Abstract: A method for constructing an extension mechanism for a closure panel of a vehicle, the extension mechanism including an extension member housed in a body housing, such that the extension member extends and retracts with respect to the body housing as the closure panel is opened and closed, the extension mechanism having a first connection at one end for connecting the extension member to the vehicle and a second connection at the other end for connecting the body housing to the vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: overlapping a tube wall of the body housing with an end portion of the body housing, the end portion having a receiving indentation; receiving a deformed portion of the tube wall into the receiving indentation in order to form a crimp connection between the tube wall and the end portion; and positioning a clamping member having a body by at least a portion of the body over the tube wall, such that the deformed portion is sandwiched between the portion of the body and the receiving indentatio

Abstract: A method for constructing an extension mechanism for a closure panel of a vehicle, the extension mechanism including an extension member housed in a body housing, such that the extension member extends and retracts with respect to the body housing as the closure panel is opened and closed, the extension mechanism having a first connection at one end for connecting the extension member to the vehicle and a second connection at the other end for connecting the body housing to the vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: overlapping a tube wall of the body housing with an end portion of the body housing, the end portion having a receiving indentation; receiving a deformed portion of the tube wall into the receiving indentation in order to form a crimp connection between the tube wall and the end portion; and positioning a clamping member having a body by at least a portion of the body over the tube wall, such that the deformed portion is sandwiched between the portion of the body and the receiving indentatio

Abstract: A user-activated, non-contact power closure member system and method of operating a closure member of a vehicle are provided. The system includes at least one sensor for sensing an object or motion. An indicator is located on the vehicle to inform the user of the appropriate location to make an activation gesture, which initiates opening of the closure member. The indicator is located adjacent the at least one sensor. The indicator also informs the user if the system is activated, in motion, and/or waiting for the activation gesture. An electronic control unit is connected to the at least one sensor and the indicator. When the object or motion is detected by the at least one sensor, the control unit notifies the user with the indicator, determines if the object or motion is the correct activation gesture, and initiates movement of the closure member.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a non-contact power closure member system for operating a liftgate of vehicle. The non-contact power closure member system includes at least one sensor for sensing an object or motion when a key fob is located within a predetermined distance of the vehicle. An indicator is located on the vehicle to inform the user of the appropriate location to make an activation gesture. The system also includes an electronic control unit connected to the at least one sensor and executing software. The electronic control unit processes the data to determine if the gesture made by the user is the activation gesture required to open the liftgate, or a false signal. In response to the activation gesture, the electronic control unit initiates opening of the liftgate. Methods are provided for operating the liftgate of a vehicle using a non-contact power closure member system.

Abstract: A user-activated, non-contact power closure member system and method of operating a closure member of a vehicle are provided. The system includes at least one sensor for sensing an object or motion. An indicator is located on the vehicle to inform the user of the appropriate location to make an activation gesture, which initiates opening of the closure member. The indicator is located adjacent the at least one sensor. The indicator also informs the user if the system is activated, in motion, and/or waiting for the activation gesture. An electronic control unit is connected to the at least one sensor and the indicator. When the object or motion is detected by the at least one sensor, the control unit notifies the user with the indicator, determines if the object or motion is the correct activation gesture, and initiates movement of the closure member.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided for evaluating team performance in a product development environment. The method includes receiving a plurality of points of effort made by a team over a plurality of days in a time period, computing a slope associated with a line of best fit through the plurality of points of effort over the plurality of days, computing a deviation of the slope from an ideal slope corresponding to a desired performance rate for the team, and generating a display illustrating at least one of the slope, the ideal slope or the deviation.