Electricity: motive power systems – Plural diverse motor controls – Motor-reversing
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-07
2001-06-12
Nappi, Robert E. (Department: 2837)
Electricity: motive power systems
Plural diverse motor controls
Motor-reversing
C318S264000, C318S265000, C318S267000, C318S268000, C318S283000, C318S284000, C318S286000, C318S466000, C049S027000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06246194
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a method and system for detecting an object in an automotive window.
Many of the automotive vehicles today have electronically controlled windows and may even have electronically controlled sun/moon roofs. These systems provide the operator with ease in opening and closing the windows. However, if the operator is distracted while closing the window, it is possible for an object, such as an arm, hand or finger, to be caught between the window and the header, or frame, of the automotive window.
Techniques exist today to sense the presence of objects when the window is closed against its frame. These techniques indirectly detect an object by measuring such variables as current and voltage of the motor driving the closure of the window. As these variables decrease or increase compared to the normal operating variables, an object is assumed to be present. However, other circumstances may affect these variables, such as temperature and reliability of the motor.
Thus, there exists a need to directly sense the presence of objects caught between a window and its respective frame, which is not dependent on other circumstances.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object caught between a closing automotive window and its respective frame is directly detected by determining a length of the frame being compressed when closing the window. The compressed length of the frame is compared to a predetermined value. If the compressed length is less than the predetermined value, an object is detected and the window can be controlled to stop and change direction.
A sensor whose output varies as the length of the frame is compressed varies is utilized to determine the compressed length of the frame. This can be accomplished by counting a number of circuits completed by opposing electrical contacts contained in the frame when compressed together. The strength of a signal generated by the completed circuits could alternatively be sensed to determine the length of the frame being compressed. In another embodiment, a sensor strip could be utilized in which the voltage signal varies as the length of the strip being compressed varies. By measuring the output voltage or resistance signal, it can be determined if only a portion of the frame is being compressed as opposed to the entire length of the frame.
These and other features of the present invention can be understood from the following specification and drawings.
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Bonduel Pascal
Breynaert Francois
Davies Timothy
Hopson Charles
Kyrtsos Christos
Carlson & Gaskey & Olds
Meritor Light Vehicle Systems, Inc.
Nappi Robert E.
Smith Tyrone
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