Abstract: A vehicle door system includes a closer operable to move a door to a closed position. A presenter is operable to move the door to an initial open position. An actuator is mounted within the door and includes a linear moving member movable between a retracted and extended position along a linear axis. The linear moving member operates the presenter when moved toward the extended position and the closer when moved toward the retracted position. The actuator may also be utilized to drive a door edge protector.

Abstract: A handle for a door of a motor vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, at least one button configured to lock or unlock the door, a camera, and a printed circuit board including a processor electrically coupled to the at least one button and the camera. A method of use is also disclosed.

Abstract: An air extraction system is provided for a motor vehicle. That air extraction system includes an air extractor having an air flow control valve and an actuator operatively connected to the air flow control valve. Further the system includes a controller configured to activate the actuator and open the air flow control valve when a closure of the motor vehicle is opened thereby mitigating a vacuum-effect otherwise created in the passenger cabin of the motor vehicle. Such a system is particularly effective in mitigating moon roof draw down on moon roof equipped motor vehicles. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for unlocking a vehicle. An example vehicle includes a power system, a remote unlock system controlled by a remote unlocking device, and a door applique. The door applique comprises a wireless charger coupled to the power system, configured to charge the remote unlocking device, and a ridge configured to engage the remote unlocking device, wherein the wireless charger is configured to charge the remote unlocking device for a limited time.

Abstract: A motor vehicle door lock status system is provided. That system includes a door lock actuator, a door lock status indicator for indicating lock status of the multiple motor vehicle doors, and a controller. The controller is connected to the door lock actuator and the door lock status indicator. Further, the controller is configured to provide a door open signal, an all doors closed and locked signal and a failure to lock signal. A related method of indicating door lock status of a motor vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A power door system for a vehicle includes a door connected to a vehicle body, a door actuator comprising a clutch and a braking system and adapted to displace the door between a plurality of open positions and a fully closed position, and a controller system configured to disengage the clutch on determination of a manual door open or close operation. The controller system is further configured to engage the braking system on a determination that the manual door close operation exceeds a threshold door closing speed. The controller system is further configured to cause the braking system to stop the manual door close operation exceeding the threshold door closing speed at a spaced distance from the vehicle body, to re-engage the clutch, and to actuate a power cinch function to displace the door to the fully closed position.

Abstract: A method of preventing unintended actions associated with an input device accessible from an exterior of a vehicle includes the steps of: (a) monitoring a state of switches associated with keys of said keypad; (b) identifying an action associated with the state of said switches associated with said keys of said keypad; (c) determining a state of at least one component of the vehicle other than said keypad; and (d) precluding the action associated with the state of said switches associated with said keys of said keypad based on the determined state of said at least one component of the vehicle. In one embodiment, a processor associated with the keypad performs the steps of monitoring, identifying, determining, and precluding and the action may be locking a closure member of the vehicle.

Abstract: A warning system for a vehicle includes a vehicle door-mounted exterior illuminable signal, a door-open indicator associated with the vehicle door, and a controller configured to actuate the exterior illuminable signal to emit light in a selected one of multiple operating modes. The operating modes may include an increased visibility operating mode differing from other operating modes in an intensity and/or pattern and/or color of light emitted by the door-mounted exterior illuminable signal. The vehicle door may be a rear-hinged door and the illuminable signal may be associated with a handle of the door. The controller may actuate the exterior illuminable signal in a different operating mode on receiving both of a signal from the door-open indicator and a signal from a vehicle navigational system.

Abstract: A system for allowing an operator to control one or more locks of a vehicle associated with a controller for controlling the one or more vehicle locks is provided. The system comprises a touchpad for mounting to the vehicle, the touchpad adapted for receiving a code from the operator for controlling the one or more locks. A generator is also provided for generating power for operating the touchpad based on kinetic energy associated with the vehicle. A wireless transceiver associated with the touchpad may transmit a signal to the controller when the code is provided to the touch pad. A second or alternative generator for generating power for operating the touchpad based on solar energy. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A power door system for a vehicle including a plurality of power-operated doors is provided. The system includes a passive remote entry device configured to emit a signal to one or more cooperating vehicle receivers and a controller configured to cause the power door system to open the at least one power-operated door when the passive remote entry device signal is received and an individual is detected in a predefined activation zone for a predetermined period of time. The system further includes a vehicle-mounted user detection device. The passive remote entry device may be selected from the group consisting of a key fob, a smart key, a key card, a cellular telephone or smartphone configured with a phone-as-a-key function, a Bluetooth®-activated and vehicle-recognized cellular telephone, a Bluetooth®-activated and vehicle-recognized smartphone, and a Bluetooth®-activated and vehicle-recognized smartwatch. Methods for controlling a power door system for a vehicle are described.

