Abstract:
A variable resistance conductive rubber sensor and method of detecting an object/human touch therewith is provided. The sensor has a sensor body constructed from electrically conductive rubber. The sensor body extends between opposite first and second ends. A first wire is operably connected to the first end and a second wire may be operably connected to the second end, with the first and second wires being brought into electrical communication with one another by the intermediately extending electrically conductive rubber of the sensor body. A microcontroller is operably connected to the sensor body to detect the presence of an applied force or human touch on the sensor body.
Abstract:
A non-contact obstacle detection (NCOD) system for a motor vehicle and a method of operating the non-contact obstacle detection system are disclosed. The NCOD system includes a main electronic control unit adapted to connect to a power source. At least one non-contact obstacle sensor is coupled to the main electronic control unit for detecting obstacles near a closure member of the vehicle. The control unit is configured to detect an obstacle and cease movement of the closure member in response to the obstacle being detected. Additionally, the control unit is configured to release a latch and apply power to a motor in response to the obstacle not being detected. The control unit is also configured to determine whether the closure member is in a full open position, and continue to apply power to a motor coupled to the closure member if the closure member is not in the full open position.
Abstract:
A touch and gesture pad for a swipe/tap entry verification system and a method of operating the touch and gesture pad are disclosed. The touch and gesture pad includes a housing that defines a compartment. The touch and gesture pad includes a wiring connector for attachment to a wiring harness to provide power and communication with a processing unit. A PCB is disposed in the compartment. A plurality of IR TOF sensors are disposed on and electrically connected to the PCB for sensing gestures and touches to the touch and gesture assembly. The plurality of IR TOF sensors each includes a transmitter for transmitting an infrared beam and a receiver for receiving the infrared beam after reflection from an object near one of the plurality of IR TOF sensors and for outputting an IR TOF signal to the processing unit indicating touches or gestures.
Abstract:
A powered garage door opener is provided for operating a garage door between an open and closed position. The powered garage door opener comprises a main housing mounted adjacent the garage door. An electric motor and gear train assembly is mounted within the main housing and coupled to the garage door to drive the garage door between the open and closed positions. A power supply is mounted within the main housing and electrically connected to the electric motor and gear train assembly. A control module is mounted within the main housing and electrically connected to the power supply and the electric motor and gear train assembly for controlling selective actuation of the electric motor and gear train assembly. The electric motor and gear train assembly includes a secondary housing, an electric motor sealed within the secondary housing, a worm gear coupled to and driven by the electric motor, a spur gear in meshed engagement with the worm gear, and a driven shaft mounted to the spur gear and coupled to garage door. The electric motor provides electrical power to drive the worm and spur gears, rotating the driven shaft, to provide power actuation of the garage door and the gear relationship between the worm gear and spur gear allows the spur gear to back drive the worm gear and provide manual actuation of the garage door.
Abstract:
A non-contact obstacle detection (NCOD) system for a motor vehicle and a method of operating the non-contact obstacle detection system are disclosed. The NCOD system includes a main electronic control unit adapted to connect to a power source. At least one non-contact obstacle sensor is coupled to the main electronic control unit for detecting obstacles near a closure member of the vehicle. The control unit is configured to detect movement of the closure member, detect no obstacle using the at least one non-contact obstacle sensor, and alter movement of the closure member in response to no obstacle being detected while movement of the closure member is detected.
Abstract:
A latch assembly for driving a closure panel from a closed panel position to an open panel position. The latch assembly comprises: a latch mechanism having a first latch element for retaining a mating latch component in a latched position and for moving the mating latch component from the latched position to an unlatched position when released, the movement of the first latch element biased towards the unlatched position by a latch biasing element; and an actuation system having: a mechanical energy storage system having a device for storing mechanical potential energy for assisting the latch biasing element in moving the mating latch component from the latched position to the unlatched position; a mechanical advantage system having a plurality of advantage elements for engaging the device, such that movement of the plurality of advantage elements is associated with a trigger force and cooperation of the plurality of advantage elements provides for amplification of the trigger force as an initiating force to release the stored mechanical potential energy; and a trigger system configured to provide the trigger force to release the stored mechanical potential energy.
Abstract:
A latch assembly for driving a closure panel from a closed panel position to an open panel position. The latch assembly comprises: a latch mechanism having a first latch element for retaining a mating latch component in a latched position and for moving the mating latch component from the latched position to an unlatched position when released, the movement of the first latch element biased towards the unlatched position by a latch biasing element; and an actuation system having: a mechanical energy storage system having a device for storing mechanical potential energy for assisting the latch biasing element in moving the mating latch component from the latched position to the unlatched position; a mechanical advantage system having a plurality of advantage elements for engaging the device, such that movement of the plurality of advantage elements is associated with a trigger force and cooperation of the plurality of advantage elements provides for amplification of the trigger force as an initiating force to release the stored mechanical potential energy; and a trigger system configured to provide the trigger force to release the stored mechanical potential energy.
Abstract:
A non-contact obstacle detection (NCOD) system for a motor vehicle and a method of operating the non-contact obstacle detection system are disclosed. The NCOD system includes a main electronic control unit adapted to connect to a power source. At least one non-contact obstacle sensor is coupled to the main electronic control unit for detecting obstacles near a closure member of the vehicle. The control unit is configured to detect movement of the closure member, detect no obstacle using the at least one non-contact obstacle sensor, and alter movement of the closure member in response to no obstacle being detected while movement of the closure member is detected.
Abstract:
A power swing door drive actuator for moving a passenger swing door relative to a body portion of a motor vehicle. The power swing door actuator includes a housing, a motor operably mounted to the housing, and a leadscrew of a spindle drive mechanism rotatably driven by the motor for causing relative translational movement of a drive nut relative to the leadscrew which, in turn, results in the vehicle door swinging between open and closed positions in response to selective actuation of the motor. A first articulation joint unit couples an elongate extensible member fixed to the drive nut to the vehicle body while a second articulation joint unit couples the housing to the vehicle door.
Abstract:
An electromagnetic system for a powered vehicle door for driving the door forward and/or backward between open and closed positions is provided. The electromagnetically driven sliding door includes a door panel with at least one permanent first magnet fixed to the door panel. A plurality of electromagnetic coils are operably mounted adjacent the door panel. The electromagnetic coils are configured in electrical communication with a source of electric current of alternating first and second polarities. The electromagnetic coils are energizable via the electric current to attract the at least one first permanent magnet in response to the first polarity electric current and to repel the at least one first permanent magnet in response to the second polarity electric current to drive the door panel between open and closed positions. Permanent pole magnets can be incorporated to facilitate supporting the door within a door track of the door.