Various embodiments relate to adjustable seat assemblies and vehicle assemblies with adjustable seat assemblies and adjustable interior components.
An adjustable seat assembly is illustrated and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,758,924, which issued on Jun. 2, 1998 to Lear Corporation.
According to at least one embodiment, a seat assembly is provided with a seat back. A first actuator is oriented in a first region of the seat back. A second actuator is oriented in a second region of the seat back. A safety restraint is connected to the seat back. A third actuator is connected to the safety restraint. A controller is in electrical communication with the first and second actuators. The controller is programmed to operate the first actuator to adjust the first region of the seat back. The second actuator is operated to adjust the second region after initiating adjustment of the first actuator. The third actuator is operated to adjust the safety restraint in response to the adjustment of at least one of the first actuator and the second actuator to coordinate the adjustment of the safety restraint with the sequential posture alignment.
According to at least another embodiment, a seat assembly is provided with a seat back. A first actuator is oriented in a first region of the seat back. A second actuator is oriented in a second region of the seat back. A controller is in electrical communication with the first and second actuators. The controller is programmed to operate the first actuator to adjust the first region of the seat back. The second actuator is operated to adjust the second region after initiating adjustment of the first actuator. An output signal indicative of adjustment of a vehicle vision device is transmitted in response to the adjustment of at least one of the first actuator and the second actuator to coordinate the adjustment of the vehicle vision device with the sequential posture alignment.
According to at least another embodiment, a vehicle assembly is provided with a seat assembly with a seat back. A first actuator is oriented in a first region of the seat back. A second actuator is oriented in a second region of the seat back. A controller is in electrical communication with the first and second actuators. The controller is programmed to operate the first actuator to adjust the first region of the seat back. The second actuator is operated to adjust the second region after initiating adjustment of the first actuator. An output signal indicative of adjustment of a vehicle vision device is transmitted in response to the adjustment of at least one of the first actuator and the second actuator to coordinate the adjustment of the vehicle vision device with the sequential posture alignment. A vehicle vision device is in communication with the controller to receive the output signal indicative of adjustment of the vehicle vision device. The vehicle vision device comprises a display.
According to at least another embodiment, a vehicle assembly is provided with a seat assembly with a seat back. A first actuator is oriented in a first region of the seat back. A second actuator is oriented in a second region of the seat back. A controller is in electrical communication with the first and second actuators. The controller is programmed to operate the first actuator to adjust the first region of the seat back. The second actuator is operated to adjust the second region after initiating adjustment of the first actuator. An output signal indicative of adjustment of a vehicle vision device is transmitted in response to the adjustment of at least one of the first actuator and the second actuator to coordinate the adjustment of the vehicle vision device with the sequential posture alignment. A vehicle vision device is in communication with the controller to receive the output signal indicative of adjustment of the vehicle vision device. The vehicle vision device comprises a mirror assembly.
According to at least another embodiment, a seat assembly is provided with a seat back. A first actuator is oriented in a first region of the seat back. A second actuator is oriented in a second region of the seat back. A controller is in electrical communication with the first and second actuators. The controller is programmed to operate the first actuator to adjust the first region of the seat back. The second actuator is operated to adjust the second region after initiating adjustment of the first actuator. An output signal, indicative of adjustment of a vehicle drive control manual input device, is transmitted in response to the adjustment of at least one of the first actuator and the second actuator to coordinate the adjustment of the vehicle drive control manual input device with the sequential posture alignment.
According to at least another embodiment, a vehicle assembly is provided with a seat assembly with a seat back. A first actuator is oriented in a first region of the seat back. A second actuator is oriented in a second region of the seat back. A controller is in electrical communication with the first and second actuators. The controller is programmed to operate the first actuator to adjust the first region of the seat back. The second actuator is operated to adjust the second region after initiating adjustment of the first actuator. An output signal, indicative of adjustment of a vehicle drive control manual input device, is transmitted in response to the adjustment of at least one of the first actuator and the second actuator to coordinate the adjustment of the vehicle drive control manual input device with the sequential posture alignment. A vehicle drive control manual input device is in communication with the controller to receive the output signal indicative of adjustment of the vehicle drive control manual input device. The vehicle drive control manual input device comprises an adjustable foot pedal.
According to at least another embodiment, a vehicle assembly is provided with a seat assembly with a seat back. A first actuator is oriented in a first region of the seat back. A second actuator is oriented in a second region of the seat back. A controller is in electrical communication with the first and second actuators. The controller is programmed to operate the first actuator to adjust the first region of the seat back. The second actuator is operated to adjust the second region after initiating adjustment of the first actuator. An output signal, indicative of adjustment of a vehicle drive control manual input device, is transmitted in response to the adjustment of at least one of the first actuator and the second actuator to coordinate the adjustment of the vehicle drive control manual input device with the sequential posture alignment. A vehicle drive control manual input device is in communication with the controller to receive the output signal indicative of adjustment of the vehicle drive control manual input device. The vehicle drive control manual input device comprises an adjustable steering wheel assembly.
