Abstract:
An energy absorbing stopper assembly for an associated vehicle for absorbing at least a portion of the energy during an associated impact is provided. The associated vehicle includes a pivotally disposed closure and a body member toward which the closure is closable. The closure includes an open position and a closed position. The stopper assembly includes a stopper for supporting a non-hinged end of the closure when the closure is in the closed position. The stopper includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the stopper is in contact with one of the closure or the body member when the closure is in the closed position and is spaced apart therefrom when the closure is in the open position. A base for supporting the second end of the stopper is provided. The base is attached to the other of the closure or the body member. An energy absorbing joint is disposed adjacent the base and the other of the closure or the body member. The energy absorbing joint is substantially resilient below a maximum load value. Wherein the energy absorbing joint deforms and the base, the stopper, and the closure deflect, while absorbing at least a portion of the energy during an associated impact.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The present disclosure generally relates to the area of stopper devices for supporting a vehicle hood when the hood is in a closed position. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to hood stoppers that include energy absorbing characteristics in the event of a pedestrian-hood impact. 
         [0002]    Conventional hood stopper assemblies typically involve one or more stopper members disposed between the hood and a peripheral edge of the engine compartment. Each stopper member is generally attached to a horizontal cross member adjacent the front of the associated vehicle such that an underside of the hood is supported by the one or more stopper members when in a closed position. In addition, the stopper members are usually fabricated from a semi-pliable compound (e.g. rubber) to provide at least some degree of cushioning and vibration damping when the hood is closed or being closed. However, over time it has been recognized that in vehicular collisions where a pedestrian is involved, it is desirable to provide additional damping or shock absorption in or around the hood. This is the case since in the majority of pedestrian related collisions, the pedestrian typically impacts the hood region of the vehicle with his or her head and or other body parts. This type of impact is commonly referred to as a pedestrian hood strike. 
         [0003]    To reduce or eliminate the possibility of severe injury resulting from a pedestrian hood strike, hood stopper systems have been designed to lessen the initial shock or impact of the pedestrian with a hood of the associated vehicle. These systems vary from deformable hood stopper brackets to hood systems that fracture or break apart at strategic locations. However, these systems are often bulky, difficult to implement into existing hood stopper designs, and are more costly to manufacture. Accordingly, it is desirable to develop a hood stopper assembly that overcomes the foregoing and other problems and disadvantages. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    According to one aspect, an energy absorbing stopper assembly for an associated vehicle for absorbing at least a portion of the energy during an associated impact is provided. The associated vehicle includes a pivotally disposed closure and a body member toward which the closure is closable. The closure includes an open position and a closed position. The stopper assembly includes a stopper for supporting a non-hinged end of the closure when the closure is in the closed position. The stopper includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the stopper is in contact with one of the closure or the body member when the closure is in the closed position and is spaced apart therefrom when the closure is in the open position. A base for supporting the second end of the stopper is provided. The base is attached to the other of the closure or the body member. An energy absorbing joint is disposed adjacent the base and the other of the closure or the body member. The energy absorbing joint is substantially resilient below a maximum load value. Wherein the energy absorbing joint deforms and the base, the stopper, and the closure deflect, while absorbing at least a portion of the energy during an associated impact. 
         [0005]    According to another aspect, a hood stopper system for an associated vehicle for absorbing at least a portion of impact energy during a pedestrian hood strike is provided. The associated vehicle includes a hood for covering an engine compartment of the associated vehicle. The hood includes a hinged end and a free end and the hood includes an open position and a closed position. The engine compartment includes a horizontal support disposed adjacent the free end of the hood when the hood is in the closed position. The system includes a hood stopper for supporting the free end of the hood when the hood is in the closed position. The hood stopper includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the stopper is in contact with one of an underside of the hood or the horizontal support when the hood is in the closed position and is spaced apart therefrom when the hood is in the open position. A base including a fixed end and a free end is provided. The fixed end of the based is secured to the other of the horizontal support or the underside of the hood via a deformable joint. The second end of the hood stopper is secured to the base for supporting the hood stopper and the free end of the hood. A break-away energy absorbing adhesive bond is disposed adjacent the base. The adhesive bond includes a maximum stress value and is substantially resilient when subject to a hood load below the maximum stress value. Wherein, the maximum stress value is exceeded and the adhesive bond ruptures to allow the base, the hood stopper, and the hood to deflect and absorb at least a portion of the impact energy during the pedestrian hood strike. 
