Patent ID: 8262021

Claim:
An obstruction detection system, comprising: a moveable assembly, comprising a moveable structure configured to move between a stowed configuration and an operational configuration, and having a leading surface, the leading surface facing a direction of movement when the moveable structure is moving between the stowed configuration and the operational configuration, a protective panel attached to the moveable structure, the protective panel having an outer surface spaced apart from the leading surface by an over-travel distance, an inner surface facing the leading surface of the moveable structure, and an outer edge around a perimeter of the outer surface and the inner surface, at least one proximity sensor configured to detect a displacement of the protective panel towards the leading surface of the moveable structure; and a control module responsive to the at least one proximity sensor, such that when the at least one proximity sensor detects the displacement of the protective panel towards the leading surface of the moveable structure so as to shorten the over-travel distance, the control module stops the movement of the moveable assembly between the stowed configuration and the operational configuration.