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US 7,547,058 B2Granted
System and method for operating an automotive liftgate
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorsDaniel King, Greg Conner, Ryan Hanson, Michael Wrobel, Jr., Colm Deloughery, Dennis Montville
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system for operating an automotive liftgate includes a motor drive adapted for positioning the liftgate, and at least one telescopic strut positioned between the liftgate and an adjacent body structure. A controller operates the motor drive so as to place the liftgate in a predetermined position, such as a fully closed or fully opened position, in the event that a sensor detects unintended movement of the liftgate.
Claims9
A system for operating an automotive liftgate, comprising:
- at least one telescopic strut adapted to be positioned between a liftgate and an adjacent door opening panel;
- a motor drive adapted for positioning a liftgate, with said motor drive comprising:
- a motor;
- an actuator powered by the motor, with said actuator being interposed between the motor and a liftgate, wherein said actuator comprises a lead screw driven by said motor, and an actuator sensor having an encoder for counting the revolutions of said lead screw;
- a clutch interposed between the motor and the actuator;
- and
- a controller, connected with said clutch, said motor, and said actuator sensor, for operating said motor and said clutch, with said controller commanding the motor drive to place the liftgate in a predetermined position in the event that said actuator sensor detects unintended movement of the liftgate.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.