Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] This disclosure relates generally to automotive safety systems, and more particularly to a method and a system for anti-pinch control for a motorized object in the vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[002] Automotive vehicles are commonly equipped with powered windows that may be raised and lowered within the door opening. Some of the automotive vehicles also include a sunroof glass that moves forward and backward along a specified path on a vehicle sunroof. While these power windows and sunroof enhance passenger convenience and comfort, they also pose a safety risk. In particular, there may be a possibility for injury if an occupant becomes caught in a path of their movement, either due to a malfunction or accidental activation of a switch for the sunroof glass or power window.
[003] Currently, several anti-pinch systems have been developed to enhance safety by minimizing a risk of accidents involving excessive force between the window and the passenger. These systems utilize a range of sensors, including IR (infrared) sensors, proximity sensors, and hall effect sensors, designed to identify obstacles during the closure of the power windows or sunroof glass. In the case of power windows, which rely on electric motors, sensors integrated with the motor detect resistance against the glass movement. When an obstacle is detected, the system halts the upward motion of the window, preventing potential harm to the passenger. The electric motor promptly reverses its action upon obstacle detection, causing the window to descend and ensuring occupant safety.
[004] For the sunroof glass, safety systems incorporate various sensors integrated with an electric motor that operates based on the vehicle's speed. However, the existing safety systems exhibit limitations in terms of efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and energy consumption. Additionally, the existing systems fail to provide adequate safety measures when a sudden obstacle is detected in the path of the power window or sunroof glass movement.
[005] Therefore, there is a requirement to enhance passenger safety by implementing disclosed method and system to restrict the movement of the sunroof glass or the power window even in an emergency condition when sudden obstacle is detected, thereby proactively preventing injuries to the passenger.
SUMMARY
[006] In one embodiment, a method for anti-pinch control for a motorized object in a vehicle is disclosed. The method may include detecting, by a controller and from at least one sensor, a presence of an obstacle in a path of the motorized object. The method may further include activating, by the controller, a set of plungers from a plurality of plungers to obstruct a movement of the motorized object upon detecting the presence of the obstacle. The plurality of plungers may be installed along the path of the movement of the motorized object. Further, the controller may activate the set of plungers that may be ahead of the motorized object while moving in the path.
[007] In another embodiment, a system of anti-pinch control for a motorized object in a vehicle is disclosed. The system may include a controller and a memory coupled to the controller. The memory may store a set of instructions, which, on execution, may cause the controller to detect a presence of an obstacle within a path of moving the motorized object via at least one sensor. The controller may further activate a set of plungers from a plurality of plungers to obstruct movement of the motorized object upon detecting the presence of the obstacle. The plurality of plungers may be installed along the path of the movement of the motorized object. Further, the controller may activate the set of plungers that may be ahead of the motorized object while moving in the path.
[008] In yet another embodiment, a vehicle comprising a controller is disclosed. The vehicle may further include a motorized object, at least one sensor, a plurality of plungers, and a memory coupled to the controller. The memory may store a set of instructions, which, on execution, may cause the controller to detect a presence of an obstacle within a path of moving the motorized object via the at least one sensor. The controller may further activate a set of plungers from the plurality of plungers to obstruct movement of the motorized object upon detecting the presence of the obstacle. The plurality of plungers may be installed along the path of the movement of the motorized object. Further, the controller may activate the set of plungers that may be ahead of the motorized object while moving in the path.
[009] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[010] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles.
[011] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an anti-pinch control system in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[012] FIG. 2A illustrates a deactivated state of a plurality of plungers when no obstacle is detected in a path of a sunroof glass, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[013] FIG. 2B illustrates an activated state of a plurality of plungers when an obstacle is detected in a path of moving a sunroof glass, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[014] FIG. 2C illustrates an activated state of a set of plungers when an obstacle is detected suddenly in a path of moving a sunroof glass, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[015] FIG. 2D illustrates a deactivated state of each set of plungers when an obstacle is cleared from a path of moving a sunroof glass, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[016] FIG. 3A illustrates a deactivated state of a plurality of plungers when no obstacle is detected in a path of a power window, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[017] FIG. 3B illustrates an activated state of a plurality of plungers when an obstacle is detected in a path of moving a power window, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[018] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for anti-pinch control for a motorized object in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[019] The foregoing description has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which forms the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying other devices, systems, assemblies, and mechanisms for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristics of the disclosure, to its device or system, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.
