An extendible tailgate system of a vehicle includes a tailgate, a pivoting member, and a pair of guiding members. The pivoting member facilitates rotation of the pair of guiding members and the tailgate connected thereto in relation to the vehicle body from a closed tailgate position to an open tailgate position. When the tailgate is in the open tailgate position, the tailgate translates in a longitudinal direction, away from or towards the vehicle body, in relation to the pair of guiding members to transition between a retracted tailgate position and an extended tailgate position. A locking mechanism locks the pair of guiding members and the tailgate connected thereto in both the retracted tailgate position and the extended tailgate position and is released to transition the pair of guiding members and the tailgate connected thereto between the retracted tailgate position and the extended tailgate position.
A vehicular damper with a piston reciprocating within a damper body during compression and rebound strokes has variable hydraulic fluid compression and rebound volumes on opposite sides of the piston. Arrays of compression valves connected in parallel and rebound valves connected in parallel resist hydraulic flow during the compression stroke in a compression valve active mode, and during the rebound stroke in a rebound valve active mode and provide minimal resistance to hydraulic flow respectively during the rebound stroke in a compression valve passive mode, and during the compression stroke in a rebound valve passive mode. A hydraulic fluid passageway conducts hydraulic fluid through the valves and a return tube. A sensor array senses piston location. A controller progressively opens and closes selected valves in the arrays of compression and rebound valves to adjust resistance to hydraulic flow dependent upon the sensed piston location during the compression and rebound strokes.
F16F 9/48 - Arrangements for providing different damping effects at different parts of the stroke
F16F 9/46 - Means on or in the damper for manual or non-automatic adjustmentSprings, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium Details such means combined with temperature correction allowing control from a distance
F16F 9/32 - Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium Details
A compact vehicle suspension system comprises a sliding ride motion guide having a fixed guide portion and a telescoping guide portion telescopically movable relative to one another. The sliding ride motion guide is fixed to a wheel hub knuckle via the fixed guide portion and is rotatably and structurally fixed via the telescoping guide portion at a top mount to a vehicle body. A coil over shock absorber is rotatably connected to a lower control arm at a first end and to the vehicle body at a second end. Arms of the fixed guide portion of the sliding ride motion guide may span the wheel hub knuckle to which a drive shaft may be connected. Vertical motion of the wheel is defined by a sliding axis of the sliding ride motion guide and an arc of the lower control arm.
B60G 3/01 - Resilient suspensions for a single wheel the wheel being mounted for sliding movement, e.g. in or on a vertical guide
B60G 3/06 - Resilient suspensions for a single wheel with a single pivoted arm the arm being essentially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle the arm being rigid
A row of docking stations to stow containers or trolleys is provided along at least one side of a van cargo storage area and a corridor for loading and unloading containers or trolleys individually or in groups from the rear of the van is provided. Preferably, the docking stations are automated. Interference with the storage and removal of containers or trolleys by the wheel wells of the vans or other vehicles is eliminated. Motorized mechanisms capture and lift the containers or trolleys above the level of the wheel wells for stowage in the docking stations to maximize the available storage area beyond that available on the floor of the cargo area. Individual containers or trolleys may be maintained in docking stations until needed.
A cargo van door system comprises a cargo van with a cargo compartment, first pivoting means to permit one or more doors releasably to pivot laterally and perpendicularly in relation to one of three outward facing side walls of the cargo compartment to act as a door, second pivoting means to permit the door releasably to pivot perpendicularly in relation to a floor of the cargo compartment to act as a ramp, and means to coordinate engagement and disengagement of the first pivoting means and the second pivoting means. When the first pivoting means is engaged to permit the door to swing laterally and perpendicularly in relation to one of the outward facing side walls to continue to function as a door, the second pivoting means is disengaged, and when the second pivoting means is engaged to permit the door to swing perpendicularly in relation to the floor to act as a ramp, the first pivoting means is disengaged.
B60P 1/43 - Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading using a loading ramp mounted on the vehicle
An automotive door hinge comprises first and second brackets mountable selectively to one of the door and the body. A cam element, non-rotationally mounted to the second bracket, comprises a cam surface adapted to engage with a cam follower non-rotationally housed within a first housing of the first bracket. An energy storage means respectively stores and releases energy when the cam follower longitudinally translates within the first housing in a first direction and then in a second direction opposite the first direction. Relative rotation of the first bracket in relation to the second bracket within a predetermined angular range causes longitudinal translation of the cam follower, wherein as the door is closed, the cam follower engages the cam surface and translates longitudinally in the second direction whereby the energy stored by the energy storage means is released to assist door closure.
An adjustable ride height vehicle aerodynamic system comprises an aerodynamic element ride actuator and an aerodynamic element angle actuator connected in series and mounted in a vehicle. An aerodynamic element is adapted to rest in an inactive stowed position and to move from the stowed position to at least one active deployed position at an angle in relation to a vehicle underbody under the control of the aerodynamic element angle actuator to alter vehicle aerodynamic characteristics. The aerodynamic element ride actuator is adapted to extend and retract synchronously with a respective vehicle ride height increase and decrease, and the aerodynamic element angle actuator is adapted to extend and retract respectively to deploy and to stow the aerodynamic element.
A pedestrian protection automotive hood hinge comprises a release assembly which comprises a retainer supported by one of a first member and a second member and a releasable pin supported by the other of the one of the first and second members. The releasable pin is captured in the retainer in the normally closed position and the normally opened position. An actuator is configured to engage the second member and move the second member upward relative to the first member in response to a collision input. The releasable pin is configured to be released by the retainer in response to the collision input permitting the second member to pivot about a member pin relative to the first member to an opened hood collision position. A retention link with a retention pin moves in a controlled manner during a collision so that the retention pin engages a retention slot. At maximum opening of the hood, the retention pin engages a retention clip adjacent the retention slot and begins to rebound. With continued force exerted by the hood on the retention clip, the retention pin passes through and exits the retention clip and the hood decelerates to a final post collision position.
B60R 21/38 - Protecting non-occupants of a vehicle, e.g. pedestrians using means for lifting bonnets
E05D 11/10 - Devices for preventing movement between relatively-movable hinge parts
E05F 15/75 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings with automatic actuation responsive to movement or presence of persons or objects responsive to the weight or other physical contact of a person or object
An integrated and extendable load bearing floor of a vehicle includes a frame, a sliding mechanism slidingly coupled with the frame in a longitudinal direction, a first floor connected to the sliding mechanism, and a release handle adapted to trigger a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism locks the sliding mechanism and the first floor connected thereto in two or more different positions and is triggered to unlock the sliding mechanism and the first floor connected thereto from any position to freely translate longitudinally in relation to the frame.
A stowable tailgate step assembly system comprises a frame with two interconnected frame arms adapted to be mounted longitudinally in a vehicle tailgate. A slide module, releasably latched to the frame, comprises two longitudinal carrier arms which translate in relation to the frame arms, and a step assembly. The step assembly comprises two slide arms which translate in relation to the carrier arms, and a first step and at least one additional step pivotally connected by at least one link rod to facilitate synchronous rotation of the steps. Control means to control rotation of the steps during translation of the carrier arms from a stowed position to an extended position are provided. Deployment means to control rotation of the steps between the extended position and a deployed position are also provided. A lock-out latch rotationally connected to at least one carrier arm engages at least one associated frame arm to prevent translation of the carrier arm in relation to the associated frame arm when the step assembly is in the extended position.
A spring configuration comprises a cylindrical damper (5), a primary coil spring (9) with a first predetermined spring rate K1, and a secondary coil spring (11) with a second predetermined spring rate K2, the coil springs arranged about the cylindrical damper (5) in series so as to provide a total combined spring rate KT, an actuator (20) configured to compress and decompress the coil springs (9, 11), a stop (12) configured to deactivate the secondary coil spring (11) at a stop position, such that, when the system is in a first, comfort, mode, the overall suspension spring rate is defined by the series equation 1/KT=1/K1+1/K2, and when the system is in a second, handling, mode, the overall vehicle suspension spring rate is defined by the series equation KT=K1, thus selectively and switchably providing both a low rate, optimal ride comfort setting and a high rate, optimal handling lower ride height setting.
B60G 15/06 - Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location, or type of combined spring and vibration- damper, e.g. telescopic type having mechanical spring and fluid damper
A vehicle tailgate lift assist system comprises a vehicle tailgate adapted to open and close by rotating about a tailgate pivot axis in relation to a vehicle body, coupling means to releasably connect the vehicle tailgate and the vehicle body, an energy storage device located within the vehicle body and adapted to be pivotally anchored to the vehicle body at one end, a crank arm pivotally attached to the energy storage device at a second end of the energy storage device and rigidly attached to an actuation shaft that is coaxially aligned with the tailgate pivot axis, and a pivot bracket assembly comprising a mounting bracket fixed to the vehicle body and holding a pivot bearing arrangement to facilitate a robust rotary joint about the tailgate pivot axis. The pivot bearing arrangement comprises a unitary component overmolded to a pivot sleeve to act as a bushing between the actuation shaft and the pivot sleeve, such that relative rotary motion of the tailgate and the vehicle body results in linear movement of the energy storage device and maximum energy storage at the tailgate fully open position.
