Abstract: A counterbalance includes a first attachment strap, and an arbor rotatably supported by the first attachment strap. A second attachment strap is attached to the arbor, and is rotatable with the arbor about a winding axis. A spiral spring interconnects the first attachment strap and the second attachment strap. A spring support is attached to the second attachment strap. The spring support includes an annular wall that is disposed circumferentially about and concentric with the winding axis. The annular wall is radially positioned relative to the winding axis to contact an outermost coil of spiral spring, to position the spiral spring in a spiral orientation about the winding axis, such that each coil of the spiral spring moves away from the winding axis with a substantially constant angular velocity to provide a substantially equal radial spacing between adjacent coils of the spiral spring.

Abstract: A door handle assembly for use with a vehicle door comprising a door paddle including an actuation arm, supported to pivot about a first axis such that lateral acceleration of the paddle and actuation arm relative to the door produces a first moment about the first axis, and masses engaged with the actuation arm and supported to pivot about a second axis, the masses being arranged such that lateral acceleration of the masses relative to the door produces a second moment about the first axis that is substantially equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the first moment.

Abstract: A closure assembly with a shape memory polymer seal is provided for use with a vehicle. The closure assembly includes a frame member configured for attachment to the vehicle body to selectively transition from a closed position to an open position. The seal structure includes a base portion elongated along and attached to a peripheral edge of the frame member or the vehicle body, and a flexible contact portion extending integrally from the base portion and configured for sealing communication with an opposing surface. A thermally-activated smart material (TASM), namely a shape memory polymer member, is disposed inside a cavity within the contact portion. A thermoelectric device is in thermal communication with the TASM, and is characterized by a thermal differential when current flows therethrough. The TASM is activated in response to the thermal differential of the thermoelectric device, thereby altering at least one physical property of the TASM.

Abstract: A door handle assembly for use with a vehicle door comprising a door paddle including an actuation arm, supported to pivot about a first axis such that lateral acceleration of the paddle and actuation arm relative to the door produces a first moment about the first axis, and masses engaged with the actuation arm and supported to pivot about a second axis, the masses being arranged such that lateral acceleration of the masses relative to the door produces a second moment about the first axis that is substantially equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the first moment.

Abstract: An interlock system for a vehicle body with a sliding door and a fuel fill door includes a housing, a first member, a second member, and a spring. The first member is mounted with respect to the housing, defines a cam portion, and is selectively rotatable with respect to the housing in a first direction from a retracted position to an extended position. The second member is mounted with respect to the housing and is selectively rotatable with respect to the housing in the first direction between a first position and a second position. The spring interconnects the first and second members such that movement of the second member from the first position to the second position causes the first member to move from the retracted position to the extended position.

Abstract: A closure assembly with a shape memory polymer seal is provided for use with a vehicle. The closure assembly includes a frame member configured for attachment to the vehicle body to selectively transition from a closed position to an open position. The seal structure includes a base portion elongated along and attached to a peripheral edge of the frame member or the vehicle body, and a flexible contact portion extending integrally from the base portion and configured for sealing communication with an opposing surface. A thermally-activated smart material (TASM), namely a shape memory polymer member, is disposed inside a cavity within the contact portion. A thermoelectric device is in thermal communication with the TASM, and is characterized by a thermal differential when current flows therethrough. The TASM is activated in response to the thermal differential of the thermoelectric device, thereby altering at least one physical property of the TASM.

Abstract: A check link for a closure of a vehicle pivotally connected to vehicle structure, and a method of operation, are disclosed. The check link may include a main rod having a first end pivotally engaging one of the vehicle structure and the closure, and an end cap fixed to an opposed second end. A support may be mounted on the other of the vehicle structure and the closure, with the main rod extending through the support. Also, a shock absorber is mounted to the support and located between the end cap and the support. The shock absorber is configured to absorb energy of motion of the closure when compressed between the end cap and the support.

Abstract: A blocker member is mounted on the vehicle body adjacent the floor mounted door track and includes a housing and a blocker lever which is pivotally mounted on the housing. The blocker lever is operably connected to the fuel filler door by a cable. When the fuel filler door is opened, the cable is tensioned and pivots the blocker lever to an extended position in which the blocker lever extends into the path of sliding movement the door. Thus, whenever the fuel filler door is open, the sliding door is blocked from sliding open into engagement with the fuel filler door. The blocker member preferably includes a resilient bumper against which the blocker lever seats in order to absorb energy when the door is slid into engagement with the blocker lever.