Abstract:
A seat assembly is provided with a seat bottom and a seat back mounted adjacent the bottom. A first actuator is operably connected to the seat back for applying a first pressure to a seated occupant at a first height. A second actuator is laterally offset from the first actuator and operably connected to the seat back for applying a second pressure to the occupant at a second height. The first and second actuators are operable to provide an asymmetric comfort position to the occupant. The asymmetric comfort position may set the first pressure different than the second pressure or set the first height different than the second height.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Various embodiments relate to adjustable seat assemblies. 
     BACKGROUND 
     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. 
     SUMMARY 
     In at least one other aspect, a seat assembly is provided with a seat bottom and a seat back mounted adjacent the seat bottom, the seat back extending generally in an upright direction. A first air bladder assembly is positioned along the seat back for applying a first air pressure to a seated occupant. A second air bladder assembly is laterally offset from the first air bladder assembly along the seat back for applying a second air pressure to the occupant. The first and second air bladders inflate to provide an asymmetric comfort position to the occupant such that the first air pressure and second air pressure are different. A plurality of sensors is operably connected to the seat back to detect a seating position of an occupant. A controller is in electrical communication with the plurality of sensors and the first and second air bladder assemblies. The controller is configured to receive data from the plurality of sensors, compare the data to determine if the occupant is seated in an uneven position. If the occupant is seated in the uneven position, the controller adjusts the first and second actuators independently to an asymmetric comfort position. In the asymmetric comfort position, the first pressure is different than the second pressure or the first height is different than the second height. 
     In another aspect, the first air pressure is at least twenty percent greater than the second air pressure. 
     In a further aspect, the first air bladder includes a first valve and the second air bladder includes a second valve. The first valve is operable independent of the second valve so that the first air bladder is inflatable independent of the second air bladder. 
     In still another aspect, the seat assembly also includes a compressor in fluid communication with the first and second valves for providing air to the first and second bladders. 
     In yet another aspect, at least one of the sensors is disposed within the controller at a pneumatic fill-line of one of the first and second bladder. 
     In still another aspect, a seat assembly is provided with a seat bottom and a seat back mounted adjacent the seat bottom and extending generally in an upright direction. A first actuator is operably connected to seat back for applying a first pressure to the occupant at a first height. A second actuator is laterally offset from the first actuator and is operably connected to the seat back for applying a second pressure to the occupant at a second height. A controller is configured to receive input indicating the occupant is seated in an uneven position. If the occupant is seated in an uneven position, the controller adjusts the first and second actuators independently to an asymmetric comfort position such that the first pressure is different than the second pressure or the first height is different than the second height. 
     In at least one aspect, the seat assembly includes a plurality of sensors operably connected to at least one of the seat bottom and the seat back to detect a seating position of an occupant. A controller is in electrical communication with the plurality of sensors and the first and second actuators. The controller is programmed to receive data from the plurality of sensors, compare the data to determine if the occupant is seated in an uneven position, and adjust the first and second actuators independently to the asymmetric comfort position if the occupant is seated in the uneven position. 
     In yet another aspect, the plurality of sensors includes at least one right-side sensor and at least one left-side sensor. 
     In one other aspect, the actuator comprises a plurality of air actuators arranged in an array on a right side of the seat back. The second actuator comprises a plurality of actuators arranged in an array on a left side of the seat back. 
     In a further aspect, the right-side array is arranged symmetrically to the left-side array about a centerline of the seat back. 
     In another aspect, the first actuator is oriented on one of a right side and a left side of the seat back and the second actuator is oriented on the other of the right side and the left side of the seat back. 
     In one other aspect, at least one of the first and second actuators is positioned in a lumbar region of the seat back. 
     In still another aspect, the first actuator is operable independent of the second actuator. 
     In another aspect, the seat assembly includes an operator input. The occupant selects the asymmetric comfort position via the operator input. 
     In a further aspect, the first actuator is decoupled from the second actuator such that the first actuator is operable to have a set a first height different from the second height and set a first pressure different than the second pressure. 
     In at least one aspect, a method for adjusting a seat assembly is provided. The seat assembly is adjusted by applying a first pressure to a seated occupant at a first height. The seat assembly is also adjusted by applying a second pressure to the occupant at a second height laterally offset from the first height. The second pressure is different than the first pressure or the second height is different than the first height. 
     In one other aspect, the method includes receiving an input indicative of an asymmetric seated position of an occupant. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Certain embodiments of the present disclosure are pointed out herein. However, other features of the various embodiments will become more apparent and will be further understood by referring to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary seat assembly incorporating a moveable comfort system; and 
         FIG. 2  is a flowchart of a method for adjusting a vehicle seat assembly according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic illustration of the moveable comfort systems configured to provide an asymmetric comfort seating position according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic illustration of the moveable comfort systems configured to provide an asymmetric comfort seating position according to another embodiment; and 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic illustration of the moveable comfort systems configured to provide an asymmetric comfort seating position according to one other embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples 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. 