[020] The terms “including”, “comprises”, “comprising”, “comprising of” or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that a system or a device that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
[021] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same numerals have been used to refer to the same or like parts. The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to FIGs. 1 - 4. It is to be noted that the system disclosed may be employed in any automobile vehicles including, but not limited to, a passenger vehicle, a utility vehicle, commercial vehicles, and any other transportable machinery. For a sake of clarity, vehicle is not shown.
[022] Anti-pinch control techniques are employed in modern vehicles to provide safety to a passenger. More particularly, the anti-pinch control techniques may prevent accidental winding up of power windows and/or sunroof by sensing an obstacle in a path of the power windows or a sunroof glass and restrict them to move further to prevent possible injuries to the passenger of the vehicle. The anti-pinch control techniques work by measuring an amount of electrical current a motor uses that drives the sunroof glass or power window up and down and may be controlled by a control unit. However, the existing anti-pinch techniques do not provide safety when the sunroof or power window are switched on (unintentionally) by the passenger or during malfunctions. The present disclosure provides a solution to aforementioned safety problem by obstructing a movement of the power windows and/or sunroof glass in case any obstacle is detected in its path.
[023] Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram of an anti-pinch control system 100 in a vehicle is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The anti-pinch control system 100 may include an anti-pinch controlling device 102 and the motorized object 108. The anti-pinch controlling device 102 may be responsible for anti-pinch control of the motorized object 108 in the vehicle. More particularly, the anti-pinch controlling device 102 may be configured to obstruct a movement of the motorized object 108 when an obstacle is detected in a path of moving the motorized object 108. The anti-pinch controlling device 102 may also be capable of generating an alert to a driver and the passenger of the vehicle upon the detection of the obstacle.
[024] The obstacle may be any body part, such as, but may not be limited to, a head of the passenger, a neck of the passenger, a shoulder of the passenger, an arm of the passenger, or a hand of the passenger that may appear into the path of the moving motorized object 108. The motorized object 108 may be a sunroof glass (not shown in FIG. 1) or a power window (not shown in FIG. 1) of the vehicle, configured to move along a specified path within a frame of the motorized object 108.
[025] The anti-pinch controlling device 102 may include a controller 104 and a memory 106. In some embodiments, the controller 104 may be an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) of the vehicle. The anti-pinch control system 100 may further include at least one sensor 110 and a plurality of plungers 112 installed within the vehicle. The at least one sensor 110 may be, for example, but may not be limited to, an IR (Infrared) sensor, a proximity sensor, a sonar sensor, a thermal imaging sensor or a Hall-effect sensor. The plurality of plungers 112 may be solenoid valve plungers.
[026] The controller 104 may be electrically connected to the at least one sensor 110 and the plurality of plungers 112 via a communication link 114. The communication link 114 may be an intra vehicular communication network that may include, but may not be limited to, CAN (Controlled Area Network), CAN FD (Controlled Area Network Flexible Data-Rate), LIN (Local Interconnect Network), local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), Ethernet, and the like.
[027] In an embodiment, the memory 106 may store instructions that, when executed by the controller 104, cause the controller 104 to perform anti-pinch control for the motorized object 108 in the vehicle. The memory 106 may be a non-volatile memory or a volatile memory. Examples of non-volatile memory may include, but are not limited to a flash memory, a Read Only Memory (ROM), a Programmable ROM (PROM), Erasable PROM (EPROM), and Electrically EPROM (EEPROM) memory. Examples of volatile memory may include but are not limited to Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), and Static Random-Access memory (SRAM). The memory 106 may also store various data received from the at least one sensor (for example, data related to a presence of the obstacle, on/off condition of the sunroof glass or the power window, activated/deactivated states of the plurality of plungers 112, etc.,) that may be captured, processed, and/or required by the system 100 for anti-pinch control for the motorized object 108 in the vehicle.
