Movable or removable closures – Safety means responsive to obstruction to closure – Closure drive stopping or reversal
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-08
2001-10-30
Cohen, Curtis A. (Department: 3634)
Movable or removable closures
Safety means responsive to obstruction to closure
Closure drive stopping or reversal
C318S280000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06308461
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a method and system for detecting an object caught in the path of 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 seal, of the automotive window.
Techniques exist today to sense/detect the presence of objects when the window is closed against its seal. 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 seal, which is not dependent on other circumstances.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object caught between a closing automotive window and its respective seal is directly detected by sensing a force at an interface between the window and a regulator that drives the window. The interface force is proportional to a force exerted on the window. This sensed force is converted into a proportional voltage value and compared with a predetermined value. If the sensed value exceeds the predetermined value, then an object between the window and its respective door frame is detected.
A control circuit that controls a drive motor coupled to the regulator can then stop the motor or reverse its direction so that the window opens, rather than closes. Thus, the object will not be trapped.
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
Cohen Curtis A.
Meritor Light Vehicle Systems, Inc.
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