Electricity: motive power systems – Automatic and/or with time-delay means – Movement – position – or limit-of-travel
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-29
2001-09-18
Nappi, Robert E. (Department: 2837)
Electricity: motive power systems
Automatic and/or with time-delay means
Movement, position, or limit-of-travel
C318S282000, C049S028000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06291957
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to monitoring lateral forces on a window to determine the presence of an obstruction in the path of the window.
Modern vehicles typically have several windows which are movable automatically. In this application, the term “window” should be understood to include not only side windows in a vehicle, but also other movable closures such as rear windows, sunroofs, etc.
Typically in the prior art, a switch may be actuated and the window will then close automatically. There may sometimes be an obstruction in the way of the window, As an example, a passenger's arm may extend outwardly of the window opening when the window is being closed.
The prior art has attempted to identify such obstructions by monitoring current or torque load on the motor. When a particular characteristic of the load on the motor is seen, an indication is made that an obstruction has been encountered.
It is desirable to provide an obstruction indicator which is more directly related to the window and contact with an obstruction.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In a disclosed embodiment of the this invention, a sensor monitors lateral forces on a moving window. A lateral force is indicative of an obstruction being in contact with the window. As an example, if a passenger in a vehicle has an arm trapped in the path of the window, the arm will tend to be pulled in, as contact is initiated. This creates a lateral force on the window. By monitoring lateral forces on the window, the present invention is able to identify the presence of an obstruction. If an obstruction has been identified, then the motor for the window may be stopped or reversed.
In one disclosed embodiment, a sensor is incorporated into the structure which holds the window. In a first embodiment, the sensor may be a piezoelectric material. This material is sensitive to force and vibration, and thus would be able to identify even a small lateral force being applied to the window. In a second embodiment, an accelerometer may be placed on the structure which holds the window. This accelerometer would be able to identify the existence of the lateral force.
In a distinct embodiment, a piezoelectric film is incorporated into the seal for the window. As the window encounters the lateral force, the window would tend to twist within its seal. This would apply a force to the piezoelectric lining.
With any of the above embodiments, the control monitors signals from the sensors, and identifies an obstruction by evaluating lateral forces. When an obstruction has been identified, the control sends a signal to the motor to either reverse or stop further movement.
These and other features of the present invention will be best understood from the following specification and drawings.
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Bonduel Pascal
Breynaert Francois
Davies Timothy
Hopson Charles
Kyrtsos Christos
Carlson & Gaskey & Olds
Duda Rina I.
Meritor Light Vehicle Systems, Inc.
Nappi Robert E.
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