Powered closure member system, method of controlling the same, and method of configuring a control system thereof

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a powered closure member system, a method of controlling the same, and a method of configuring a control system thereof. The powered closure member system includes an actuator for moving the closure member. The powered closure member system also includes a controller adapted to control the closure member through a series of features using the actuator. The controller is adapted to control the closure member by a subset of the features when operating in a reduced performance mode.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 549,926, filed February 5, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to closure member systems for motor vehicles and, more particularly, to a powered closure member actuation system for moving a closure member, such as a door, between open and closed positions relative to a vehicle body. Background Art

[0004] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

[0005] The closure members of a motor vehicle may be mounted to the vehicle body via one or more hinges. For example, a passenger door may be oriented and attached to the vehicle body via one or more hinges for swinging motion about a generally vertical pivot axis. In this arrangement, each door hinge typically includes a door hinge strap connected to the passenger door, a vehicle body hinge strap connected to the vehicle body, and a pivot pin arranged to pivotally connect the door hinge strap to the vehicle body hinge strap and define the pivot axis. Such swinging passenger doors ("swing doors") have been recognized to have the following problems: for example, when the vehicle is positioned on an inclined surface, the swing door may open too far or swing closed due to the unbalanced weight of the door. To address this problem, most passenger doors have some type of stop or limit mechanism integrated into at least one of the door hinges. This mechanism is used to inhibit uncontrolled swinging movement of the door by actively positioning and holding the door in one or more intermediate travel positions other than the fully open position. In some high-end vehicles, the door hinge may include a stepless door limit mechanism that allows the door to be opened and held in any desired opening position. One advantage of a passenger door equipped with a door hinge having an infinite door check mechanism is that the door can be positioned and retained in any position that avoids contact with adjacent vehicles or structures.

[0006] As a further advancement, powered closure member actuation systems have been developed. For passenger doors, similar to those described above, powered closure member actuation systems can be used to automatically swing the passenger door about its pivot axis between an open position and a closed position to assist a user as he or she moves the passenger door and / or to cause the passenger door to pop out or open toward the user. Typically, powered closure member actuation systems include a power operating device, such as an electric motor, and a rotational-to-linear conversion device operable to convert the rotational output of the electric motor into translational movement of an extendable member. In many arrangements, the electric motor and conversion device are mounted to the passenger door, and the distal end of the extendable member is fixedly secured to the vehicle body. An example of a powered closure member actuation system for a passenger door is shown in co-owned International Publication No. WO2013 / 013313 by Schuering et al., which discloses the use of a rotational-to-linear conversion device having an externally threaded lead screw rotationally driven by the electric motor and an internally threaded drive nut meshingly engaged with the lead screw, with the extendable member attached to the internally threaded drive nut. Thus, control of the rotational speed and direction of the lead screw results in control of the speed and direction of translational movement of the drive nut and extendable member, thereby controlling the swinging movement of the passenger door between its open position and its closed position.

[0007] While such powered closure member actuation systems function satisfactorily for their intended purpose, one recognized drawback relates to their operation in high-end vehicles compared to low-end vehicles. A powered closure member actuation system on a high-end vehicle may include certain features, while a low-end vehicle may include different features. This makes it more difficult to achieve economies of scale in manufacturing the powered closure member actuation system and increases manufacturing complexity for vehicle manufacturers due to the variety of door configurations.

[0008] In view of the foregoing, a need remains to develop alternative powered closure member actuation systems that address and overcome the limitations and shortcomings associated with known powered closure member actuation systems and provide increased convenience and enhanced operability. Summary of the Invention

[0009] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features, aspects, and objects.

[0010] One aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a powered closure member system. The powered closure member system includes an actuator for moving a closure member. The powered closure member system also includes a controller adapted to control the closure member using the actuator through a series of features. The controller is adapted to control the closure member through a subset of features when operating in a reduced performance mode. While the powered closure member may be a door, the controller may control any actuator that provides force to move any portion of the vehicle. Examples of other portions may include a tailgate, a front trunk, a convertible top, and the like.

[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a control system for a powered closure member system for use with a closure member of a motor vehicle. The system includes a memory unit containing instructions associated with operating the powered closure member system in an automatic mode or a power-assisted mode. The control system also includes a processor for executing the instructions stored in the memory unit. The processor is adapted to execute instructions associated with both the automatic mode and the power-assisted mode, or only one of the automatic mode and the power-assisted mode.

[0012] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for controlling a powered closure member system. The method includes the steps of controlling an actuator using a controller to move a closure member. Next, the controller is configured to execute instructions associated with operating the powered closure member system in either an automatic mode or a power-assisted mode. The method further includes the steps of configuring the controller to execute instructions associated with either both the automatic mode and the power-assisted mode or only one of the automatic mode and the power-assisted mode.

[0013] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for controlling a powered closure member system for a motor vehicle. The method includes the steps of controlling the closure member using an actuator through a series of features. The method also includes the steps of controlling the closure member using a subset of the features when operating in a reduced performance mode.

[0014] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for configuring a control system for a powered closure member system. The method includes the steps of providing a controller adapted to operate an actuator to move a closure member. The method continues by uploading instructions associated with operating the powered closure member system in either an automatic mode or a power-assisted mode to a memory unit of the controller. The method also includes the steps of uploading configuration instructions to the controller to utilize instructions associated with operating the powered closure member system in either the automatic mode or the power-assisted mode, or to utilize instructions associated with operating the powered closure member system in only one of the automatic mode or the power-assisted mode.

[0015] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein.The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example motor vehicle equipped with a powered closure member actuation system located between a front passenger swing door and a vehicle body according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 a perspective inside view of a closure member shown in with various components relative to a portion of the vehicle body removed for purposes of clarity only, and the closure member being equipped with a powered closure member actuation system according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram of a powered closure member actuation system according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 4 illustrates another block diagram of a powered closure member actuation system for moving a closure member in an automatic mode according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 5 and Figure 5A illustrates a powered closure member actuation system shown as part of a vehicle system architecture according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 6 illustrates another block diagram of a powered closure member actuation system for moving a closure member in a power-assisted mode according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 7 illustrates a powered closure member actuation system corresponding to operation in a power assist mode shown as part of a vehicle system architecture according to aspects of the present disclosure; and

[0024] Figure 8 Illustrated are example steps of a method of controlling a powered closure member system according to aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] In the following description, details are set forth to provide an understanding of the present disclosure. In some cases, certain circuits, structures, and techniques are not described or shown in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure.

[0026] In summary, at least one example embodiment of a powered closure member actuating system or user-modifiable system constructed according to the teachings of the present disclosure will now be disclosed. Example embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope to those skilled in the art. Many specific details such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that it is not necessary to adopt specific details, and that example embodiments can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are described in detail.