An automotive door hinge comprises first and second brackets mountable selectively to one of the door and the body. A cam element, non-rotationally mounted to the second bracket, comprises a cam surface adapted to engage with a cam follower non-rotationally housed within a first housing of the first bracket. An energy storage means respectively stores and releases energy when the cam follower longitudinally translates within the first housing in a first direction and then in a second direction opposite the first direction. Relative rotation of the first bracket in relation to the second bracket within a predetermined angular range causes longitudinal translation of the cam follower, wherein as the door is closed, the cam follower engages the cam surface and translates longitudinally in the second direction whereby the energy stored by the energy storage means is released to assist door closure.
A vehicle tailgate assembly primarily for pick-up trucks comprises a frame with a transverse base and support arms extending perpendicularly therefrom adjacent distal ends of the base. A tailgate door is rotationally mounted to the frame between the support arms. The door comprises a transverse upper section rotationally joined to a transverse lower section at a rotational joint, preferably a hinge. A releasable locking mechanism is located adjacent the rotational joint to releasably hold the upper section in relation to the lower section at selected orientations. An additional locking mechanism may selectively hold the lower section and/or the upper section to the support arms. The tailgate may also be provided with an extendible tailgate which may be rotated interiorly and exteriorly of the plane of the upper section. An extendible handle may also be provided to support user entry and exit from a cargo hold of the truck.
A process for preparing a multi-thickness welded steel vehicle rail, the process comprises the steps of: (a) forming a first tube having a first outer diameter, an inner diameter and a first wall thickness; (b) forming a second tube having the first outer diameter, a second inner diameter and a second wall thickness different than the first wall thickness; (c) swaging a first end of the first tube to a second outer diameter less than the second inner diameter of the second tube; (d) inserting the swaged first end of the first tube into an end of the second tube to form a joint; (e) welding the first tube and the second tube together to form a weld at the joint to form a tube blank with a heat affected zone of lower metal strength in the area of the weld; (f) preheating the tube blank to create a common crystalline microstructure along a length of the tube blank; (g) introducing the tube blank into a blow molding tool having inner molding walls; (h) molding the tube blank at an elevated temperature by expanding the tube blank against the inner molding walls of the molding tool by injecting a pressurized medium into an interior cavity of the tube blank; and (i) quenching the tube blank by replacing the pressurized medium with a cooling medium through the molding tool and the tube blank to achieve a rapid cooling effect on the tube blank and to create a completed vehicle rail with essentially uniform material strength across the weld. A completed vehicle rail has an overlapped welded structure and uniform microcrystalline structure along the length of the rail.
B21K 21/12 - Shaping end portions of hollow articles
C21D 9/08 - Heat treatment, e.g. annealing, hardening, quenching or tempering, adapted for particular articlesFurnaces therefor for tubular bodies or pipes
B23K 9/028 - Seam weldingBacking meansInserts for curved planar seams
B23K 9/173 - Arc welding or cutting making use of shielding gas and of consumable electrode
A vehicle tailgate assembly comprises a frame with a transverse base and support arms extending perpendicularly therefrom adjacent distal ends of the base, a central section also extending perpendicularly from the base but to a lesser extent than the support arms, a door rotationally mounted to the frame between the support arms, the door being profiled with a central opening matching the central section and aligned therewith in a co-planar manner when the door is in a fully closed position, a mating portion comprising an indentation in the door adapted to mate with the central section when the door is rotated 180 degrees from the fully closed position to a working position to expose the central opening with the door co-planar with the frame.
A row of docking stations to stow containers or trolleys is provided along at least one side of a van cargo storage area and a corridor for loading and unloading containers or trolleys individually or in groups from the rear of the van is provided. Preferably, the docking stations are automated. Interference with the storage and removal of containers or trolleys by the wheel wells of the vans or other vehicles is eliminated. Motorized mechanisms capture and lift the containers or trolleys above the level of the wheel wells for stowage in the docking stations to maximize the available storage area beyond that available on the floor of the cargo area. Individual containers or trolleys may be maintained in docking stations until needed.
B60P 1/64 - Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading the load supporting or containing element being readily removable
B60P 1/43 - Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading using a loading ramp mounted on the vehicle
B60P 7/00 - Securing or covering of load on vehicles
A hydraulic damper spool valve (15) includes a pair of resilient energy storage members (47, 49) one of which is disposed between each of a valve spool (39, 41) and a valve body dividing section (27) so as to bias the valve spools (39, 41) in opposing directions to the forces generated by the operating pressures in the hydraulic fluid of the hydraulic damper (1). The valve spools (39, 41) are configured to vary the hydraulic flow restriction between the upper portion (11) and the lower portion (13) of the hydraulic damper (1). A compression hydraulic flow path is structurally separate from a rebound hydraulic flow path to prevent backflow via the other hydraulic flow path during hydraulic flow in either direction, each said flow path communicating with only the at least one shaped aperture (35, 37) adjacent the opposing end of one of the valve sleeves (23, 25).
A vehicle tailgate with an integrated collapsible door comprises a tailgate having an outer wall, an inner wall and a cavity there between, a door section located in an upper portion of the tailgate having an inboard wall and an outboard wall and being moveable between a closed position and an open position substantially within an envelope of the tailgate, the door section comprising means to vary the spacing between the inboard wall and the outboard wall, the means to vary the spacing between the inboard wall and the outboard wall comprising at least one rotatable cam element located within the door section, such that when the door section is in the closed position the inboard wall is flush with the inner wall and the outboard wall is flush with the outer wall and when the door section is in the open position the spacing between the inboard wall and the outboard wall is reduced to allow a portion of the door section to be received in the cavity.
A method of manufacturing a ball joint includes arranging a ball in a bore of a housing, and enclosing an end of the bore. Plastic is injected into a space between the housing and the ball to form a bearing that has a bearing surface that engages the ball. The bearing shrinks to form a recess in the bearing surface so that the recess can be filled with a grease.
A vehicle tailgate with an integrated collapsible door comprises a tailgate having an outer wall, an inner wall and a cavity there between, a door section of the tailgate having an inboard wall and an outboard wall and being moveable between a closed position and an open position substantially within the envelope of the tailgate, the inboard wall and the outboard wall being connected by a linkage to permit relative movement there between, a first track to guide the motion of the inboard wall and a second track to guide the motion of the outboard wall, and a power drive unit to power the motion of the door section, such that in the closed position of the door section the inboard wall is flush with the inner wall of the tailgate and the outboard wall is flush with the outer wall of the tailgate, and in the open position of the door section at least a portion of the inboard wall and at least a portion of the outboard wall lie within the cavity between the outer wall and the inner wall of the tailgate.
B62D 33/03 - Sideboard or tailgate structures movable by swinging down
B62D 33/027 - Sideboard or tailgate structures movable
E05D 15/18 - Suspension arrangements for wings for wings sliding vertically more or less in their own plane consisting of two or more independent parts movable each in its own guides
E05D 15/20 - Suspension arrangements for wings for wings sliding vertically more or less in their own plane movable out of one plane into a second parallel plane
A cargo van door system comprises a cargo van with a cargo compartment, first pivoting means to permit one or more doors releasably to pivot laterally and perpendicularly in relation to one of three outward facing side walls of the cargo compartment to act as a door, second pivoting means to permit the door releasably to pivot perpendicularly in relation to a floor of the cargo compartment to act as a ramp, and means to coordinate engagement and disengagement of the first pivoting means and the second pivoting means. When the first pivoting means is engaged to permit the door to swing laterally and perpendicularly in relation to one of the outward facing side walls to continue to function as a door, the second pivoting means is disengaged, and when the second pivoting means is engaged to permit the door to swing perpendicularly in relation to the floor to act as a ramp, the first pivoting means is disengaged.
B60P 1/43 - Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading using a loading ramp mounted on the vehicle
A cargo van door system comprises a cargo van with a cargo compartment, first pivoting means to permit one or more doors releasably to pivot laterally and perpendicularly in relation to one of three outward facing side walls of the cargo compartment to act as a door, second pivoting means to permit the door releasably to pivot perpendicularly in relation to a floor of the cargo compartment to act as a ramp, and means to coordinate engagement and disengagement of the first pivoting means and the second pivoting means. When the first pivoting means is engaged to permit the door to swing laterally and perpendicularly in relation to one of the outward facing side walls to continue to function as a door, the second pivoting means is disengaged, and when the second pivoting means is engaged to permit the door to swing perpendicularly in relation to the floor to act as a ramp, the first pivoting means is disengaged.
