Patent ID: 7219945

Claim:
A power liftgate for an automotive vehicle, comprising: a liftgate door, hinged to a vehicle body, and having an operating path for opening the door and closing to a door opening panel; a motor system for opening and closing said door; a controller for operating said motor system; a primary obstacle detection system, operatively connected with said motor system and said controller, for determining when operation of said motor system is being inhibited by an object in the path of said door; a secondary obstacle detection system, operatively connected with said controller, with said secondary obstacle detection system comprising a sensor assembly for determining when an object is interposed between a margin of the door and a door opening panel; and a pinch protection member interposed between at least one marginal zone of said door and said door opening panel, with said pinch protection member comprising a resilient element mounted upon a carrier, and with said resilient element having sufficient strength to resiliently support an object positioned between the door and the door opening panel, such that the primary obstacle detection system will be triggered when the door and motor develop a predetermined compressive force upon the object.