[0027] First refer to Figure 1 An example motor vehicle 10 is shown including a first passenger door 12, or also referred to as an exemplary closure member 12, pivotally mounted to a vehicle body 14 via an upper door hinge 16 and a lower door hinge 18, shown in phantom. In accordance with the present disclosure, a powered closure member actuation system 20 is integrated into the pivotal connection between the first passenger door 12 and the vehicle body 14. According to a preferred configuration, the powered closure member actuation system 20 generally includes a power-operated actuator mechanism or actuator 22 secured within an interior cavity of the passenger door 12, and a rotary drive mechanism driven by the power-operated actuator mechanism 22 and drivingly coupled to a hinge component associated with the lower door hinge 18. Driven rotation of the rotary drive mechanism results in controlled pivotal movement of the passenger door 12 relative to the vehicle body 14. According to this preferred configuration, the power-operated actuator mechanism 22 is rigidly coupled in close proximity to the door-mounted hinge component of the upper door hinge 16, while the rotary drive mechanism is coupled to the vehicle-mounted hinge component of the lower door hinge 18. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that alternative packaging configurations for the powered closure member actuation system 20 may be used to accommodate available packaging space. One such alternative packaging configuration may include mounting the power-operated actuator mechanism to the vehicle body 14 and drivingly interconnecting the rotary drive mechanism to a door-mounted hinge component associated with one of the upper door hinge 16 and the lower door hinge 18.

[0028] Each of the upper door hinge 16 and the lower door hinge 18 includes a door-mounted hinge component and a body-mounted hinge component that are pivotally interconnected by a hinge pin or post. The door-mounted hinge component is hereinafter referred to as a door hinge strap, while the body-mounted hinge component is hereinafter referred to as a body hinge strap. Although the powered closure member actuation system 20 is shown only in association with the front passenger door 12, those skilled in the art will recognize that the powered closure member actuation system can also be associated with any other closure member (e.g., door or liftgate) of the vehicle 10, such as the rear passenger door 17 and the trunk lid 19.

[0029] The powered closure member actuation system 20 is generally Figure 2 As shown and mentioned in FIG, the powered closure member actuation system 20 is operable to controllably pivot the vehicle door 12 relative to the vehicle body 14 between an open position and a closed position. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in FIG, the lower hinge 18 of the powered closure member actuation system 20 includes a door hinge strap 28 connected to the vehicle door 12 and a body hinge strap 30 connected to the vehicle body 14. The door hinge strap 28 and the body hinge strap 30 of the lower door hinge 18 are interconnected along a generally vertically aligned pivot axis A via a hinge pin 32 to establish a pivotable interconnection between the door hinge strap 28 and the body hinge strap 30. However, any other mechanism or device may be used to establish a pivotable interconnection between the door hinge strap 28 and the body hinge strap 30 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0030] like Figure 2 As best shown in FIG, the powered closure member actuation system 20 includes a power-operated actuator mechanism 22 having a motor and gear train assembly 34 that can be rigidly connected to the vehicle door 12. The motor and gear train assembly 34 is configured to generate a rotational force. In a preferred embodiment, the motor and gear train assembly 34 includes an electric motor 36 operatively coupled to a speed reduction / torque multiplication assembly, such as a high gear ratio planetary gearbox 38. The high gear ratio planetary gearbox 38 can include multiple stages, thereby allowing the motor and gear train assembly 34 to generate a rotational force with a high torque output from an extremely low rotational speed of the electric motor 36. However, any other arrangement of the motor and gear train assembly 34 can be used to establish the desired rotational force without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0031] The motor and gear train assembly 34 includes a mounting bracket 40 for establishing a connectable relationship with the vehicle door 12. The mounting bracket 40 is configured to be connected to the vehicle door 12 adjacent to a door-mounted door hinge strap associated with the upper door hinge 16. Figure 2 As shown in , such mounting of the motor assembly 34 adjacent the upper door hinge 16 of the vehicle door 12 places the power-operated actuator mechanism 22 of the powered closure member actuation system 20 in close proximity to the pivot axis A. Mounting the motor and gear train assembly 34 adjacent the upper door hinge 16 of the vehicle door 12 minimizes the effect that the powered closure member actuation system 20 may have on the mass moment of inertia of the vehicle door 12 (i.e., the pivot axis A), thereby improving or facilitating movement of the vehicle door 12 between its open and closed positions. Figure 2As shown in FIG, the mounting of the motor and gear train assembly 34 adjacent the upper door hinge 16 of the vehicle door 12 allows the powered closure member actuation system 20 to be packaged forward of the A-pillar glass travel tunnel 35 associated with the vehicle door 12 and thereby avoid any interference with the glass window functions of the vehicle door 12. In other words, the powered closure member actuation system 20 can be packaged within an unused portion 37 of the interior door cavity 39 within the vehicle door 12 and thereby reduce or eliminate impact on existing hardware / mechanisms within the vehicle door 12. Although the powered closure member actuation system 20 is illustrated as being mounted adjacent the upper door hinge 16 of the vehicle door 12, as an alternative, the powered closure member actuation system 20 can be mounted elsewhere within the vehicle door 12 or even on the vehicle body 14 without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Auxiliary actuators such as a door opener 2717 may also be included.

[0032] The powered closure member actuation system 20 also includes a rotary drive mechanism that is rotationally driven by the power-operated actuator mechanism 22. Figure 2As shown in FIG, the rotary drive mechanism includes a drive shaft 42 interconnected to an output member of the gearbox 38 of the motor and gear train assembly 34 and extending from a first end 44 disposed adjacent the gearbox 38 to a second end 46. The rotary output member of the motor and gear train assembly 34 may include a first adapter 47, such as a square female socket, for drivingly interconnecting the first end 44 of the drive shaft 42 directly to the rotary output of the gearbox 38. Additionally, although not explicitly shown, a disconnect clutch may be disposed between the rotary output of the gearbox 38 and the first end 44 of the drive shaft 42. In one configuration, the clutch is normally engaged (i.e., de-energized) in the absence of power and can be selectively energized (i.e., energized to release) to disengage. In other words, the optional clutch will drivingly couple the drive shaft 42 to the motor and gear train assembly 34 without the application of power, while the clutch will require the application of power to disconnect the drive shaft 42 from the driving connection with the gearbox 38. Alternatively, the clutch can be configured in an arrangement that engages when powered on and releases when powered off. The clutch can be engaged and disengaged using any suitable type of clutch mechanism, such as, for example, a set of sprags, rollers, coil springs, friction plates, or any other suitable mechanism. The clutch is configured to allow user 75 to manually move door 12 relative to vehicle body 14 between an open position for door 12 and a closed position for door 12. Such a disconnect clutch can, for example, be located between the output of electric motor 36 and the input of gearbox 38. The location of this optional clutch can depend, among other things, on whether gearbox 38 includes "backdriveable" gears. In one possible configuration, the power-operated actuator mechanism 22 is not provided with a clutch mechanism, and thus a direct, permanent coupling is provided between the motor and the output of the power-operated actuator mechanism 22 (e.g., to, for example, vehicle body 14). In this configuration, the gear train assembly 34 may be a backdriveable gear train.

