Patent ID: 7581706
Filing Date: 2009-09-01
Classification: B60N,F03G

Abstract:
1. A seat track assembly for adjusting a seat assembly of a vehicle, the seat track assembly comprising: a first track; a second track that is moveable with respect to the first track; an electrically operable latch mechanism associated with the second track and being operative to inhibit relative movement of the tracks, the latch mechanism including multiple triggers that are electrically driven between each of a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the locked position corresponds with the triggers engaging with the first track and the unlocked position corresponds with the triggers disengaging from the first track; at least one shape memory alloy (SMA) element, the SMA element configured to facilitate electrically engaging and disengaging the triggers; a controller for electrically controlling movement of the SMA elements, and thereby, movement of the triggers; wherein the controller is configured to control excitation of the SMA elements through electrical stimulation; wherein the controller is configured to limit excitation of the SMA elements as a function of temperatures of the elements; and wherein the assembly includes at least a first and second SMA element and the controller is configured to excite the second SMA element during excitation of the first SMA element so as to fine-tune movement of the first SMA element.