[028] As will be described in greater detail in conjunction with FIGs. 2A – 4, in order to perform anti-pinch control for the motorized object 108, the controller 104 in communication with the at least one sensor 110 may initially detect a presence of the obstacle in the path of the motorized object 108. It should be noted that the at least one sensor 110 may be positioned over a frame of the motorized object 108 in such a manner that it may cover an entire area to detect the presence of the obstacle in the path of the motorized object 108.
[029] Upon detecting the presence of the obstacle, the controller 104 may further activate a set of plungers from the plurality of plungers 112 to obstruct the movement of the motorized object 108. The plurality of plungers 112 may be installed along the path of the movement of the motorized object 108. The controller 104 may activate the set of plungers that are ahead of the motorized object 108 while moving in the path. The plurality of plungers 112 may be mounted on a frame of the motorized object 108 of the vehicle in order to obstruct the movement of the motorized object 108.
[030] To further elaborate, consider a scenario of an obstacle that may be detected suddenly after a switch is pressed by a driver (unintentionally) of the vehicle to close the motorized object (i.e., the sunroof glass or the power window). In such scenario, the controller 104 may receive a signal from the at least one sensor 110 related to sudden detection of the obstacle. Based on the sudden detection, the controller 104 may further activate a set of plungers that are ahead of the motorized object. In other words, the controller 104 may only activate the set of plungers that are not crossed by the motorized object 108 while moving in the path and a set of plungers that are already crossed by the motorized object 108 while moving in the path remains deactivated. This is further explained in greater detail in conjunction with FIG. 2C. Further, the controller 104 may deactivate each of the set of plungers when the obstacle is cleared from the path of the movement of the motorized object 108.
[031] Now referring to FIG. 2A, a deactivated state of a plurality of plungers 112 when no obstacle is detected in a path of a sunroof glass 204 is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The present FIG. 2A depicts a sunroof panel 202 of the vehicle. The sunroof panel 202 may include a frame and the sunroof glass 204 mounted on the frame. The sunroof glass 204 may be configured to slide in a specified path along the frame. Additionally, the sunroof panel 202 may include a plurality of plungers 112 and at least one sensor 110 mounted on the frame. In other words, the plurality of plungers 112 may be installed on a periphery of the frame. The periphery of the frame may be a point of contact of the sunroof glass 204. In order to efficiently provide activation and deactivation, the plurality of plungers 112 may be installed along the path of the movement of the sunroof glass 204.
[032] In an embodiment, the sunroof glass 204 may be in an open state, and continuous monitoring for the obstacle detection may be facilitated by the at least one sensor 110. The at least one sensor 110 may be an IR sensor, that may offer enhanced accessibility for detecting the presence and exact position of obstacle within the entire length of the frame of the sunroof glass 204. The at least one sensor 110 may consist of a transmitter and a receiver, where the transmitter continuously emits light energy over a range equal to or greater than the length of the sunroof glass 204. The receiver, typically a photodiode, gets activated by the transmitted energy, and its resistance varies based on the energy received. The receiver then detects the reflected light with specific intensity from a particular distance.
[033] As shown in present FIG. 2A, if no reflection is detected by the receiver, indicating an absence of the obstacle within the path of the sunroof glass 204, then the plurality of plungers 112 may remain in the deactivated state. This may allow driver of the vehicle to freely open and close the sunroof glass 204 without encountering any restrictions. Thus, the present configuration allows for seamless operation when no obstacle is present in the path of the sunroof glass 204.
[034] Now referring to FIG. 2B, an activated state of the plurality of plungers 112 when an obstacle 206 is detected in a path of the sunroof glass 204 is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In vehicles, there is a high probability of human errors or malfunctions occurring when closing the sunroof glass 204, particularly when there is an obstacle in its path. These errors may occur either due to the driver mistakenly pressing the switch to close the sunroof glass or due to malfunctions in the sunroof glass 204. These circumstances may pose a higher risk of accidents or injuries if the obstacle becomes trapped in the sunroof panel 202. Therefore, the present disclosure provides an anti-pinch control system that may be capable of ensuring passenger safety under such situations.
