Patent ID: 7686378
Filing Date: 2010-03-30
Classification: E05F,E05Y

Abstract:
1. A vehicle comprising: a plurality of obstacle detection sensors, including a door angle sensor; a door having a range of motion defining a maximum door opening angle, said door further having a variable door opening angle that is selectable by a user of the vehicle from approximately 0 degrees up to the maximum door opening angle, said door angle sensor being operable for determining a change in an instantaneous position of said door over time to determine a threshold change in velocity of said door, and to thereby detect an obstacle positioned within said range of motion in a first manner; an actuator adapted for alternately opening and closing said door; and a controller having an algorithm for moving said actuator in one direction to at least partially open said door to said variable door opening angle in response to a first command, and for moving said actuator in another direction to at least partially close said door in response to a second command; wherein said controller is operable for interrupting either of said opening and said closing when said presence of said obstacle is detected in said first manner.