Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Jason M Miller

David B Waskie

James N Nelsen

Himanshu H Mehta

Jason L Hepner

Jacob Duvall

Scott W Thorpe

Vijay Shankar Iyer

Hugh S Bauer

Andrew G Fox

Disclosed are lock mechanisms for latch assemblies of vehicle compartment hoods, methods for making or using such lock mechanisms, and motor vehicles equipped with a multi-pull latch and lock system for releasably locking a hood assembly. A lock mechanism includes a gear that couples a closure latch to a latch release mechanism. The gear moves between a latched position, whereat the closure latch secures the closure in a closed position, and an unlatched position, whereat the gear transfers activation forces from the release mechanism to disengage the closure latch from the closure. A pawl is movable between a locked position, whereat the pawl engages and locks the gear in the latched position, and an unlocked position, whereat the pawl disengages the gear. An actuator is operatively engaged with a vehicle door to automatically move the pawl to the unlocked position responsive to movement of the door to an open position.

Multi-pull latch and lock systems for compartment closure assemblies of motor vehicles

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

Gas strut force active monitor system

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

Gas strut spring assisted wear monitoring system

Embodiments of a grommet are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the grommet includes a grommet body having a main body portion, a flange, and an installation extension, an outer surface of the flange at least partially defining a recess, the installation extension connected to the main body portion within the recess and extending at least partially out of the recess, the grommet body having a passage passing therethrough.

Push through grommet

A stud assembly is coupled between an underhood propulsion system and an underhood cover in order to manage energy from an external force applied to the underhood cover. The underhood cover is coupled over the underhood propulsion system. The stud assembly is coupled between the underhood propulsion system and the underhood cover and includes a polymeric isolator and a stud coupled to the polymeric isolator. The stud includes a shank and a head coupled to the shank. The head is coupled to the polymeric isolator. The stud assembly includes a boss coupled to the underhood cover. The boss is disposed adjacent the polymeric isolator. The shank includes a bending initiator feature in order to allow the shank to bend when the underhood cover is subjected to an external force.

Stud assembly

An energy-absorbing structure is provided. The energy-absorbing structure includes a first panel member and a second panel member coupled together. The first panel member has a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge. The second panel member defines a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge. The second panel member further defines a first deformable wall extending from the first edge thereof and away from the first panel member and a second deformable wall extending from the second edge thereof and away from the first panel member. The first deformable wall defines a first plurality of apertures and the second deformable wall defines a second plurality of apertures. The first and second plurality of apertures may be defined as one of an array of perforations and a plurality of slots. The energy-absorbing structure may be provided as a hood for a motor vehicle.

Energy-absorbing structure

An absorbing bracket can be coupled to a vehicle body and can absorb energy from an external force applied to the vehicle body. In an embodiment, the energy absorbing bracket includes a bracket body at least partly made of a rigid material. The bracket body includes a deformable wall defining a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge. The first edge is parallel to the second edge. The bracket body defines a plurality of slots extending through the deformable wall. Each slot extends along a slot axis. Further, each slot axis is obliquely angled relative to the first edge.

Growing community of inventors

St. Clair Shores, MI, United States of America

Jason M Miller