[035] In the illustrated FIG. 2B, an exemplary scenario is depicted where the obstacle 206 may be detected by the at least one sensor 110 in the path of the sunroof glass 204 and a switch to close the sunroof glass 204 may be pressed by the driver (unintentionally) or due to any malfunction in the sunroof glass 204. In such scenario, when the driver initiates a command to close the sunroof glass 204 and the obstacle 302 is present in the path of the sunroof glass 204, then the controller 104 of the anti-pinch controlling device 102 may generate an alarm 208 in order to reduce the chances of an accident. The generation of the alarm 208 may serve as an indication to alert the driver about the presence of the obstacle 206, prompting the driver to remove the obstacle 206 before proceeding with closing operation of the sunroof glass 204.
[036] Moreover, if the obstacle 206 remains in the path of the sunroof glass 204 and is not removed, the controller 104 may further activate each set of plungers 112a, 112b, and 112c (collectively also referred to as the plurality of plungers 112). The activation of each set of plungers 112a, 112b, and 112c may cause an increase in a current of a motor attached to the sunroof glass 204. The motor may be responsible for the movement of the sunroof glass 204. As the motor attempts to overcome a resistive action of each set of plungers 112a, 112b, and 112c and move the sunroof glass 204 ahead, the increase in the motor current serves as feedback to a motor controller. The motor controller is an important component that may be responsible for monitoring and responding to the motor’s behavior, thereby ensuring the safety and well-being of the passenger, and preventing potential damage to the sunroof glass 204. This motor controller interprets the feedback and utilizes it to promptly stop the movement of the sunroof glass 204, preventing any harm to the obstacle 206.
[037] The activation, performed by the controller 104 of the anti-pinch controlling device 102, and the movement of the sunroof glass 204 stopped by the motor in conjunction with the motor controller ensures a prevention of any contact between the obstacle 206 and the sunroof glass 204, thereby preventing any injury to the obstacle 206 due to an anti-pinch force. Even in cases of driver mistakes or malfunctions in the sunroof glass 204, the activation of each of the set of plungers 112a, 112b, and 112c provides a secure measure to avoid any potential injuries.
[038] Now referring to FIG. 2C, an activated state of a set of plungers 112a and 112b when the obstacle 206 is detected suddenly in a path of moving the sunroof glass 204 is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Numerous accidents or injuries may occur due to a sudden intervention of an obstacle in the path of the sunroof glass 206, particularly when transitioning from an open state to a closing state. In an effort to prevent such injuries, the present disclosure provides an anti-pinch control system that may be capable of restricting the movement of sunroof glass 206 under such conditions.
[039] In the illustrated FIG. 2C, an exemplary scenario of an emergency condition is depicted where the sunroof glass 204 may be transitioning into a closing state from an open state and suddenly an obstacle (for example, the obstacle 206) appears in the path of moving the sunroof glass 204. In such scenario, as the sunroof glass 204 is in motion along its path, the at least one sensor 110 may detect the sudden presence of the obstacle 206 in the path of the sunroof glass 204.
[040] Upon detection, the controller 104 may activate a specific set of plungers (for example, the set of plungers 112a and 112b) that may be positioned ahead of the movement of the sunroof glass 204. The activation of these plungers is designed to obstruct the ongoing movement of the sunroof glass 204, preventing any potential collision with the sudden detected obstacle 206. Meanwhile, the remaining set of plungers (for example, a set of plungers 112c), remains in a deactivated state.
[041] Now referring to FIG. 2D, a deactivated state of each set of plungers when the obstacle is cleared from the path of moving the sunroof glass 204 is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. This may be a scenario where the obstacle 206 may be cleared from the path of the movement of the sunroof glass 204 after the alarm is generated. In such scenario, each of the set of plungers 112a, 112b, and 112c may be switched from an activated state to the deactivated state. This may allow a smooth transition of the sunroof glass 204 from an open state to a closed state.
[042] In a more elaborative way, upon generating the alarm the at least one sensor 110 may check for the presence of obstacle in the path of the sunroof glass 204. If no obstacle is detected or the obstacle is successfully cleared from the path of the moving sunroof glass 204, then the controller 104 may deactivate each of the set of plungers 112a, 112b, and 112c.