B60P 1/43 - Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading using a loading ramp mounted on the vehicle
A pedestrian protection automotive hood hinge (12) comprises a release assembly (42)which comprises a retainer (46) supported by one of a first member and a second member (28, 40) and a releasable pin (48) supported by the other of the one of the first and second members. The releasable pin is captured in the retainer in the normally closed position (P1) and the normally opened position (P2). An actuator (36) is configured to engage the second member and move the second member upward relative to the first member in response to a collision input. The releasablepin is configured to be released by the retainer in response to the collision input permitting the second member to pivot about a member pin (32) relative to the first member to an opened hood collision position (P3). A retention link (56) with a retention pin (62) moves in a controlled manner during a collision so that the retention pin engages a retention slot (68). At maximum opening of the hood, the retention pin engages a retention clip (70) adjacent the retention slot and begins to rebound. With continued force exerted by the hood on the retention clip, the retention pin passes through and exits the retention clip and the hood decelerates to a final post collision position.
A pedestrian protection automotive hood hinge (12) comprises a release assembly (42)which comprises a retainer (46) supported by one of a first member and a second member (28, 40) and a releasable pin (48) supported by the other of the one of the first and second members. The releasable pin is captured in the retainer in the normally closed position (P1) and the normally opened position (P2). An actuator (36) is configured to engage the second member and move the second member upward relative to the first member in response to a collision input. The releasablepin is configured to be released by the retainer in response to the collision input permitting the second member to pivot about a member pin (32) relative to the first member to an opened hood collision position (P3). A retention link (56) with a retention pin (62) moves in a controlled manner during a collision so that the retention pin engages a retention slot (68). At maximum opening of the hood, the retention pin engages a retention clip (70) adjacent the retention slot and begins to rebound. With continued force exerted by the hood on the retention clip, the retention pin passes through and exits the retention clip and the hood decelerates to a final post collision position.
An automotive lift-off hinge joint to rotationally connect an automotive door and body comprises first and second door side hinge brackets and a body side hinge bracket. A detent shaft is provided with an interiorly threaded intermediate portion adapted to receive a removable threaded fastener and with a shaped detent shaft feature adapted to engage a similarly shaped pyramidal portion of a guide pin fastened to the body side hinge bracket. The detent shaft is rotationally mounted within a cylindrical check mechanism and secured in relation to the first and second door side hinge brackets. Bushings in door side hinge bracket apertures allow rotation of portions of the detent shaft extending through the apertures. The pyramidal shaped portions are preferably square.
A vehicular suspension control arm comprises a first arm component and a second arm component formed from sheet metal, each arm component comprising an outer wall and two side walls, bushing connecting means adjacent a first end, at least one bracket receiving rivet aperture adjacent a second end, at least one component connecting rivet aperture located between the first end and the second end, a ride bushing and a handling bushing, a ball joint bracket comprising bracket rivet apertures corresponding to the at least one bracket receiving rivet aperture adjacent the second end of each of the first and second arm components and a plurality of rivets. When constructed, the ball joint bracket is riveted to both the first and second arm components adjacent the second end thereof via the at least one bracket receiving rivet aperture and the corresponding at least one bracket rivet aperture, the first arm component is riveted to the second arm component at the at least one component connecting rivet aperture, the ride bushing is connected at the first end of the first arm component and the handling bushing is connected at the first end of the second arm component.
A vehicle door checker integrated with a power drive unit for an automobile door includes a direct current permanent magnet electric motor subject to cogging torque. The electric motor includes a central shaft. The vehicle door checker also includes a cogging torque increase device that is mounted to the central shaft externally of the motor. The cogging torque increase device includes pairs of oppositely magnetized permanent magnets that are mounted coaxially in a stator and rotor respectively about the motor shaft. The stator magnets and the rotor magnets shift into and out of alignment with each other as the shaft is rotated such that the motor is held in multiple discrete stable positions that correspond to check positions of an automobile door.
A spring configuration comprises a cylindrical damper (5), a primary coil spring (9) with a first predetermined spring rate Kl, and a secondary coil spring (11) with a second predetermined spring rate K2, the coil springs arranged about the cylindrical damper (5) in series so as to provide a total combined spring rate KT, an actuator (20) configured to compress and decompress the coil springs (9, 11), a stop (12) configured to deactivate the secondary coil spring (11) at a stop position, such that, when the system is in a first, comfort, mode, the overall suspension spring rate is defined by the series equation 1/KT = 1/Kl + 1/K2, and when the system is in a second, handling, mode, the overall vehicle suspension spring rate is defined by the series equation KT = Kl, thus selectively and switchably providing both a low rate, optimal ride comfort setting and a high rate, optimal handling lower ride height setting.
B60G 3/20 - Resilient suspensions for a single wheel with two or more pivoted arms, e.g. parallelogram all arms being rigid
B60G 15/06 - Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location, or type of combined spring and vibration- damper, e.g. telescopic type having mechanical spring and fluid damper
B60G 17/027 - Mechanical springs regulated by fluid means
30.
AUTOMOTIVE LIFT-OFF HINGE WITH INTEGRATED DOOR CHECK
An automotive lift-off hinge joint to rotationally connect an automotive door and body comprises first and second door side hinge brackets and a body side hinge bracket. A detent shaft is provided with an interiorly threaded intermediate portion adapted to receive a removable threaded fastener and with a shaped detent shaft feature adapted to engage a similarly shaped pyramidal portion of a guide pin fastened to the body side hinge bracket. The detent shaft is rotationally mounted within a cylindrical check mechanism and secured in relation to the first and second door side hinge brackets. Bushings in door side hinge bracket apertures allow rotation of portions of the detent shaft extending through the apertures. The pyramidal shaped portions are preferably square.
A vehicle tailgate assembly primarily for pick-up trucks comprises a frame with a transverse base and support arms extending perpendicularly therefrom adjacent distal ends of the base. A tailgate door is rotationally mounted to the frame between the support arms. The door comprises a transverse upper section rotationally joined to a transverse lower section at a rotational joint, preferably a hinge. A releasable locking mechanism, typically a latch or multiple latches, is located adjacent the rotational joint to releasably hold the upper section in relation to the lower section at selected orientations. An additional locking mechanism, also typically a latch or multiple latches, may selectively hold the lower section or both the lower section and the upper section to the support arms. The tailgate may also be provided with an extendible tailgate which may be rotated interiorly and exteriorly of the plane of the upper section. An extendible handle, stowable in the upper section or the lower section, may also be provided to support user entry and exit from a cargo hold of the pick-up truck.
A hydraulic damper spool valve (15) includes a pair of resilient energy storage members (47, 49) one of which is disposed between each of a valve spool (39, 41) and a valve body dividing section (27) so as to bias the valve spools (39, 41) in opposing directions to the forces generated by the operating pressures in the hydraulic fluid of the hydraulic damper (1). The valve spools (39, 41) are configured to vary the hydraulic flow restriction between the upper portion (11) and the lower portion (13) of the hydraulic damper (1). A compression hydraulic flow path is structurally separate from a rebound hydraulic flow path to prevent backflow via the other hydraulic flow path during hydraulic flow in either direction, each said flow path communicating with only the at least one shaped aperture (35, 37) adjacent the opposing end of one of the valve sleeves (23, 25).
A process for preparing a multi-thickness welded steel vehicle rail, the process comprises the steps of: (a) forming a first tube having a first outer diameter, an inner diameter and a first wall thickness; (b) forming a second tube having the first outer diameter, a second inner diameter and a second wall thickness different than the first wall thickness; (c) swaging a first end of the first tube to a second outer diameter less than the second inner diameter of the second tube; (d) inserting the swaged first end of the first tube into an end of the second tube to form a joint; (e) welding the first tube and the second tube together to form a weld at the joint to form a tube blank with a heat affected zone of lower metal strength in the area of the weld; (f) preheating the tube blank to create a common crystalline microstructure along a length of the tube blank; (g) introducing the tube blank into a blow molding tool having inner molding walls; (h) molding the tube blank at an elevated temperature by expanding the tube blank against the inner molding walls of the molding tool by injecting a pressurized medium into an interior cavity of the tube blank; and (i) quenching the tube blank by replacing the pressurized medium with a cooling medium through the molding tool and the tube blank to achieve a rapid cooling effect on the tube blank and to create a completed vehicle rail with essentially uniform material strength across the weld. A completed vehicle rail has an overlapped welded structure and uniform microcrystalline structure along the length of the rail.
A vehicle tailgate with an integrated collapsible door comprises a tailgate having an outer wall, an inner wall and a cavity there between, a door section of the tailgate having an inboard wall and an outboard wall and being moveable between a closed position and an open position substantially within the envelope of the tailgate, the inboard wall and the outboard wall being connected by a linkage to permit relative movement there between, a first track to guide the motion of the inboard wall and a second track to guide the motion of the outboard wall, and a power drive unit to power the motion of the door section, such that in the closed position of the door section the inboard wall is flush with the inner wall of the tailgate and the outboard wall is flush with the outer wall of the tailgate, and in the open position of the door section at least a portion of the inboard wall and at least a portion of the outboard wall lie within the cavity between the outer wall and the inner wall of the tailgate.
