Abstract: A non-contact obstacle detection (NCOD) system and a virtual handle assembly for a motor vehicle and a method of operating the non-contact obstacle detection system and a closure member using a virtual handle assembly are disclosed. The NCOD system includes a main electronic control unit. At least one non-contact obstacle sensor is coupled to the main electronic control unit for detecting obstacles. The control unit is configured to detect the obstacle and cease opening of the closure member in response to the obstacle being detected. Additionally, the control unit is configured to release a latch and apply power to a motor in response to the obstacle not being detected. The virtual handle assembly includes at least one virtual handle sensor for detecting a hand and maintaining a distance to the hand by operating an actuation system to move the closure member.

Abstract: A non-contact obstacle detection (NCOD) system for an opening in a vehicle includes a cover panel, such as a glass pane, slidable between opened and closed positions within the opening. The system includes one or more infrared time-of-flight (IR-TOF) sensors which measure the length of a beam of infrared light by measuring the time that the infrared light in the beam takes to travel the length of the beam and to reflect back to the sensor. The IR-TOF sensors may be configured to provide a beam of light along either the side edge of the frame parallel to the sliding direction or a terminal edge generally transverse to the sliding direction. Methods are provided for detecting obstacles within the opening of the frame by controllers using the lengths of beams from each of those different beam configurations, and for self-calibrating the system.

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 touch and gesture pad for a swipe/tap entry verification system and a method of operating the touch and gesture pad are disclosed. The touch and gesture pad includes a housing that defines a compartment. The touch and gesture pad includes a wiring connector for attachment to a wiring harness to provide power and communication with a processing unit. A PCB is disposed in the compartment. A plurality of IR TOF sensors are disposed on and electrically connected to the PCB for sensing gestures and touches to the touch and gesture assembly. The plurality of IR TOF sensors each includes a transmitter for transmitting an infrared beam and a receiver for receiving the infrared beam after reflection from an object near one of the plurality of IR TOF sensors and for outputting an IR TOF signal to the processing unit indicating touches or gestures.

Abstract: A non-contact obstacle detection (NCOD) system for a motor vehicle and a method of operating the non-contact obstacle detection system are disclosed. The NCOD system includes a main electronic control unit adapted to connect to a power source. At least one non-contact obstacle sensor is coupled to the main electronic control unit for detecting obstacles near a closure member of the vehicle. The control unit is configured to detect an obstacle and cease movement of the closure member in response to the obstacle being detected. Additionally, the control unit is configured to release a latch and apply power to a motor in response to the obstacle not being detected. The control unit is also configured to determine whether the closure member is in a full open position, and continue to apply power to a motor coupled to the closure member if the closure member is not in the full open position.

Abstract: A variable resistance conductive rubber sensor and method of detecting an object/human touch therewith is provided. The sensor has a sensor body constructed from electrically conductive rubber. The sensor body extends between opposite first and second ends. A first wire is operably connected to the first end and a second wire may be operably connected to the second end, with the first and second wires being brought into electrical communication with one another by the intermediately extending electrically conductive rubber of the sensor body. A microcontroller is operably connected to the sensor body to detect the presence of an applied force or human touch on the sensor body.

Abstract: An electric propulsion system for use with a vehicle including a pair of first wheels, a pair of second wheels, and a gas propulsion system. The electric propulsion system includes a first electric traction motor mounted to one of the first wheels, and a second electric traction motor mounted to the other one of the first wheels. The electric propulsion system includes pair of electric motor controllers each in electrical communication with a respective one of the first or second electric traction motors. Each of the electric motor controllers are also in electrical communication with the system controller and configured to receive vehicle signals from the system controller to control the respective electric traction motors accordingly. Put another way, the pair of electric motor controllers react to vehicle conditions to provide vehicle assist power to the gas propulsion system as needed.

