Title: Direct Sensor Solutions for Anti Pinch and Collision Avoidance for Motorized Closures
text: Motorized closures support the comfort in vehicles to an increasing degree. In the past the use of indirect sensors was an effective low-cost solution for anti pinch [1,2]. The demand for a reduction of the forces affecting the user and for minimized closing times leads to direct sensor solutions. A new aspect is the protection of moving vehicle parts, which we call collision avoidance. This paper deals with system aspects securing the movement area of motorized closures. An analysis is made for sliding doors, trunk lids and tailgates, pointing out the danger zones and the use cases. The result of a QFD (Qualitiy Function Deployment) with respect to the demands of the customer is shown. This leads to a rough description of the requirements for the technical solutions. A technology benchmark is conducted separately for anti-pinch and for collision avoidance. The two applications have distinct requirements; therefore different technological solutions are identified. As an example, the tailgate is examined in detail and a solution for securing the danger zones is presented. A Lab car is equipped and tested. For anti-pinch, a capacitive sensor system is selected and designed. Collision avoidance is realized by adopting a series automotive ultra-sonic sensor. Environmental influences are examined and described. Special integration problems and their solutions for both sensor systems are discussed. The topology of the electronic components is described and an outlook on the future is given.