Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

Greg Conner

Ryan Edwin Hanson

Daniel M King

Gregory James Grudzinski

Michael Wrobel, Jr

Colm Deloughery

Donald E Walsh, Ii

Dennis Montville

A vehicle system includes a closure panel, one or more panel actuators operable to move the closure panel during opening and closing and to move the closure panel at a closing speed during closing, a latch operable to lock the closure panel, and a controller electrically connected with the panel actuator. The controller is configured to selectively adjust the closing speed of the panel actuator(s) on the next closing, based on past opening and closing of the closure panel. Loss of speed and higher current draws are equated to mechanical interferences in the closing and opening of the closure panel. The speed, voltages, dynamic braking, target speed, and obstacle thresholds can be adjusted in way that facilitates closing the closure panel without the need for servicing.

Vehicle system with self-adjusting variable speed closure

A power optimizer system for power closure panels includes a closure panel power actuator system comprising at least a motor operatively connected to a vehicle closure panel. A controller is configured to determine an optimal electrical current draw for the power actuator system according to one or more inputs relating at least to a vehicle battery status, a vehicle ambient temperature, a vehicle grade, and a vehicle climate control system status. Methods of modeling/optimizing the appropriate electrical current draw for power closure systems operating in varying voltage, temperature, grade, and climate control system conditions relative to a vehicle, or other similar mechanisms are also described.

Power closure panel system performance optimizer

A power optimizer system for power closure panels includes a closure panel power actuator system comprising at least a motor operatively connected to a lift-assist member and a closure panel counterbalancing member. A controller is configured at least to determine an optimal electrical current draw for the power actuator system according to one or more inputs relating at least to a vehicle ambient temperature and grade. One or more sensors are provided for providing the one or more inputs. The controller may also further be configured to receive a vehicle battery voltage condition input for calculating the optimum electrical current draw consistent with the environmental conditions to efficiently control the power actuator system motor. Methods of modeling/optimizing the appropriate electrical current draw for power closure systems operating in varying voltage, temperature and grade conditions relative to a vehicle, or other similar mechanisms are also described.

A system for operating an automotive liftgate includes a motor drive adapted for positioning the liftgate, and at least one telescopic strut positioned between the liftgate and an adjacent body structure. A controller operates the motor drive so as to place the liftgate in a predetermined position, such as a fully closed or fully opened position, in the event that a sensor detects unintended movement of the liftgate.

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Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America

Greg Conner