Sensor for adjustable vehicle systems
First Claim
1. A sensor for an adjustable pedal assembly of a vehicle, the sensor comprising:
- a housing having a mechanical interface compartment and an electrical device compartment in communication with the mechanical interface compartment via an aperture in a surface;
a shaft having a helical bearing surface and a flange at one end, the shaft disposed within the housing such that the shaft passes through the aperture and the flange is disposed within the electrical device compartment;
a carriage disposed within the mechanical interface compartment and in communication with the pedal of the vehicle, the carriage slidably moveable within the mechanical interface compartment in response to positional adjustment of the pedal, the carriage including a bearing surface that engages the helical bearing surface of the shaft such that movement of the carriage causes the shaft to rotate; and
an electrical device disposed within the electrical device compartment and coupled to the flange of the shaft, the electrical device capable of changing an electrical signal of an electrical circuit in relation to the rotational movement of the shaft.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides a sensor for an adjustable system of a vehicle. The sensor is utilized to facilitate monitoring of adjustment positions with respect to a reference in the system. The sensor comprises a mechanical interface that allows for the input of movement and an electrical device coupled to the mechanical interface that is capable of changing an electrical signal in relation to the movement of the mechanical interface. The electrical signal, which is proportional to the movement input to the mechanical interface, is utilized by a control unit for control purposes, such as to control the positioning of vehicle control pedals, control the positioning of an adjustable seat of a vehicle, or to control the temperature adjustment in a vehicle HVAC system.
12 Citations
8 Claims
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1. A sensor for an adjustable pedal assembly of a vehicle, the sensor comprising:
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a housing having a mechanical interface compartment and an electrical device compartment in communication with the mechanical interface compartment via an aperture in a surface;
a shaft having a helical bearing surface and a flange at one end, the shaft disposed within the housing such that the shaft passes through the aperture and the flange is disposed within the electrical device compartment;
a carriage disposed within the mechanical interface compartment and in communication with the pedal of the vehicle, the carriage slidably moveable within the mechanical interface compartment in response to positional adjustment of the pedal, the carriage including a bearing surface that engages the helical bearing surface of the shaft such that movement of the carriage causes the shaft to rotate; and
an electrical device disposed within the electrical device compartment and coupled to the flange of the shaft, the electrical device capable of changing an electrical signal of an electrical circuit in relation to the rotational movement of the shaft. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification