(12) United States Patent
`US 6,701,673 B1
`(10) Patent N0.:
`Kessler et al.
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Mar. 9, 2004
`
`U3006701673B1
`
`(54) OPENABLE AND CIAOSABIAE MOTOR
`VEHICLE WINDOW
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Michael Kessler, Offenbach (DE);
`Peter Hagedorn, Seeheim-Jugenhcim
`(DE); Hans Jiirgen Salzburger,
`Neunkirehen (DE); Ansgar Wilbrand,
`Rees-Haldern (DE)
`
`(73) Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co.
`KG, Coburg (DE)
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(21) Appl. N0.: 08/481,199
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Jun. 7, 1995
`
`Related US. Application Data
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`2246337
`2432063
`2127207
`2719955
`3034118
`3136746
`3528380
`3236631
`3712950
`3438050
`1347474
`
`4/1974
`1/1976
`6/1978
`11/1978
`3/1982
`6/1983
`2/1987
`3/1988
`11/1988
`4/1989
`2/1974
`
`*
`
`*
`
`.................... 49/28
`
`.................... 49/28
`
`DE
`DE
`DE
`DE
`DE
`DE
`DE
`DE
`DE
`DE
`GB
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Dr. Dan Russell, “Acoustics Animations”, Acoustics and
`Vibrations Animations page, http://VVWngiedu, 2001.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Primary Examiner—Jerry Redman
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Christie, Parker & Hale,
`LLP
`
`(63) Continuation of application No. 08/060,906, filed on May
`12, 1993, now abandoned.
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`(30)
`May 13, 1992
`(DE)
`.......................................... 42 15 744
`
`Int. Cl.7 .................................................. E06B 3/00
`(51)
`(52) US. Cl.
`.............................................. 49/506; 49/28
`(58) Field of Search ................................ 49/26, 27, 28,
`49/506
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`3,727,348 A *
`4,023,156 A *
`4,351,016 A *
`4,458,445 A *
`5,229,748 A *
`5,410,227 A *
`
`............ 49/28
`4/1973 Steinmann et al.
`5/1977 Galvin ................... 340/274 R
`9/1982 Felbinger .................... 49/28 R
`
`
` 7/1984 Sauer et al. ............ 49/26
`
`7/1993 Ehringer et al.
`340/566
`4/1995 Toyozumi et al.
`............. 49/26
`
`10
`
`Device for restricting or controlling and regulating the
`movement of remote-controlled parts, more particularly
`parts of a vehicle bodywork as well as a process for
`operating the device. The device and process can be used
`with particular advantage as a collision protection for win-
`dow winders, sunroofs, doors or flaps, more particularly in
`connection With electrical displacement devices for motor
`vehicles. The device is characterized by an actuator and a
`sensor which are mounted on a cohesive uninterrupted
`transmission path which is a constituent part of the closing
`surface area of the remote—controlled part and/or of the fixed
`part interacting therewith. The arrangement is selected so
`that a part of the energy supplied by actuator is converted
`into acoustic surface waves which can scatter over the
`
`transmission path and can be received by the sensor.
`
`20 Claims, 6 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`32.2
`
`UNIT
`
`
`
` COMPARATOR
`
`
`
`
`
`DRIVING
`
`DEVICE
`
`
`CONTROL
`UNIT
`
`
`
`UUSI, LLC
`
`Exhibit 2028
`
`WEBASTO ROOF
`
`SYSTEMS, INC.
