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: An exemplary embodiment of a locking clip for a ball and socket assembly includes a socket engagement portion, a positioning tab extending from a first end of the socket engagement portion, an first retention portion having an outer surface and a first engagement surface opposite the outer surface, the first retention portion coupled to the socket engagement portion; and a second retention portion having a second engagement surface, a second surface opposite the second engagement surface, and a release tab extending from a first end of the second retention portion opposite a second end of the second retention portion proximal to the positioning tab, the second retention portion flexibly coupled to the socket engagement portion. The first retention portion and the second retention portion are flexibly coupled to the socket engagement portion and the first and second engagement surfaces define a clip retention area.

Abstract: A gas strut monitoring system includes a gas strut. The monitoring system further includes a knuckle assembly connected to a base end of the gas strut. The knuckle assembly includes at least one strain gauge and a deformable knuckle. The system also includes a controller in communication with the at least one strain gauge, which is configured to measure a deformation of the deformable knuckle via the strain gauge. The system evaluates, based on the measured deformation, an operative performance of the gas strut. The system then outputs signal to an output device that indicates a maintenance recommendation based on the operative performance of the gas strut.

Abstract: A gas strut includes a housing, a piston assembly, a dye, and a dye containment seal. The housing includes an inner surface defining a chamber extending along a centerline. The chamber includes a working portion and a dye storage portion disposed axially adjacent to the working portion. The piston assembly is constructed and arranged to reciprocate within the working portion, and the dye is located in the dye storage portion. The dye containment seal is disposed in the dye storage portion, and is constructed and arranged to transfigure from a normal state to a dye release state thereby releasing the dye upon the piston assembly.

Abstract: A gas strut includes a housing, a rod, and a seal. The rod extends along a centerline and is spaced radially inward from the housing to axially move between a retracted position and an extended position with respect to the housing. The seal includes an outer portion engaged to the housing, an inner portion in sliding contact with the rod, and a mid-portion spanning between and engaged to the inner portion and the outer portion during normal operation. The mid-portion is constructed and arranged to break after about a predetermined number of gas strut actuations.

Abstract: A gas strut monitoring system includes a gas strut. The monitoring system further includes a knuckle assembly connected to a base end of the gas strut. The knuckle assembly includes at least one strain gauge and a deformable knuckle. The system also includes a controller in communication with the at least one strain gauge, which is configured to measure a deformation of the deformable knuckle via the strain gauge. The system evaluates, based on the measured deformation, an operative performance of the gas strut. The system then outputs signal to an output device that indicates a maintenance recommendation based on the operative performance of the gas strut.

Abstract: A gas strut includes a housing, a rod, and a seal. The rod extends along a centerline and is spaced radially inward from the housing to axially move between a retracted position and an extended position with respect to the housing. The seal includes an outer portion engaged to the housing, an inner portion in sliding contact with the rod, and a mid-portion spanning between and engaged to the inner portion and the outer portion during normal operation. The mid-portion is constructed and arranged to break after about a predetermined number of gas strut actuations.

Abstract: A gas strut active monitoring system for a gas strut includes a gas strut wear monitor connected to a base end of the gas strut and a strut end. The gas strut wear monitor is removable from the gas strut such that the gas strut is replaceable without replacing the gas strut wear monitor. The gas strut wear monitor is configured to monitor an output force of the gas strut, and output a signal indicative of a maintenance recommendation for the gas strut based on the output force.

Abstract: A gas strut includes a housing, a piston assembly, a dye, and a dye containment seal. The housing includes an inner surface defining a chamber extending along a centerline. The chamber includes a working portion and a dye storage portion disposed axially adjacent to the working portion. The piston assembly is constructed and arranged to reciprocate within the working portion, and the dye is located in the dye storage portion. The dye containment seal is disposed in the dye storage portion, and is constructed and arranged to transfigure from a normal state to a dye release state thereby releasing the dye upon the piston assembly.

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 vehicle and a hinge assembly for a storage compartment of the vehicle are disclosed. The assembly includes a first component adapted to be attached to the vehicle and a second component. The second component includes a first end portion coupled to the first component and a second end portion spaced from the first end portion. The second component is movable relative to the first component between a first position and a second position such that the second end portion is disposed above the first component when in the second position. The assembly further includes a link coupled to the second component and movable with the second component as the second component moves between the first and second positions. The link extends away from the second component to a distal end. The assembly includes a guard attached to the link and covering at least a portion of the distal end.

Abstract: A vehicle and a hinge assembly for a storage compartment of the vehicle are disclosed. The assembly includes a first component adapted to be attached to the vehicle and a second component. The second component includes a first end portion coupled to the first component and a second end portion spaced from the first end portion. The second component is movable relative to the first component between a first position and a second position such that the second end portion is disposed above the first component when in the second position. The assembly further includes a link coupled to the second component and movable with the second component as the second component moves between the first and second positions. The link extends away from the second component to a distal end. The assembly includes a guard attached to the link and covering at least a portion of the distal end.

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 counterbalanced decklid hinge assembly for rotatably supporting a decklid relative to a vehicle includes a torque rod extending between a first hinge box and a second hinge box. A support member is rotatably supported by each of the first and second hinge boxes. A linkage system interconnects one axial end of the torque rod to one of the support members. A lever is attached to and rotatable with the other axial end of the torque rod. A clamping block attaches the torque rod to one of the lever and the linkage system, and is configured to provide an infinite degree of rotational adjustment therebetween to infinitely adjust the pre-loaded torque rod.

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.