shutter may include a pivot axis and an engagement member. The shutter may restrict airflow through a vehicle grille in the first position and allow airflow through the vehicle grille in the second position. The drive mechanism may drive the shutter between the first and second positions. The drive mechanism may include a drive shaft rotating relative to the frame and a drive member engaging the drive shaft and moving linearly relative to the frame. The drive member may include an arcuate slot slidably engaging the engagement member.

Abstract: An air guiding device is arranged in a front end part of a motor vehicle and has an air guiding duct containing a radiator unit through which fresh air flows. A wheel house grille is arranged in the guiding duct downstream of the radiator unit. The wheel house grille has differently positioned air guiding slats for the passage of radiator outlet air. The air guiding slats are positioned so that part of the radiator outlet air is guided to the vehicle outside and a further part of the radiator outlet air can be supplied to the vehicle inside and via a deflecting blade to a wheel brake for cooling. The air guiding slats may also be closed over subregions by means of a facing such that no outlet air can flow through the slats in the subregions.

Abstract: A bumper for a front end of a vehicle includes a body having an opening defining an air flow inlet. The opening is elongated in the transverse direction of the body and is defined by spaced apart transverse walls and spaced apart side walls. A grille is disposed in the opening. The grille includes at least one generally horizontal member having at least one sound attenuating member attached thereto and configured to at least partially alter the air flow passing through the grille to mitigate resonance associated with the flow of air through the grill.

Abstract: A bumper for a front end of a vehicle includes a body having an opening defining an air flow inlet. The opening is elongated in the transverse direction of the body and is defined by spaced apart transverse walls and spaced apart side walls. A grille is disposed in the opening. The grille includes at least one generally horizontal member having at least one sound attenuating member attached thereto and configured to at least partially alter the air flow passing through the grille to mitigate resonance associated with the flow of air through the grill.

Abstract: An integrated assembly includes a bumper energy absorber section with crush lobes for abutting a bumper beam, an upper air shutter section with subassembled shutter members movable between closed and open positions, a first actuator mechanism for moving the shutter members between positions, an upper fascia support section with upper leg crush lobe therein above the upper air shutter section, a lower air shutter section with subassembled lower shutter members movable between closed and open positions, a second actuator mechanism for moving the lower shutter members between the positions; and a lower leg energy absorber section attached below the lower air shutter section and configured to abut (or replace) a face of a secondary pedestrian impact bar. The shutter members may be molded to a shutter frame using over molding technology rather than separately, manually assembled.

Abstract: A front-end part of a motor vehicle has a front panel with air inlet openings in a central region and lateral regions. A central air-guiding element (14) is positioned behind a central air inlet opening in the front panel and a lateral air-guiding element (15) is positioned behind at least one lateral air inlet opening in the front panel. An air scoop (18) is arranged between the central air-guiding element (14) and at least one lateral air-guiding element (15). The air scoop (18) can be moved between a pre-installation position where the air scoop is spaced from the central air-guiding element and an installation position where the air scoop is placed against or connected to the central air-guiding element.

Abstract: A radiator grille of an automobile includes a plastic main grille provided with plural air vents and plural positioning bases formed in the inside. Each of the positioning bases has a plugging groove for being inserted with a hooking member, which is made of metal with a locking portion located at one end, a blocking portion elastically extended outward, and a hunched positioning portion formed outwardly. So, with the hooking members made of metal to possess a strong strength and elasticity, they are not to be easily broken owing to improper operation while being assembled with the main grille. Moreover, the radiator grille can not only be conveniently and swiftly assembled, but also firmly positioned in a car.

Abstract: A work vehicle comprises a tractor and a fan/grill unit. The fan/grill unit comprises a fan and a grill providing a portion of the exterior of the work vehicle. The fan and the grill are separately pivotally mounted to the tractor. The fan and the grill are coupled to one another in a four-bar linkage arrangement with the tractor such that the fan/grill unit is configured to pivot relative to the tractor between a closed position and an opened position.