[0033] The second end 46 of the drive shaft 42 is coupled to the body hinge strap 30 of the lower door hinge 18 for transmitting rotational force from the motor and gear train assembly 34 directly to the door 12 via the body hinge strap 30. To accommodate the angular motion generated by the swinging motion of the door 12 relative to the body 14, the rotary drive mechanism also includes a first universal joint or U-joint 45 disposed between a first adapter 47 and the first end 44 of the drive shaft 42, and a second universal joint or U-joint 48 disposed between a second adapter 49 and the second end 46 of the drive shaft 42. Alternatively, a constant velocity joint may be used in place of the U-joints 45 and 48. The second adapter 49 may also be a square female socket configured to be rigidly attached to the body hinge strap 30 of the lower door hinge 18, etc. However, other methods of establishing the drive attachment may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Rotation of the drive shaft 42 via operation of the motor and gear train assembly 34 is used to actuate the lower door hinge 18 by rotating the body hinge belt 30 about its pivot axis to which the drive shaft 42 is attached and relative to the door hinge belt 28. Thus, the powered closure member actuation system 20 is capable of effecting movement of the vehicle door 12 between its open and closed positions by directly transmitting rotational force "directly" to the body hinge belt 30 of the lower door hinge 18. With the motor and gear train assembly 34 connected to the vehicle door 12 adjacent to the upper door hinge 16, the second end 46 of the drive shaft 42 is attached to the body hinge belt 30 of the lower door hinge 18. Based on the available space within the door cavity 39, the motor and gear train assembly 34 can be mounted adjacent to the door-mounted hinge component of the lower door hinge 18, with the second end 46 of the drive shaft 42 connected directly to the vehicle-mounted hinge component of the upper door hinge 16. In the alternative, if the motor and gear train assembly 34 is connected to the vehicle body 14 , the second end 46 of the drive shaft 42 would be attached to the door hinge strap 28 .

[0034] Figure 3 A block diagram of a powered closure member actuation system 20 of a powered door or closure member system 21 for moving a closure member (e.g., door 12) of a vehicle 10 between an open position and a closed position relative to a vehicle body 14 is illustrated. As discussed above, the powered closure member actuation system 20 includes an actuator 22 coupled to the closure member (e.g., door 12) and the vehicle body 14. The actuator 22 is configured to move the closure member 12 relative to the vehicle body 14. The powered closure member actuation system 20 also includes a controller 50 coupled to the actuator 22 and in communication with other vehicle systems (e.g., a body control module 52) and also receiving vehicle power from the vehicle 10 (e.g., from a vehicle battery 53).

[0035] The controller 50 is capable of operating in at least one of an automatic mode (in response to an automatic mode activation input 54) and a power-assisted mode (in response to a motion input 56). In the automatic mode, the controller 50 commands the closure member to move through a predetermined motion profile (e.g., to open the closure member). The power-assisted mode differs from the automatic mode in that the motion input 56 from the user 75 can be continuous to move the closure member, rather than a single input from the user 75 in the automatic mode. The command 51 from the vehicle system may, for example, include instructions for the controller 50 to open the closure member, close the closure member, or stop movement of the closure member. Such control inputs, such as inputs 54 and 56, may also include other types of inputs 55, such as inputs from a body control module, which may receive a wireless command to control the door to open based on, for example, a signal received from a key fob 60 or other wireless device, such as a cellular phone, or a sensor assembly, such as a radar or light sensor assembly, located on the vehicle, that detects the user's proximity, such as a gesture or gait, such as walking, as the user 75 approaches the vehicle. For example, other components that may have an impact on the operation of the powered closure member actuation system 20 are also shown, such as a door seal 57 of the vehicle door 12. Additionally, environmental conditions 59 (rain, cold, heat, etc.) may be monitored by the vehicle 10 (e.g., by the body control module 52) and / or the controller 50. The controller 50 also includes an artificial intelligence learning algorithm 61 (e.g., a series of nodes forming a neural network model), which will be discussed in greater detail below.

[0036] Now refer to Figure 4 , the controller 50 is configured to receive an automatic mode initiation input 54 and enter automatic mode in response to receiving the automatic mode initiation input 54 to output a motion command 62 or receive an input motion command 62. The automatic mode initiation input 54 can be a manual input on the closure member itself or an indirect input to the vehicle (e.g., a closure member switch 58 on the closure member 12, a switch on the key fob 60, etc.). Thus, for example, the automatic mode initiation input 54 can be the result of a user or operator operating a switch (e.g., the closure member switch 58), making a gesture near the vehicle 10, or holding the key fob 60 near the vehicle 10. It should also be understood that other automatic mode initiation inputs 54 are contemplated, such as, but not limited to, the proximity of a user 75 detected by a proximity sensor.

[0037] Additionally, the powered closure member actuation system or powered closure member system 21 includes at least one closure member feedback sensor 64 for determining at least one of the position and velocity and attitude of the closure member. Thus, the at least one closure member feedback sensor 64 detects a signal from the actuator 22 by counting the number of revolutions of the electric motor 36, detects the absolute position of an extendable member (not shown), or detects a signal from the door 12 (e.g., an absolute position sensor regarding a door check, for example) that can provide position information to the controller 50. The feedback sensor 64, in communication with the controller 50, is illustrative of a portion of a feedback system or motion sensing system for directly or indirectly detecting movement of the door, such as by detecting changes in velocity and position of the closure member or a component coupled thereto. For example, the motion sensing system can be hardware-based (e.g., a Hall sensor unit and associated circuitry) for detecting movement of an object, such as on a closure member (e.g., on a hinge) or on the actuator 22 (e.g., on a motor shaft), and / or the motion sensing system can be software-based (e.g., using code and logic for executing a pulse counting algorithm), such as executed by the controller 50. Other types of position, velocity, and / or orientation detectors may be employed without limitation, such as accelerometers and induction-based sensors.

[0038] The powered closing member actuation system 20 further includes at least one non-contact obstacle detection sensor 66, which may form part of a non-contact obstacle detection system coupled, for example, electrically coupled, to the controller 50. The controller 50 is configured to determine whether an obstacle is detected using the at least one non-contact obstacle detection sensor 66 (e.g., using a non-contact obstacle detection algorithm 69), and may, for example, stop movement of the closing member in response to determining that an obstacle is detected. The non-contact obstacle detection system may also be configured to calculate the distance from the closing member to an object or obstacle, or to a user as an object or obstacle, or to the door 12. For example, the non-contact obstacle detection system may be configured to perform a time-of-flight calculation using the radar-based sensor 66 to determine the distance, or to characterize an object as a user or human, as compared to a non-human object, for example, based on determining the reflectivity of the object using the radar-based sensor 66 and the system. The non-contact obstacle detection system may also be configured to determine when an obstacle is detected, for example, by detecting a reflection of a radar signal emitted from the obstacle sensor 66 from the object, obstacle, or user. The non-contact obstacle detection system can also be configured to determine when an obstacle is not detected, for example, by not detecting a reflected wave from an object, obstacle, or user of a radar signal emitted from the obstacle sensor 66. Operation and examples of the at least one non-contact obstacle detection sensor 66 and system are discussed in U.S. Patent Application No. 2018 / 0238099, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0039] In the automatic mode, the controller 50 may include one or more closure member motion profiles 68 that the controller 50 utilizes when generating the motion commands 62 (e.g., using the motion command generator 70 of the controller 50) in consideration of obstacle detection by the at least one non-contact obstacle detection sensor 66. Thus, in the automatic mode, the motion commands 62 have a specified motion profile 68 (e.g., an acceleration profile, a velocity profile, a deceleration profile, and ultimately a stop in the open position or the closed position) and are continually optimized based on user feedback (e.g., the automatic mode initiation input 54).