         [0006]    According to yet another aspect, a hood stopper system for an associated vehicle for absorbing at least a portion of an impact energy during a pedestrian hood strike. The associated vehicle includes a hood for covering an engine compartment of the associated vehicle. The hood includes a hinged end and a free end and the hood includes an open position and a closed position. The engine compartment includes a support member disposed adjacent the free end of the hood when the hood is in the closed position. The system includes a hood stopper for supporting the free end of the hood when the hood is in the closed position. The hood stopper includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the stopper is in contact with one of an underside of the hood of the associated vehicle or the support member when the hood is in the closed position and is spaced apart therefrom when the hood is in the open position. A plate is disposed adjacent the other of the underside of the hood or the support member and the hood stopper is secured to the plate. The plate is adapted to support the hood stopper and the free end of the hood. An energy absorbing region is provided in the plate adjacent the hood stopper. The energy absorbing region includes a maximum stress value and is substantially resilient when subject to a hood load below the maximum stress value. Wherein the maximum stress value is exceeded and the energy absorbing region fractures to allow the hood and the hood stopper to deflect and absorb at least an initial portion of the impact energy during the pedestrian hood strike. 
         [0007]    According to yet another aspect, a method for absorbing at least a portion of an impact energy between a pedestrian and a hood of an associated vehicle is provided. The method includes the steps of providing an energy absorbing hood stopper assembly. The assembly being disposed beneath the hood of the associated vehicle and secured to one of a cross support member or an underside portion of the hood. The hood stopper assembly including a hood stopper and a base plate. The base plate being secured to the other of the support member or the underside portion of the hood. The method also includes the step of providing an energy absorbing joint adjacent the base plate. The energy absorbing joint having a maximum stress value below which the joint remains resilient. The step of exceeding the maximum stress value of the joint during a pedestrian hood impact is provided. The step of deforming or shearing the energy absorbing joint, the hood, and the base plate is provided. And, the step of absorbing at least a portion of the impact energy during the pedestrian hood impact is provided. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an energy absorbing hood stopper assembly for a vehicle. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is top view of the hood stopper assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the hood stopper assembly of  FIG. 1 , partially in cross section, illustrating a hood stopper in contact with a hood of the vehicle, the hood being in a closed position. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the hood stopper assembly of  FIG. 3 , illustrating a deformed hood, hood stopper, and base plate after an impact to the hood of the vehicle. 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is a top down view of a second embodiment of an energy absorbing hood stopper assembly for a vehicle, illustrating a break-away adhesive bond. 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the hood stopper assembly of  FIG. 5 , partially in cross section, illustrating a hood stopper in contact with a hood of the vehicle while the hood is in a closed position. 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  is a side view of the hood stopper assembly of  FIG. 6 , illustrating a ruptured break-away adhesive bond as well as a deformed hood, hood stopper, and base plate after an impact to the hood of the vehicle. 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  is a top down view of yet another embodiment of a hood stopper assembly similar to that of  FIG. 5 , illustrating a break-away adhesive bond disposed entirely about a base plate. 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  is a side view of the hood stopper assembly of  FIG. 8 , shown in partial cross section. 
           [0017]      FIG. 10  is a top down view of yet another embodiment of a hood stopper assembly similar to that of  FIG. 8 , illustrating a break-away adhesive bond disposed in a segmented fashion about a base plate. 
           [0018]      FIG. 11  is a side view of the hood stopper assembly of  FIG. 10 , shown in partial cross section. 
           [0019]      FIG. 12  is a top down view of yet another embodiment of a hood stopper assembly similar to that of  FIG. 5 , illustrating a hood stopper being attached to an underside portion of a hood of a vehicle rather than a base plate. 