`
`Petitioner
`
`V
`LlUSI, LLC
`Patent Owner
`
`Case:
`
`|PR2014-0065O
`
`Patent: 7,579,802
`
`1/17
`
`13'
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Mar. 9, 2004
`
`Sheet 1 0f 6
`
`US 6,701,673 B1
`
`
`
`UUSI, LLC
`UUSI, LLC
`Exhibit 2028
`Exhibit 2028
`2/17
`2/17
`
`

`

`
`
`UUSI, LLC
`Exhibit 2028
`3/17
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Mar. 9, 2004
`
`Sheet 3 0f 6
`
`US 6,701,673 B1
`
`FIG. fab
`
`
` DRIVING
`
`DEV'CE
`
`UUSI, LLC
`UUSI, LLC
`Exhibit 2028
`Exhibit 2028
`4/17
`4/17
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Mar. 9, 2004
`
`Sheet 4 0f 6
`
`US 6,701,673 B1
`
`
`
`
` COMPARATOR
`
`UNIT
`
`CONTROL
`
`UNIT
`
`
`
`
`DRIVING
`DEVICE
`
`
`UUSI, LLC
`UUSI, LLC
`Exhibit 2028
`Exhibit 2028
`5/17
`5/17
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Mar. 9, 2004
`
`Sheet 5 0f 6
`
`US 6,701,673 B1
`
`FIG.5a
`
`WEG
`
`F1050
`
`
`
`YAXXXKX
`
`
`\\\\\\\5\_
`
`FIG.5d
`
`A
`
`ZEIT
`
`ZE!T
`
`UUSI, LLC
`UUSI, LLC
`Exhibit 2028
`Exhibit 2028
`6/17
`6/17
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Mar. 9, 2004
`
`Sheet 6 0f 6
`
`US 6,701,673 B1
`
`FIC.6
`
`
`
`UUSI, LLC
`UUSI, LLC
`Exhibit 2028
`Exhibit 2028
`7/17
`7/17
`
`

`

`US 6,701,673 B1
`
`1
`OPENABIE ANI) CLOSABIE MOTOR
`VEHICLE WINDOW
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPI .I CATION
`
`This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/060,906,
`filed May 12, 1993, now abandoned.
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`
`10
`
`The invention relates to a device for restricting or con—
`trolling and regulating the movement of remote-controlled
`parts of a vehicle bodywork as disclosed herebelow. Par—
`ticularly advantageous is its use as collision protection for
`window winders, sunroofs, doors or flaps.
`2. Background Information
`Devices for controlling and more particularly monitoring
`the closing process of motorized parts, such as doors, flaps
`or window panes of motor vehicles are known and use the ,
`
`
`most varied of technical principles for this purpose. A
`
`
`di erence is made here between those which are linked with
`direct bodily contact and those systems which operate fee of
`contact.
`
`15
`
`In German Laid Open Patent Application No. 22 46 337
`a safety device for motor closable openings is disclosed
`which measures a specific value of an acoustic source eg. the
`sound intensity wherein the acoustic receiver is connected to
`the acoustic source by a transmission path conducting the
`air-borne sound. The transmission path can be an elastic
`hose mounted in the area of a closing edge. When it is
`deformed through an obstruction the sound intensity reach-
`ing the received is reduced. An evaluator device reacts
`thereto with a setting command to the motor.
`The disadvantage of this safety device is the danger of
`damage to or destruction of the transmission path when it is
`used as a jamming protection for the Window winder of a
`vehicle.
`
`Furthermore fixing the hose on the circumferential edge
`of the pane leads to fastening problems, in the area of the
`right-angled pane edges to transmission problems. Further-
`more inside the guide frame there is the danger of unin-
`tended release of the safety device.
`German Patent Publication Published for Opposition Pur—
`poses Number 24 32 063 describes a device for monitoring
`the door closing process in local transport vehicles by using
`the principle of a light beam. Radiation source and sensor
`are mounted substantially in one plane in the area of the
`closing edge. The transmission path inside the relatively
`large volumed elastic cover element
`is completed by a
`reflector at the opposite end of the closing edge. During
`deformation of the cover element the light transmission is
`dampened which leads via the sensor
`to the proposed
`reaction of the device.
`
`Adisadvantage is that the described device cannot or only
`after fitting expensive internal reflectors be used for moni—
`toring curved closing edges as would be necessary for the
`window pane of a vehicle.