[0040] exist Figure 5 , the powered closure member actuation system 20 is shown as part of a vehicle system architecture 72 corresponding to operation in the automatic mode. The powered closure member actuation system 20 includes user interfaces 74, 76 configured to detect user interface input from a user 75 via an interface 77 (e.g., a touch screen) to modify at least one stored motion control parameter associated with the movement of the closure member. Thus, the user can modify the system or the controller 50 of the powered closure member actuation system 20 is configured to present at least one stored motion control parameter on the user interfaces 74, 76.

[0041] The body control module 52 communicates with the controller 50 via a vehicle bus 78 (e.g., a local interconnect network or LIN bus). The body control module 52 can also communicate with the key fob 60 (e.g., wirelessly) and with the closure member switch 58, which is configured to output a closure member activation signal via the body control module 52. Alternatively, the closure member switch 58 can be directly connected to the controller 50 or otherwise communicate with the controller 50. The body control module 52 can also communicate with an environmental sensor (e.g., a temperature sensor 80). The controller 50 is also configured to modify at least one stored motion control parameter in response to detecting a user interface input. A screen communication interface control unit 82 associated with the user interfaces 74 and 76 can communicate, for example, via the vehicle bus 78 with a closure communication interface control unit 84 associated with the controller 50. In other words, the closure communication interface control unit 84 is coupled to the vehicle bus 78 and the controller 50 to facilitate communication between the controller 50 and the vehicle bus 78. Thus, user interface inputs can be transmitted from the user interfaces 74 and 76 to the controller 50.

[0042] A vehicle tilt sensor 86 (e.g., an accelerometer) is also coupled to the controller 50 for detecting the tilt of the vehicle 10. The vehicle tilt sensor 86 outputs a tilt signal corresponding to the tilt of the vehicle 10, and the controller 50 is further configured to receive the tilt signal and adjust the force command 88 accordingly. Figure 6) and one of the motion command 62. Although the vehicle tilt sensor 86 may be separate from the controller 50, it should be understood that the vehicle tilt sensor 86 may also be integrated into the controller 50 or another control module, such as, but not limited to, the body control module 52.

[0043] The controller 50 is also configured to perform at least one of an initial boundary condition check prior to the generation of a command signal (e.g., force command 88 or motion command 62) and an in-process boundary check during the generation of the command signal. Such boundary checks prevent movement of the closure member and operation of the actuator 22 outside of a plurality of predetermined operating limits or boundary conditions 91, as will be discussed in greater detail below.

[0044] The controller 50 may also be coupled to the vehicle latch 83. Additionally, the controller 50 is coupled to a memory device 92 having at least one memory location for storing at least one stored motion control parameter associated with controlling movement of a closure member (e.g., door 12). The memory device 92 may also store one or more closure member motion profiles 68 (e.g., motion profile A 68a, motion profile B 68b, motion profile C 68c) and boundary conditions 91 (e.g., a plurality of predetermined operating limits, such as a minimum limit 91a and a maximum limit 91b). The memory device 92 also stores door motion parameters 89 modifiable by an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) (e.g., a door check profile and an eject profile).

[0045] The controller 50 is configured to generate a motion command 62 using at least one stored motion control parameter to control an actuator output force acting on the closure member to move the closure member. A pulse width modulation unit 101 is coupled to the controller 50 and configured to receive a pulse width control signal and output an actuator command signal corresponding to the pulse width control signal.

[0046] Similar to Figure 5 , Figure 5A The powered closure member actuation system 20 is shown as part of another vehicle system architecture 72' capable of operating in both an automatic mode and a power-assisted mode. The body control module 52 may also communicate with at least one environmental sensor 80, 81 for sensing at least one environmental condition 59. Specifically, the at least one environmental sensor 80, 81 may be at least one of a temperature sensor 80 or a rain sensor 81. While the temperature sensor 80 and the rain sensor 81 may be connected to the body control module 52, they may alternatively be integrated into the body control module 52 and / or into another unit, such as, but not limited to, the controller 50. Furthermore, other environmental sensors 80, 81 are contemplated.

[0047] The controller is also coupled to a latch 83 that includes a draw motor 99 for drawing the closure member 12 to the closed position. The latch 83 also includes a plurality of primary and secondary ratchet position sensors or switches 85 that provide feedback to the controller 50, for example, regarding whether the latch 83 is in the latch primary position or the latch secondary position.

[0048] Likewise, a vehicle tilt sensor 86 (e.g., an accelerometer or inclinometer) is also coupled to the controller 50 for detecting the tilt of the vehicle 10. The vehicle tilt sensor 86 outputs a tilt signal corresponding to the tilt of the vehicle 10, and the controller 50 is further configured to receive the tilt signal and adjust the force command 88 accordingly. Figure 6 ) and motion command 62. Thus, for example, motion command 62 can be adjusted so that door 12 moves at the same speed and motion profile as if door 12 were moving on level terrain using the motion command. Thus, actuator 22 can move door 12 so that the motion profile (e.g., speed versus door position) when in a tilted state is the same as, or tracks, the motion profile as if the vehicle were not in a tilted state. In other words, the user does not detect a physical or visual difference in the feel and appearance of the door movement in terms of speed versus position when vehicle 10 is in a tilted state or when it is not in a tilted state. Alternatively, for example, force command 88 can be adjusted accordingly so that door 12 moves to exert a resistance perceived by the user that is similar to that perceived by the user as if the door were moving on level terrain using the force command. Thus, actuator 22 can move the door so that the force required by the user to move door 12 when in a tilted state is the same as the force required by the user to move the door when the vehicle is not in a tilted state. In other words, the user experiences the same reactive resistance of the door acting against the user's input force when vehicle 10 is in a tilted state or when it is not in a tilted state.

[0049] A pulse width modulation unit 101 is also coupled to the controller 50 and configured to receive the pulse width control signal and output an actuator command signal corresponding to the pulse width control signal. The controller 50 includes a processor or other computing unit 110 in communication with a memory device 92. Thus, the controller 50 is coupled to the memory device 92, which is configured to store a plurality of automatic closing member motion parameters 68, 93, 94, 95 for the automatic mode and a plurality of powered closing member motion parameters 96, 100, 102, 106 for the power-assisted mode, and the plurality of motion parameters are used by the controller 50 to control movement of a closing member (e.g., door 12 or 17). Specifically, the plurality of automatic closing member motion parameters 68, 93, 94, 95 include at least one of a closing member motion profile 68 (e.g., a plurality of closing member velocity and acceleration profiles), a plurality of closing member stop positions 93, a closing member stop sensitivity 94, and a plurality of closing member stop profiles 95. The plurality of powered closure member motion parameters 96, 100, 102, 106 include a plurality of fixed closure member model parameters 96 and a force command generator algorithm 100, as well as at least one of a closure member model 102 and a plurality of closure member component configuration files 106. Additionally, the memory device 92 stores date and mileage and a cycle count 97. The memory device 92 may also store boundary conditions (e.g., a plurality of predetermined operating limits) for boundary checking to prevent movement of the closure member and operation of the actuator 22 outside of the plurality of predetermined operating limits or boundary conditions.

