Abstract:
A variable output torque rod system for panel counterbalance includes a torque rod having a first fixed end relative to a storage area and a second fixed end relative to a panel, wherein the torque rod is configured to store energy by being twisted when the panel is pivoted in a first direction relative to the storage area and release the stored energy when the panel is pivoted in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction. A slider block is disposed on the torque rod between the first fixed end and the second fixed end wherein the slider block is free to be moved along an axis of the torque rod when a set screw is loosened from the torque rod, and wherein the slider block profiles against a portion of the panel to prevent rotation about the torque rod when the set screw is tightened.
Abstract:
A variable output torque rod system for panel counterbalance includes a torque rod having a first fixed end relative to a storage area and a second fixed end relative to a panel, wherein the torque rod is configured to store energy by being twisted when the panel is pivoted in a first direction relative to the storage area and release the stored energy when the panel is pivoted in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction. A slider block is disposed on the torque rod between the first fixed end and the second fixed end wherein the slider block is free to be moved along an axis of the torque rod when a set screw is loosened from the torque rod, and wherein the slider block profiles against a portion of the panel to prevent rotation about the torque rod when the set screw is tightened.
Abstract:
A hood assembly for a vehicle includes a hood having a top side and an underside. Also included is a centering tool operatively coupled to a top support member of a positioning and reinforcement structure, the centering tool extending upwardly from the positioning and reinforcement structure. Further included is a hood locating aperture defined by the hood and located at the underside of the hood, the hood locating aperture configured to receive the centering tool therein for locating the positioning and reinforcement structure to the hood.
Abstract:
A method of assembling a front end assembly of a vehicle is provided. The method includes integrally forming a positioning and reinforcement structure having a relatively rectilinear configuration comprising a top support member, a bottom support member, a first side member and a second side member. The method also includes detachably coupling a first wing structure to the first side member. The method further includes operably mounting a first fender assembly to a first side flange of the first wing structure. The method yet further includes operably coupling a centering bracket proximate the top support member. The method also includes locating and centering the positioning and reinforcement structure to a hood with the centering bracket. The method further includes fixedly securing the positioning and reinforcement structure to a radiator support disposed rearwardly of the positioning and reinforcement structure.
Abstract:
A vehicle headlamp assembly includes a first guiding component. Also included is a headlamp housing having a second guiding component for engaging the first guiding component in a sliding relationship for directing of the headlamp housing toward a loaded position. Further included is at least one locating pin integrally formed with and extending from the headlamp housing, the at least one locating pin configured to extend through an aperture of an adjacent vehicle component for providing stable positioning of the headlamp housing during installation of the vehicle headlamp assembly.
Abstract:
A positioning and reinforcement structure for a vehicle includes a top support member and a bottom support member each extending relatively horizontally in a cross-car orientation and relatively parallel to each other. Also included is a first side member and a second side member each extending relatively vertically and relatively parallel to each other, the first side member and the second side member each coupled to the top support member and the bottom support member. Further included is a first wing structure detachably coupled to the first side member, the first wing structure comprising a first side flange configured to operably mount to a first fender assembly. Yet further included is a centering bracket disposed proximate a top side of the top support member, the centering bracket configured to locate a front region of a hood to the positioning and reinforcement structure.
Abstract:
An inner fender panel for a structural fender of an automotive vehicle is disclosed. The panel includes an outer surface configured for attachment to the inner surface of an outer panel of the fender and an inner surface; the inner panel comprising a plurality of abutting inner fender panel sections that are joined to one another, each inner fender panel section having a thickness, at least two abutting inner fender panel sections having thicknesses that are different. A structural fender for an automotive vehicle is also disclosed. The fender includes a formed outer panel having a viewable outer surface and an inner surface. The fender also includes a formed inner fender panel as described comprising a plurality of abutting inner fender panel sections that are joined to one another, each inner fender panel section having a thickness, at least two abutting inner fender panel sections having thicknesses that are different.
Abstract:
A variable output torque rod system for panel counterbalance includes a telescoping torque rod having a solid inner rod with a first end concentrically disposed in a tubular outer rod, wherein the tubular outer rod includes a first end fixed relative to a storage area, and wherein the solid inner rod includes a second end secured in a slider block relative to the panel. The telescoping torque rod is configured to store energy by being twisted when the panel is pivoted in a first direction relative to the storage area, and wherein the slider block is operative to adjust an overall length and cross-sectional area of the telescoping torque rod when the slider block is moved from a fully extended position to at least one other position that is less than the fully extended position.
Abstract:
An inner fender panel for a structural fender of an automotive vehicle is disclosed. The panel includes an outer surface configured for attachment to the inner surface of an outer panel of the fender and an inner surface; the inner panel comprising a plurality of abutting inner fender panel sections that are joined to one another, each inner fender panel section having a thickness, at least two abutting inner fender panel sections having thicknesses that are different. A structural fender for an automotive vehicle is also disclosed. The fender includes a formed outer panel having a viewable outer surface and an inner surface. The fender also includes a formed inner fender panel as described comprising a plurality of abutting inner fender panel sections that are joined to one another, each inner fender panel section having a thickness, at least two abutting inner fender panel sections having thicknesses that are different.
Abstract:
A detachable positioning and reinforcement structure includes a first wing structure operably coupled to a first automotive component. Also included is a second wing structure operably coupled to a second automotive component. Further included is a central portion removably coupled to the first wing structure, the second wing structure and a third automotive component disposed rearwardly of the central portion.