Abstract: A replacement grille for a vehicle which replaces an original grille of the vehicle comprises a frame component comprising an outer frame defining a space, at least one design component received within the space of the frame, and a connector for connecting the design component to the frame component.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a Front End Module (FEM) assembly and associated assembly method with a rail system to enable efficient assembly, tighter clearances between the front end module assembly and the vehicle, and time and cost savings. The present disclosure provides a FEM assembly including grilles and headlamps and a rail system enabling the FEM to be assembled on a vehicle. Advantageously, the present disclosure allows the FEM to pass between fenders on the vehicle with a very tight clearance condition. The rail system included in the present disclosure allows the FEM to be assembled efficiently while protecting grilles and headlamps from being damaged by fenders and protecting the fenders from damage from the FEM.

Abstract: A vehicle end structure mainly includes a vehicle bumper fascia and a grille assembly. The vehicle bumper fascia includes a sill portion and a receiving member extending from the sill portion. The receiving member defines a channel with an opening extending in a forward vehicle facing direction. The grille assembly includes inner grille and outer grille members that are coupled together. The inner grille member has a support member formed at a periphery of the inner grille member. The support member is disposed in the channel of the receiving member to limit movement of the inner grille member in a direction normal to the forward vehicle facing direction. The outer grille member is disposed on a forward vehicle facing side of the inner grille member to conceal the support member from view in the first direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a radiator grill arrangement (10, 10?) for a motor vehicle front end of a motor vehicle, which comprises a plurality of air passage openings (16), which can be closed at least substantially by at least one flap element (20). In the embodiment according to the invention, the at least one flap element (20) is thereby supported so as to be able to swivel about an associated flap axis (24). In driving states of the motor vehicle in which little cooling air is needed for the engine or engine compartment, the entire flap arrangement or a part of the flaps (20) can thus be closed in order to improve the drag coefficient cw of the motor vehicle and to save fuel. Also in the parked state of the motor vehicle with the engine switched off, it is possible to close the flap arrangement in order to ensure a more aesthetically pleasing appearance of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A lower grille assembly for connection with a front bumper structure of a vehicle includes a frame and a covering portion supported by the frame. A lower grille cavity filler extends downwardly beyond the frame. The lower grille cavity filler is sized and arranged to be received within a cavity formed by the front bumper structure and located below the lower grille assembly.

Abstract: A plastic scuttle grill for a vehicle, including at least one fixed part to be attached rigidly to the vehicle, and at least one removable part including at least one mechanism of reversible attachment configured to engage with a corresponding attachment mechanism on the fixed part of the scuttle grill so that the removable part can be attached to or detached from at least one fixed part of the grill.

Abstract: There is disclosed a modular assembly and method of forming the assembly. The assembly is particularly suitable as at least part of a front end of a transportation or automotive vehicle. The assembly preferably includes one or more plastic structures adhesively secured to one or more metal structures.

Abstract: An example grille badge includes an outer member and an inner member configured to be snapped together. The inner member includes a living hinge to facilitate the connection to the outer member. The inner member is at least initially inserted into the outer member in a bent position, the inner member being bent or snapped into place via the living hinge provided thereto during manufacturing and/or assembly. In certain example embodiments, the outer element includes at least one slot for receiving at least one corresponding tab provided to the inner element. In certain example embodiments, the inner and outer members include corresponding snap features for securing the connection therebetween. An assembled grille badge may be connected, directly or indirectly, to a vehicle (e.g., to the vehicle, to a front-end assembly, to a grille, etc.), for example, using one or more snap features.

Abstract: A lower grille assembly for connection with a front bumper structure of a vehicle includes a frame and a covering portion supported by the frame. A lower grille cavity filler extends downwardly beyond the frame. The lower grille cavity filler is sized and arranged to be received within a cavity formed by the front bumper structure and located below the lower grille assembly.

