Abstract: A center console comprising a manipulable structural component, such as a pivotal lid, sliding armrest, tambour door, or pivotal cup holder, and at least one active material actuator including an active material element operable to undergo a reversible change, drivenly coupled to the component, and configured to autonomously cause and/or enable the component to be manipulated as a result of the change.

Abstract: A center console comprising a manipulable structural component, such as a pivotal lid, sliding armrest, tambour door, or pivotal cup holder, and at least one active material actuator including an active material element operable to undergo a reversible change, drivenly coupled to the component, and configured to autonomously cause and/or enable the component to be manipulated as a result of the change.

Abstract: A compact and simple vehicle deck lid power operator wherein a reversible electric motor, pinion and curved rack cooperate with standard deck lid gooseneck hinge arm and support bracket components. The curved rack is fixedly on the bracket and has a curved row of rack gear teeth concentric with the hinge arm pivot deck lid axis. The motor unit is mounted in nested relation on the curved section of the gooseneck hinge arm with its output pinion in driving mesh with the rack gear teeth. Operation of the motor causes rotation of the pivot and travel thereof in a curved path along the rack teeth so that the gooseneck-supported motor unit forces the gooseneck hinge to pivot about its pivot axis to either open or close the deck lid.