US 12,030,444 B2
Selective actuation of vehicle components using two control modules
Scott J. Lauffer, Northville, MI (US); Seema Gami, Novi, MI (US); Michael Alan Mcnees, Flat Rock, MI (US); and Ali Delbari, Windsor (CA)
Assigned to Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Dearborn, MI (US)
Filed by Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Dearborn, MI (US)
Filed on Jun. 21, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/352,882.
Prior Publication US 2022/0402448 A1, Dec. 22, 2022
Int. Cl. B60R 16/023 (2006.01); B60K 20/02 (2006.01); B60K 26/02 (2006.01); B60R 16/03 (2006.01); B60T 7/04 (2006.01); G05G 1/40 (2008.04)
CPC B60R 16/0231 (2013.01) [B60K 26/02 (2013.01); B60R 16/03 (2013.01); B60T 7/04 (2013.01); B60K 20/02 (2013.01); B60K 2026/026 (2013.01); G05G 1/40 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A system, comprising:
a first control module that meets operational criteria for controlling a component of a vehicle; and
a second control module that meets operational criteria for actuating the component;
wherein the first control module is arranged to:
send a first signal to open a relay that, when closed, electrically couples a power output of the second control module to ground via a fuse;
send a second signal to cause the second control module to power a motor for actuating the component;
receive a third signal indicating a completion of actuation of the component; and
responsive to receiving the third signal, send a fourth signal to close the relay.