A vehicle tailgate with an integrated collapsible door comprises a tailgate having an outer wall, an inner wall and a cavity there between, a door section located in an upper portion of the tailgate having an inboard wall and an outboard wall and being moveable between a closed position and an open position substantially within an envelope of the tailgate, the door section comprising means to vary the spacing between the inboard wall and the outboard wall, the means to vary the spacing between the inboard wall and the outboard wall comprising at least one rotatable cam element located within the door section, such that when the door section is in the closed position the inboard wall is flush with the inner wall and the outboard wall is flush with the outer wall and when the door section is in the open position the spacing between the inboard wall and the outboard wall is reduced to allow a portion of the door section to be received in the cavity.
A vehicle tailgate assembly comprises a frame with a transverse base and support arms extending perpendicularly therefrom adjacent distal ends of the base, a central section also extending perpendicularly from the base but to a lesser extent than the support arms, a door rotationally mounted to the frame between the support arms, the door being profiled with a central opening matching the central section and aligned therewith in a co-planar manner when the door is in a fully closed position, a mating portion comprising an indentation in the door adapted to mate with the central section when the door is rotated 180 degrees from the fully closed position to a working position to expose the central opening with the door co-planar with the frame.
A door checker includes a housing which has a base from which first and second opposing flanges extend. First and second guide pins are spaced apart from one another and are interconnected to the first and second flanges. The first and second guide pins are configured to deflect in response to a load. A check arm extends through the base and is arranged between the first and second guide pins. The check arm is configured to move relative to the housing and includes a profile that corresponds to a variable door holding force. A bearing member is arranged on one side of the check arm and the bearing member coacts with the profile and is supported on the first and second guide pins and is configured to slide thereon in response to movement of the check arm relative to the bearing member. The bearing member transfers the load from the check arm to the first and second guide pins.
E05C 17/22 - Devices for holding wings openDevices for limiting opening of wings or for holding wings open by a movable member extending between frame and wingBraking devices, stops or buffers, combined therewith by mechanical means with a movable bar or equivalent member extending between frame and wing consisting of a single rod sliding through a guide with braking, clamping or securing means in the guide
E05C 17/20 - Devices for holding wings openDevices for limiting opening of wings or for holding wings open by a movable member extending between frame and wingBraking devices, stops or buffers, combined therewith by mechanical means with a movable bar or equivalent member extending between frame and wing consisting of a single rod sliding through a guide
E05F 5/00 - Braking devices, e.g. checksStopsBuffers
38.
Vehicle rear wing with adaptive section and extendable flap
A deployable vehicle rear wing conforms closely to the styled surface of the vehicle body in a retracted, or stowed, position while adaptively changing its cross section in a deployed position so as to provide a highly efficient airfoil section, with an integrated Gurney flap. Additionally, the adaptive cross section changes and Gurney flap deployment is provided via a linkage that utilizes a drive mechanism of a main deployment system.
A power drive module for a vehicle power door includes a housing, a drive mechanism arranged in the housing and configured to move a drive element, and a brake assembly arranged in the housing. The brake assembly includes a brake ring operatively coupled to the drive mechanism. A brake band is wrapped about the brake ring and movable between a normally engaged position relative to the brake ring and a disengaged position relative to the brake ring. A brake release actuator is operatively connected to the brake band and configured to move the brake band between the engaged and disengaged positions with the brake ring in response to an electrical signal.
E05F 11/24 - Mechanisms by which the bar shifts the wing shifting the wing by pivotally-connected members moving in a plane parallel to the pivot axis of the wing
E05F 15/622 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for swinging wings operated by push-pull mechanisms using screw-and-nut mechanisms
A ball joint includes a stud extending from a ball. A housing has a bore that receives the ball. The housing has an interior surface facing the ball that includes a groove. A plastic bearing is arranged between the ball and the housing. The plastic bearing has first and second sides opposite one another. The first side has a spherical surface engaging the ball. The second side has a protrusion opposite the spherical surface that is received in and fills the groove and a recess in the spherical surface opposite the protrusion.
A method of actuating a door includes the steps of manually pivoting a door in a direction about a hinge to provide a manual input, detecting the manual input and energizing a motor to drive the door in the direction in response to the manual input. The manual door pivoting step includes exceeding a holding torque of a brake assembly that holds the door. The direction can be any direction for opening or closing the door.
E05F 15/63 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for swinging wings operated by swinging arms
E05F 15/616 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for swinging wings operated by push-pull mechanisms
E05F 15/662 - Motor units therefor, e.g. geared motors
A door power drive module includes a housing and a motor arranged in the housing. First and second gearboxes are arranged in the housing and are coupled in series with one another by a shaft member. The first gearbox connects the motor to the second gearbox. An output shaft is coupled to the second gearbox. A brake assembly is selectively connected to the shaft member. The brake assembly has a normally closed position in which the shaft member is grounded to the housing. The brake assembly includes an open position corresponding to one of a door closing mode and a door opening mode. The shaft member is configured to be rotatable relative to the housing in the brake open position in response to the motor driving the first gearbox. The brake assembly includes a holding torque in the normally closed position. A torque is applied to the brake assembly above the holding torque that permits the shaft member to rotate in any direction of rotation. A position sensor is configured to detect rotation of the output shaft.
E05F 15/63 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for swinging wings operated by swinging arms
E05F 15/616 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for swinging wings operated by push-pull mechanisms
E05F 15/662 - Motor units therefor, e.g. geared motors
A door checker includes a housing which has a base from which first and second opposing flanges extend. First and second guide pins are spaced apart from one another and are interconnected to the first and second flanges. The first and second guide pins are configured to deflect in response to a load. A check arm extends through the base and is arranged between the first and second guide pins. The check arm is configured to move relative to the housing and includes a profile that corresponds to a variable door holding force. A bearing member is arranged on one side of the check arm and the bearing member coacts with the profile and is supported on the first and second guide pins and is configured to slide thereon in response to movement of the check arm relative to the bearing member. The bearing member transfers the load from the check arm to the first and second guide pins.
E05C 17/20 - Devices for holding wings openDevices for limiting opening of wings or for holding wings open by a movable member extending between frame and wingBraking devices, stops or buffers, combined therewith by mechanical means with a movable bar or equivalent member extending between frame and wing consisting of a single rod sliding through a guide
A power drive module for a vehicle power door includes a housing, a drive mechanism arranged in the housing and configured to move a drive element, and a brake assembly arranged in the housing. The brake assembly includes a brake ring operatively coupled to the drive mechanism. A brake band is wrapped about the brake ring and movable between a normally engaged position relative to the brake ring and a disengaged position relative to the brake ring. A brake release actuator is operatively connected to the brake band and configured to move the brake band between the engaged and disengaged positions with the brake ring in response to an electrical signal.
E05F 15/616 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for swinging wings operated by push-pull mechanisms
E05F 15/622 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for swinging wings operated by push-pull mechanisms using screw-and-nut mechanisms
E05F 15/649 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for horizontally-sliding wings operated by swinging arms
45.
Door presenting system and method of operating same
A method of operating a vehicle door includes the step of pushing an unlatched door to an ajar position. The unlatched door is mechanically held in the ajar position. In one embodiment, the method is performed using a door presenting system that includes a door checker that is configured to hold a door in the ajar position. A presenting actuator is movable between retracted and extended positions. The extended position corresponds to the ajar position. A controller is configured to move the presenting actuator between the retracted and extended positions in response to a presenting signal.
E05F 11/00 - Man-operated mechanisms for operating wings, including those which also operate the fastening
E05C 17/20 - Devices for holding wings openDevices for limiting opening of wings or for holding wings open by a movable member extending between frame and wingBraking devices, stops or buffers, combined therewith by mechanical means with a movable bar or equivalent member extending between frame and wing consisting of a single rod sliding through a guide
E05B 81/20 - Power-actuated vehicle locks characterised by the function or purpose of the powered actuators for assisting final closing or for initiating opening
E05F 15/614 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for swinging wings operated by meshing gear wheels, one of which being mounted at the wing pivot axisPower-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for swinging wings operated by a motor acting directly on the wing pivot axis
A ball joint includes a stud extending from a ball. A housing has a bore that receives the ball. The housing has an interior surface facing the ball that includes a groove. A plastic bearing is arranged between the ball and the housing. The plastic bearing has first and second sides opposite one another. The first side has a spherical surface engaging the ball. The second side has a protrusion opposite the spherical surface that is received in and fills the groove and a recess in the spherical surface opposite the protrusion.