`From German Patent Number 27 19 955 is known a
`contact—free field sensor for detecting persons or objects in
`front of edges>moving along a straight line. The antenna
`capacitors of the sensor detect an asymmetrical capacity
`change through approaching objects and lead to control
`commands via an evaluator device.
`
`Unfortunately field sensors often do not have a suffi—
`ciently restricted (narrow) operating range so that reactions
`
`30
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`35
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`40
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`45
`
`50
`
`LIILA
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`60
`
`65
`
`2
`can also be triggered by objects which do not lie directly in
`the direction of movement of the closing edge. By way of
`example when using this safety system as jamming protec-
`tion for electric window winders in motor vehicles the
`approach of the head or shoulder of a passenger towards the
`pane can lead to a reverse movement thereof.
`German Patent Numbers 30 34 118 and 31 36 746
`describe a process for electronically monitoring the opening
`and closing process of electrically operated assemblies
`wherein an electric setting member can be controlled from
`the time changes in the characteristic values of the assembly
`and their evaluation in a micro-computer. In one of the
`closing areas divided into several sections, during the clos—
`ing process the speed of the assembly is continuously
`detected and compared with a boundary value. If the bound—
`
`ary value is exceeded then a temporary reverse movement is
`
`
`carried out followed by a complete switch—o .
`This process very reliably detects jamming 3ut as a result
`of the in part considerable mass inertia forces acting during
`the movement or braking of the displaceab e object, the
`system reacts relatively sluggishly. Therefore quite large
`forces can act on the jammed objects.
`OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
`
`
`
`The object of the invention is to develop a device
`which is also suitable inter alia for use as a separate or
`additional collision protection wherein the release force
`is to be significantly reduced and wherein the collision
`protection should only respond in the area of immediate
`danger;
`whose functional reliability is not impaired by outside
`influences such as dirt, water, ice, wear and ageing of
`the parts;
`which manages without using separate switches mounted
`locally separated from the remote—controlled part; and
`which increases the operating comfort, more particularly
`by linking ergonomic and logical operating sequences.
`SL MMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`According o the invention this is achieved through a
`device with at
`least one electromechanical converter as
`actuator and a least one mechanical-electrical converter as
`sensor, as well as an electronic evaluator/control device
`wherein the actuator and sensor are mounted on a common
`i.e. cohesive acoustic transmission path which is part of a
`remote—contro led part eg. a window pane or a tailgate of a
`motor vehicle, and which is particularly accessible to or can
`be brought in 0 contact with a person, his hands or even
`inanimate objects. The actuator produces in the transmission
`path acoustic surface wavers (Rayleigh waves) of which the
`sensor detects at
`least one characteristic value eg.
`the
`amplitude or
`requency and passes it on to the evaluator/
`control unit.
`
`
`
`By altering the properties of the transmission path it may
`be necessary to adapt the device according to the invention.
`Depending on the pane guide and pane position the changed
`external conditions can lead to damping of the signal as a
`result of damage, dirt or ice and also to reflection of the
`signal. According to the invention the adjustment
`is
`achieved by increasing and reducing the output capacity
`and/or frequency of the actuator. In order to minimize the
`technical expense the actuator and sensor are advanta—
`geously designed as one integral functional unit wherein
`their functions are set timewise in succession. Piezo—crystals
`are suitable for this purpose.
`
`UUSI, LLC
`UUSI, LLC
`Exhibit 2028
`Exhibit 2028
`8/17
`8/17
`
`

`

`US 6,701,673 B1
`
`3
`However the use of several actuators and sensors can also
`be suitable. This makes it possible to diagnose the ageing of
`the transmission path or of the parts connected therewith (eg.
`the guide or scaling areas of a window pane or a flap of a
`vehicle) or even a temporarily altered state eg. through ice.
`The sensitivity of the system can easily be adapted to the
`new external conditions. This advantageously happens auto—
`matically by means of an electronics unit.
