Vehicle closure anti-pinch assembly having a non-contact sensor
First Claim
1. A method for preventing a closure panel from pinching an obstruction extending through an aperture of a motor vehicle having a motor to drive the closure panel between an open position and a closed position, a position sensor and a capacitive sensor, the method comprising the steps of:
- measuring a capacitance of a field extending through the aperture using the capacitive sensor as the motor drives the closure panel between the open and closed positions;
generating a voltage signal from the capacitance sensor based on the capacitance measurements;
identifying a position of the motor using the position sensor as the motor drives the closure panel between the open and closed positions;
correlating the voltage measured to the position identified to create data;
comparing the data to a reference map to create a compare value; and
detecting an object in a path of the closure panel as the closure panel moves toward the closed position when the compare value exceeds a predetermined value; and
measuring a time period that the compare value exceeds the predetermined value to distinguish the detection of the object from noise.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An anti-pitch assembly is used in combination with a closure device of a motor vehicle. The closure device includes a closure panel, i.e., a windowpane or door, and a motor for moving the closure panel between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the closure panel covers an aperture, i.e., a window or door opening, of the motor vehicle. The anti-pinch assembly includes a position sensor that is disposed adjacent the motor or the closure device. The position sensor generates a position signal indicative of the position of the closure panel. A capacitive sensor measures the capacitance of a field extending through the aperture. The capacitive sensor generates a signal therefrom. A controller is electrically connected to the position and capacitive sensors. The controller receives the position and capacitive signals and transmits a signal to the motor to prevent the motor from moving the closure panel toward the closed position when the output signals deviates from a series of predetermined values for more than a predetermined period of time.
104 Citations
5 Claims
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1. A method for preventing a closure panel from pinching an obstruction extending through an aperture of a motor vehicle having a motor to drive the closure panel between an open position and a closed position, a position sensor and a capacitive sensor, the method comprising the steps of:
- measuring a capacitance of a field extending through the aperture using the capacitive sensor as the motor drives the closure panel between the open and closed positions;
generating a voltage signal from the capacitance sensor based on the capacitance measurements;
identifying a position of the motor using the position sensor as the motor drives the closure panel between the open and closed positions;
correlating the voltage measured to the position identified to create data;
comparing the data to a reference map to create a compare value; and
detecting an object in a path of the closure panel as the closure panel moves toward the closed position when the compare value exceeds a predetermined value; and
measuring a time period that the compare value exceeds the predetermined value to distinguish the detection of the object from noise. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
- measuring a capacitance of a field extending through the aperture using the capacitive sensor as the motor drives the closure panel between the open and closed positions;
Specification