           [0020]      FIG. 13  is a side view of the hood stopper assembly of  FIG. 12 , shown in partial cross section, with the hood illustrated in the closed position and the hood stopper in contact with the base plate. 
           [0021]      FIG. 14  is a side view of the hood stopper assembly of  FIG. 13 , illustrating a ruptured break-away adhesive bond as well as a deformed hood, hood stopper, and base plate after an impact to the hood of the vehicle. 
           [0022]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of an energy absorbing hood stopper assembly for a vehicle, illustrating an energy absorbing bracket. 
           [0023]      FIG. 16  is a side view of the hood stopper assembly of  FIG. 15 , partially in cross section, illustrating a hood stopper in contact with a hood of the vehicle while the hood is in a closed position. 
           [0024]      FIG. 17  is a side view of the hood stopper assembly of  FIG. 16 , illustrating a deformed hood, hood stopper, and bracket after an impact to the hood of the vehicle. 
           [0025]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an energy absorbing hood stopper assembly for a vehicle. 
           [0026]      FIG. 19  is a side view of the hood stopper assembly of  FIG. 18 , partially in cross-section, illustrating a hood stopper in contact with a hood of the vehicle while the hood is in a closed position. 
           [0027]      FIG. 20  is a side view of the hood stopper assembly of  FIG. 19 , illustrating a deformed hood and a cracked or fractured hood stopper plate during an impact to the hood of the vehicle. 
           [0028]      FIG. 21  is a side view of the hood stopper assembly of  FIG. 20 , illustrating the deformed hood in its final position, as well the hood stopper being entirely detached from the hood stopper plate. 
           [0029]      FIG. 22  a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of an energy absorbing hood stopper assembly including a plurality of elongated perforations disposed about the hood stopper in the hood stopper plate. 
           [0030]      FIG. 23  a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of an energy absorbing hood stopper assembly including a plurality of micro-perforations disposed about a hood stopper in a hood stopper plate. 
           [0031]      FIG. 24  a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of an energy absorbing hood stopper assembly including a plurality of break-away tabs disposed about a hood stopper in a hood stopper plate. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0032]    Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating one or more exemplary embodiments,  FIGS. 1-4  illustrate a first embodiment of a hood stopper assembly  100  for an associated vehicle. With specific reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the hood stopper assembly  100  generally includes a hood stopper  110  having a first end  112  and a second end  114 . The first end  112  may be cylindrical in shape as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  or of any other geometric configuration suitable for contacting an underside portion of a hood for an associated vehicle. The second end  114  of the hood stopper  110  may include an external threaded portion for engaging a base plate  116 . In addition, the external threaded portion can be integrally formed of one piece with the stopper  110 . The base plate  116  may include a threaded aperture  118  for receiving the threaded portion  114  of the hood stopper  110 . Furthermore, the base plate  116  can be mounted to a vehicle body member or horizontal support  120  that is suitable for withstanding the normal hood loads of the vehicle. The horizontal support  120  could be any structural or body member located in or around the engine compartment of the vehicle. 
         [0033]    Generally, the horizontal support spans across a forward portion of the engine compartment so as to support, for example, a hood latch mechanism, an upper portion of a radiator, a headlamp, and or an A/C condenser heat exchanger. In addition, the horizontal support may take the form of a channel such that a hollow or empty cavity  122  is provided just below a top wall of the horizontal support  120 . As illustrated, the base plate  116  is mounted along the top wall. The cavity  122  thus allows for a vertical downward displacement of the hood stopper  110  and the base plate  116  during a pedestrian hood strike or other impact scenario. 
         [0034]    Now with reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the hood stopper assembly  100  is shown in a pre-impact and a post-impact state, respectively. As shown in  FIG. 3 , a hood  124  of the vehicle is shown in a closed position and in contact with the first end  112  of the hood stopper  110  along an underside portion  126  of the hood  124 . In addition, the threaded end portion  114  is shown threadably engaged with the base plate  116 . Under typical loading conditions, the base plate  116  is resiliently held in a horizontal orientation with only a small or insignificant amount of deflection with respect to the horizontal support member  120 . Threadably engaging the stopper  110  to the base plate  116  provides a convenient method of adjusting a vertical height of the closed position of the hood by threading the stopper  110  into or out of the base plate  116 . In addition, a closed contact pressure between the underside  126  of the hood  124  and the hood stopper  110  can be regulated. Naturally, if the closed contact pressure is too great, premature deformation of the hood stopper assembly  100  may occur during the normal closing operation of the hood. 