`The application of one (or where necessary more) defined
`changeable areas on the transmission path which in itself is
`free of undesired changeable areas can be advantageous in
`order to increase the system sensitivity. The changeable area
`alters the spreading characteristic of the surface waves in a
`predetermined measure and thus serves as the reference
`point on the transmission path.
`Various types of unstable areas can be used. As a rapid
`expansion or restriction of the transmission path orthogo—
`nally to the scattering direction of the surface wave they
`suddenly change the absorption degree or the reflection
`behavior. Further variations are inward or outward kinks,
`waves or edges in the transmission path. The radius of the
`unstable areas lies in the order of the wave length of the first
`harmonic surface wave and is as a rule much smaller than
`this itself.
`
`If the transmission path is formed by a glass surface, eg.
`the circumferential end face of a window pane, then notches
`
`
`are particularly good for influencing the surface waves.
`
`
`Their shape can be adapted very well to the desired e ects.
`Thus their shape and depth can have an influence on the ratio
`of the reflection part to the absorption part. Also the pro-
`duction of a diode effect, wherein the surface wave can pass
`the notch with only a slight damping in one direction whilst
`the surface wave in the other running direction as a result of
`a (quasi) total reflection is prevented from travelling on the
`other side of the notch.
`
`For a direction-indifferent behavior, symmetrical notch
`geometries are used which have roughly the shape of an
`isosceles triangle. Asymmetrical notch geometries however
`lead to a ratio of reflection to absorption which is reversed
`in dependence on the direction. For example if a surface
`wave runs onto only a slightly inclined wedge surface (at a
`flat acute angle to the plane of the transmission path) then in
`each case a further transmission of the surface wave takes
`place in the original direction. Its amplitude is naturally
`reduced corresponding to the damping and reflection behav-
`iour of the edge.
`If the surface wave however strikes a wedge surface
`which is set up at a steep angle and includes with the
`transmission direction an angle of about 90 deg. or more,
`then with a simultaneously sufficient notch depth it results in
`total reflection. On the other hand a surface wave of the other
`scattering direction can pass the notch (diode effect).
`The use of such notches makes it possible to increase the
`sensitivity of the measuring system when a part of the
`transmission path does not belong to the monitoring area,
`but external conditions can considerably influence its trans-
`mission properties. An example of this is the vertically
`aligned sealing and guide area of a vehicle window pane
`whose absorption properties can vary considerably in depen—
`dence on the position of the window pane, the tension of the
`pane and numerous environmental factors. The possibility of
`cutting out or evaluating these areas separately is often of
`decisive importance for a reliable monitoring of the freely
`accessible upper edge of the pane. A considerable increase
`in the sensitivity is achieved through the difference forma—
`tion of the signals of different areas defined by notches. In
`
`4
`order to increase and adapt the measuring and evaluating
`system further, a calibration path can be provided between
`the upper and lower stop position by applying a learning
`program.
`An evaluation of the sealing and guide areas can also be
`used to control the drive output in order to ensure constantly
`uniform kinematics. The use of two transmitter/receiver
`units which are each preferably designed as integral piezo—
`ceramic vibrators leads to a redundantly operating device.
`Comparing the independently evaluated measuring results
`increases the reliability of the statement. More particularly,
`with an overall symmetrically designed device,
`the two
`measuring systems can also operate in cold operating redun-
`dancv.
`
`An advantageous application of the device according to
`the invention is its use as collision protection for electrically
`operated window winders, sunroofs, doors or flaps. The
`transmission properties change when a colliding object
`contacts the transmission path. The sensor and control unit
`registers this and causes corresponding setting commands. A
`complete or partial reversing of the displacement movement
`(in the case of window winders), or jamming in the position
`reached can be obtained.
