Multizone capacitive anti-pinch system

Abstract

An anti-pinch assembly is used for a closure panel supported by the motor vehicle. The closure panel is movable between an open position and a closed position. A controller is operably connected to the closure panel for controlling the operation of the closure panel. A position sensor is connected to the controller for indicating the position of the closure panel as the closure panel moves between the open and closed positions. A capacitive sensor is mounted on the frame of the vehicle and connected to the controller for providing an output signal to the controller indicative of the presence of a foreign object in the path of the closure panel. The controller varies the function of the capacitive sensor through a plurality of threshold levels as a function of the position of the closure panel as indicated by the position indicator. In a critical zone of travel, namely, travel of the closure panel nearing the closed position, the capacitive sensor can be utilized in either a contact mode or a non-contact mode or a combination of both.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention relates to an anti-pinch system for a closure system associated with an aperture of a motor vehicle. More specifically, the invention relates to an anti-pinch system for an aperture of a motor vehicle wherein the anti-pinch system differentiates a number of zones. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART [0002] Motor vehicles typically have anti-pinch systems associated with powered closure assemblies used to selectively open and close an aperture. By way of example only, an aperture of a motor vehicle is found within a door or side and the closure panel associated therewith is a window and its associated control mechanism. A non-exhaustive list of closure assemblies includes door windows, sliding doors, liftgates, deck-lids, sunroofs and the like. [0003] The anti-pinch systems associated with these closure assemblies typically sense the presence of a foreign object in the path of the closure panel by using characteristics such as motor current or a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is an anti-pinch assembly for a motor vehicle closure panel. It uses a controller and position sensor to detect the position of the closure panel and a capacitive sensor to detect any foreign objects in the path of the closure panel. The controller adjusts the function of the capacitive sensor based on the position of the closure panel to prevent objects from getting caught in the closure panel. This system helps to prevent accidents and ensures safety for the vehicle occupants."

Problems solved by technology

These feedback devices sense an abnormal characteristic in the parameter being sensed relative to the normal or unobstructed operating characteristic of the closure panel.

Simple detection of obstructions based on motor speed or electrical current passing through the motor are inadequate due to the normally varying characteristics of these parameters through the full range of motion for the closure panel.

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