         [0035]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , during a pedestrian hood strike or other frontal impact a distributed downward force F is generated along the hood  124 . This leads to extensive deformation of the hood  124  as well as the underlying structures. As illustrated, the impact force F has also caused the hood stopper  110  and the base plate  116  to deflect in a downward direction. The hood stopper  110  and the base plate  116  pivot in a cantilevered fashion about an energy absorbing joint  128 . In the depicted embodiment, the energy absorbing joint  128  secures the base plate  116  to the horizontal support  120 . 
         [0036]    The joint  128  may be formed by any known means of securely attaching two rigid members together. For example, a spot weld, a rivet, a shear pin bolt or adhesive bond may in combination or individually comprise the joint  128 . The joint  128  absorbs at least a portion of the impact force F in a controlled manner over the duration of the impact. Thus, the energy absorbing joint lowers the rate of deceleration or shock level experienced by the person or object having collided with the hood surface  124 . In addition, the hood stopper  110  may be made from a pliable rubber material which will also deform or deflect when the typical hood load conditions are exceeded, further reducing the forces and trauma induced by the impact. 
         [0037]    One advantage of the illustrated hood stopper assembly  100  is a resultant reduction in stiffness associated with the hood stopper  110 . For example, should a head impact a hood, specifically a portion of a hood over the hood stopper, the stiffness of a conventional hood stopper would be extremely high. However, in the illustrated energy absorbing assembly  100 , the hood stopper  110  is able to translate downwardly due to the yield or fracture of some other vehicle component (e.g. the energy absorbing joint  128 ). Accordingly, the stiffness of the hood stopper  110  is reduced (possibly to zero) in the overall stiffness associated with the hood stopper assembly  100 . Thus, the force or shock received during a head impact is reduced and the risk of a severe injury is lowered. 
         [0038]    Now with reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a top and side view of a second embodiment of a hood stopper assembly  200  are shown, respectively. The hood stopper  200  of the second embodiment is the same or similar to that of the first embodiment of the hood stopper assembly  100  except as indicated herein. The hood stopper assembly  200  generally includes a hood stopper  210  having a first end  212  and a second or threaded end  214  which is threadably engaged with a base plate  216 . As with the first embodiment, the base plate  216  is attached to a horizontal support member  220  of the engine compartment. In this case, one or more energy absorbing joints  228  are provided for rigidly securing at least one end of the base plate  216  to the horizontal support member  220 . In addition, a break away adhesive bond  229  may be disposed between the base plate  216  and the horizontal support  220  along a peripheral edge or ends of the base plate  216 . The break away adhesive bond  229  cooperates with the one or more energy absorbing joints  228  to resiliently secure the base plate  216  to the horizontal support  220 . 
         [0039]    Now with reference to  FIG. 7 , the hood stopper assembly  200  is shown in a post-impact state resulting from a frontal collision of the hood surface  224  of the vehicle. As with the previous embodiment, a large distributed downward load or force F is exerted along the upper surface of the hood  224  during the impact. This generally causes the hood  224  to deform, as well as to cause the hood stopper  210  and base plate  216  to deflect in a downward fashion into the cavity portion  222  below the horizontal support member  220 . The primary difference between the second embodiment of the hood stopper assembly  200  and the first embodiment of the hood stopper assembly  100  involves the initial response characteristics of the base plate  216  and the energy absorbing joint  228  after being subjected to the impact force F. Specifically, the break away bond  229  will prevent an initial downward deflection of the base plate  216  and the hood stopper  210  until a maximum stress value (i.e. ultimate tensile strength) of the bond is reached. Once this maximum stress value is met, the bond  229  ruptures or delaminates from the horizontal support  220  and or the base plate  216 . After the rupture, the base plate  216  and the energy absorbing joint  228  then begin to deflect or deform in response to the downward impact force F. In essence, the break away bond  229  absorbs an initial portion of the impact energy whereas the energy absorbing joint  228  absorbs a subsequent portion of the downward impact force F. This serial approach to absorbing the impact energy is extended over a greater duration, which further aids in minimizing the impact to the pedestrian. 