`in the control of the end and
`Further uses can exist
`intermediate positions of a displacement part. It
`is thus
`possible for example to “soft" start the upper and lower end
`position or to control short-stroke lowering of the side pane
`which facilitate the closing of doors. Furthermore the func—
`tion principle of the invention can dispense with the use of
`switches because the mere contact of one or more proposed
`areas in the transmission path triggers the desired switching
`effects.
`
`When using the device according to the invention for a
`collision protection those faces which can be influenced
`from outside and which substantially represent the closing
`faces are suitable as the transmission path. Their plane runs
`mostly at an angle to the direction of movement of the
`remote—controlled component.
`If this component
`is for
`example a window pane of a vehicle then the circumferential
`end face which connects the outer and inner pane plane is
`used as the transmission face. The actuator and sensor or a
`corresponding function unit can advantageously be mounted
`on a component of the transmission path which is not
`directly accessible, which cannot be seen directly and which
`does not destroy the path of movement of the window. The
`lower edge of the pane would be suitable for this.
`If,
`however, the actuator and/or sensor are to be used in the area
`of the closing faces (e.g. upper edge of the pane) then the
`energy and signal leads are provided on the edge of the disc
`in the form of printed conductor plates.
`Coupling and uncoupling the energy is carried out either
`by conductor plates or cables or wireless (e.g. inductively)
`when the required energy density and reliability of the
`structural elements permit this.
`One or more of the following principles can be used to
`evaluate the signal: running time measurement, amplitude
`modulation, phase and frequency modulation. The require-
`ments for reliability (also redundancy) and sensitivity are
`decisive for this.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`10
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`The invention will now be explained in further detail with
`reference to an embodiment shown in the drawings in
`which:
`
`65
`
`FIG. laa shows an automobile having several openable
`and closable windows;
`
`UUSI, LLC
`UUSI, LLC
`Exhibit 2028
`Exhibit 2028
`9/17
`9/17
`
`

`

`US 6,701,673 B1
`
`5
`FIG. lab shows an automobile door, as viewed from
`within the automobile, with a power window;
`FIG. 1a is a diagrammatic illustration of the device
`according to the invention for a closable opening with a
`transmitter and receiver at the ends of the transmission path
`(in the opened position);
`FIG. 1b as FIG. 1a (in the closed position);
`FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic illustration of the device accord-
`ing to the invention for a closable opening with a transmis-
`sion path mounted in the movable part;
`FIG. 3a is a diagrammatic illustration of the device
`according to the invention for a closable opening with sensor
`and receiver mounted solely at one end of the transmission
`path (in the opened position);
`FIG. 3b is a diagrammatic illustration of the device
`according to the invention for a closable opening with
`jammed-in object (in a practically closed position);
`FIG. 4a is a diagrammatic illustration of a Window pane
`of a motor vehicle with separate transmitter and receiver
`mounted on the lower edge of the disc, and an object acting
`on the upper edge;
`FIG. 4a' is essentially the same View as FIG. 4a, with
`additional components;
`FIG. 4b is a qualitative illustration of the path of the
`amplitude over the path (transmission path) (according to
`FIG. 4a);
`FIG. 4c is a qualitative illustration of the path of the
`amplitude over the time (according to FIG. 4a);
`FIG. 5a is a diagrammatic illustration of a window pane
`of a motor vehicle with transmitter/receiver units mounted
`on the lower edge of the pane and each producing surface
`waves with opposite scattering direction wherein the upper
`edge of the pane is contacted by an obstruction;
`FIG. 5b is a qualitative illustration of the amplitude of a
`reflected and a damped surface wave according to FIG. 5a;
`FIGS. Sc and 5d are diagrammatic division illustrations of
`the transmission paths according to FIG. 5a wherein on the
`one hand the signal starts from the first transmitter/receiver
`unit and on the other hand starts from the second transmitter/
`receiver unit.
