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Power swinging side door system and method

  • US 7,686,378 B2
  • Filed: 06/01/2007
  • Issued: 03/30/2010
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/01/2007
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A vehicle comprising:

  • a plurality of obstacle detection sensors, including a door angle sensor;

    a door having a range of motion defining a maximum door opening angle, said door further having a variable door opening angle that is selectable by a user of the vehicle from approximately 0 degrees up to the maximum door opening angle, said door angle sensor being operable for determining a change in an instantaneous position of said door over time to determine a threshold change in velocity of said door, and to thereby detect an obstacle positioned within said range of motion in a first manner;

    an actuator adapted for alternately opening and closing said door; and

    a controller having an algorithm for moving said actuator in one direction to at least partially open said door to said variable door opening angle in response to a first command, and for moving said actuator in another direction to at least partially close said door in response to a second command;

    wherein said controller is operable for interrupting either of said opening and said closing when said presence of said obstacle is detected in said first manner.

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