         [0040]    An additional benefit to utilizing the break away bond  229  is that it prevents the hood stopper  210  and the base plate  216  from deflecting partially under typical hood loading conditions. As for example, when the hood  224  is closed in a rapid or harder than usual manner. In such cases, it would be undesirable to have the hood stopper assembly partially collapse into the cavity  222 , for reasons obvious to those skilled in the art. 
         [0041]    Now with reference to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , yet another embodiment of a hood stopper assembly  200 A is shown. The hood stopper assembly  200 A is in many respects similar to the second embodiment of the hood stopper assembly  200  ( FIG. 5 ). However, the hood stopper assembly  200 A includes a continuous breakaway adhesive bond  229   a  disposed between the base plate  216   a  and the bulkhead or horizontal support member  220   a.  In addition, the hood stopper assembly  200 A does not include a mechanical connection between the base plate  216   a  and the horizontal support  220   a,  as for example the energy absorbing joint  228  in the second embodiment of the hood stopper assembly  200  ( FIG. 5 ). Rather, the hood stopper assembly  200 A relies entirely on the continuous bond  229   a  not only for supporting the hood  224   a  under normal operating conditions but also for serving as an energy absorbing joint during a hood impact. 
         [0042]    Now with reference to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , yet another embodiment of a hood stopper assembly  200 B is shown. In many respects the hood stopper assembly  200 B is similar to the hood stopper assembly  200 A previously described. As with the previous embodiments, a break-away adhesive bond  229   b  is disposed between a base plate  216   b  and a horizontal support member  220   b.  However, the hood stopper assembly  200   b  includes a segmented break-away adhesive bond  229   b  rather than a continuous bond. In some cases, a segmented break-away bond  229   b  may be more optimal depending upon the break down characteristics of the adhesive used to create the bond  229   b.  In other words, if a lower break away force is required, or if an adhesive having a higher yield strength is used, a lesser amount of adhesive need be disposed between the base plate  229   b  and the horizontal support  220   b.  Thus, the break-away characteristics during deformation or impact of the hood  224 B can remain unchanged while reducing manufacturing costs. 
         [0043]    Now with reference to  FIGS. 12-14 , yet another embodiment of a hood stopper assembly  200 C is shown. The hood stopper assembly  200 C is yet another variation of the second embodiment of the hood stopper assembly  200 . As with the previously described second embodiment, a hood stopper  210   c  is disposed between a support member  220   c  and a vehicle hood  224   c.  However, rather than the hood stopper  210   c  being threadably or otherwise attached to the base plate  216   c,  the hood stopper  210   c  is attached to the underside portion of the hood  224   c.  In addition, an energy absorbing joint  228   c  may be used in combination with a breakaway adhesive bond  229   c  for resiliently securing the base plate  216   c  to the support member  220   c  while defining a breakaway or rupture characteristic. As before, when the maximum strength of the bond is exceeded due to a force F from a hood impact, the bond  229   c  ruptures and the base plate  216   c  bends downward ( FIG. 14 ). 
         [0044]    Now with reference to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , a third embodiment of a hood stopper assembly  300  is shown. As with the former embodiments, the hood stopper assembly  300  includes many of the same features except as indicated herein. The hood stopper assembly  300  includes a hood stopper  310  threadably engaged with a support bracket  316  which is rigidly secured to a horizontal support member  320  via a plurality of joints  328 . Unlike the energy absorbing joints  128 ,  228  of the first and second embodiments, the majority of energy absorption in the hood stopper assembly  300  occurs within a pair of legs  317  of the bracket  316 . 