A ball joint includes a stud extending from a ball. A housing has a bore that receives the ball. The housing has an interior surface facing the ball that includes a groove. A plastic bearing is arranged between the ball and the housing. The plastic bearing has first and second sides opposite one another. The first side has a spherical surface engaging the ball. The second side has a protrusion opposite the spherical surface that is received in and fills the groove and a recess in the spherical surface opposite the protrusion.
A selectively switchable dual rate vehicle suspension system comprising a pushrod actuated inboard spring configuration, conventionally oriented between the unsprung mass and the sprung mass of one corner of the vehicle, comprising a torsion bar spring of a first predetermined rate, K1, and a coil spring of a second predetermined rate, K2, arranged in series so as to provide a total combined spring rate KT. A lockout actuator is arranged in parallel with the coil spring and configured so that in a first mode it allows the coil spring to move freely and in a second mode prevents motion of the coil spring such that when the lockout actuator is in a first, unlocked, mode the overall vehicle suspension spring rate is defined by the series equation 1/KT=1/K1+1/K2, and when the lockout actuator is in a second, locked, mode the overall vehicle suspension spring rate is substantially higher as defined by KT=K1, thus selectively providing both a low rate, optimal ride comfort setting and a high rate, optimal handling setting.
B60G 17/027 - Mechanical springs regulated by fluid means
B60G 11/50 - Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location, or kind of springs having springs of different kinds not including leaf springs having helical, spiral, or coil springs, and also torsion-bar springs
A method is provided which forms a closed section hollow structural element by performing the following steps which include press forming an upper sheet metal component configured with two primary parallel downstanding interface flanges; press forming a lower sheet metal component configured with two primary parallel upstanding interface flanges; complementarily trimming the downstanding interface flanges and the upstanding interface flanges using five-axis laser cutting; and butt welding the interface flanges of the upper and lower sheet metal components to one another to form a continuous hollow structural element of variable cross section.
A door checker includes a housing which has a base from which first and second opposing flanges extend. First and second guide pins are spaced apart from one another and are interconnected to the first and second flanges. A check arm extends through the base and is arranged between the first and second guide pins. The check arm is configured to move relative to the housing and includes a profile that corresponds to a variable door holding force. A bearing member is arranged on one side of the check arm and is slidably supported by the first and second guide pins. The bearing member coacts with the profile.
E05C 17/20 - Devices for holding wings openDevices for limiting opening of wings or for holding wings open by a movable member extending between frame and wingBraking devices, stops or buffers, combined therewith by mechanical means with a movable bar or equivalent member extending between frame and wing consisting of a single rod sliding through a guide
An automotive door system includes a hinge that supports a door. A switch provides a first input in response to a user request to automatically open or close the door. An output shaft of a power drive module is connected to the door and a gearbox to provide an output torque that corresponds to a desired motion of the door about the hinge. A brake assembly is connected to a shaft member and has a normally closed position in which the shaft member is grounded to the housing and an open position that corresponds to one of a door closing mode and a door opening mode. A position sensor detects rotation of the output shaft and provides a second input in response thereto, which corresponds to a manually initiated movement of the door that exceeds a slip torque of the brake assembly in the normally closed position.
E05F 15/63 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for swinging wings operated by swinging arms
E05F 15/616 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for swinging wings operated by push-pull mechanisms
E05F 15/662 - Motor units therefor, e.g. geared motors
An automotive hinge assembly adapted to facilitate motion of a closure panel relative to a fixed body structure comprises a door component constructed from two press formed angle brackets structurally connected via a pivot pin and adapted to be mounted to a vehicle closure panel, a body component constructed from two press formed angle brackets structurally connected via a simple formed feature and the pivot pin and adapted to be mounted to a vehicle body structure, such that the pivot pin structurally assembles the two hinge components, facilitates relative rotary motion between them and structurally connects the multiple press formed angle brackets so that the resulting assembly achieves a much higher material efficiency than the prior art with an associated significant cost reduction.
12 - Land, air and water vehicles; parts of land vehicles
40 - Treatment of materials; recycling, air and water treatment,
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Automotive parts, namely, door checkers and hinge systems for swinging doors, sliding doors, hoods, trunks, decklids, liftgates and tailgates; pick-up truck box access steps and tailgate steps, pick-up truck box accessory systems and accessory retention systems, truck bed extenders, and tailgate lift assist devices; dashboard and console structural systems, bumper beams and crash cans, vehicle body and chassis components; welded assemblies, namely vehicle body and chassis systems; shock absorbers, dampers, damper valves, control arms, twist beams, anti-roll bar components, sub-frames, and suspension systems; vehicle body and chassis systems; mechatronic systems, namely, active aerodynamic devices, active suspension actuators, door actuators and windshield wiper systems; carbon fibre vehicle body and chassis components, and carbon fibre products in the consumer products industry, namely, structural parts for motorcycles, sailboats and snowmobiles. Custom manufacturing of products to the order and specification of others in the automotive, motorsports and aerospace industries. Engineering services relating to the automotive and motorsports industries; Engineering services relating to the aerospace and consumer products industries; designing and testing services relating to the automotive, motorsports, aerospace and consumer products industries; vehicle dynamics and aerodynamics development services for automotive and motorsports applications.
12 - Land, air and water vehicles; parts of land vehicles
40 - Treatment of materials; recycling, air and water treatment,
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Automotive parts, namely, door checkers and hinge systems for swinging doors, sliding doors, hoods, trunks, decklids, liftgates and tailgates; pick-up truck box access steps and tailgate steps, pick-up truck box accessory systems and accessory retention systems, truck bed extenders, and tailgate lift assist devices; dashboard and console structural systems, bumper beams and crash cans, vehicle body and chassis components; welded assemblies, namely vehicle body and chassis systems; shock absorbers, dampers, damper valves, control arms, twist beams, anti-roll bar components, sub-frames, and suspension systems; vehicle body and chassis systems; mechatronic systems, namely, active aerodynamic devices, active suspension actuators, door actuators and windshield wiper systems; carbon fibre vehicle body and chassis components, and carbon fibre products in the consumer products industry, namely, structural parts for motorcycles, sailboats and snowmobiles. Custom manufacturing of products to the order and specification of others in the automotive, motorsports and aerospace industries. Engineering services relating to the automotive and motorsports industries; Engineering services relating to the aerospace and consumer products industries; designing and testing services relating to the automotive, motorsports, aerospace and consumer products industries; vehicle dynamics and aerodynamics development services for automotive and motorsports applications.
12 - Land, air and water vehicles; parts of land vehicles
40 - Treatment of materials; recycling, air and water treatment,
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Automotive parts, namely, door checkers and hinge systems for swinging doors, sliding doors, hoods, trunks, decklids, liftgates and tailgates; pick-up truck box access steps and tailgate steps, pick-up truck box accessory systems and accessory retention systems, truck bed extenders, and tailgate lift assist devices; dashboard and console structural systems, bumper beams and crash cans, vehicle body and chassis components; welded assemblies, namely vehicle body and chassis systems; shock absorbers, dampers, damper valves, control arms, twist beams, anti-roll bar components, sub-frames, and suspension systems; vehicle body and chassis systems; mechatronic systems, namely, active aerodynamic devices, active suspension actuators, door actuators and windshield wiper systems; carbon fibre vehicle body and chassis components, and carbon fibre products in the consumer products industry, namely, structural parts for motorcycles, sailboats and snowmobiles. Custom manufacturing of products to the order and specification of others in the automotive, motorsports and aerospace industries. Engineering services relating to the automotive and motorsports industries; Engineering services relating to the aerospace and consumer products industries; designing and testing services relating to the automotive, motorsports, aerospace and consumer products industries; vehicle dynamics and aerodynamics development services for automotive and motorsports applications.
A spoiler mechanism (13) for a vehicle (10) includes a spoiler (16) that has a stowed position and first and second deployed positions. An actuator (22) is configured to move the spoiler (16) though the stowed and first and second deployed positions in response to a command. A multi-link assembly (20) is interconnected by pivot points. The multi-link assembly (20) is operatively connected to the spoiler (16). In the first deployed position at least three pivot points are aligned with one another in a plane and provide a first geometrically locked position. In the second deployed position a second geometrically locked position is provided in which a link of the multi-link assembly (20) abuts another structure.
A pedestrian protection automotive hinge includes a release assembly which includes a clip supported at one of the first and second opposing ends of a slot in one of first and second members, and a stop pin supported by the other of the first and second members. The stop pin is captured in the clip in the normally closed position and the normally opened position. An actuator is configured to engage the second member and to force the second member upward relative to the first member in response to a collision input. The stop pin is configured to break the clip in response to this force permitting the second member to pivot about a member pin relative to the first member to an opened hood collision position and the stop pin to move to the end of the slot opposite the clip.
