Hinge device for pedestrian protection system

#The present invention relates generally to the field of automotive protective systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to pedestrian protective systems.

#Understanding that drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

#FIGS. 1A and 1B depict a vehicle hood being raised in response to the vehicle striking a pedestrian.

#FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hinge device for use in a pedestrian protection system.

#Described below are illustrative embodiments of hinge devices for use in hood lifting systems for pedestrian protection. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided for a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the invention. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc.

#In addition, in some cases, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail in order to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

#In one embodiment of the invention, the hinge device includes an upper hinge portion configured to be connected with a vehicle hood and a lower hinge portion configured to be connected with a vehicle body. The upper hinge portion may be configured to releasably engage the lower hinge portion such that the upper hinge portion can disengage from the lower hinge portion and lift the vehicle hood upon a threshold separation force being applied to the hinge device.