         [0045]    With reference to  FIG. 17 , the hood stopper assembly  300  is shown in an energy deformed or post-impact state. As before, the impact of the vehicle results in a large downward force F being exerted along the hood  324  which causes the hood stopper  310  to press down on the bracket  316 . Eventually, the legs  317  of the bracket  316  deflect outward as at least a portion of the energy of the impact is slowly dissipated and absorbed into the bracket. Once the legs  317  deform or bow outward, the hood stopper  310  is eventually driven completely into the cavity  322  of the horizontal support member  320 . 
         [0046]    Now with reference to  FIG. 18 , a fourth embodiment of a hood stopper assembly  400  is shown. As with the former embodiments, the hood stopper assembly  400  includes a hood stopper  410  having a first end  412  and a second end  414 . The second end  414  includes a beveled edge and a reduced diameter portion  415  such that the hood stopper  410  can be snappingly received (i.e., press fit) onto the hood stopper plate  416  via an aperture  418 . The plate  416  rests along a top surface of a horizontal support member  420  and can be fabricated from any suitable material. By way of example, the plate  416  can be constructed of a relatively rigid plastic or can be incorporated as part of a bulkhead cover and or garnish. The horizontal support member includes an aperture  421  which is generally aligned with the hood stopper  410 . In addition, the aperture  421  is larger in diameter than the hood stopper  410  thus allowing the hood stopper  410  to be driven into a cavity  422  of the horizontal support member  420 . 
         [0047]    With reference to  FIG. 19 , the hood stopper assembly  400  is shown with a hood  424  in a closed position. As before, when the hood  424  is in the closed position, the first end  412  of the hood stopper  410  is in contact with an underside  426  of the hood  424 . In addition, the hood stopper  410  is shown engaged with the hood stopper plate  416  about the reduced diameter portion  415  of the hood stopper  410 . The combination of the reduced diameter portion  415  and the beveled edge of the second end  414 , provide an inexpensive and effective method of inserting and securing the hood stopper  410  to the plate  416 . 
         [0048]    As with the previous embodiments, the hood stopper assembly  400  includes an energy absorbing joint or region  428 . The energy absorbing region  428  is disposed about the hood stopper aperture  418  on the plate  416 . Specifically, the plate  416  includes a concentric V-shaped groove  427  (i.e., a weakened area) surrounding the hood stopper aperture  418 . The groove  427  serves as a stress concentrator in the plate  416  for the forces that are transmitted by the hood into the hood stopper  410  during a collision or impact. Under normal operating circumstances, the plate  416  does not deflect any appreciable amount so long as the maximum allowable shear stress associated with the plate in the general proximity of the groove  427  is not exceeded. It should be noted that while  FIG. 19  depicts a V-shaped groove, the groove  427  may be of any geometry. For example, the groove could be semi-circular or square. In addition, this weakened area may not even include a localized groove but rather consist of a relatively large area of reduced thickness in or around the contact area of the hood stopper. Furthermore, the weakened area may be made by molding in a score line or by etching out or otherwise removing material to create a region of concentrated stress. 
         [0049]    Now with reference to  FIG. 20 , the hood stopper assembly  400  is shown in a partially deformed state. As with the previous embodiments, a large impact force F, such as that during a pedestrian hood strike, would collapse the hood  424  onto the hood stopper  410 . The initial shock of the pedestrian hood strike would cause the maximum allowable stress to be exceeded and a stress fracture to be initiated along the V-shaped groove  427 . As the impact force F continues to increase, the stress fracture continues to grow or propagate following the concentric V-shaped groove about the hood stopper  410  in the plate  416 . The initial formation of the stress fracture absorbs a portion of the impact energy. As the fracture propagates, even more energy is absorbed from the impact force F by the hood stopper  410  and the base plate  416  in the general vicinity of the V-shaped groove  427 . Eventually, the energy absorbing region  428  is completely sheared and the hood stopper  410  begins to travel downward through the aperture  421  of the horizontal support member  420  and into the cavity  422 . 