As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.
A comfort, posture and wellness seating system for vehicle seat assemblies, provides a visual interface with adjustment hardware organically or inorganically. The system may be employed to properly configure any new or existing seating system. The system can also address specific comfort, posture or preferences, such as thoracic support. The seating system objectifies comfort data and biomechanical knowledge to make the data transferable.
The comfort, posture and wellness seating system integrates anthropometry, bio-mechanics, and historical seating comfort data. The seating system can be employed in original equipment for vehicles or in aftermarket products. Applicable markets include automotive, mass transit, airlines, etc., as well as non-vehicular seating such as office, home, commercial, and public venue seating.
Data collection may be conducted that includes expert positioning of a suitable sample of occupants for optimal comfort or preferred posture by a medical professional. The data collection can be used at specific sites on an ongoing basis if required. The expert input provides a high level of expert comfort, posture and personalized fitting. The data may be based on anthropometry, body pressure distribution (BPD), status of actuators (such as pressure of inflatable air bladders, status of valves or the like), or other data that provides a comfort, posture and biomechanically optimized position of an adjustable vehicle seat assembly. The data is collected in a knowledge base or table for setting adjustments based on categories of data. The knowledge base may be compiled from the expert positioned data and the occupant specific data. The setting adjustments from the knowledge base are utilized for pre-set options in a vehicle seat assembly 28. The setting adjustments can be customized by a user at a controller or display.
Input data can be plotted versus adjustment settings for high level categorization. The settings can be categorized by topology clustering for setting the pre-set options. Various setting options may be provided for various types of driving. For example, a touring setting may provide per package settings and basic comfort, posture and wellness recommendations. The touring setting may also provide optimal visibility, use of features and controls, and the like. A performance setting may be provided for active drivers to provide a more erect position with firmer seating. Additionally, a luxury setting may be more reclined with softer seating.
At least one compressor 36 provides a source of air to the seat assembly 28. A plurality of valves 38 receive the compressed air and are controlled by a controller 39 for regulating compressed air into and out of the seat assembly 28. The seat cushion 32 includes a forward left air bladder 40, a forward right air bladder 42, a rear left air bladder 44, a rear right air bladder 46, a left side bolster air bladder 48, and a right side bolster air bladder 50. The seat back 34 includes a plurality of lumbar air bladders 52, a plurality of thoracic air bladders 54, a left side bolster air bladder 56, and a right side bolster air bladder 58. The valves 38 may be provided as a common valve bank that is housed in the seat back 34 or under the seat cushion 32; or the valves 38 may each be provided on each of the air bladders 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58. The compressor 36 may be provided in the seat back 34, the seat cushion 32 or concealed within the vehicle body. The controller 39 may be provided in a module under the seat cushion 32, and may be a multifunction controller that also controls other functions in the vehicle.
It is believed that supporting the thoracic region of the spine can reduce forces and support as much as one-third of the upper body mass. By increasing support of the upper body mass, loads are reduced on the muscles, ligaments, and spine and pelvic regions. Decreased load reduces fatigue on these areas of the body. The thoracic air bladders 54 are adjustable to provide the right degree of support in the correct location necessary to reduce such loading.
The controller 39 receives the adjustment settings from the pre-set data or from the customized data. The data may be input from an interface that is provided in the vehicle. The interface may be integrated into the vehicle, such as an instrument panel display that is in suitable wired or wireless communication with the controller 39. The interface may be remote, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA) including phones, tablets and the like. The interface may be provided as a smart device application, wherein users enter relevant information about themselves. The smart phone interface may not require on-site expertise or seat properties. The remote interface permits a user to transport settings to each vehicle, such as personal passenger vehicles, airline seating, rental cars, and the like.
Misalignments of spinal vertebrae and discs may cause irritation to the nervous system and may be an underlying cause to many health problems. Additionally, spinal misalignments can be a contributing factor to a herniated disc, a bulging disc, a facet joint problem, osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis. Sequential adjustment of a seat assembly can enhance posture to minimize spinal misalignments.
Each of the air bladders 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58 may include a pressure sensor to detect air pressure in the respective bladder 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58. Any pressure sensor is contemplated, such as a pneumatic pressure sensor at the outlet valve of each respective air bladder 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58. Pressure can also be sensed by contact pressure sensors disposed in front of or behind some or all of the respective air bladders, including on a front or rear surface thereof. The contact pressure sensors may include pressure-sensing mats, such as those available by Tekscan®, Inc. of 307 West First Street. South Boston, Mass. 02127-1309, USA.
