David Duane Lemire

US Patent:

8449015, May 28, 2013

Filed:

Sep 14, 2012

Appl. No.:

13/619982

Inventors:

Matthew Lee Brown - Redondo Beach CA, US
Franz von Holzhausen - Malibu CA, US
Peter Dore Rawlinson - Evesham, GB
Nicholas John Sampson - Rolling Hills Estates CA, US
Michael James Eckert - Hermosa Beach CA, US
David Lemire - Redondo Beach CA, US
Axel Boris Vollmer - Marina Del Rey CA, US

Assignee:

Tesla Motors, Inc. - Palo Alto CA

International Classification:

B60J 5/10

US Classification:

29614612, 2961464, 29614613

Abstract:

A method of controlling the operation of a vehicle's dual hinged door assembly is provided, where the dual hinged door assembly includes a first door portion hingeably coupled to a structural member within the vehicle's roof such that it pivots about a primary axis formed by its juncture with the structural roof member, a second door portion hingeably coupled to the first door portion such that it pivots about a secondary axis formed by its juncture with the first door portion, a primary drive system providing powered motion for the first door portion about the primary axis, a secondary drive system providing powered motion for the second door portion about the secondary axis, and a controller coupled to the drive systems that provides independent motion control of the first and second door portions via the primary and secondary drive systems.

US Patent:

8511738, Aug 20, 2013

Filed:

Sep 14, 2012

Appl. No.:

13/615742

Inventors:

Matthew Lee Brown - Redondo Beach CA, US
Franz von Holzhausen - Malibu CA, US
Peter Dore Rawlinson - Evesham, GB
Nicholas John Sampson - Rolling Hills Estates CA, US
Michael James Eckert - Hermosa Beach CA, US
David Lemire - Redondo Beach CA, US
Axel Boris Vollmer - Marina Del Rey CA, US

Assignee:

Tesla Motors, Inc. - Palo Alto CA

International Classification:

B60J 5/10

US Classification:

29614612, 2961464, 29614613

Abstract:

A dual hinged door assembly for a vehicle is provided, the assembly including an upper door portion and a lower door portion. The upper door portion, which may include a window, pivots about a primary axis formed by its juncture with a structural member in the roof. The lower door portion, which may include a window, pivots about a secondary axis formed by its juncture with the upper door portion. Primary and secondary drive systems may be used to provide independent powered motion of the upper and lower door portions. Each drive system may include a powered strut, e. g. , a hydraulic strut, and a non-powered strut, e. g. , a gas strut.

US Patent:

8511739, Aug 20, 2013

Filed:

Sep 14, 2012

Appl. No.:

13/619577

Inventors:

Matthew Lee Brown - Redondo Beach CA, US
Franz von Holzhausen - Malibu CA, US
Peter Dore Rawlinson - Evesham, GB
Nicholas John Sampson - Rolling Hills Estates CA, US
Michael James Eckert - Hermosa Beach CA, US
David Lemire - Redondo Beach CA, US
Axel Boris Vollmer - Marina Del Rey CA, US

Assignee:

Tesla Motors, Inc. - Palo Alto CA

International Classification:

B60J 5/10

US Classification:

29614612, 2961464, 29614613

Abstract:

A control system for use with a vehicle's dual hinged door assembly is provided, the control system including a door switch, upper and lower door portions, primary and secondary door drive systems and a controller. The upper door portion pivots about a primary axis formed by its juncture with a structural member in the roof while the lower door portion pivots about a secondary axis formed by its juncture with the upper door portion. Primary and secondary drive systems provide independent powered motion of the upper and lower door portions. The controller monitors door switch activation and determines whether activation corresponds to a door open or door closed command; performs preset door opening and closing sequences using the drive systems; and modifies the preset door opening and closing sequences based on data from proximity sensors, pinch sensors, latch sensors, drive system motor speed and the current draw by the drive systems.