         [0050]    With reference to  FIG. 21 , a final deformed state of the hood  424 , the hood stopper  410 , and the hood stopper plate  416  is shown. As described with respect to  FIG. 20 , when the shear stress of the plate  416  is exceeded about the energy absorbing joint or region  428 , the hood stopper  410  and a detached portion  416   d  of the plate  416  are punched entirely through the plate  416  into the cavity  422 . In this manner, energy that would otherwise be transmitted into the pedestrian&#39;s body is instead used to fracture or deform the hood stopper plate  416 , thus lessening injuries to the pedestrian. 
         [0051]    With reference to  FIG. 22 , a fifth embodiment of a hood stopper assembly  500  is shown. As with the fourth embodiment of the hood stopper assembly, the hood stopper assembly  500  also includes a hood stopper  510  that is received into a plate  516  supported by a support member  520 . In addition, the plate  516  includes a series of elongated perforations or apertures  527  which collectively form an energy absorbing region  528 . The elongated perforation or apertures  527  are generally disposed about the area in which the hood stopper  510  is attached to or rests upon. Similar to the concentric groove  427  of the fourth embodiment of the hood stopper  400  ( FIG. 18 ), the elongated apertures  527  provide a generally weakened area surrounding the hood stopper  510 , such that when an impact force is transmitted into the hood of the vehicle and down into the hood stopper  510 , the stress is concentrated between the perforations or apertures  527 . When the concentrated stress between the apertures  527  exceeds a maximum allowable shear stress for the energy absorbing region  528 , the plate  516  begins to fracture along the elongated apertures  527  absorbing a portion of the impact energy. As the fracture propagates, the hood stopper  510  eventually breaks free of the plate  516  and traverses into a cavity  522  of the support member  520 . 
         [0052]    With reference to  FIG. 23 , a sixth embodiment of a hood stopper assembly  600  is shown. As with the fourth and fifth embodiments, the hood stopper assembly  600  includes a hood stopper  610  and a base plate  616  supported by a support member  620 . However, instead of a groove or a plurality of elongated apertures disposed about an energy absorbing region  628 , a plurality of micro perforations  627  are used. As with the previous embodiments, when a maximum allowable shear stress of the energy absorbing region  628  is exceeded, a fracture initiates between the micro perforations  627  within the energy absorbing region  628 . The fracture then propagates from one micro perforation to another while absorbing a portion of the impact energy. This continues until the hood stopper  610  and the energy absorbing region  628  are completely severed from the base plate  616 . 
         [0053]    Lastly, with reference to  FIG. 24 , a seventh embodiment of a hood stopper assembly  700  is shown. The hood stopper assembly  700  includes many of the same features of the fourth, fifth and sixth embodiments. However, one distinction involves the use of a plurality of break-away tabs  727  in forming an energy absorbing region  728  in the base plate  716 . As before, when the shear and/or tensile stress created within the energy absorbing region  728  is exceeded due to a hood impact, the hood stopper  710  is driven into the plate  716 . In the process, the energy absorbing break-away tabs  727  begin to fracture from the base plate  716  and at least a portion of the impact energy is absorbed. 
         [0054]    It should be noted that any combination of the energy absorbing regions described with reference to the previous embodiments could be combined to form other variations or fracturing techniques. For example, grooves or scoring, break away tabs, apertures, micro-perforations may be used in any combination desired so as to accomplish the general object of concentrating a stress and or creating a weakened area to absorb an impact energy in a calculated or predetermined manner. 
         [0055]    It should also be noted that in all of the above disclosed embodiments, the hood stopper assembly may be reconfigured or reoriented without affecting the overall operation of the assembly. In other words, one or both of the hood stopper and or the deformable plate may be disposed or secured to the underside portion of the hood instead of on the body member or horizontal support. For example, rather than the hood stopper deflecting into the body member it would generally deflect into a cavity provided between the underside of the hood and the top of the hood. 
         [0056]    It should further be noted that the inventive concepts of the present disclosure can be applied to other hinged closures or structures on a vehicle. For example, the vehicle doors, trunk, hood, glovebox, and the like, all generally include one or more stopper members. As such, the instant concepts relating to energy absorption during an impact or collision of the vehicle can be applied to these closures as well. 
         [0057]    It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.