Vehicle ramp control system
First Claim
1. A method of operating a power ramp system on a vehicle to deploy and retract a ramp, comprising:
- sensing a ‘
door open’
command issued by a vehicle operator;
opening a sliding door on the vehicle in response to the ‘
door open’
command;
determining when the sliding door is in a fully opened positionoperating a power kneel system to lower a vehicle suspension system in response to the ‘
door open’
command only after determining that the sliding door is in the fully opened position; and
activating the power ramp system to deploy the ramp when the door is in a fully opened position, said opening, said determining, and said activating occurring without additional commands by the vehicle operator.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A vehicle ramp control system may include a system controller configured to interface with a power ramp system for a vehicle and with an OEM vehicle control system. A service tool configured to interface with the system controller is programmed to exchange with the system controller data relating to at least one operational aspect of the power ramp system. A diagnostic tool configured to interface with the system controller is programmed to exchange with the system controller data relating to at least one diagnostic aspect of the power ramp system. A preventative maintenance indicator operatively associated with the system controller is activated by the system controller when a preventative maintenance operation is required.
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Citations
7 Claims
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1. A method of operating a power ramp system on a vehicle to deploy and retract a ramp, comprising:
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sensing a ‘
door open’
command issued by a vehicle operator;opening a sliding door on the vehicle in response to the ‘
door open’
command;determining when the sliding door is in a fully opened position operating a power kneel system to lower a vehicle suspension system in response to the ‘
door open’
command only after determining that the sliding door is in the fully opened position; andactivating the power ramp system to deploy the ramp when the door is in a fully opened position, said opening, said determining, and said activating occurring without additional commands by the vehicle operator. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A vehicle ramp control system, comprising:
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a system controller configured to interface with a power ramp system for a vehicle and also with an OEM vehicle control system associated with the vehicle, said system controller being programmed to operate the power ramp system in conjunction with at least one system controlled by the OEM vehicle control system, wherein said system controller senses current drawn by a motor operatively associated with the power ramp system and stores the sensed motor current for later retrieval; and a preventative maintenance indicator operatively associated with said system controller, said system controller activating said preventative maintenance indicator when said system controller determines that a preventative maintenance operation is required. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7)
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Specification