Abstract: Vehicle fascia assembly includes a plastic fascia panel and a grille frame. The fascia panel has a grille opening defined by a flange extending rearward from the show surface toward the back side of the fascia panel. The flange has a plurality of flexure fingers at spaced intervals along the flange. The grille frame has a forward facing show surface and has a C-shaped channel molded around the outer edge of the show surface. Upon the assembly of the grille frame onto the backside of the fascia panel, the spaced apart channel legs fit onto the flange and the flexure fingers are biased and then engage with an abutment face on the grille frame, thereby attaching the grille frame onto the back side of the fascia panel without exposing the show surface of the fascia panel to injury by the grille frame during the assembly operation.

Abstract: A front structure for a vehicle has a grid member configured to allow outside air to be introduced from a forward direction of the vehicle into a compartment of the vehicle, and a part within the compartment disposed on a rear side of the grid member. The grid member has a first bridge and a second bridge intersecting with the first bridge. One of the first bridge and the second bridge has a bridge upper portion having a fragile portion on one of a front side thereof and a rear side thereof in a fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, and a bridge lower portion having a fragile portion on one of a front side thereof and a rear side thereof in the fore-and-aft direction. The fragile portion of the bridge upper portion and the fragile portion of the bridge bottom portion are on opposite sides in the fore-and-aft direction.

Abstract: An active material actuated louver system having an actuator mechanism operable to selectively place a louver or louver system in an open or closed state of operation. The actuator mechanism includes a cable or wire formed from an active material, such as a shape memory alloy.

Abstract: A front fender for an automobile; the fender is provided with an external element; with a supporting trestle, which supports the external element, presents a rigid horizontal supporting bar, and is adapted to be rigidly connected to a frame of the automobile; and with horizontal sword, which on one side is protrudingly mounted on the horizontal supporting bar and on the opposite side is rigidly secured to the external element at an upper portion of the external element itself.

Abstract: An assault grill for attachment to a vehicle is disclosed, the assault grill being configured for impacting doors in such a way that the door is deflected upwards. The grill includes a support member, one or more longitudinal support members, and two or more lateral members. In one embodiment, a first lateral member and a second lateral member are spaced different perpendicular distances from the longitudinal support member. In another embodiment, a line through a center of the first lateral member and a center of the second lateral member forms an angle with a line parallel to the longitudinal support member.

Abstract: An automobile air intake system is provided that channels air from outside the automobile engine compartment to the engine. The automobile air intake system according to an embodiment of the invention includes an intake enclosure coupled to a bulkhead across the front of the engine compartment. The automobile grille, radiator, and a front portion of the hood in front of the bulkhead form a flow channel to an intake port of the intake enclosure. Aspects of the invention include a screen extending from the bulkhead to the grille for inhibiting the flow of water and particles through the flow channel. Other aspects provide an alternative air path for channeling air from the engine compartment to the intake enclosure.

Abstract: A retaining structure and fastener assembly for securing a resin panel to a vehicle body. The panel has an inner surface and a retaining structure extending outwardly from the inner surface. The retaining structure has a retaining wall with a slot for receiving a shoulder of a bolt therethrough, so that a head of the bolt is retained between the inner surface and a washer for securing the panel to the body of the vehicle. The slot is oversized relative to the shoulder of the bolt so as to define a predetermined gap therebetween to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of the panel, thereby preventing building of the panel relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: A mounting structure for the front end of a car or small truck has a frame-shaped structure that surrounds an air cooled pass-through area and exhibits an upper crossmember, a lower crossmember and sidemembers connecting them. The upper crossmember is designed as a closed wall for receiving a hood lock and forms a sealing rib that borders on the air cooled pass-through area for an air-blocking connection of a radiator component. To provide the upper crossmember as the lock crossmember at the mounting structure with a high moment of inertia and to reduce the air cooled pass-through area only to a negligible degree, the upper crossmember is strutted using a lattice structure that is adjacent to the sealing rib and protrudes into the air cooled pass-through area, where the lattice openings form a part of the air cooled pass-through area with their entire opening area.