[0050] Thus, the controller 50 is configured to receive one of a motion input 56 associated with the power-assisted mode and an automatic mode enable input 54 associated with the automatic mode. The controller 50 is then configured to send one of a motion command 62 based on the plurality of automatic closing member motion parameters 68, 93, 94, 95 in the automatic mode and a force command 88 based on the plurality of powered closing member motion parameters 96, 100, 102, 106 in the power-assisted mode to the actuator 22 to change the actuator output force acting on the closing member 12 to move the closing member 12. The controller 50 also uses an artificial intelligence learning algorithm 61 to monitor and analyze the historical operation of the powered closing member actuation system 20 and adjust the plurality of automatic closing member motion parameters 68, 93, 94, 95 and the plurality of powered closing member motion parameters 96, 100, 102, 106 accordingly.

[0051] As discussed above, the powered closing member actuation system 20 may include environmental sensors 80, 81 in communication with the controller 50 and configured to sense at least one environmental condition of the vehicle 10. Accordingly, the historical operations monitored and analyzed by the controller 50 using the artificial intelligence learning algorithm 61 may include at least one environmental condition of the vehicle 10. Accordingly, the controller is further configured to adjust the plurality of automatic closing member motion parameters 68, 93, 94, 95 and the plurality of powered closing member motion parameters 96, 100, 102, 106 based on the at least one environmental condition of the vehicle 10.

[0052] like Figure 6 As best shown in FIG, the controller 50 is further configured to receive the motion input 56 and enter a power assist mode to output a force command 88 as modified by the artificial intelligence learning algorithm 61 (e.g., using the force command generator 98 of the controller 50 based on the force command algorithm 100, the door model 102, the boundary conditions 91, and the plurality of closure member component profiles 106, as discussed in more detail below). The controller 50 is further configured to generate the force command 88 to control the actuator output force acting on the closure member to move the closure member. Thus, the controller 50 changes the actuator output force acting on the closure member to move the closure member in response to receiving the motion input 56. In the power assist mode, the force command 88 has a specified force profile (e.g., which can be modified to change the user's experience of the closure member, such as by making it lighter or heavier, or based on changes in environmental conditions and modified by the artificial intelligence learning algorithm 61, such as by increasing or decreasing the force assistance provided to the user 75). For example, the force command 88 is continuously optimized based on current user feedback. A user motion sensor 104 is coupled to the controller 50 and configured to sense motion input 56 from the user 75 on the closure member to cause the closure member to move. Door motion feedback 105 is also provided from the closure member (e.g., door 12) back to the user 75. Similarly, the powered closure member actuation system 20 also includes at least one closure member feedback sensor 64 for determining at least one of the position and velocity of the closure member. The at least one closure member feedback sensor 64 detects the position and / or velocity of the closure member, as described above with respect to the automatic mode, and can provide corresponding position / motion information or signals to the controller 50 regarding how the user 75 is interacting with the closure member. For example, the at least one closure member feedback sensor 64 can determine the velocity at which the user 75 is moving the closure member (e.g., door 12). The attitude or tilt sensor 86 can also determine the angle or tilt of the closure member, and the powered closure member actuation system 20 can compensate for such angle to assist the user 75 and counteract any effects on the movement of the closure member caused by the angle change (e.g., regarding how gravity can affect the closure member differently depending on its angle relative to the ground plane).

[0053] and Figure 5 The vehicle system architecture shown is similar to Figure 7 Shown in Figure 6 1. The powered closure member actuation system 20 of the embodiment of the present invention is configured to operate in a power-assisted mode in a corresponding vehicle system architecture 72. Similarly, the powered closure member actuation system 20 includes a user interface 74, 76 configured to detect a user interface input to modify at least one stored motion control parameter associated with movement of the closure member. The user may modify the system or controller 50 of the powered closure member actuation system 20 to present the at least one stored motion control parameter (e.g., displayed parameters and functions 111) on the user interface 74, 76. The controller 50 is further configured to modify the at least one stored motion control parameter stored in the memory device 92 in response to detecting the user interface input. Thus, the memory device 92 stores at least one stored motion control parameter and other closure member parameters 106 used by the system 20 to assist the user 75 in moving the closure member—e.g., weight 106a and dimensions 106b of the closure member, closure member inertia 106c, closure member friction 106d, other closure member properties 106e, any mathematical models of the closure member (e.g., closure member model 102), any models of physical components 108 that affect closure member motion that may vary over time due to, for example, wear (e.g., door seal model 108a, actuator time / wear / temperature based model 108b), and door functionality 109 (e.g., anti-pinch, door check).

[0054] Thus, the controller 50 is configured to generate a force command 88 based on at least one stored motion control parameter and at least one environmental condition 59 to control the actuator output force acting on the closure member to move the closure member. Similarly, the closure member communication interface control unit 84 is coupled to the vehicle bus 78 and the controller 50 to facilitate communication between the controller 50 and the vehicle bus 78. The pulse width modulation unit 101 is coupled to the controller 50 and configured to receive the pulse width control signal and output an actuator command signal corresponding to the pulse width control signal. Figure 5 As in FIG, the closure communication interface control unit 84 is coupled to the vehicle bus 78 and the controller 50 to facilitate communications between the controller 50 and the vehicle bus 78 .

[0055] To benefit from economies of scale, it would be ideal to sell only one type of actuator (e.g., actuator 22) controlled by one set of code or software for the controller 50 as part of the power door system 21. However, this would mean that the power door or closure member system 21 would need to offer a full suite of convenience features to each customer, meaning that lower-end vehicles 10 would be provided with the same features as higher-end vehicles 10. Typically, there are more lower-end vehicles 10 than higher-end vehicles 10, so better economies of scale can be achieved with the lower-end vehicles 10, meaning that higher-end power door systems 21 (i.e., power door systems 21 with more features) are sold at a lower price to lower-end customers rather than at a higher price to higher-end customers in lower volumes.

[0056] Thus, as discussed above, the powered door system 21 includes the actuator 22 for moving the door 12. According to one aspect, the controller 50 is adapted to control the door 12 using the actuator 22 through a range of features. More specifically, the controller 50 is adapted to control the door 12 using a subset of features when operating in the reduced performance mode. The controller 50 is further configured to control the door 12 using the actuator 22 using another subset of features when operating in the increased performance mode, which is different from the reduced performance mode. The another subset of features associated with the increased performance mode includes a greater number of feature groups than the subset of features associated with the reduced performance mode.

[0057] Likewise, the controller 50 of the powered closing member actuation system or control system 20 for the powered door system 21 includes a memory unit 92 and a computing unit or processor 110. Thus, according to other aspects of the present disclosure, the memory unit 92 includes information related to the automatic mode ( Figure 2 Automatic mode software or code 200) or power assist mode ( Figure 2 202 in the power assist mode software or code 202 in the power door system 21. Similarly, the processor 110 executes the instructions 200, 202 stored in the memory unit 92, and according to another aspect, the processor 110 is adapted to execute the instructions 200, 202 associated with both the automatic mode and the power assist mode or only one of the automatic mode and the power assist mode. Thus, the power door system 21 and corresponding operating method discussed herein provide a standardized system (actuator and control system) that includes code or instructions 200, 202 for operating the power door system 21 or control system 20—which has all the convenient features that have been tested for operating the actuator 22—and allows the manufacturer of the vehicle 10 to select which features (a subset of features) can purchase by enabling or disabling a portion of the features provided to the manufacturer of the vehicle 10 as part of the power door system 21 or control system 20.