`
`FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic illustration of a window pane of
`
`a vehicle with a transmitter/receiver unit mounted on the
`
`
`
`lower edge of the pane, and two di ‘erently formed notch
`geometries in the transmission path of the surface wave;
`FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic illustration of a window pane in
`a guide frame with auxiliary means for detecting the end
`position through coupling into the transmission path of the
`surface wave.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`FIG. laa illustrates an automobile 2', in which the present
`invention may be utilized. The automobile 2’ includes doors
`3' with a corresponding set of openable and closable win—
`dows 4‘, as well as front windshield 6' and rear windshield
`8'. Additionally, automobile 2' may include a sunroof or
`other slidable overhead panel 10’. The illustrated automobile
`2' includes four openable and closable windows 4'. The
`present invention may preferably be employed in an open-
`able and closable window 4', as shown, in an automobile 2'
`or other motor vehicle.
`FIG. lab illustrates an automobile door 3', as viewed from
`inside the automobile, with a power window. Window 4‘ is
`shown in an interrnediately raised position within frame 12‘.
`
`10
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`6
`is power driven by means of an appropriate
`Window 4‘
`driving device 13’, which in turn may preferably be actuated
`by a suitable switch 14'. Arrows 22‘ indicate the path of
`propagation of acoustic surface waves along What may be
`considered to be the receptacle area of frame 12‘, that is, the
`area of frame 12' that receives the edge of window 4‘.
`Generally, the invention utilizes the ability of a solid body
`to pass on induced mechanical waves on its surface as
`
`
`so—called surface waves along a design—conditioned or extra
`
`
`scattering path and under the e ect of external influences to
`react with damping and/or reflection of the surface waves.
`Sensors send the measuring pulses onto an evaluator unit
`where the system state is considered from an algorithm and
`in turn becomes the basis for reactions,’setting commands or
`the like.
`
`Although the embodiments substantially relate to the use
`of the device according to the invention as jamming pro—
`tection for an electric window winder for a motor vehicle, its
`subject also extends to other controllable or adjustable
`systems for which surface waves are used and evaluated in
`analogous way and which use corresponding suitable trans—
`mission paths in the area of the closing edges or closing
`faces of the objects which are moved towards each other.
`FIGS. 1a and lb show diagrammatically, in simplified
`manner, the device according to the invention for a closable
`opening which supports a transmitter 4 and a receiver 5 at
`the ends of a locally fixed transmission path 3. A movable
`part 1 is shown at a distance from this. The device is located
`in the opened position. An electro—mechanical converter at
`one end of the transmission path 3 couples energy which in
`one part is converted into surface waves and transported to
`the other end of the transmission path 3 where the receiver
`5 receives the signals. Depending on the material and
`geometry of the transmission path 3 a certain signal damping
`occurs. In the closed state (cf. FIG. 1b), thus on reaching the
`end position of the movable part 1, the closing faces contact
`one another over a large surface area and uncouple a large
`part of the vibration energy. The signal damping which is
`quite considerably increased thereby is registered by the
`receiver 5 and leads to detection of the end position in the
`evaluator unit.
`
`FIG. 2 illustrates a device which has a quite similar
`construction but with the difference that the transmission
`path 3 is mounted in the lower area of the movable part 1.
`The sensor 3 and actuator 5 are located at the ends thereof.
`Although the movable part has not yet reached its end
`position the sensor 4 registers a severely damped signal as
`a result of the energy being uncoupled through a hand 8
`engaging in the transmission path 3.
`According to FIGS. 3a and 3b the transmitter and receiver
`are mounted in the form of one function unit 6 at one and the
`same end of the transmission path 3. The function unit is
`made in one piece wherein it then acts alternately as an
`actuator and a sensor. Piezo-ceramic structural elements can
`be successfully used for this purpose. The end of the
`transmission path 3 is designed so that as far as possible all
`the energy is absorbed and thus the sensor can no longer
`receive any signals. When coupling an object 9 into the
`transmission path 3 for example by jamming, the scattering
`of the waves alters through reflection at the jamming point.
