Integrated Active Hinge Mechanism

Abstract

An active hinge mechanism structured for lifting a portion of a hood of a vehicle is provided. The mechanism includes a tubular link structured for operative coupling to the hood so as to transmit a lifting force to the hood after activation of the mechanism.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A pedestrian safety system containing:
 an active hinge mechanism structured for lifting a portion of a hood of a vehicle, the hinge mechanism comprising a tubular link structured for operative coupling to the hood so as to transmit a lifting force to the hood after activation of the mechanism.   
     
     
         2 . A vehicle including a pedestrian safety system in accordance with  claim 1 . 
     
     
         3 . A tubular link structured for operative coupling to a hood of a vehicle so as to transmit a lifting force to the hood, the link including an outer wall defining an enclosure structured to receive therein portions of a hood-lifting mechanism. 
     
     
         4 . The tubular link of  claim 3  wherein the outer wall has a cylindrical cross-sectional shape. 
     
     
         5 . The tubular link of  claim 3  wherein the outer wall has a rectangular cross-sectional shape. 
     
     
         6 . A hood lifting system including a tubular link in accordance with  claim 3 . 
     
     
         7 . A vehicle including a pedestrian safety system in accordance with  claim 1 . 
     
     
         8 . An active hinge mechanism structured for lifting a portion of a hood of a vehicle, the hinge mechanism comprising an actuator including a housing and a piston disposed within the housing, wherein the hinge mechanism is structured such that, when the mechanism is installed in the vehicle, the piston moves from the housing in a direction toward a road surface on which the vehicle resides, upon activation of the mechanism. 
     
     
         9 . The active hinge mechanism of  claim 8  further comprising a tubular link operatively coupled to the actuator and structured for operative coupling to the hood so as to transmit a lifting force to the hood after activation of the mechanism. 
     
     
         10 . A vehicle including an active hinge mechanism in accordance with  claim 8 . 
     
     
         11 . A pedestrian safety system including an active hinge mechanism in accordance with  claim 8 .