Abstract: An actuated hinge assembly for facilitating pivoting movement of a door, the hinge assembly including: a first hinge member; a second hinge member pivotally coupled to the first hinge member; a powered actuator operatively coupled to the first hinge member, the actuator configured to drive relative rotation of the first hinge member and the second hinge member with respect to each other; wherein one hinge of the first hinge member and the second hinge member is configured for mounting to the door and the other of the first hinge member and the second hinge member is configured for mounting to a door frame of the door. Also included is a controller unit configured to control actuation of a powered latch assembly and/or the actuated hinge assembly using control signals received from a transponder.

Abstract: A solar panel assembly having a foundation tube, a rotary actuator mounted in the foundation tube for changing the azimuth of the panel and a linear actuator mounted to the foundation tube for controlling the elevation angle of the panel. The linear actuator utilizes a spindle drive. The rotary actuator includes a motor and gearbox; a drive screw connected to the motor; a spindle screw, one end of which provides an output of the rotary actuator; a drive nut having a first threaded hole for receiving a thread of the drive screw and a second threaded hole for receiving a thread of the spindle screw, the guide nut having a guide fin; and a guide rail interacting with the nut guide fin to constrain the nut from rotating, whereby the rotation of the drive by screw by operation of the motor causes the nut to translate linearly which in turn causes the spindle screw to rotate.

Abstract: A solar cell assembly includes a light concentrator attached to one face of a solar cell. The solar cell is attached to an electrical connector having an insulating substrate, a first electrically conductive terminal including a flat plate portion mounted to the insulating substrate, and a second electrically conductive terminal mounted to the insulating substrate. The second terminal has a U-shaped plate portion that partially circumscribes the first terminal, including opposing first and second legs and a web interconnecting the first and second legs. Each leg includes a flexibly resilient wing, the two wings being disposed in opposing relationship.

Abstract: A system for activating electromechanical systems of a vehicle, including at least one first flexible intelligent radio frequency module mounted on the vehicle, for receiving wireless communications signals; at least one second flexible intelligent radio frequency module mounted on the vehicle, for receiving wireless communications signals from a transponder, at least one third flexible intelligent radio frequency module mounted on the vehicle, for transmitting a signal when its capacitance is changed when an object is proximal to the at least one third flexible intelligent radio frequency module; at least one fourth flexible intelligent radio frequency module mounted on the vehicle, for receiving sounds external to the vehicle; and a vehicle bus in communication with the at least one first, second, third, and fourth flexible intelligent radio frequency modules.

Abstract: A system and method for activating electromechanical systems of a vehicle may include at least one antenna coupled to a vehicle and configured to receive wireless communications signals. At least one microphone may be coupled to the vehicle and configured to receive sounds external to the vehicle. A control unit may be in communication with the antenna(s) and be configured to receive the wireless communications signals. A voice recognition system may be in communication with the microphone(s). A transponder/keyfob may be utilized to determine when a user is locally external to the vehicle and, in response to determining that the user is locally external to the vehicle, the microphones may be polled to receive a voice command from the user to activate an electromechanical system.

Abstract: A system for activating electromechanical systems of a vehicle, including at least one first flexible intelligent radio frequency module mounted on the vehicle, for receiving wireless communications signals; at least one second flexible intelligent radio frequency module mounted on the vehicle, for receiving wireless communications signals from a transponder, at least one third flexible intelligent radio frequency module mounted on the vehicle, for transmitting a signal when its capacitance is changed when an object is proximal to the at least one third flexible intelligent radio frequency module; at least one fourth flexible intelligent radio frequency module mounted on the vehicle, for receiving sounds external to the vehicle; and a vehicle bus in communication with the at least one first, second, third, and fourth flexible intelligent radio frequency modules.

Abstract: A system and method for activating electromechanical systems of a vehicle may include at least one antenna coupled to a vehicle and configured to receive wireless communications signals. At least one microphone may be coupled to the vehicle and configured to receive sounds external to the vehicle. A control unit may be in communication with the antenna(s) and be configured to receive the wireless communications signals. A voice recognition system may be in communication with the microphone(s). A transponder/keyfob may be utilized to determine when a user is locally external to the vehicle and, in response to determining that the user is locally external to the vehicle, the microphones may be polled to receive a voice command from the user to activate an electromechanical system.