An automotive door system includes a hinge supporting a door. A door check module interconnects to one of the vehicle and the door by a linkage assembly. An output shaft is connected to the linkage assembly and rotates relative to a door check module housing. The output shaft provides an output torque to check the door in a desired door position. A sensor detects rotation of the shaft and produces a signal in response thereto. A brake assembly includes a shaft member operatively connected to the output shaft. The brake assembly has a normally closed position in which the shaft member is grounded to the housing in a door check mode. The brake assembly includes an open position that corresponds to one of a door closing mode and a door opening mode. The brake assembly moves from the normally closed position to the open position in response to the signal.
E05C 17/00 - Devices for holding wings openDevices for limiting opening of wings or for holding wings open by a movable member extending between frame and wingBraking devices, stops or buffers, combined therewith
E05C 17/56 - Devices for holding wings openDevices for limiting opening of wings or for holding wings open by a movable member extending between frame and wingBraking devices, stops or buffers, combined therewith by magnetic or electromagnetic attraction
E05F 15/70 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings with automatic actuation
59.
DOOR PRESENTING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATING SAME
CA 03018063 2018-09-17 I ABSTRACT A method of operating a vehicle door includes the step of pushing an unlatched door to an ajar position. The unlatched door is mechanically held in the ajar position. In one embodiment, the method is performed using a door presenting system that includes a door checker that is configured to hold a door in the ajar position. A presenting actuator is movable between retracted and extended positions. The extended position corresponds to the ajar position. A controller is configured to move the presenting actuator between the retracted and extended positions in response to a presenting signal. 1 0
E05C 17/20 - Devices for holding wings openDevices for limiting opening of wings or for holding wings open by a movable member extending between frame and wingBraking devices, stops or buffers, combined therewith by mechanical means with a movable bar or equivalent member extending between frame and wing consisting of a single rod sliding through a guide
E05B 81/20 - Power-actuated vehicle locks characterised by the function or purpose of the powered actuators for assisting final closing or for initiating opening
E05F 15/611 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for swinging wings
60.
DOOR PRESENTING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATING SAME
A method of operating a vehicle door includes the step of pushing an unlatched door to an ajar position. The unlatched door is mechanically held in the ajar position. In one embodiment, the method is performed using a door presenting system that includes a door checker that is configured to hold a door in the ajar position. A presenting actuator is movable between retracted and extended positions. The extended position corresponds to the ajar position. A controller is configured to move the presenting actuator between the retracted and extended positions in response to a presenting signal.
E05C 17/20 - Devices for holding wings openDevices for limiting opening of wings or for holding wings open by a movable member extending between frame and wingBraking devices, stops or buffers, combined therewith by mechanical means with a movable bar or equivalent member extending between frame and wing consisting of a single rod sliding through a guide
E05F 15/611 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for swinging wings
E05B 81/20 - Power-actuated vehicle locks characterised by the function or purpose of the powered actuators for assisting final closing or for initiating opening
61.
VEHICLE REAR WING WITH ADAPTIVE SECTION AND EXTENDABLE FLAP
A deployable vehicle rear wing conforms closely to the styled surface of the vehicle body in a retracted, or stowed, position while adaptively changing its cross section in a deployed positon so as to provide a highly efficient airfoil section, with an integrated Gurney flap. Additionally, the adaptive cross section changes and Gurney flap deployment is provided via a linkage that utilizes a drive mechanism of a main deployment system.
A deployable vehicle rear wing conforms closely to the styled surface of the vehicle body in a retracted, or stowed, position while adaptively changing its cross section in a deployed positon so as to provide a highly efficient airfoil section, with an integrated Gurney flap. Additionally, the adaptive cross section changes and Gurney flap deployment is provided via a linkage that utilizes a drive mechanism of a main deployment system.
A selectively switchable dual rate vehicle suspension system comprising a pushrod actuated inboard spring configuration, conventionally oriented between the unsprung mass and the sprung mass of one corner of the vehicle, comprising a torsion bar spring of a first predetermined rate, K1, and a coil spring of a second predetermined rate, K2, arranged in series so as to provide a total combined spring rate KT. A lockout actuator is arranged in parallel with the coil spring and configured so that in a first mode it allows the coil spring to move freely and in a second mode prevents motion of the coil spring such that when the lockout actuator is in a first, unlocked, mode the overall vehicle suspension spring rate is defined by the series equation 1/ KT = 1/K1 + 1/K2, and when the lockout actuator is in a second, locked, mode the overall vehicle suspension spring rate is substantially higher as defined by KT = K1, thus selectively providing both a low rate, optimal ride comfort setting and a high rate, optimal handling setting.
B60G 11/50 - Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location, or kind of springs having springs of different kinds not including leaf springs having helical, spiral, or coil springs, and also torsion-bar springs
B60G 17/027 - Mechanical springs regulated by fluid means
A selectively switchable dual rate vehicle suspension system comprising a pushrod actuated inboard spring configuration, conventionally oriented between the unsprung mass and the sprung mass of one corner of the vehicle, comprising a torsion bar spring of a first predetermined rate, K1, and a coil spring of a second predetermined rate, K2, arranged in series so as to provide a total combined spring rate KT. A lockout actuator is arranged in parallel with the coil spring and configured so that in a first mode it allows the coil spring to move freely and in a second mode prevents motion of the coil spring such that when the lockout actuator is in a first, unlocked, mode the overall vehicle suspension spring rate is defined by the series equation 1/ KT = 1/K1 + 1/K2, and when the lockout actuator is in a second, locked, mode the overall vehicle suspension spring rate is substantially higher as defined by KT = K1, thus selectively providing both a low rate, optimal ride comfort setting and a high rate, optimal handling setting.
B60G 11/50 - Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location, or kind of springs having springs of different kinds not including leaf springs having helical, spiral, or coil springs, and also torsion-bar springs
B60G 17/027 - Mechanical springs regulated by fluid means
A power assisted automotive door system has a power drive module which includes an electric motor and integrated gearbox drive unit that provides a driving torque around the door's pivot axis. A controller is in communication with the electric motor, a torque sensor, a velocity sensor, and an accelerometer and processes measured and provided data and to predict a door torque using a real-time simulation. The controller commands the power drive module to produce a compensating torque that achieves a predetermined desired resistive door torque that corresponds to a desired door velocity in response to an operator's manual operation. The operator can move the door at any desired velocity only having to overcome the predetermined desired resistive door torque allowing the door to feel as if the vehicle is on flat and level ground.
A door checker includes a housing which has a base from which first and second opposing flanges extend. First and second guide pins are spaced apart from one another and are interconnected to the first and second flanges. A check arm extends through the base and is arranged between the first and second guide pins. The check arm is configured to move relative to the housing and includes a profile that corresponds to a variable door holding force. A bearing member is arranged on one side of the check arm and is slidably supported by the first and second guide pins. The bearing member coacts with the profile.
E05C 17/22 - Devices for holding wings openDevices for limiting opening of wings or for holding wings open by a movable member extending between frame and wingBraking devices, stops or buffers, combined therewith by mechanical means with a movable bar or equivalent member extending between frame and wing consisting of a single rod sliding through a guide with braking, clamping or securing means in the guide
A door checker includes a housing which has a base from which first and second opposing flanges extend. First and second guide pins are spaced apart from one another and are interconnected to the first and second flanges. A check arm extends through the base and is arranged between the first and second guide pins. The check arm is configured to move relative to the housing and includes a profile that corresponds to a variable door holding force. A bearing member is arranged on one side of the check arm and is slidably supported by the first and second guide pins. The bearing member coacts with the profile.
E05C 17/22 - Devices for holding wings openDevices for limiting opening of wings or for holding wings open by a movable member extending between frame and wingBraking devices, stops or buffers, combined therewith by mechanical means with a movable bar or equivalent member extending between frame and wing consisting of a single rod sliding through a guide with braking, clamping or securing means in the guide
A spoiler mechanism (13) for a vehicle (10) includes a spoiler (16) that has a stowed position and first and second deployed positions. An actuator (22) is configured to move the spoiler (16) though the stowed and first and second deployed positions in response to a command. A multi-link assembly (20) is interconnected by pivot points. The multi-link assembly (20) is operatively connected to the spoiler (16). In the first deployed position at least three pivot points are aligned with one another in a plane and provide a first geometrically locked position. In the second deployed position a second geometrically locked position is provided in which a link of the multi-link assembly (20) abuts another structure.
A spoiler mechanism (13) for a vehicle (10) includes a spoiler (16) that has a stowed position and first and second deployed positions. An actuator (22) is configured to move the spoiler (16) though the stowed and first and second deployed positions in response to a command. A multi-link assembly (20) is interconnected by pivot points. The multi-link assembly (20) is operatively connected to the spoiler (16). In the first deployed position at least three pivot points are aligned with one another in a plane and provide a first geometrically locked position. In the second deployed position a second geometrically locked position is provided in which a link of the multi-link assembly (20) abuts another structure.
