Obstruction sensing a signal transmitted across window

Details Obstruction sensing a signal transmitted across window Obstruction sensing a signal transmitted across window

1999-09-17

2001-10-23

Stodola, Daniel P. (Department: 3634)

Movable or removable closures

Safety means responsive to obstruction to closure

C318S280000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06305123

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to monitoring a signal passed across a window. When the window encounters an obstruction, the signal will change and an indication then be made that an obstruction is in the window path.
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 the vehicle, but also other moveable 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 are sometimes obstructions 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 the 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 would be desirable to provide an indicator of an obstruction which is more directly related to the window and its contact with an obstruction.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one disclosed embodiment of this invention, an electrical charge is placed across a coating on a vehicle window. The electrical characteristics of the charge are monitored. If an obstruction is encountered, then some change in the electrical characteristic will occur. The change can be associated with an indication that an obstruction has been encountered.
In one example, a conductive coating such as provided on vehicle windshields for defrosting may be utilized. A low voltage is applied across this conductive coating. A monitor monitors the current, resistance, or other electrical characteristic of the charge placed across the coating. When an obstruction is encountered by the window, the charge will change. The monitored characteristic is compared to expected values. If the monitored value differs from the expected value, then an indication can be made that an obstruction has been encountered.
In another embodiment, a high frequency signal is passed through the glass. This signal, which may be a sound wave, or some electromagnetic signal, would have a predictable amplitude and other characteristics if measured at a remote location associated with the glass. However, if the window bearing that signal contacts an object such as a human body, the human body would effectively become an antenna changing the characteristic. A sensor placed near the window, such as in the car seat, would be able to detect this variation. The signal magnitude would obviously be provided low enough such that it would have no detrimental effect on the human which contacts the window. Further, the frequency could be fine tuned to distinguish between a human obstruction and some other obstruction.
In the event an obstruction is identified, the window movement may be stopped or reversed.
These and other features of the present invention can be best understood from the following specification and drawings, the following of which is a brief description.


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