[043] Now referring to FIG. 3A, a deactivated state of each set of plungers 306a, 306b, and 306c when no obstacle is detected in a path of a power window 304 is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The present FIG. 3A depicts a door 302 of the vehicle. The door 302 may include a frame and the power window 204 mounted on the frame. The power window 304 may include a glass that may be configured to slide in a specified path along the frame. Additionally, the door 302 may include the set of plungers 306a, 306b, and 306c (collectively refers to as a plurality of plungers 306) and at least one sensor 310 mounted on the frame. In other words, the plurality of plungers 306a, 306b, and 306c may be installed on a periphery of the frame. The periphery of the frame may be a point of contact of the power window glass. In order to efficiently provide activation and deactivation, the plurality of plungers 306 may be installed along the path of the movement of the sunroof glass 204.
[044] In an embodiment, the glass of the power window 304 may be in an open state, and continuous monitoring for the obstacle detection may be facilitated by the at least one sensor 310. The at least one sensor 310 may be analogous to the at least one sensor 110. The plurality of plungers 306 may be analogous to the plurality of plungers 112. It should be noted that the same process and principles discussed above for obstructing the sunroof glass 204 when an obstacle is present in its path may be applied analogously to the power window 304. The anti-pinch control system, with its dynamic activation and deactivation of the plurality of plungers in response to detected obstacles, is adaptable and may be extended to enhance the safety features of the power window 304 as well. This uniformity in methodology ensures a safety mechanism across various motorized objects, such as both the sunroof glass 204 and the power window 304, contributing to a standardized and robust safety system within the vehicle.
[045] Now referring to FIG. 3B, an activated state of each set of plungers 306a, 306b, and 306c when an obstacle is detected in a path of moving a power window is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated FIG. 3B, a scenario is depicted where the obstacle 308 (for example, a hand of the passenger) may be detected by the at least one sensor 110 in the path of the power window 304 and a switch to close the power window 304 may be pressed by the driver (unintentionally) or due to any malfunction in the power window 304. In such scenario, when the driver initiates a command to close the power window 204 and the obstacle 308 is present in the path of the power window 304, then the controller 104 of the anti-pinch controlling device 102 may generate an alarm 208 in order to reduce the chances of an accident. Moreover, if the obstacle 308 remains in the path of the power window 204 and is not removed, the controller 104 may further activate each set of plungers 306a, 306b, and 306c (collectively also referred to as the plurality of plungers 306).
[046] Referring now to FIG. 4, a flow diagram of a method 400 for anti-pinch control for the motorized object 108 in the vehicle is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the steps 402 – 412 may be performed by the controller 104 of the anti-pinch controlling device 102. At step 402 of the method 400, the controller 104 in conjunction with the at least one sensor 110 may determine a state of the motorized object 108. The state of the motorized object 108 may be an open state or a close state. At step 404, when the motorized object 108 is found to be in the open state, the controller 104 in conjunction with the at least one sensor 110 may detect a presence of the motorized object 108 in order to determine the presence of an obstacle in a path of the motorized object 406, at step 406. In an embodiment, the motorized object 108 may be a sunroof glass 204 of the vehicle or a power window 304 of the vehicle.
[047] At step 408, when the obstacle is detected, the controller 104 may activate a set of plungers 112 and 112b from a plurality of plungers 112, at step 410. In an embodiment, the plurality of plungers 112 may be installed along the path of the movement of the motorized object 108. In an embodiment, the controller 104 may activate the set of plungers 112a and 112b that may be ahead of the motorized object 108 while moving in the path. At step 412, the controller 104 may deactivate each of the set of plungers 112a, 112b, and 112c when the obstacle may be cleared from path of moving the motorized object 108 in order to allow the smooth movement of the motorized object 108.
[048] Thus, the disclosed method and system try to overcome the technical problem of anti-pinch control for the motorized object in the vehicle by using simple plunger mechanism. The disclosed method and system may include an array of IR distance sensors to sense the obstacle when the sunroof glass is open. The sunroof glass may include the plurality of solenoid plungers or motorized glass stoppers which may mechanically prevent the sunroof glass from closing when the obstacle is present in its path. The plurality of solenoid plungers or motorized glass stoppers may automatically be activated when the obstacle is present. The plurality of solenoid plungers or motorized glass stoppers may retract to its original position after the obstacle is removed. It should be noted that same plunger mechanism may be applied for the power window.