[0058] According to other aspects, the processor 110 is further configured to execute instructions 200, 202 associated only with the power-assist mode in response to the processor 110 operating in the reduced-performance mode. The processor 110 is additionally configured to execute instructions 200, 202 associated with the power-assist mode and the automatic mode in response to the processor 110 operating in the increased-performance mode, which is different from the reduced-performance mode. As mentioned above, the power door system 21 also includes a contactless obstacle detection system 66 for detecting obstacles near the door 12 of the motor vehicle 10. Therefore, the processor 110 is further configured to execute instructions 200, 202 associated with the power-assist mode and the automatic mode in response to the processor 110 communicating with the contactless obstacle detection system 66. Thus, the instructions 200, 202 or code can be provided from the manufacturer of the controller 50 to the manufacturer of the vehicle 10, with certain features still present in the provided code, but with limited usage. That is, the only customization by the manufacturer of the controller 50 to the manufacturer of the vehicle 10 is to enable or disable certain portions of the software or code based on the type of vehicle 10 (e.g., high-end or low-end). Return to reference Figure 2 For example, the control system 20 may also include an interface 204 accessible only to the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) that is connected to the controller 50 and configured to enable or disable certain portions of the software or code depending on the type of vehicle 10 (e.g., to cause the controller 50 to use at least one of the automatic mode software or code 200 or the power assist mode software or code 202).

[0059] According to another aspect, high-end features (e.g., power assist mode) are provided as standard, while normal control of the automatic mode is limited unless the power door system 21 is purchased for a high-end vehicle 10. By providing high-end features, the system cost can be reduced because more manufacturers or OEMs of low-cost vehicles 10 will be interested (increased production). The price of the high-end vehicle 10 increases not due to the acquisition of high-end features, but rather due to the acquisition of more features, which are related to low-end features that would normally be retrofitted to lower-cost vehicles 10.

[0060] A method of controlling a powered closure member system 21 of a motor vehicle 10 is also provided. According to one aspect, the method includes the steps of controlling the closure member 12 through a series of features using the actuator 22. The method also includes the steps of controlling the closure member 12 through a subset of the features while operating in a reduced performance mode.

[0061] According to other aspects, the method may further include the step of controlling the closure member 12 with another subset of features using the actuator 22 when operating in an increased performance mode that is different from the reduced performance mode. The another subset of features that may be associated with the increased performance mode includes a greater number of feature groups than the subset of features associated with the reduced performance mode.

[0062] Figure 8 Example steps of a method for controlling a power door or closure member system 21 according to additional aspects are illustrated. The method includes step 800 of providing a power door system 21 configured to operate in a power-assisted mode and an automatic mode. The method also includes step 802 of controlling the actuator 22 using the controller 50 to move the closure member (e.g., door 12). Additionally, the method includes step 802 of configuring the controller 50 to execute instructions 200, 202 associated with operating the power door system 21 in an automatic mode or a power-assisted mode. The method also includes step 804 of configuring the controller 50 to execute instructions 200, 202 associated with operating the power door system 21 in both the automatic mode and the power-assisted mode or only one of the automatic mode and the power-assisted mode.

[0063] More specifically, and according to other aspects, the method further includes, at step 806, configuring the controller 50 to execute instructions 200, 202 associated only with the power assist mode in response to the controller 50 operating in the reduced performance mode. The method additionally includes, at step 808, configuring the controller 50 to execute instructions 200, 202 associated with the power assist mode and the automatic mode in response to the controller 50 operating in the increased performance mode that is different from the reduced performance mode. In further detail, the method may include, at step 810, configuring the controller 50 to execute instructions 200, 202 associated with the power assist mode and the automatic mode in response to the controller 50 communicating with the contactless obstacle detection system 66.

[0064] Additionally, according to other aspects, the method further includes the steps of entering the automatic mode in response to receiving an automatic mode activation input from the user 75, and entering the power-assisted mode in response to receiving a motion input from the user 75. As discussed above, the automatic mode activation input can be a single input from the user 75, and the motion input from the user 75 can be continuous to move the closure member 12. Likewise, the automatic mode activation input can include at least one of the user 75 operating a switch (e.g., the closure member switch 58 on the closure member 12), the user 75 making a gesture near the motor vehicle 10, or the user 75 holding the key fob 60 near the motor vehicle 10.

[0065] As discussed above, the powered closure member system 21 may include an OEM-only accessible interface 204. Thus, according to other aspects, the method further includes the step of enabling certain portions of the instructions 200, 202 using the OEM-only accessible interface 204 coupled to the controller 50.

[0066] According to an additional aspect, a method of configuring a control system 20 of a power door system 21 is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a controller 50 adapted to operate an actuator 22 to move a door 12. The method also includes the steps of uploading instructions 200, 202 associated with operating the power door system 21 in either an automatic mode or a power-assisted mode to a memory unit 92 of the controller 50. Additionally, the method includes the steps of uploading configuration instructions to the controller 50 to use either the instructions 200, 202 associated with operating the power door system 21 in either an automatic mode or a power-assisted mode (e.g., using an interface 204 accessible only to an original equipment manufacturer (OEM)), or to use the instructions 200, 202 associated with operating the power door system 21 in only one of the automatic mode or the power-assisted mode.

[0067] As described above, only the instructions 200, 202 associated with the power assist mode are executed by the processor 110 of the controller 50 in response to the processor 110 operating in the reduced performance mode. The instructions 200, 202 associated with both the power assist mode and the automatic mode are executed by the processor 110 in response to the processor 110 operating in the increased performance mode, which is different from the reduced performance mode. Similarly, the method may further include providing a contactless obstacle detection system 66 for detecting obstacles near the closure member 12 of the motor vehicle 10. Only the instructions 200, 202 associated with the automatic mode are executed by the processor 110 of the controller 50 in response to the processor 110 communicating with the contactless obstacle detection system 66. The method may further include enabling certain portions of the instructions 200, 202 using an interface 204 coupled to the controller 50 that is accessible only to the original equipment manufacturer.

[0068] Obviously, however, changes may be made to what is described and illustrated herein without departing from the scope defined in the appended claims. The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. The individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but are interchangeable where applicable and can be used in the selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The individual elements or features of a particular embodiment may also vary in many aspects. Such variations are not considered to be departures from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0069] The terms used herein are only used to describe the purpose of specific example embodiments and are not intended to be restrictive. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" may also be intended to include plural forms. The terms "comprise", "include", "contain" and "have" are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or combinations thereof. Unless the method steps, processes and operations described herein are specifically identified as the order of execution, they should not be interpreted as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or shown. It should also be understood that additional steps or alternative steps may be adopted.

[0070] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on”, “engaged to”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” or “directly engaged to”, “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., “between” versus “directly between”, “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent”, etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0071] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts in this article, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms can only be used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or part from another region, layer or part. When using terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms in this article, unless clearly indicated by the context, it does not mean order or sequence. Therefore, without departing from the teaching of example embodiments, the first element, first component, first area, first layer or first part discussed below can be referred to as second element, second component, second area, second layer or second part.

