Abstract:
A capacitive sensing system for a liftgate of a vehicle includes at least one elongate capacitive sensor mounted on a trim panel of the liftgate. The at least one elongate capacitive sensor is arranged to extend over an area of the trim panel. The capacitive sensing system also includes a controller coupled to the at least one elongate capacitive sensor for monitoring changes in a capacitance value of the at least one elongate capacitive sensor, with the capacitance value changing when an obstacle approaches the area.
Abstract:
A method for determining a capacitance value of a capacitive sensor begins by applying a sensor signal (Vx) to the capacitive sensor. The sensor signal (Vx) includes a number of charge-discharge pulse pairs distributed over a first period of time (T/N), with each pulse pair having a different pulse period. The method then proceeds by accumulating a number (N) of samples of a reference voltage (Vs) measured across a reference capacitor (Cs) that is coupled to the capacitive sensor over a second period of time (T) to produce an accumulated capacitance value (ACCUMULATED). The accumulated capacitance value (ACCUMULATED) is then divided by the number (N) of the samples to determine the capacitance value (Cx) of the capacitive sensor.
Abstract:
A window regulator motor assembly has an electric motor, a worm, a gear and a controller. The motor has an end face and an output shaft extending outwardly from the end face. The motor further includes a connector extending outwardly from the end face spaced from and generally parallel to the output shaft. The worm is on the output shaft and is driven by the motor. The gear is driven by the worm. The controller includes a circuit board positioned between the output shaft and the motor connector. A motor control connector extends from a first face of the circuit board and engages the motor connector. A speed sensor is on the second face of the circuit board and faces the output shaft.
Abstract:
A method for operating a closure panel of a vehicle, comprising: using a processor, determining whether a first proximity sensor and a second proximity sensor located on a periphery of the vehicle have been sequentially activated to indicate an object moving across the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor; and, controlling the closure panel to open or close when the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor have been sequentially activated.
Abstract:
A method for preventing a vehicular door or window panel from pinching an obstruction extending through an aperture of the vehicle by measuring a capacitance of a field extending through the aperture using a capacitive sensor as a motor drives the panel between the open and closed positions, correlating the measured capacitance to panel position to create closing data, comparing the closing data to a reference map to create a compare value, and detecting an object in a path of the panel as it moves toward the closed position when the compare value exceeds a threshold value. The threshold value is dependent on the relative wetness of the sensor, which is determined by comparing the capacitance of the sensor at predetermined panel positions against a calibration wetness profile.
Abstract:
An obstacle sensor for a closure panel of a vehicle includes an elongate non-conductive case which encloses a first, second, and third elongate conductive electrodes. The first and second electrodes are separated by a portion of the case, with a capacitance between the first and second electrodes changing when an obstacle approaches the first electrode. The changed capacitance of the obstacle sensor provides a proximity indication of the obstacle to the obstacle sensor. The second and third electrodes are separated by an air gap formed in the case, with a resistance between the second and third electrodes changing when the second and third electrodes come into contact upon compression of the case by the obstacle. The changed resistance of the obstacle sensor provides a contact indication of the obstacle with the obstacle sensor.
Abstract:
A window regulator motor assembly has an electric motor, a worm, a gear and a controller. The motor has an end face and an output shaft extending outwardly from the end face. The motor further includes a connector extending outwardly from the end face spaced from and generally parallel to the output shaft. The worm is on the output shaft and is driven by the motor. The gear is driven by the worm. The controller includes a circuit board positioned between the output shaft and the motor connector. A motor control connector extends from a first face of the circuit board and engages the motor connector. A speed sensor is on the second face of the circuit board and faces the output shaft.
Abstract:
A method for preventing a vehicular door or window panel from pinching an obstruction extending through an aperture of the vehicle by measuring a capacitance of a field extending through the aperture using a capacitive sensor as a motor drives the panel between the open and closed positions, correlating the measured capacitance to panel position to create closing data, comparing the closing data to a reference map to create a compare value, and detecting an object in a path of the panel as it moves toward the closed position when the compare value exceeds a threshold value. The threshold value is dependent on the relative wetness of the sensor, which is determined by comparing the capacitance of the sensor at predetermined panel positions against a calibration wetness profile.