A method and apparatus that prevent a collision with a hitch accessory are provided. The method includes: detecting an input to open a gate or detecting a gate opening motion, determining whether hitch accessory is present in a path of the gate opening motion, and in response to determining that the hitch accessory is absent from the path, opening the gate.

A safety device of an automated door system has a sensor device for arrangement on the door system such that a detection region of the sensor device covers a danger region of a door leaf using sensors. The sensor device detects the presence of an object within the detection region and has a control device for changinge the detection region on the basis of a current movement speed of the door leaf and/or to actuate the drive of the door leaf in the event of a safety response such that a braking distance of the door leaf is adapted to the current movement speed of the door leaf. The use of the safety device in a door drive with a drive unit for moving, or in a door system with, the associated door leaf an automated door system, and an operating method for the door system are also related.

An obstacle detection sensor system for a movable panel of a motor vehicle includes an obstacle detection sensor disposed on an articulating mount, the obstacle detection sensor and articulating mount being hidden from view by an exterior surface of the motor vehicle in a first position, and the articulating mount providing the obstacle detection sensor with a sensor detection range including an exterior surface of the movable panel in a second position. Movement of the articulating mount from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the first position is coupled to movement of the movable panel.

A system for operating an automatically movable panel that forms a portion of an exterior of a vehicle, and provides access to an interior of the vehicle; a motivator connected to the panel and moving the panel through a range of motion; a proximity sensor; and a control module disposed within the motor vehicle, the control module having a processor configured to execute control logic, the motivator and the proximity sensor in electronic communication with the control module. The control logic including: determining a position of the panel; receiving a plurality of passive inputs; selectively utilizing the motivator to move the panel through the range of motion based on the passive inputs; utilizing the proximity sensor to selectively determine when to initiate movement of the movable panel through the range of motion with the motivator; and informing a motor vehicle occupant of movement of the panel via a human-machine interface.

A vehicle having a tailgate configured to move between retracted and extended positions is disclosed. The vehicle includes a first detection unit, a second detection unit, a third detection unit and a control unit. The control unit obtains a first input from the first detection unit and determines whether the tailgate is in extended position. The control unit further obtains a second input and a third input from the second and third detection units respectively, when the tailgate is in the extended position. Responsive to obtaining the second and third inputs, the control unit identifies a tailgate extended orientation. In addition, the control unit detects an obstacle presence in a vehicle rear side proximity and calculates a calibrated distance between the obstacle and a tailgate top side, based on the tailgate extended orientation. The control unit notifies a vehicle user when the calibrated distance is less than a threshold.

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.

A method and apparatus that prevent a collision with a hitch accessory are provided. The method includes: detecting an input to open a gate or detecting a gate opening motion, determining whether hitch accessory is present in a path of the gate opening motion, and in response to determining that the hitch accessory is absent from the path, opening the gate.

The present invention concerns a motorized door having a shutter for closing and opening an area. The door comprises a series of sensors mounted on or adjacent to a leading edge of the shutter and wherein the sensors comprise ultrasonic emitter/receiver units configured for detecting the presence of an obstacle both in the opening plane of the door as well as in an approaching zone located near the opening area of the door. The door comprises a controller configured to distinguish an accidental obstacle from a non-accidental obstacle and instantly stop the movement of the leading edge when an accidental obstacle is observed during closing of the door.

A touch pad for operating an e-latch assembly of a motor vehicle entry system that includes a control circuit with a backup energy source and method of operating the entry system are provided. The touch pad includes a touch pad controller in communication with the control circuit of the e-latch assembly. The touch pad also includes at least one entry input sensor coupled to the touch pad controller for outputting a signal indicative of a touch to operate the e-latch assembly. The touch pad further includes a mechanical emergency switch assembly adjacent the at least one entry input sensor and including a plurality of pins electrically coupled to the control circuit for operating the e-latch assembly when the at least one input sensor is not operable due to one of a power loss and malfunction of the at least one input sensor.

A door system is provided and includes=a door assembly operable to assume an open position at which an aperture is opened and a closed position at which the aperture is closed, a sensor assembly and a controller. The controller is coupled to the door assembly and configured to instruct the door assembly to normally assume the closed position and to assume the open position in accordance with an open signal being issued by the sensor assembly. The sensor assembly is configured to track the individual, determine whether the individual is likely to be approaching the aperture from the tracking and issue the open signal in accordance with a determination that the individual is likely to be approaching the aperture.