`The reflected signal passes to the receiver and represents the
`basis for the detection of the jamming state.
`One application of the invention for an electric window
`Winder of a motor vehicle is shown diagrammatically in
`FIG. 4a. A transmitter 4 and receiver 5 are each mounted
`separately at the side edges of the lower edge of the window
`
`UUSI, LLC
`UUSI, LLC
`Exhibit 2028
`Exhibit 2028
`10/17
`10/17
`
`

`

`US 6,701,673 B1
`
`7
`pane 2. They are coupled by a wedge 7 into the transmission
`path of the window pane, which path is formed by a surface
`region of the circumferential face portion of the window
`pane edge 21,
`termed herein “the edge,” and which is
`provided for passing on the surface waves. A preferred
`direction for the wave scattering or wave reception is
`thereby achieved. Advantageously the entire width of the
`transmission path is covered by the transmitter 4 and
`receiver 5. The arrows 22 lying near the pane edge 21
`indicate the scattering direction of the surface waves. In the
`area of the upper edge of the pane an object 10 or part of the
`body in contact or acoustically coupled to same is shown
`symbolically in the form of a triangle. The Vibration energy
`uncoupled through this object signifies an additional damp-
`ing and reduces the amplitude of the surface waves as well
`as the intensity of the signal 50 received at the receiver 5.
`As shown in FIG. 4a', a motor vehicle window according
`to the present invention may preferably include a compara-
`tor unit 16' connected to transmitter 4 and receiver 5.
`Preferably, comparator unit 16‘
`is configured to compare ’
`selected wave characteristics of the acoustic surface waves
`both propagated by transmitter 4 and detected by receiver 5.
`Also, comparator unit 16’ may preferably include,
`for
`example, an amplitude signal threshold or other type of
`threshold.
`
`10
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`15
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`Comparator unit 16' is preferably connected to a control
`unit 18' for window pane 2. Control unit 18' is preferably
`configured to alter the displacement of window pane 2 in
`response to signals transmitted from comparator unit 16'
`and, as such, is preferably connected to driving device 13'.
`For example,
`if an object 10 becomes lodged between
`window pane 2 and the window frame (not shown), the
`acoustic surface waves detected by receiver 5 will,
`essentially, preferably have such an amplitude, or other
`wave characteristic, that an amplitude threshold, or other
`threshold, is breached. Upon breaching of the amplitude, or
`other, threshold, a signal is preferably sent from comparator
`unit 16' to control unit 18' to cause the control unit 18’ to
`control the driving device 13' in such a way as to cease
`movement of window pane 2. Comparator units and control
`units are well known in the art and will not be further
`discussed here.
`
`FIG. 4b shows qualitatively the path of the amplitude over
`the transmission path (pane edge 21). The qualitative illus—
`tration analogous with this of the path of the amplitude over
`the time is shown in FIG. 4c. According to this, when
`coupling a foreign body into the transmission path at the
`receiver 5 a signal 51 is to be expected whose amplitude is
`considerably reduced compared to that of the signal 52.
`Preferably, each wedge 7 is conllgured, and oriented, such
`that the acoustic surface waves produced by transmitter 4 are
`appropriately focused and directed to ensure that the waves
`travel about transmission path 22 and are appropriately
`received by receiver 5.
`The diagrammatic illustration of a window pane 2 of a
`
`
`motor vehicle according to FIG. 5a shows the following
`
`
`di erences compared to the variation illustrated in FIG, 4a:
`The mechanical-electrical converters 6 coupled onto the
`edges of the lower pane edge each function both as a
`transmitter and receiver. Furthermore the acoustic transmis-
`sion path formed by the circumferential pane edge 21
`supports two symmetrical and identical notches 11 whose
`radii are smaller than the wave length of the first harmonic
`surface wave so that influence can be brought to bear on the
`scattering of the waves. The arrangement of the notches 11
`in the transmission path is preferably selected so that they
`
`30
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`35
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`40
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`45
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`50
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`LIILA
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`60
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`65
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`8
`precisely enclose the freely accessible upper pane edge in
`whose area jamming can occur, and separate from the
`adjoining parallel guide areas 23,24 on each side. The
`selected notch geometry causes both reflection and damping
`elfects. With the aid of this the guide areas 23,24 of the
`window pane 2 can not only be cut out but also their
`damping properties can be separately evaluated. These in
`turn can be used to control the transmitting output of the
`OFW transmitter in order to have a constant SIN ratio.
