Barrier sensor apparatus and method
AssigneeBraun GmbH
InventorsJames Dupuy, Fred Malchow
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a sensor which partially or fully disables operation of a vehicle access and entry device when a barrier of the device is moved sufficiently. In some embodiments, the vehicle access and entry device is an inboard barrier of a wheelchair lift, includes a tie rod coupled to the inboard barrier and to a housing, and triggers a sensor when the tie rod is moved sufficiently with respect to the housing.
Claims36
A vehicle access system for user entry into and exit from a vehicle, the vehicle access system comprising:
- a platform movable with respect to the vehicle;
- an actuator coupled to the platform to move the platform;
- a barrier coupled to the platform and movable to different positions with respect to the platform;
- and
- a sensor in communication with the actuator to detect a position of the barrier, the sensor responsive to detection of the barrier in the position by changing operation of the actuator.
A vehicle access system for user entry into and exit from a vehicle, the vehicle access system comprising:
- a platform movable with respect to the vehicle;
- an actuator coupled to the platform to move the platform;
- a barrier coupled to the platform and movable to different positions with respect to the platform;
- and
- a sensor in communication with the actuator to detect a force applied to the barrier urging the barrier away from a position with respect to the platform, the sensor responsive to detection of the force applied to the barrier by changing operation of the actuator.
A barrier sensor apparatus for a vehicle access system having a platform movable by an actuator and coupled to a vehicle for user entry into and exit from the vehicle, and a barrier coupled to the platform, the barrier sensor apparatus comprising:
- a sensor adapted to communicate with the actuator;
- and
- a tie rod coupled to the sensor and movable between a first position and a second position, the sensor detecting the presence of the tie rod in at least one of the first and second positions, and responsive to the detection of the tie rod in the first position by changing operation of the actuator, the tie rod adapted to be coupled to and movable by the barrier between the first and second positions.
A method of controlling operation of a vehicle access system for user entry into and exit from a vehicle, the method comprising:
- moving a platform with respect to the vehicle;
- moving a barrier coupled to the platform to a position with respect to the platform;
- detecting movement of the barrier away from the position;
- and
- changing movement of the platform responsive to detecting movement of the barrier away from the position.
A method of controlling movement of a vehicle access system for user entry into and exit from a vehicle, the method comprising:
- moving a platform with respect to the vehicle;
- moving a barrier coupled to the platform to a position with respect to the platform;
- detecting a force applied against the barrier urging the barrier away from the position;
- and
- changing a movement of the platform responsive to detecting the force applied against the barrier.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.