[0072] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "inside," "outside," "below," "beneath," "lower," "above," "upper," "top," "bottom," etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as shown in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be meant to include different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the accompanying drawings. For example, if the device in the drawings is turned over, the elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features will be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term "below" can include both above and below orientations. The device can be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptions used herein are interpreted accordingly.

[0073] The components of the exemplary devices, systems, and methods employed in accordance with the illustrated embodiments may be implemented, at least in part, in digital electronic circuits, analog electronic circuits, or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. These components may be implemented as a collection of instructions executed by a processing device, such as a computer program product, such as a computer program, program code, or computer instructions tangibly embodied in an information carrier or machine-readable storage device for execution by a data processing device such as a programmable processor, microprocessor, computer, or multiple computers, or for controlling the operation of the data processing device. The term "controller" as used in this application refers to any such computer, processor, microchip processor, integrated circuit, or any other component, whether single or multiple, capable of carrying a program for executing the functions, methods, and flowcharts provided herein. A controller may be a single such component located on a printed circuit board along with other electronic components. Alternatively, the controller may exist remotely from the other component systems described herein. For example, but not limited to, at least one controller may be programmed in a vehicle's onboard computer within a vehicle door, latch, or elsewhere within the vehicle. A controller may also exist in multiple locations or include multiple components.

[0074] Instruction lists, such as computer programs, can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and can be deployed in any form, including as a standalone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. The computer program can be deployed to execute on one computer or on multiple computers, the multiple computers being located at one station or distributed across multiple stations and interconnected via a communication network. In addition, the functional programs, codes, and code segments for implementing the illustrative embodiments can be easily interpreted by a skilled programmer in the art to which the illustrative embodiments belong as being within the scope of the claims illustrated by the illustrative embodiments. The method steps associated with the illustrative embodiments can be performed by executing computer programs, codes, or instructions by one or more programmable processors to perform functions (e.g., by operating on input data and / or generating output). For example, the method steps can also be performed by dedicated logic circuitry, such as an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit), and the apparatus of the illustrative embodiments can be implemented as the dedicated logic circuitry.

[0075] The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, algorithms, steps, and circuits described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or executed by a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an ASIC, an FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, as an example, the processor may be any conventional processor, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a combination of multiple microprocessors, a combination of one or more microprocessors with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0076] By way of example, processors suitable for executing computer programs include both general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors and any one or more processors of any type of digital computer. Typically, the processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory, or both. The basic elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer will also include or be operatively coupled to one or more large-capacity storage devices for storing data, such as magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks, to receive data from or transmit data to or both. Information carriers suitable for implementing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including, by way of example, semiconductor memory devices, such as electrically programmable read-only memory or ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory devices, and data storage disks (e.g., magnetic disks, internal hard disks or removable disks, magneto-optical disks, and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks). The processor and memory can be supplemented by or incorporated into a dedicated logic circuit system.

[0077] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any of a variety of different techniques and technologies may be used to represent information and signals. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips mentioned throughout the foregoing description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0078] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the various illustrative logic blocks, modules, circuits, algorithms, and steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of the two. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been generally described above in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints imposed on the entire system. Technicians can implement the described functionality in different ways for each specific application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as resulting in a departure from the scope of the claims illustrated by the illustrative embodiments. The software module can reside in random access memory (RAM), flash memory, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, registers, hard disk, removable disk, CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. In an alternative, the storage medium can be an integral part of the processor. In other words, the processor and storage medium can reside in an integrated circuit or be implemented as discrete components.

[0079] Computer-readable non-transitory media include all types of computer-readable media, including magnetic storage media, optical storage media, flash memory media, and solid-state storage media. It should be understood that the software can be installed in a central processing unit (CPU) device and sold together with it. Alternatively, the software can be obtained and loaded into the CPU device, including obtaining the software through a physical medium or distribution system, including, for example, obtaining the software from a server owned by the software creator or from a server not owned by the software creator but used by the software creator. For example, the software can be stored on a server for distribution over the Internet.

[0080] The embodiments of the present invention can be understood with reference to the following numbered paragraphs:

[0081] 1. A powered closure member system 21 for a motor vehicle 10, comprising:

[0082] an actuator 22 for moving the closure member 12 ; and

[0083] A controller 50 is adapted to control the closure member 12 using the actuator 22 through a range of features, wherein the controller 50 is adapted to control the closure member 12 through a subset of features when operating in the reduced performance mode.

[0084] 2. A powered closure member system 21 according to paragraph 1, wherein the controller 50 is further configured to use the actuator 22 to control the closure member 12 using another subset of features when operating in an increased performance mode different from the reduced performance mode, the other subset of features associated with the increased performance mode including a greater number of feature groups than the subset of features associated with the reduced performance mode.

[0085] 3. The powered closure member system 21 of paragraph 1, wherein the controller 50 comprises:

[0086] a memory unit 92 including instructions 200, 202 associated with operating the powered closure member system 21 in either an automatic mode or a power-assisted mode; and

[0087] The processor 110 is configured to execute instructions 200 , 202 stored in the memory unit 92 , wherein the processor 110 is adapted to execute instructions 200 , 202 associated with both the automatic mode and the power-assisted mode or only one of the automatic mode and the power-assisted mode.

[0088] 4. The powered closure member system 21 of paragraph 3, wherein the processor 110 is further configured to:

[0089] executing instructions 200 , 202 associated only with the power assist mode in response to the processor 110 operating in the reduced performance mode; and

[0090] The instructions 200 , 202 associated with the power assist mode and the automatic mode are executed in response to the processor 110 operating in an increased performance mode that is different from the reduced performance mode.

[0091] 5. The powered closure member system 21 of paragraph 3, further comprising a contactless obstacle detection system 66 for detecting obstacles proximate to the closure member 12 of the motor vehicle 10, and wherein the processor 110 is further configured to execute instructions 200, 202 associated only with the automatic mode in response to the processor 110 communicating with the contactless obstacle detection system 66.

[0092] 6. The powered closure member system 21 of paragraph 3, wherein the processor 110 is configured to enter the automatic mode in response to receiving an automatic mode initiation input 54 from the user 75, and to enter the power-assisted mode in response to receiving a motion input 56 from the user 75, wherein the automatic mode initiation input 54 is a single input from the user 75 and the motion input 56 from the user 75 is continuous to move the closure member 12.

[0093] 7. The powered closure member system 21 of paragraph 6, wherein the automatic mode activation input 54 includes at least one of the user 75 operating the switch 58 , the user 75 making a gesture near the motor vehicle 10 , or the user 75 holding the key fob 60 near the motor vehicle 10 .

[0094] 8. The powered closure member system 21 of paragraph 3, further comprising an interface 204 accessible only to the original equipment manufacturer, the interface 204 coupled to the controller 50 and configured to enable certain portions of the instructions 200 , 202 .

[0095] 9. A method of controlling a powered closure member system 21 for a motor vehicle 10, the method comprising the steps of:

[0096] The actuator 22 is used to control the closure member 12 through a series of features;

[0097] When operating in the reduced performance mode, the closure member 12 is controlled by a subset of features.

