Motor vehicle door system
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A system for opening and closing a door attached to a vehicle, the system comprising:
- at least one vehicle position sensor configured to sense an orientation of the vehicle relative to horizontal and vertical reference frames;
at least one door position sensor for sensing a position of the door relative to the vehicle;
at least one actuator coupled to the door and configured to effectuate at least one of the opening and closing the door relative to the vehicle;
a power source coupled to the actuator;
at least one force pad attached to the door and configured to sense a force applied to the door; and
circuitry electronically coupled to the least one vehicle position sensor, the at least one door position sensor, the at least one force pad, and the power source;
wherein the circuitry prompts operation of the power source at a level based upon information from the vehicle position sensor, the door position sensor and the at least one force pad to proportionally assist in moving the door.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A user-operated system for interactive vehicle door opening and closing. The system detects vehicle position (gravity) and external force (such as wind) and provides an assistive force in effortlessly opening or closing the door. In some embodiments, the system provides a fail safe mode of operation in case of power failure and/or limit stops to minimize or prevent damage to external objects in the event the door is inadvertently brought into contact with the external object.
16 Citations
11 Claims
-
1. A system for opening and closing a door attached to a vehicle, the system comprising:
-
at least one vehicle position sensor configured to sense an orientation of the vehicle relative to horizontal and vertical reference frames; at least one door position sensor for sensing a position of the door relative to the vehicle; at least one actuator coupled to the door and configured to effectuate at least one of the opening and closing the door relative to the vehicle; a power source coupled to the actuator; at least one force pad attached to the door and configured to sense a force applied to the door; and circuitry electronically coupled to the least one vehicle position sensor, the at least one door position sensor, the at least one force pad, and the power source; wherein the circuitry prompts operation of the power source at a level based upon information from the vehicle position sensor, the door position sensor and the at least one force pad to proportionally assist in moving the door. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
-
Specification