Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

Gregory Alan Conner

Jason C Zasa

Gregory James Grudzinski

Markus Link

A system and method are disclosed for controlling the opening and closing of a closure panel for a vehicle. The system includes a power actuator having a motor for opening and closing the closure panel. A lift-assist member cooperates with the power actuator and is operated by a controller that controls the operation of the power actuator. A circuit monitors current draw of the motor and signals the controller when the current required for opening the closure panel exceeds a predetermined level to prevent operation of the power actuator. The position of the closure member may be monitored by an encoder, or angle sensor, associated with the motor to detect whether the closure member is falling and actuate a system that prevents rapid movement of the closure member.

Vehicle closure member power actuator control

A method of fitting a power closure member to a vehicle includes the steps of: (a) detecting, by current sensor, current drawn by a closure member actuator when the closure member is closed and a latch contacts a striker of a lock assembly for the closure member and (b) comparing, by computing device, a detected current to a predetermined current range representative of desired mechanical interference between the latch and the striker.

Method of detecting mechanical interference of a power closure member for a vehicle

A system for measuring an automotive convertible top operating parameter, such as the amount of force required to operate the convertible top, includes a pulldown actuator for moving a convertible top from an open position into a closed position. The pulldown actuator is equipped with position and force transducers. A controller which operates the pulldown actuator records the operational position of the top, as well as the force required to close the top.

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Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America

Gregory Alan Conner