Abstract: Mechanisms are described for selectively closing grille and/or bumper openings. These mechanisms may be operated in response to one or more vehicle parameters. Closure mechanism control signals may be delivered to such mechanisms along a vehicle databus. In addition, vehicle parameters used in determining the control of such mechanisms may be sensed and provided along the databus to a controller which then processes the parameter information for determining whether to open or close the vehicle grille closing mechanism and/or the vehicle bumper opening closing mechanism.

Abstract: A support for an automotive radiator grille that is supported from the hood assembly of the vehicle is formed of two major components, a support bracket and a rubber stop retained on the support bracket for engagement with the radiator grille when the hood is moved into the lowered, closed position. The rubber stop is formed in a circular configuration with a central projecting bumper that deflects into a cup formed by the support bracket to maintain contact with the radiator grille and provide self-adjusting positioning to accommodate build tolerances and variations in the hood assembly and mounted radiator grille. The rubber stop can be formed of multi-durometer elastomers to provide a tuning to the specific application for the radiator grille support. The rubber stop places a pre-load on the hood latch and closure mechanism through the spring-like deflection of the rubber stop into the cup.

Abstract: A structural element includes: at least one hollow metallic body (4) with a closed cross-section, an external surface (24), and at least one adhesion lug (22) formed on the external surface (24); and at least one plastic body (6) which is moulded over the metallic body, covering the external surface (24) of the metallic body in such a way as to at least partially cover the adhesion lug (22) in order to connect the plastic body (6) to the metallic body (4). According to one aspect of the invention, the adhesion lug (22) protrudes over the external surface (24) of the metallic body (4), the adhesion lug (22) being closed, connected to the metallic body (4), and having an undercut (40) in relation to the external surface (24) of the metallic body (4). The inventive structural element can be applied to the front of motor vehicles.

Abstract: An opening portion is formed at an upper-side portion of a shroud panel so as to penetrate the panel longitudinally. A face member and a face support member form a duct that guides part of outside air coming in through an outside-air intake of the face member to an opening portion of the shroud panel. Accordingly, there can be provided a bumper structure that can properly guide the outside air to an engine room behind the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A collapsible closeout for a gap between a vehicle lamp and closure, and particularly well suited for a gap between a headlamp and a hood, is disclosed. The closeout may include a base mounted to a lamp housing, a closeout wall extending from the base, and a contact flange extending under the hood and having a free end extending toward a headlamp lens. The closeout may also include first support ribs extending from the closeout wall toward the headlamp and opposed second support ribs extending from the closeout wall.

Abstract: An outer part of a motor vehicle having an element and a carrier part. The emblem and carrier part are formed in one piece with the carrier part. The carrier part can take many forms such as a vehicle grille or decorative trim. The outer part can be formed using a method of injection molding and can have a variety of surface finishes.

Abstract: A front-end part of a motor vehicle has an air scoop with an air-guiding duct to a charge air cooler between a central air inlet opening and a lateral air inlet opening of an air-guiding element. Wherein, in a pre-installation position, the air scoop is kept folded away on a central air-guiding element and, in an installation position, is folded back and can be connected to a lateral air-guiding element.

Abstract: A harness protecting structure is provided for a vehicular horn for a vehicle, in which the vehicle has a grille defining an air intake opening in a front part of the vehicle, a radiator located posterior to the grille, and the horn being disposed in front of the radiator and facing the opening of the grille. The grille is provided with a peripheral wall, the peripheral wall extending posterior to the lower and side edge of the grill, and a part of the peripheral wall extending across and anterior to a peripheral region of the horn so as to form a protective surface. The harness of the horn is laid from the outside of the region of the horn behind the protective surface.