Vehicle assembly having a capacitive sensor

US9051769B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• UUSI, LLC · US

Inventors

• John Washeleski · Cadillac, US
• Todd R. Newman · Traverse City, US
• Andrew E. Blank · Cadillac, US
• David W. Shank · Big Rapids, US
• Edward J. Cox, II · Marion, US
• Douglas M. Warnke · Cadillac, US
• John M. Taylor · Reed City, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 23, 2013
• Grant date: Jun 9, 2015
• Expiry date: Aug 8, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC E): Fixed Constructions
• CPC primary: E05Y2900/546
• WIPO field: Civil engineering
• WIPO sector: Other fields

Abstract

An illustrative assembly includes a panel and a capacitive sensor. The panel is movable between an opened position and a closed position relative to a closure of a vehicle body. The sensor is positioned on the panel such that at least a portion of the sensor is perpendicular to the closure of the vehicle body as the panel moves between the opened and closed positions. The sensor capacitively couples to an electrically conductive object proximal to the closure of the vehicle body such that capacitance of the sensor changes.