A dynamic comfort, posture and wellness option is offered. Selection of the dynamic comfort option measures the pressure in the sensors at
At block 108, the seat assembly 28 is adjusted to the comfort position or associated preset seating position. The comfort position is obtained in a comfort mode, as selected by a “comfort position” button at block 106. The “comfort position” button may be selected by default to obtain the comfort position. At block 110, a live view, such as
According to an alternative embodiment, a collection of individuals were surveyed for comfort preferences and the data is tabulated into comfort seating positions for ranges of anthropometry data. The data received in the questionnaire in
Referring again to
At blocks 212 and 214, the pressure of the bladders is compared to measure flexure and extension of the center bladders of thoracic, lumbar and sacrum regions. If it is determined that the occupant is slouching relative to the comfort or prescribed position at block 212, then a message indicating adjustment is provided in a popup of the display at block 216, and the appropriate bladders are at least partially inflated at block 216. If it is determined that the occupant is hunching relative to the prescribed position at block 214, then the message is provided at block 218 and the central bladders are at least partially deflated at block 218 to return the occupant to the prescribed wellness position.
At block 220, the occupant is returned back to the comfort position or the wellness position dependent upon the selected mode. To avoid continuous adjustment, a hold position such as five seconds occurs before repeating the sensor detection at block 202.
Referring to
With continued reference to
With continued reference to
According to at least one embodiment, the air bladders 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307 are inflated in a sequence to support posture alignment, posture support and movement. The sequence can be controlled by the seat controller 39 as described above in prior embodiments. Initially, the thoracic air bladder assembly 301 is inflated. The thoracic air bladders 302, 303, 304 may be inflated individually or simultaneously.
Subsequently, the lumbar air bladders 305, 306 are inflated thereby supporting the lumbar vertebrae with pressure 310 in
Referring again to
With reference now to
According to one example, the controller 39 may communicate with a steering wheel interface 404. After the seat assembly 28, 300 is adjusted, a steering wheel assembly may be adjusted, such as tilt adjustment, extension/retraction adjustment, and/or raise/lower adjustment. The steering wheel adjustments may be prescribed by a health professional. Alternatively, the steering wheel adjustments may be determined based upon a detected occupant position. The steering wheel interface 404 may communicate with the controller 39 to report manual adjustments of the steering wheel to store the positions for a particular occupant.
The controller 39 may communicate with other vehicle drive control manual input devices, such as an accelerator pedal and brake pedal interface 406. After the seat assembly 28, 300 is adjusted, one or more of the foot pedals may be adjusted, such as an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal. The pedal adjustments may be prescribed, or determined based upon a detected occupant position. The pedal interface 406 may communicate with the controller 39 to report manual adjustments of the pedals to store the positions for a particular occupant.
Vehicle vision devices may also communicate with the controller 39, such as a side view mirror and rear view mirror interface 408. After the seat assembly 28, 300 is adjusted, one or more of the mirror assemblies may be adjusted, which include left and right side view mirrors and a rearview mirror. The mirror adjustments may be prescribed, or determined based upon a detected occupant position. The mirror interface 408 may communicate with the controller 39 to report manual adjustments of the mirrors to store the positions for a particular occupant.
The controller 39 may also communicate with a heads-up display interface 410. The heads-up display includes a projector for projecting information onto a portion of the windshield of the vehicle assembly 400. The adjustment may include orientation and focus prescribed for a particular user. After the seat assembly 28, 300 is adjusted, the display may be adjusted. The adjustments may be determined from a detected occupant position. The heads-up display interface 410 may communicate with the controller 39 to report manual adjustments of the display to store the adjustment data for a particular occupant.
Safety restraints may also communicate with the controller 39, such as a seat head restraint interface 412. After the seat assembly 28, 300 is adjusted, the head restraint may be extended forward and upward to minimize a gap between the head restraint and a head of an occupant. The head restraint adjustments may be prescribed, or determined from a detected occupant position. The seat head restraint interface 412 may communicate with the controller 39 to report manual adjustments of the head restraint to store the positions for a particular occupant. Alternatively, the seat head restraint interface 412 may be incorporated into the controller 39.
A seat belt shoulder anchor interface 414 is also depicted in communication with the seat assembly controller 39. The seat belt shoulder anchor may be affixed to a vehicle body pillar, or the seat assembly 28, 300. After the seat assembly 28, 300 is adjusted, the seat belt shoulder anchor may be translated to an optimal comfort, wellness or safety position. The seat belt shoulder anchor adjustments may be prescribed, or determined from a detected occupant position. The seat belt shoulder anchor interface 414 may communicate with the controller 39 to report manual adjustments of the seat belt shoulder anchor to store the positions for a particular occupant. Alternatively, the seat belt shoulder anchor interface 414 may be incorporated into the controller 39.
While various embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, the features of various implementing embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the invention.