Vehicle door cinching method

Details Vehicle door cinching method Vehicle door cinching method

2005-02-08

2005-02-08

Redman, Jerry (Department: 3634)

Movable or removable closures

Processes

Reexamination Certificate

active

06851223

ABSTRACT:
A vehicle door cinching apparatus for assisting the final closing motion of a sliding vehicle door includes an electromagnet, a ferrous metal plate, a cinch drive and a controller. The electromagnet mounts on either an outer periphery of a vehicle sliding door or an inner periphery of a vehicle sliding door frame that's shaped to receive the sliding door as the door moves along a final inward cinching portion of a door path to a final closed position within the door frame. The plate is supported on the other of the outer periphery of the door and the inner periphery of the door frame in a position where the plate can magnetically engage the electromagnet when the door is disposed along the final cinching portion of the door path. Whichever of the plate and electromagnet is supported on the inner periphery of the door frame is also supported for lateral movement in a direction generally parallel to the cinching portion of the door path. According to the method, the cinch drive moves whichever of the electromagnet and plate is supported on the inner periphery of the door frame to drive the door along the final cinching portion of the door path and into the final closed position. The controller de-energizes the electromagnet and releases the door from the cinching apparatus once the door has reached its final closed position.

REFERENCES:
patent: 6079767 (2000-06-01), Faubert et al.
patent: 6247373 (2001-06-01), Bree et al.
patent: 6256930 (2001-07-01), Faubert et al.
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patent: 6561569 (2003-05-01), Risdon et al.
patent: 6615545 (2003-09-01), Rogers, Jr. et al.
patent: 20020027365 (2002-03-01), Rogers et al.
Derwent-Acc-No: 1992-305976, Title: Vehicle Door Cinching Mechanism Energises Motor to Turn Jack Screw Which Draws Door to Fully Closed Position and Extends Plunger Date: Jul. 20, 1992 Pub No: RD 340086A pp. : 3 pages.

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