Abstract: An improved selective power assist device includes a controller for controlling a motor selectively coupled to the door and a clutch interposed between a drive shaft and a motor shaft, each having an angular velocity, whereby the motor is operatively coupled with and decoupled from the door. A brake assembly is disposed to synchronize the angular velocities of the drive shaft and the motor shaft allowing the clutch to operatively couple the motor with the door.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for window short drop for a vehicle with an electronic latch. An example door of a vehicle includes a door control unit communicatively coupled to an electronic latch. The electronic latch, in response to detecting a user touching an exterior handle, requests authorization from the vehicle. In response to receiving authorization, the electronic latch sends a request to the door control unit to lower a window of the door. Additionally, in response to receiving a confirmation from the door control unit, the electronic latch unlatches the door.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for a vehicle communication status indicator. An example disclosed vehicle includes a body control module and a keyless entry unit. The example body control unit determines whether a mobile device is authorized to act as a key. The example keyless entry unit is communicatively coupled to the body control module. The example keyless entry unit activates an indicator LED when the mobile device is connected to a wireless node. The indicator LED emits a first color when the mobile device is authorized.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes a door panel slidably operable between a secured position within a door aperture and a staging position partially distal from the door aperture. A latch is engaged with a striker path during operation of the door panel between the secured and staging positions, and is selectively disengaged from the striker path to define open and closed positions of the door panel when the door panel is in the staging position.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for a vehicle communication status indicator. An example disclosed vehicle includes a body control module and a keyless entry unit. The example body control unit determines whether a mobile device is authorized to act as a key. The example keyless entry unit is communicatively coupled to the body control module. The example keyless entry unit activates an indicator LED when the mobile device is connected to a wireless node. The indicator LED emits a first color when the mobile device is authorized.

Abstract: A motor vehicle emergency handle door release comprises a housing having a pair of opposed walls and one of a pair of opposed pivot bosses disposed on an interior surface of each of the opposed walls. A pivotable handle comprises a pivot mount, a lever disposed on one side of the pivot mount, and a door latch release cable end fitting disposed on another side of the pivot mount. The pivot mount includes a pair of opposed pivots extending laterally from the pivot mount of the pivotable handle that are received within the pivot bosses disposed on the interior surface of each of the opposed walls. A spring having a first leg is disposed against a surface of the housing and a second leg is disposed against a surface of the pivotable handle, urging the pivotable handle to a stowed position.

Abstract: A motor vehicle door lock status system is provided. That system includes a door lock actuator, a door lock status indicator for indicating lock status of the multiple motor vehicle doors, and a controller. The controller is connected to the door lock actuator and the door lock status indicator. Further, the controller is configured to provide a door open signal, an all doors closed and locked signal and a failure to lock signal. A related method of indicating door lock status of a motor vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A motor vehicle door lock status system is provided. That system includes a door lock actuator, a door lock status indicator for indicating lock status of the multiple motor vehicle doors, and a controller. The controller is connected to the door lock actuator and the door lock status indicator. Further, the controller is configured to provide a door open signal, an all doors closed and locked signal and a failure to lock signal. A related method of indicating door lock status of a motor vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A computing device determines that one or more users have departed a vehicle. The computing device determines whether a vehicle door is ajar. A power door subsystem is actuated to close the vehicle door when the vehicle door is ajar and the vehicle has no users. A fare is determined when the vehicle door is in a latched position. A message is sent to the at least one of the one or more users indicating the fare.

Abstract: A motor vehicle door lock status system is provided. That system includes a door lock actuator, a door lock status indicator for indicating lock status of the multiple motor vehicle doors, and a controller. The controller is connected to the door lock actuator and the door lock status indicator. Further, the controller is configured to provide a door open signal, an all doors closed and locked signal and a failure to lock signal. A related method of indicating door lock status of a motor vehicle is also disclosed.