[0098] 10. The method of paragraph 9 further comprising the step of controlling the closing member 12 using the actuator 22 using another subset of features when operating in an increased performance mode that is different from the reduced performance mode, the other subset of features associated with the increased performance mode including a greater number of feature groups than the subset of features associated with the reduced performance mode.

[0099] 11. The method according to paragraph 9, further comprising the steps of:

[0100] Using the controller 50 to control the actuator 22 to move the closure member 12;

[0101] configuring the controller 50 to execute instructions 200 , 202 associated with operating the powered closure member system 21 in either an automatic mode or a power-assisted mode; and

[0102] The controller 50 is configured to execute instructions 200 , 202 associated with both the automatic mode and the power assist mode or only one of the automatic mode and the power assist mode.

[0103] 12. The method according to paragraph 11, further comprising the steps of:

[0104] configuring the controller 50 to execute only the instructions 200 , 202 associated with the power assist mode in response to the controller 50 operating in the reduced performance mode; and

[0105] The controller 50 is configured to execute instructions 200 , 202 associated with the power assist mode and the automatic mode in response to the controller 50 operating in an increased performance mode that is different from the reduced performance mode.

[0106] 13. The method of paragraph 11, further comprising the step of configuring the controller 50 to execute instructions 200 , 202 associated with the power assist mode and the automatic mode in response to the controller 50 communicating with the non-contact obstacle detection system 66 .

[0107] 14. The method of paragraph 11 further comprising the steps of entering automatic mode in response to receiving an automatic mode start input 54 from a user 75, and entering power assist mode in response to receiving a motion input 56 from the user 75, wherein the automatic mode start input 54 is a single input from the user 75 and the motion input 56 from the user 75 is continuous to move the closing member 12.

[0108] 15. The method of paragraph 14, wherein the automatic mode activation input 54 comprises at least one of the user 75 operating the switch 58 , the user 75 making a gesture near the motor vehicle 10 , or the user 75 holding the key fob 60 near the motor vehicle 10 .

[0109] 16. The method of paragraph 11, further comprising the step of enabling certain portions of the instructions 200, 202 using an interface 204 coupled to the controller 50 accessible only to the original equipment manufacturer.

[0110] 17. A method of configuring a control system of a powered closure member system 21 of a motor vehicle 10, the method comprising the steps of:

[0111] providing a controller 50 adapted to control the actuator 22 to move the closure member 12;

[0112] Uploading instructions 200 , 202 associated with operating the powered closure member system 21 in either the automatic mode or the power-assisted mode to the memory unit 92 of the controller 50 ; and

[0113] Configuration instructions are uploaded to the controller 50 to use the instructions 200, 202 associated with operating the powered closure member system 21 in both the automatic mode and the power-assisted mode, or to use the instructions 200, 202 associated with operating the powered closure member system 21 in only one of the automatic mode and the power-assisted mode.

[0114] 18. A method according to paragraph 17, wherein only the instructions 200, 202 associated with the power assist mode are executed by the processor 110 of the controller 50 in response to the processor 110 operating in the reduced performance mode, and the instructions 200, 202 associated with the power assist mode and the automatic mode are executed by the processor 110 in response to the processor 110 operating in the increased performance mode different from the reduced performance mode.

[0115] 19. The method of paragraph 17 further includes the step of providing a contactless obstacle detection system 66 for detecting obstacles in the vicinity of the closure member 12 of the motor vehicle 10 , wherein only the instructions 200 , 202 associated with the automatic mode are executed by the processor 110 of the controller 50 in response to the processor 110 communicating with the contactless obstacle detection system 66 .

[0116] 20. The method of paragraph 17, further comprising the step of enabling certain portions of the instructions 200, 202 using an interface 204 coupled to the controller 50 accessible only to the original equipment manufacturer.

Claims

1. A powered closure member system (21) for a motor vehicle (10), the powered closure member system (21) comprising: an actuator (22) for moving the closure member (12); as well as A controller (50) is adapted to control the closure member (12) using the actuator (22) through a range of features, wherein the controller (50) is adapted to control the closure member (12) through a subset of the features when operating in a reduced performance mode.

2. The powered closure member system (21) according to claim 1, wherein: The controller (50) is further configured to control the closure member (12) with the actuator (22) using another subset of the features when operating in an increased performance mode different from the reduced performance mode, the another subset of features associated with the increased performance mode including a greater number of feature groups than the subset of features associated with the reduced performance mode.

3. A powered closure member system (21) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The controller (50) comprises: a memory unit (92) including instructions (200, 202) associated with operating the powered closure member system (21) in either an automatic mode or a power-assisted mode; and A processor (110) for executing the instructions (200, 202) stored in the memory unit (92), wherein the processor (110) is adapted to execute the instructions (200, 202) associated with both the automatic mode and the power-assisted mode or only one of the automatic mode and the power-assisted mode.

4. A powered closure member system (21) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The processor (110) is further configured to: executing the instructions (200, 202) associated only with the power assist mode in response to the processor (110) operating in the reduced performance mode; as well as The instructions (200, 202) associated with the power assist mode and the automatic mode are executed in response to the processor (110) operating in a higher performance mode that is different from the lower performance mode.

5. A method of controlling a powered closure member system (21) for a motor vehicle (10), the method comprising the steps of: using an actuator (22) to control the closure member (12) through a series of features; The closure member (12) is controlled by a subset of the features when operating in a reduced performance mode.

6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising the steps of: The actuator (22) is used to control the closure member (12) using another subset of the features when operating in an increased performance mode different from the reduced performance mode, the another subset of features associated with the increased performance mode including a greater number of feature groups than the subset of features associated with the reduced performance mode.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the steps of: controlling the actuator (22) to move the closure member (12) using a controller (50); configuring the controller (50) to execute instructions (200, 202) associated with operating the powered closure member system (21) in an automatic mode or a power-assisted mode; as well as The controller (50) is configured to execute the instructions (200, 202) associated with both the automatic mode and the power assist mode or only one of the automatic mode and the power assist mode.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the steps of: configuring the controller (50) to execute only the instructions (200, 202) associated with the power assist mode in response to the controller (50) operating in the reduced performance mode; as well as The controller (50) is configured to execute the instructions (200, 202) associated with the power assist mode and the automatic mode in response to the controller (50) operating in an increased performance mode different from the reduced performance mode.

9. A method of configuring a control system of a powered closure member system (21) of a motor vehicle (10), the method comprising the steps of: providing a controller (50) adapted to operate the actuator (22) to move the closure member (12); uploading instructions (200, 202) associated with operating the powered closure member system (21) in either an automatic mode or a power-assisted mode to a memory unit (92) of the controller (50); as well as Configuration instructions are uploaded to the controller (50) to use the instructions (200, 202) associated with operating the powered closure member system (21) in both the automatic mode and the power-assisted mode, or to use the instructions (200, 202) associated with operating the powered closure member system (21) in only one of the automatic mode and the power-assisted mode.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: Only the instructions (200, 202) associated with the power assist mode are executed by the processor (110) of the controller (50) in response to the processor (110) operating in a reduced performance mode, and the instructions (200, 202) associated with the power assist mode and the automatic mode are executed by the processor (110) in response to the processor (110) operating in a increased performance mode different from the reduced performance mode.

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