`In accordance with the present invention, a notch 11 may
`preferably be embodied by a small notch in window pane 2
`or by another appropriate type of discontinuity. Other types
`of discontinuities appropriate for notch 11 may include: a
`groove etched in window pane 2, an inward bend of the
`material of window pane 2, or an outward bend of the
`material of window pane 2.
`The following FIGS. 5b, 5c and 5d show in simplified
`manner the amplitude of a surface wave over the path or
`time without however taking into account reflection effects
`at the notches 11. In the fore are the effects caused here
`through an object owing the jamming between the ripper
`edge of the pane and the door frame.
`The said object 10 will in each case cause damping of the
`amplitude of the signal 53 emitted by the first transmitter/
`receiver unit 61 (FIG. 5b), which is registered by the second
`transmitter/receiver unit 62, This is particularly the case
`when for example the hand of a person is jammed in which
`owing to its relative softness and thus good acoustic cou-
`pling can cause hardly any noticeable rellection part of the
`surface wave. In the event however of a relatively hard
`foreign body becoming coupled into the transmission path
`21 of the freely accessible upper edge of the window pane
`2, then, an additional reflection signal 54 can be registered
`by the first transmitter/receiver unit 61 and, thus, the ability
`of the device to provide information can be improved
`through redundancy.
`FIGS. 5C and 5d divide up the transmission path diagram-
`matically wherein on one hand it starts from the first
`transmitter/receiver unit 61 and on the other it starts from the
`second transmitter/receiver unit 62. Whilst it is possible to
`cut out the guide area 23,24 initially passed by the surface
`wave solely on the basis of the running time measurement,
`the guide area 23,24 of this surface wave next passed though
`can only be cut out if the signal reflected at the second notch
`11 comes up for evaluation. The same applies for the signals
`sent out by the other transmitter/receiver unit. Although the
`notches 11 lead to a considerable damping of the signals its
`use can be very advantageous. Finally the cutting out of the
`guide areas 23,24 right and left of the window pane 2
`permits an accurate and substantially fault-free amplification
`of the signals of the control area K which leads to a
`significant improvement in the message reliability.
`In FIGS. 5C and 5d the following equations have the
`following meanings:
`Sl—SZ/Ez—E1 Running time of the signal from the first
`transmitter/receiver unit 61 to the second transmitter/
`receiver unit 62 and back.
`
`SZ—SI/El—E2 As above, only in the reverse direction.
`Sl—B—E1 Running time of the signal
`from the first
`transmitter/receiver unit to the notch 11 at place B and
`back.
`
`from the first
`S1—V—E1 Running time of the signal
`transmitter/receiver unit up to the object 10 which is
`coupled into the transmission path 21, and back.
`SZ—V—E2 Running time of the signal from the second
`transmitter/receiver unit up to the object 10 and back.
`
`UUSI, LLC
`UUSLLLC
`Exhibit 2028
`Exhibit 2028
`11/17
`11/17
`
`

`

`US 6,701,673 B1
`
`10
`
`15
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`9
`Sl—A—E1 Running time of the signal from the first
`transmitter/receiver unit up to the notch at place A and
`back. (This guide area is ignored when evaluating a
`jamming or collision state.).
`SZ—B—E2 Running time of the signal from the second
`transmitter/receiver unit up to the notch at place B and
`back. (Also this gui