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.

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.

A display case door includes a door frame, a motor, and a torque rod. The door frame extends about and is coupled to a panel assembly. The motor is coupled to the door frame. The torque rod is coupled to the door frame and configured to couple with an enclosure for a display case. When the door is installed in an opening of the enclosure for the display case, the motor is operable to open the display case door, and the torque rod is configured to close the display case door.

A hinge based counterbalance mechanism for operating a hinge of a closure panel of a vehicle to assist in opening and closing of the closure panel between a closed position and an open position about a pivot axis, the hinge drive mechanism including: a hinge having a body side portion for connecting to a body of the vehicle and a panel side portion for connecting to the closure panel, the body side portion and the panel side portion coupled via the pivot axis; a torsion element having a fixed end coupled to the body and a free end coupled to the body side portion, the fixed end inhibited from rotating relative to the free end and the free end able to rotate about a torsion axis of the torsion element; and a mechanical coupling mechanism coupling the free end to the panel side portion, the mechanical coupling mechanism providing for variability in torque output of the torsion element applied from the torsion element to the panel side portion as the hinge moves between the open position and the closed position.

A system and method are disclosed for controlling the opening and closing of a closure panel for a vehicle. The system includes a power actuator having a motor for opening and closing the closure panel. A lift-assist member cooperates with the power actuator and is operated by a controller that controls the operation of the power actuator. A circuit monitors current draw of the motor and signals the controller when the current required for opening the closure panel exceeds a predetermined level to prevent operation of the power actuator. The position of the closure member may be monitored by an encoder, or angle sensor, associated with the motor to detect whether the closure member is falling and actuate a system that prevents rapid movement of the closure member.

In one embodiment, a system, comprising: a damper assembly, the damper assembly comprising: a structural member; at least one door pivotably coupled to the structural member; a clip connected to the damper assembly and comprising plural spring end constraining segments; a spring comprising a first end and a second end, wherein at least the first end comprises a hook, the spring coupled at the first end to one of the plural spring end constraining segments and at the second end fixably coupled to the damper assembly, the clip configured to accept a hookable connection to the spring at any one of the plural spring end constraining segments, each of the plural spring end constraining segments constraining movement of the hook, when connected thereto, during opening and closing of the at least one door, wherein the spring is at a first tension when hooked to the one of the plural spring end constraining segments and at a second tension when hooked to another of the plural spring end constraining segments.

A door hinge is provided to slant such that a free end of a door is rotated obliquely upward while the door is opened, and an energizing type balancer to assist an opening/closing operation of the door is provided. A hinge axis of the door hinge slants relative to a vertical line, having an upper side thereof being positioned on an inward side in a vehicle width direction and on a forward side in a vehicle longitudinal direction such that a locus of the free end of the door while the door is opened becomes substantially horizontal or lowers in an opening direction at a point before the door is opened to a maximum open position.

A hinge based counterbalance mechanism for operating a hinge of a closure panel of a vehicle to assist in opening and closing of the closure panel between a closed position and an open position, the hinge based counterbalance mechanism including: a pair of hinges each having a body side portion for connecting to a body of the vehicle and a panel side portion for connecting to the closure panel, the body side portion and the panel side portion coupled to one another by a respective mechanical coupling; a pair of torsion elements each having a free end coupled to a respective gear and a fixed end coupled to either of the body side portion or the body, the fixed end inhibited from rotating relative to the free end and the free end able to rotate about a torsion axis of the torsion element; wherein the pair of torsion elements are positioned relative to one another in a non-overlapping manner.

A counterbalanced system has first and second components e.g. vehicle panel pivotably connected to a vehicle. The counterbalanced system has a counterbalance assembly coupled to the first and second components. The counterbalance assembly includes at least one counterbalance subassembly having a cam secured to the first component, a cam bracket secured to the first second component, a bracket secured to the second component, and at least one torsion element extending between the cam bracket and the bracket. If two or more subassemblies are used, the torsion elements of each of the counterbalance subassemblies can extend along a common torsion axis or along parallel torsion axes spaced from a pivot axis. The counterbalance subassemblies are spaced from one another in a direction parallel to or along a common torsion axis. Each subassembly can be adjusted within a range of torque values. The counterbalanced system may comprise a hinge.

A tailgate assembly includes a frame subassembly having a cargo bed access opening disposed between a driver side section and a passenger side section, and a door subassembly that is pivotably coupled to the frame subassembly. The door subassembly is pivotable relative to the frame subassembly back-and-forth between a door open position and a door closed position. The door subassembly closes the cargo bed access opening when the door subassembly is in the door closed position. The tailgate assembly further includes an actuator system that can pivot the door subassembly and the frame subassembly together back-and-forth between a tailgate closed position and a tailgate open position.