Obstruction detection system for power liftgate
US6411054B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 15, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jun 25, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 15, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07C2009/00769
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A powered liftgate actuation system for a vehicle in which opening and/or closing of the liftgate is inhibited if the vehicle is positioned too close to an obstruction for unobstructed movement of the liftgate. Non-contact ranging sensors are mounted to the vehicle and directed rearward to detect a clearance distance between the vehicle and an obstruction, and a control circuit for the motor inhibits actuation of the motor by a remote control unit if the ranging sensors indicates the clearance distance is less than the distance by which the liftgate extends beyond the rear of the vehicle. The control circuit has an override feature allowing the remote control unit to be used to actuate the motor and open the liftgate in spite of the ranging sensor indicating the clearance distance is too small. The ranging sensors may also serve as a component of a backup aid warning system used to detect obstructions located behind the vehicle while the vehicle transmission is in a reverse gear position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.