Patent ID: 7287803
Filing Date: 2007-10-30
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
1. An actuator assembly for controlling the motion of a motor vehicle closure panel between a first position and a second position of the type in which the force of gravity assists in urging the panel to move in a first direction from the first position to the second position and the force of gravity opposes movement of the panel while moving in a second direction from the second position to the first position, the actuator assembly comprising: an electric motor rotatable in first and second opposing rotational directions, a force transmission assembly coupled with the electric motor such that the closure panel is caused to move between the first position and the second position by rotation of the electric motor, and an electrical controller for applying electrical power to the electric motor applying a first average electrical power level to the motor causing the motor to move the panel in the second direction and causing a second average electrical power level to be applied to the motor causing the motor to move the panel in the first direction and causing the motor to provide an electrodynamic braking effect in controlling the rate of movement of the panel in the first direction.