Patent ID: 6411054
Filing Date: 2002-06-25
Classification: E05F,E05Y,G07C

Abstract:
A powered liftgate actuation system for an automotive vehicle having a liftgate attached to a rear of the vehicle by a hinge and swinging outwardly and upwardly between a closed position and an open position, the liftgate projecting beyond a rearmost portion of the vehicle by an overhang distance during transit between the closed and open positions, the actuation system comprising:a motor actuatable to move the liftgate from the closed position to the open position and from the open position to the closed position; a wireless remote control transmitter activatable to transmit a signal; a receiver for receiving the signal; a non-contact ranging sensor mounted to the vehicle and directed rearward to measure a clearance distance between the vehicle and an obstruction; and a control module operable to actuate the motor upon receipt of the signal from the remote control transmitter, and further operable to inhibit actuation of the motor by the remote control transmitter if the ranging sensor indicates that the clearance distance is less than the overhang distance.