Hood lift mechanisms utilizing active materials and methods of use

A vehicle closure lift mechanism comprising:

• a vehicle closure having one end pivotably attached to a stationary structure and a free end extensive from the pivotably attached end;
• an active material in operative communication with the free end, wherein the active material comprises a shape memory alloy, a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy, a shape memory polymer, a magnetorheological fluid, an electroactive polymer, a magnetorheological elastomer, an electrorheological fluid, a piezoelectric material, an ionic polymer metal composite, or combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing active materials;
• and
• an activation device in operative communication with the active material, wherein the activation device is operable to selectively apply an activation signal to the active material and effect a reversible change in at least one property of the active material, wherein the reversible change results in an increased clearance distance between the vehicle closure and an underlying component by directly exerting a force on the free end.