Combination capacitive and resistive obstacle sensor
US9477003B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 14, 2014 |
| Grant date | Oct 25, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 14, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03K2217/96078
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.