A pedestrian protection automotive hinge includes a release assembly which includes a clip supported at one of the first and second opposing ends of a slot in one of first and second members, and a stop pin supported by the other of the first and second members. The stop pin is captured in the clip in the normally closed position and the normally opened position. An actuator is configured to engage the second member and to force the second member upward relative to the first member in response to a collision input. The stop pin is configured to break the clip in response to this force permitting the second member to pivot about a member pin relative to the first member to an opened hood collision position and the stop pin to move to the end of the slot opposite the clip.
A pedestrian protection automotive hinge includes a release assembly which includes a clip supported at one of the first and second ends and a stop pin supported by the other of the one of first and second members. The stop pin is captured in the clip in the normally closed position and the normally opened position. The stop pin is configured to break the clip in response to a collision input permitting the second member to pivot about a member pin relative to the first member to an opened hood collision position and the stop pin to move to a second end of a slot. An actuator is configured to engage the second member and move the second member upward relative to the first member in response to the collision input and break the clip.
An automotive door system includes a hinge supporting a door. A door check module interconnects to one of the vehicle and the door by a linkage assembly. An output shaft is connected to the linkage assembly and rotates relative to a door check module housing. The output shaft provides an output torque to check the door in a desired door position. A sensor detects rotation of the shaft and produces a signal in response thereto. A brake assembly includes a shaft member operatively connected to the output shaft. The brake assembly has a normally closed position in which the shaft member is grounded to the housing in a door check mode. The brake assembly includes an open position that corresponds to one of a door closing mode and a door opening mode. The brake assembly moves from the normally closed position to the open position in response to the signal.
E05C 17/56 - Devices for holding wings openDevices for limiting opening of wings or for holding wings open by a movable member extending between frame and wingBraking devices, stops or buffers, combined therewith by magnetic or electromagnetic attraction
E05C 17/00 - Devices for holding wings openDevices for limiting opening of wings or for holding wings open by a movable member extending between frame and wingBraking devices, stops or buffers, combined therewith
A method of actuating a door includes the steps of manually pivoting a door in an opening or closing direction about a hinge to open or close the door, providing a manual input in response to both opening the door and closing the door, detecting the manual input, and energizing a motor to drive the door in the direction in response to the manual input.
An automotive door system includes a hinge that supports a door. A switch provides a first input in response to a user request to automatically open or close the door. An output shaft of a power drive module is connected to the door and a gearbox to provide an output torque that corresponds to a desired motion of the door about the hinge. A brake assembly is connected to a shaft member and has a normally closed position in which the shaft member is grounded to the housing and an open position that corresponds to one of a door closing mode and a door opening mode. A position sensor detects rotation of the output shaft and provides a second input in response thereto, which corresponds to a manually initiated movement of the door that exceeds a slip torque of the brake assembly in the normally closed position.
An automotive door system includes a hinge supporting a door. A door check module interconnects to one of the vehicle and the door by a linkage assembly. An output shaft is connected to the linkage assembly and rotates relative to a door check module housing. The output shaft provides an output torque to check the door in a desired door position. A sensor detects rotation of the shaft and produces a signal in response thereto. A brake assembly includes a shaft member operatively connected to the output shaft. The brake assembly has a normally closed position in which the shaft member is grounded to the housing in a door check mode. The brake assembly includes an open position that corresponds to one of a door closing mode and a door opening mode. The brake assembly moves from the normally closed position to the open position in response to the signal.
E05C 17/56 - Devices for holding wings openDevices for limiting opening of wings or for holding wings open by a movable member extending between frame and wingBraking devices, stops or buffers, combined therewith by magnetic or electromagnetic attraction
E05C 17/00 - Devices for holding wings openDevices for limiting opening of wings or for holding wings open by a movable member extending between frame and wingBraking devices, stops or buffers, combined therewith
An automotive door system includes a hinge that supports a door. A switch provides a first input in response to a user request to automatically open or close the door. An output shaft of a power drive module is connected to the door and a gearbox to provide an output torque that corresponds to a desired motion of the door about the hinge. A brake assembly is connected to a shaft member and has a normally closed position in which the shaft member is grounded to the housing and an open position that corresponds to one of a door closing mode and a door opening mode. A position sensor detects rotation of the output shaft and provides a second input in response thereto, which corresponds to a manually initiated movement of the door that exceeds a slip torque of the brake assembly in the normally closed position.
A handle assembly is used with a pick-up truck tailgate. The handle assembly comprises a guide tube with an open end, a handle that is housed within the guide tube and a pivot assembly. The pivot assembly comprises a pivot pin connected to one end of the handle and a locking pin. The handle is moveable within the guide tube between a retracted position and an extended position. While in the extended position the handle passes through the open end and the handle may pivot about the pivot pin to move to a support position. When the handle is in the support position, the locking pin can engage the handle and releasably lock the handle in the support position. The guide tube is configured to be secured within a tailgate of a pick-up truck.
A bumper for a closure, such as a tailgate, acts between the tailgate and a frame to bias a striker in to engagement with a latch. The bumper is moved to a retracted position during closing to reduce the force needed to close the tailgate. After latching, the bumper is conditioned to an extended position to assert the bias between the tailgate and frame.
F16F 1/44 - Springs made of plastics, e.g. rubberSprings made of material having high internal friction characterised by the mode of stressing loaded mainly in compression
E05B 77/38 - Cushion elements, elastic guiding elements or holding elements, e.g. for cushioning or damping the impact of the bolt against the striker during closing of the wing
E05B 79/20 - Connections between movable lock parts using flexible connections, e.g. Bowden cables
A control device is used to move a pick-up truck tailgate. The control device comprises a first gear arrangement connected to a drive cup and a second gear arrangement that is connected to a motor for driving the second gear arrangement. The control device also includes a clutch arrangement positioned between the first and second gear arrangements. When the clutch arrangement is in an engaged position, it couples the first gear arrangement and the second gear arrangement to transmit torque to the first gear arrangement and the drive cup. When the clutch arrangement is in the disengaged position, the first and second gear arrangements are not coupled. Optionally, the control device comprises a brake unit to slow or stop movement of the tailgate. The control device can be positioned within the pick-up truck tailgate.
B62D 33/033 - Sideboard or tailgate structures movable removable
E05F 15/614 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for swinging wings operated by meshing gear wheels, one of which being mounted at the wing pivot axisPower-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for swinging wings operated by a motor acting directly on the wing pivot axis
B62D 33/027 - Sideboard or tailgate structures movable
E05F 5/00 - Braking devices, e.g. checksStopsBuffers
E05F 15/40 - Safety devices, e.g. detection of obstructions or end positions
E05D 7/10 - Hinges or pivots of special construction to allow easy separation of the parts at the hinge axis
A beam for a vehicle bumper is formed from a continuous web of material as a closed tubular body. The body has top and bottom walls connected by inner and outer walls. A support extends between the inner and outer walls and a reinforcement overlies at least a portion of the outer wall between the support and the bottom wall to provide a double walled structure.
A beam for a vehicle bumper is formed from a continuous web of material as a closed tubular body. The body has top and bottom walls connected by inner and outer walls. A support extends between the inner and outer walls and a reinforcement overlies at least a portion of the outer wall between the support and the bottom wall to provide a double walled structure.
A beam for a vehicle bumper is formed from a continuous web of material as a closed tubular body. The body has top and bottom walls connected by inner and outer walls. A support extends between the inner and outer walls and a reinforcement overlies at least a portion of the outer wall between the support and the bottom wall to provide a double walled structure.
B60R 19/02 - Bumpers, i.e. impact receiving or absorbing members for protecting vehicles or fending off blows from other vehicles or objects
B60R 19/18 - Means within the bumper to absorb impact
B21B 15/00 - Arrangements for performing additional metal-working operations specially combined with or arranged in, or specially adapted for use in connection with, metal-rolling mills
A handle assembly is used with a pick-up truck tailgate. The handle assembly comprises a guide tube with an open end, a handle that is housed within the guide tube and a pivot assembly. The pivot assembly comprises a pivot pin connected to one end of the handle and a locking pin. The handle is moveable within the guide tube between a retracted position and an extended position. While in the extended position the handle passes through the open end and the handle may pivot about the pivot pin to move to a support position. When the handle is in the support position, the locking pin can engage the handle and releasably lock the handle in the support position. The guide tube is configured to be secured within a tailgate of a pick-up truck.
A handle assembly is used with a pick-up truck tailgate. The handle assembly comprises a guide tube with an open end, a handle that is housed within the guide tube and a pivot assembly. The pivot assembly comprises a pivot pin connected to one end of the handle and a locking pin. The handle is moveable within the guide tube between a retracted position and an extended position. While in the extended position the handle passes through the open end and the handle may pivot about the pivot pin to move to a support position. When the handle is in the support position, the locking pin can engage the handle and releasably lock the handle in the support position. The guide tube is configured to be secured within a tailgate of a pick-up truck.
