Electronic module with moisture protection

Details Electronic module with moisture protection Electronic module with moisture protection

1999-06-04

2001-01-23

Sherry, Michael J. (Department: 2836)

Electricity: electrical systems and devices

Safety and protection of systems and devices

Load shunting by fault responsive means

C361S104000, C361S093800, C361S078000, C361S057000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06178075

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to moisture protection circuitry for electronic systems.
2. Description of the Related Art
Electronic control of electromechanical actuators is common. In some applications, there is the potential for the control electronics to become wet to due moisture intrusion from the surrounding environment. Such moisture intrusion may cause the control electronics to inadvertently actuate the actuators they control, due to unintended conductivity in various parts of the circuitry caused by the intruding moisture.
In motor vehicles, electronic control of power seats is becoming increasingly common, in order to provide features such as “memory” power seats. The most efficient place to package the control module for the power seats is frequently beneath the seats themselves. However, the floor of a motor vehicle can occasionally get wet. Intrusion of moisture into the control module, and the possibility that the moisture intrusion will cause the control electronics to inadvertently move the power seats, is thus an issue.
Therefore, in the motor vehicle power seat environment and in other environments as well, a system which will prevent inadvertent actuation due to moisture intrusion into control electronics will prove advantageous.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an electronic module comprising a power supply conductor coupled to one or more electromechanical actuators to supply operable power to the electromechanical actuators. The electronic module also includes a moisture sensor positioned to sense moisture intrusion into the module. Further, the electronic module comprises a first transistor responsively coupled to the moisture sensor, the first transistor coupled to draw current from the power supply conductor when the first transistor is in a conductive state. In addition, the electronic module includes a second transistor responsively coupled to the first transistor and in turn controllingly coupled to the first transistor.
By providing moisture protection which can prevent inadvertent actuation of electromechanical actuators controlled by electronic control circuitry, the present invention provides advantages over alternative systems.


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