[049] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the method and system described in the various embodiments discussed above are not routine, or conventional or well understood in the art. The method and system discussed above may be capable of offering several advantages. Firstly, the anti-pinch control system, with its dynamic activation and deactivation of plungers in response to detected obstacles, provides an enhanced level of safety for passengers. This plunger mechanism minimizes the risk of accidents or injuries associated with the operation of the sunroof glass or the power window.
[050] Secondly, a capability of the anti-pinch system to generate the alarm in the presence of the obstacle and subsequently deactivate the plurality of plungers upon obstacle clearance ensures a user-friendly experience. By alerting the driver to potential obstructions and then seamlessly resuming normal sunroof glass or power window operations once the obstacle is removed, the system contributes to a smoother and more secure user interaction.
[051] Furthermore, the versatility of the system, which is adaptable to different scenarios such as unintentional driver actions, malfunctions, and sudden obstacle presence, demonstrates its robustness in addressing a variety of real-world situations. This adaptability enhances the overall reliability and effectiveness of the anti-pinch control system.
[052] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
[053] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.
[054] In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.
[055] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
, Claims:I/We Claim:
1. A method (400) for anti-pinch control for a motorized object (108) in a vehicle, comprising:
detecting, by a controller (104) and from at least one sensor (110), a presence of an obstacle (206) in a path of the motorized object (108); and
activating, by the controller (104), a set of plungers (112a and 112b) from a plurality of plungers (112) to obstruct a movement of the motorized object (108) upon detecting the presence of the obstacle (206),
wherein the plurality of plungers (112) is installed along the path of the movement of the motorized object (108), and
wherein the controller (104) activates the set of plungers (112a and 112b) that are ahead of the motorized object (108) while moving in the path.

2. The method (400) as claimed in claim 1, comprising:
deactivating each of the set of plungers (112a, 112b, and 112c) when the obstacle (206) is cleared from the path of moving the motorized object (108).

3. The method (400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the motorized object (108) is a sunroof glass (204) of the vehicle or a power window (304) of the vehicle.

4. The method (400) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the plurality of the plungers (112) is mounted on a frame of the sunroof glass (204) or a frame of the power window (304) of the vehicle.

5. A system (100) of an anti-pinch control for a motorized object (108) in a vehicle, comprising:
a controller (104), and
a memory (106) coupled to the controller (104), wherein the memory (112) stores a set of instructions, which, on execution, causes the controller (104) to:
detect presence of an obstacle (206) within a path of moving the motorized object (108) via at least one sensor (110); and
activate a set of plungers (112a and 112b) from a plurality of plungers (112) to obstruct a movement of the motorized object (108) upon detecting the presence of the obstacle (206),
wherein the plurality of plungers (112) is installed along the path of the movement of the motorized object (108), and
wherein the controller (104) activates the set of plungers (112a and 112b) that are ahead of the motorized object (108) while moving in the path.

6. The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the controller (104) is configured to:
deactivate each of the set of plungers (112a, 112b, and 112c) when the obstacle (206) is cleared from the path of moving the motorized object (108).

7. The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the motorized object (108) is a sunroof glass (204) of the vehicle or a power window (304) of the vehicle.

8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the plurality of the plungers (112) is mounted on a frame of the sunroof glass (204) or a frame of the power window (304) of the vehicle.

9. A vehicle, comprising:
a motorized object (108), comprises:
at least one sensor (110),
a plurality of plungers (112),
a controller (104), and
a memory (106) coupled to the controller (104), wherein the memory (106) stores a set of instructions, which, on execution, causes the controller (104) to:
detect a presence of an obstacle (206) within a path of moving the motorized object (108) via the at least one sensor (110); and
activate the set of plungers (112a and 112b) from the plurality of plungers (112) to obstruct a movement of the motorized object (108) upon detecting the presence of the obstacle (206),
wherein the plurality of plungers (112) is installed along the path of the movement of the motorized object (108), and
wherein the controller (104) activates the set of plungers (112a and 112b) that are ahead of the motorized object (108) while moving in the path.