A control device is used to move a pick-up truck tailgate. The control device comprises a first gear arrangement connected to a drive cup and a second gear arrangement that is connected to a motor for driving the second gear arrangement. The control device also includes a clutch arrangement positioned between the first and second gear arrangements. When the clutch arrangement is in an engaged position, it couples the first gear arrangement and the second gear arrangement to transmit torque to the first gear arrangement and the drive cup. When the clutch arrangement is in the disengaged position, the first and second gear arrangements are not coupled. Optionally, the control device comprises a brake unit to slow or stop movement of the tailgate. The control device can be positioned within the pick-up truck tailgate.
A control device is used to move a pick-up truck tailgate. The control device comprises a first gear arrangement connected to a drive cup and a second gear arrangement that is connected to a motor for driving the second gear arrangement. The control device also includes a clutch arrangement positioned between the first and second gear arrangements. When the clutch arrangement is in an engaged position, it couples the first gear arrangement and the second gear arrangement to transmit torque to the first gear arrangement and the drive cup. When the clutch arrangement is in the disengaged position, the first and second gear arrangements are not coupled. Optionally, the control device comprises a brake unit to slow or stop movement of the tailgate. The control device can be positioned within the pick-up truck tailgate.
A control device is used to move a pick-up truck tailgate. The control device comprises a first gear arrangement connected to a drive cup and a second gear arrangement that is connected to a motor for driving the second gear arrangement. The control device also includes a clutch arrangement positioned between the first and second gear arrangements. When the clutch arrangement is in an engaged position, it couples the first gear arrangement and the second gear arrangement to transmit torque to the first gear arrangement and the drive cup. When the clutch arrangement is in the disengaged position, the first and second gear arrangements are not coupled. Optionally, the control device comprises a brake unit to slow or stop movement of the tailgate. The control device can be positioned within the pick-up truck tailgate.
A bumper for a closure, such as a tailgate, acts between the tailgate and a frame to bias a striker in to engagement with a latch. The bumper is moved to a retracted position during closing to reduce the force needed to close the tailgate. After latching, the bumper is conditioned to an extended position to assert the bias between the tailgate and frame.
A bumper for a closure, such as a tailgate, acts between the tailgate and a frame to bias a striker in to engagement with a latch. The bumper is moved to a retracted position during closing to reduce the force needed to close the tailgate. After latching, the bumper is conditioned to an extended position to assert the bias between the tailgate and frame.
E05C 3/06 - Fastening devices with bolts moving pivotally or rotatively without latching action with operating handle or equivalent member moving otherwise than rigidly with the bolt
E05B 77/38 - Cushion elements, elastic guiding elements or holding elements, e.g. for cushioning or damping the impact of the bolt against the striker during closing of the wing
E05B 79/20 - Connections between movable lock parts using flexible connections, e.g. Bowden cables
A bumper for a closure, such as a tailgate, acts between the tailgate and a frame to bias a striker in to engagement with a latch. The bumper is moved to a retracted position during closing to reduce the force needed to close the tailgate. After latching, the bumper is conditioned to an extended position to assert the bias between the tailgate and frame.
A door check for an automobile has an arm with a cam formed between oppositely directed flanks. A unitary energy storage component cooperates with the arm to provide progressive resistance to opening and closing and a plurality of stable positions. The unitary energy storage component includes a pair of springs, each connected to shoes that bear against the flanks and load the springs in torsion as the shoes moves along the cam. The unitary energy storage component is formed as an integral unit to facilitate handling and assembly.
E05C 17/20 - Devices for holding wings openDevices for limiting opening of wings or for holding wings open by a movable member extending between frame and wingBraking devices, stops or buffers, combined therewith by mechanical means with a movable bar or equivalent member extending between frame and wing consisting of a single rod sliding through a guide
E05F 5/00 - Braking devices, e.g. checksStopsBuffers
A door check for an automobile has an arm with a cam formed between oppositely directed flanks. A unitary energy storage component cooperates with the arm to provide progressive resistance to opening and closing and a plurality of stable positions. The unitary energy storage component includes a pair of springs, each connected to shoes that bear against the flanks and load the springs in torsion as the shoes moves along the cam. The unitary energy storage component is formed as an integral unit to facilitate handling and assembly.
E05C 17/20 - Devices for holding wings openDevices for limiting opening of wings or for holding wings open by a movable member extending between frame and wingBraking devices, stops or buffers, combined therewith by mechanical means with a movable bar or equivalent member extending between frame and wing consisting of a single rod sliding through a guide
E05F 5/00 - Braking devices, e.g. checksStopsBuffers
A door check for an automobile has an arm with a cam formed between oppositely directed flanks. A unitary energy storage component cooperates with the arm to provide progressive resistance to opening and closing and a plurality of stable positions. The unitary energy storage component includes a pair of springs, each connected to shoes that bear against the flanks and load the springs in torsion as the shoes moves along the cam. The unitary energy storage component is formed as an integral unit to facilitate handling and assembly.
E05C 17/20 - Devices for holding wings openDevices for limiting opening of wings or for holding wings open by a movable member extending between frame and wingBraking devices, stops or buffers, combined therewith by mechanical means with a movable bar or equivalent member extending between frame and wing consisting of a single rod sliding through a guide
E05B 15/16 - Use of special materials for parts of locks
A hydraulic damper assembly includes a main body, a shaft assembly and a main piston operatively configured to define an upper portion and a lower portion within the main body. A hydraulic damper spool valve is adapted to provide a single path, variable hydraulic flow restriction between the upper portion and lower portion of the main body. The hydraulic damper spool valve is configured with an array of precisely shaped flow apertures that are proportionally opened and closed by a pair of valve spools in response to the pressure differential across the main piston. The damper's pressure-flow operating characteristic is simply and predictably dictated by the geometric configuration of the shaped flow apertures. The precisely defined open area of the shaped flow apertures provides a mathematically predictable hydraulic flow restriction that operates predominately in a turbulent regime resulting in insensitivity to hydraulic fluid viscosity and consequently temperature change.
A dual motion vehicle access step that can be deployed by initially rotating it around a pivot joint in response to an operator pushing down on the step to overcome a closing torque and then translating the step away from the vehicle in response to a biasing force. Both of the closing torque and biasing force are provided by a single energy storage device. An interlocking latch is configured to selectively structurally lock-out either the rotating motion or translating motion on ah alternating basis.
A dual motion vehicle access step that can be deployed by initially rotating it around a pivot joint in response to an operator pushing down on the step to overcome a closing torque and then translating the step away from the vehicle in response to a biasing force. Both of the closing torque and biasing force are provided by a single energy storage device. An interlocking latch is configured to selectively structurally lock-out either the rotating motion or translating motion on an alternating basis.
A vehicular structural member is provided from a closed section hollow element that utilizes a conventional clamshell configuration but eliminates the overlapped joint of the prior art. It has been proven that for large volume applications such as those dictated by the automotive industry, sheet metal press forming is the most cost-effective method of manufacturing structural components. The present disclosure eliminates the redundant material associated with overlapping or flange type joints in clamshell closed section hollow elements thereby reducing weight and cost.
A replaceable blade system for ice skates is provided with a rotary retention latch located within an enclosed chamber of the holder of the skate. The rotary retention latch is configured with a release lever that is adapted to be accessed through an aesthetic aperture in the holder.
A hydraulic damper assembly includes a main body, a main piston, a valve body, a valve sleeve, a valve spool and a resilient energy storage member. The valve body and the piston are disposed within the main body. The valve body defines a first chamber, a second chamber, and a cylindrical passage connecting the first chamber and the second chamber. The valve sleeve is moveably disposed in the cylindrical passage. The spool is moveably disposed within the bore of the valve sleeve. The resilient energy storage member may be disposed between the valve sleeve and valve spool. The resilient energy storage member is compressed as pressure is induced in one of the first chamber or the second chamber such that the valve sleeve and the spool move relative to one another so that at least a portion of a shaped aperture is exposed to the first chamber or second chamber to allow a proportional amount of hydraulic fluid to flow between the first chamber and the second chamber.
A hydraulic valve includes a main body, a valve body, a piston, a valve sleeve, a spool and a resilient energy storage member. The valve body and the piston are disposed within the main body. The valve body defines a first chamber, a second chamber, and a cylindrical passage connecting the first chamber and the second chamber. The valve sleeve is moveably disposed in the cylindrical passage. The spool is moveably disposed within the bore of the valve sleeve. The resilient energy storage member may be disposed between the valve sleeve and valve spool. The resilient energy storage member is compressed as pressure is induced in one of the first chamber or the second chamber such that the valve sleeve and the spool move relative to one another so that at least a portion of the shaped aperture is exposed to the first chamber or second chamber to allow a proportional amount of hydraulic fluid to flow between the first chamber and the second chamber.
