Safety with Convenience: Applying Low Cost Obstacle Detection Technology to Powered Closure Systems with Express Motion

There is a growing market for Powered Closure Systems and a strong trend to incorporate express motion for convenience. This drives the need to incorporate obstacle detection using anti-pinch technology for safety reasons according to vehicle safety standards applicable in the governing region. Powered Closure systems include windows, sunroofs, rear hatches, trunk lids and sliding doors with other applications under consideration. This paper will investigate the application of the technology in a cost-effective manner to these systems. A brief comparison of technologies will be considered and the paper will review motor-based control to explore the range of conditions required for obstacle detection. The challenge to provide good protection for obstacle intrusion without causing inadvertent system reversals due to environmental conditions will be presented. A primary focus of the paper will discuss the development of a technology “toolbox” to allow adaptation for the various applications and system to system variation. There is some hesitancy in the market to introduce this available technology due to lack of understanding or concern over cost. This paper seeks to show that the uses of low cost technology can be applied to provide improved safety while increasing convenience to the vehicle operator.