An actuator system and method of operation are provided. The system includes at least one actuator including a motor. The system also includes a remote controller configured to generate a command signal to operate the actuator. At least one actuator controller is in communication with the remote controller and the at least one actuator and is configured to receive the command signal from the remote controller to operate the at least one actuator. The at least one actuator controller is configured to generate a motor control signal using the command signal for actuating the motor to operate the actuator and determine the validity of the motor control signal using the command signal. The at least one actuator controller prevents actuation of the motor if the motor control signal is invalid.

A locking device for a motor vehicle bonnet, wherein the locking device comprises a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and a pawl for locking the rotary latch in a main latching position. Said locking device also comprises a catch hook which can define an opening movement of a lock retainer in a secure position which is between an intended closed position and an intended open position after opening the locking mechanism, wherein the catch hook comprises a load dependent barrier, and the locking device is designed such that a locking movement of the lock retainer is defined by the barrier in the intended closed position such that the lock retainer only goes in further than the intended closed position when there is an overload. A further developed locking device with pedestrian protection can also be provided.

A hood latch assembly for a vehicle. A housing includes an insert recess allowing a striker coupled to a hood of a vehicle to be retracted into and withdrawn from the insert recess. A latch has one end portion pivotably coupled to an inner portion of the housing. A fitting recess in the other end portion of the latch allows the striker to be retracted into and withdrawn from the fitting recess. A support protrusion is formed on one end portion of the fitting recess. A safety hook includes a hinge disposed on one end portion to be pivotably coupled to an outer portion of housing and a sliding protrusion disposed on the other end portion to allow the striker to slide when in contact with the striker. When the hood is in a closed position, the safety hook is supported by the support protrusion so as not to pivot.

An actuation system for facilitating opening and closing of a closure panel of a vehicle, the actuation system including one or more mechanisms of a latch mechanism; a release mechanism; a cinching mechanism; an offset pop-up spring and a service release mechanism.

A hood release lever cover assembly for a vehicle includes a bracket assembly and a hood release lever. The bracket assembly is configured to be connected to a vehicle body structure of the vehicle. The hood release lever cover is pivotally connected to the bracket assembly. The hood release lever cover is movable between a first position preventing movement of a hood release lever of the vehicle and a second position allowing movement of the hood release lever.

A lock device of a vehicle comprising: a base plate; a guide plate rotatably disposed on the base plate; a pawl rotatably disposed on the base plate, the pawl being engageable with the guide plate in an unlocking position and disengageable from the guide plate between a half-locked and fully-locked position; a ratchet rotatably disposed on the base plate for retaining a striker when in the half-locked or the fully-locked position when the pawl is engaged with the ratchet; and a release member rotatably disposed on the base plate, the release member engagable with the guide plate; the release member is configured to drive the guide plate to engage with the pawl and drive the pawl to decouple from the ratchet.

A hood lock for a motor vehicle comprising a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, a lock holder interacting with the locking mechanism, a release lever, the locked locking mechanism being able to be unlocked by means of the release lever, and the lock holder being transferable from a latching position into a support position after a first actuation, and the lock holder being transferable after a second actuation of the release lever into a release position, and a closing drive, wherein the locking mechanism can be moved by means of the closing drive from the support position into a main latching position, and wherein at least one position of the rotary latch can be detected by means of a switching means, and wherein at least one further switching means is provided for detecting the pawl position.

A lock device of a vehicle comprising: a base plate; a guide plate rotatably disposed on the base plate; a pawl rotatably disposed on the base plate, the pawl being engageable with the guide plate in an unlocking position and disengageable from the guide plate between a half-locked and fully-locked position; a ratchet rotatably disposed on the base plate for retaining a striker when in the half-locked or the fully-locked position when the pawl is engaged with the ratchet; and a release member rotatably disposed on the base plate, the release member engageable with the guide plate; the release member is configured to drive the guide plate to engage with the pawl and drive the pawl to decouple from the ratchet.

A vehicle hood pin apparatus is disclosed which contains an outer housing with holes to accept a cotter pin or other self-locking device, an inner pin with holes that can mate with the holes on the outer housing, and an electric switch attached to the housing to communicate signals to the vehicle, and in mechanical connection with the inner pin. By mating the holes in the inner pin with the holes in the outer housing and inserting the cotter pin or other self-locking device into the mated holes, the hood is closed securely on the vehicle and the electric switch sends a signal to the vehicle.

An apparatus may be used to release a hood of a vehicle. In one or more implementations, the vehicle detects a pedestrian and the apparatus releases the hood. The apparatus may include a biasing component that, when released, provides a force to another component to release the hood. In order to release the biasing component, the apparatus may include shape memory alloy that deforms when heated. As an exemplary heating method, the vehicle may include a sensor that detects the pedestrian and provides a signal in the form of electrical current that passes through the shape memory allow. The hood may release prior to the pedestrian contacting the hood.