Method and system for detecting an object in the path of an automotive window utilizing a piezoelectric sensor
AssigneeMeritor Light Vehicle Systems, Inc.
InventorsCharles Hopson, Timothy Davies, Christos Kyrtsos, Joseph Tyckowski, Pascal Bonduel, Francois Breynaert
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Abstract
A method and system for detecting the presence of an object caught between an automotive window and its respective frame is provided. The window opens and closes via a regulator driven by an electric drive motor. A force is sensed at an interface between the window and the regulator proportional to a force exerted on the window. This force is compared with a predetermined value, and if the sensed force exceeds the predetermined value, an object caught between the window and its respective door frame is detected.
Claims12
A method for detecting the presence of an object caught between an automotive window and its respective frame, the window opening and closing via a regulator driven by an electric drive motor, the method comprising:
- providing a sensor at a interface position between the window and the regulator;
- said sensor sensing a force at said interface between the window and the regulator proportional to a force exerted on the window and sending a signal to a control circuit which the force with a predetermined value;
- and
- detecting an object between the window and its respective frame if the force exceeds the predetermined value.
A window and a system for detecting the presence of an object caught between said window and its respective frame, the window opening and closing via a regulator driven by an electric drive motor, the system comprising:
- a sensor mechanically coupled between the window and the regulator driven by an electric drive motor for moving said window, said sensor for sensing a force proportional to a force exerted on said window;
- and
- a control circuit connected to the sensor and to the motor for comparing the sensed force with a predetermined value and detecting an object between said window and frame if the force exceeds the predetermined value.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.