Tesla Motors, Inc.

Brenda Cucci

Adam Scott Kilgore

David Wheeler

Ian Craven

Joris Aerts

Daryl Zalan

Dan Adams

Robert B Mooney

In a vehicle door assembly, controllers processes signals from an extension force sensor and a retraction force sensor to control a door handle. As a motor retracts the handle, a swing arm in the vehicle door presses against the retraction force sensor causing the handle controller to stop the motor. Pushing on the retracted handle presses the swing arm against the retraction force sensor a second time causing the controllers to operate the motor and extend the handle. As the handle extends, the swing arm presses against the extension force sensor and the handle controller stops the motor as the handle is fully extended. Subsequently, a hand pulling on the door handle presses the swing arm against the extension force sensor a second time causing the controllers to unlatch a latch holding the vehicle door shut, and thereby allow the vehicle door to open.

Controller apparatus and sensors for a vehicle door handle

A door handle assembly for a vehicle door includes a door handle operated using a controller and sensors. In the door interior, an upper portion of a swing arm connects to a first post and a second post portion of the door handle. The lower portion of the swing arm, rotably attached to a shaft on the inner door, pivots between an extended and retracted position. When an extension force sensor contacts the upper portion of the arm, the extension force sensor on the inner door surface generates an extension force response signal. A retraction force sensor on the lower portion of the arm generates a retraction force response signal when the retraction force sensor on the lower portion of the arm contacts a flush adjuster rod. Both extension and retraction force response signals are used by the controller to operate the door handle.

Aspects of the disclosure provide for controlling a hood latch using an electrically actuated primary hood latch and an electrically actuated secondary hood latch. To open the hood of the vehicle, a person presses a hood release button. Before attempting to release either the primary hood latch or secondary hood latch, a determination is made whether a vehicle speed of the vehicle is below a minimum vehicle speed threshold. If the vehicle speed is below this threshold, both the primary electrical actuator for the primary hood latch and the secondary electrical actuator for the secondary hood latch are triggered, thereby releasing hood from a closed position into an open position. When the vehicle speed is above this vehicle speed threshold, only the primary electrical actuator for primary hood latch is triggered; leaving the hood in a partially open position held in place by the secondary hood latch.

Power release hood latch method and system

Aspects of the disclosure provide a door handle assembly used in a vehicle door having an illumination module and illumination source that directs light in a first direction and a second direction using a pair of light pipes. The door handle from the door handle assembly includes a first illumination aperture oriented in the first direction and a second illumination aperture oriented in the second direction. As the illumination source generates light, the first light pipe receives a first portion of light and directs it toward a first illumination surface and the first illumination aperture in the first direction. By molding the second light pipe around the first light pipe, remaining light is captured from the illumination source as a second portion of light. The second portion of light reflects along the interior surfaces of the second light pipe towards the second illumination surface oriented in the second direction.

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San Carlos, CA, United States of America

Brenda Cucci