     Moreover, except for otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description indicating amounts are to be understood as modified by the word “about” in describing the broader scope of the disclosure. Also, unless expressly stated to the contrary, the description of a group or class of materials as suitable or preferred for a given purpose in connection with the disclosure implies that any two or more members of the group or class may be equally suitable and preferred. 
     Referring now to the Figures, where like numerals are used to designate like structures throughout the drawings, a seat assembly  10  in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention is generally shown in  FIG. 1 . The seat assembly  10  includes a seat back  12  and a seat bottom  14 . As shown, the seat back  12  extends generally in the upright direction and is pivotally attached to the seat bottom  14 . Each of the seat back  12  and the seat bottom  14  typically include a cushion or padding and a trim cover assembly for decoratively covering and protecting the cushion. Typically, the cushion is made of an expandable foam material and is molded to a desired shape. The seat assembly  10  may also include a head restraint  18  that is adjustable in relation to the seat back  12 . 
     While the seat assembly  10  in  FIG. 1  is illustrated as a vehicle seat assembly, it should be understood that the principles of the present application are applicable to other types of seat assemblies, as well as non-vehicle seat assemblies. 
     Research has shown that uniformity in body pressure distribution, particularly in the lower black, was statistically correlated to local discomfort. Occupants would self-select asymmetrical back support, particularly in the lower back, such as the lumber region. But typical lumbar supports provide even support across the seat back in the lateral direction and cannot provide asymmetric support. 
     The seat assembly  10  also includes a comfort system  30  that is moveable asymmetrically. The comfort system  30  may include a plurality of actuators  32  that move between an extended position and a retracted position. Each actuator  32  may apply pressure or support to the seated passenger. 
     As shown, the plurality of actuators  32  may be aligned symmetrically about the centerline  34  of the seat back  10 . The actuators  32  may include a plurality of left-side actuators  42  and a plurality of right-side actuators  44 . 
     The actuators  32  may include pneumatic bladders that inflate and deflate to provide various degrees of support to the seated passenger along the seat back  12  or seat bottom  14 . The actuators  32  may also include movable knobs or bars. For example, knobs may have a generally semi-spherical support surfaces, whereas bars maybe have a more planar support surface. However, the actuators  32  may have any contoured shape support surface. The actuators  32  have be formed of a material that has a hardness that is greater than the hardness of the cushion, such as hard plastic or harder foam, in order to provide greater support in the extended position. Further, the actuators  32  that extend and retract using any suitable mechanism known to a person having ordinary skill in the art. 
     In  FIG. 1 , the left-side and right-side actuators  42 ,  44  are positioned along the lumbar region of  54  the seat in order to provide support to the occupant&#39;s lower back. The lumbar region  54  of the seat back  12  is located below the upper region  52 . The upper region  52  may provide support to the thoracic region of the occupant&#39;s spine. 
     In order to provide an asymmetric comfort position, the left-side actuators  42  are decoupled from the right-side actuators  44 . By decoupling the actuators, the left-side actuators  42  are independently controllable from the right-side actuators  44 . 
     The moveable comfort system  30  may also include a controller  38  for regulating any movement of the actuators  32 . In at least one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 3-4 , the actuators  32  include air bladders. For example, in  FIGS. 3-4 , the moveable comfort system  30  includes left-side air bladders  72  and right-side air bladders  74 . In this embodiment, the controller may regulate compressed air into and out of the bladders. By decoupling the air bladders, the left-side air bladders  72  are independently controllable from the right-side actuators  74 . For example, a left-side air bladder could be inflated independent of inflating a right-side air bladder. 
     The moveable comfort system  30  may also include a compressor  36  that provides a source of air to the bladder  72 ,  74 . The compressor  36  and controller  38  may be provided in the seat back  12 , the seat bottom  14  or concealed within the vehicle body. The controller  38  may be a multifunction controller that also controls other functions in the vehicle. A plurality of valves  40  receive the compressed air and are controlled by the controller  38  for regulating compressed air into and out of the seat assembly  10 . The left-side air bladders  72  and right-side air bladders  74  may each have a common valve bank, or a valve  40  may be provided on each of the air bladders of left and right side  72 ,  74 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the actuators  32  are disposed along a central region  46  between opposing bolster regions  48  of the seat back  12 . However, it is contemplated that the actuators  32  may be positioned along any portion of the seat back  12 . For example, actuators  32  may also be located along the bolster portions  48  seat back  12 . 
     Each of the left-side actuators  42  and the right-side actuators  44  are illustrated in an array that is aligned laterally and spaced apart in the upright direction. It is also contemplated the plurality of left and right-side actuators  42 ,  44  may be positioned in other array patterns or configurations. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the positions of the left-side actuators  42  are symmetric to the positions of the right-side actuators  44  about the centerline  34  of the seat back  12 . The centerline  34  is the lateral axis of symmetry of the seat back  12  and extends in the upright direction. 
     The seat assembly  10  may be arranged in an asymmetric comfort position automatically or through manual inputs selection from the occupant. The occupant may manually set the left-side actuators  42  to apply a different pressure than the right-side actuators  44 . The occupant may manually select the asymmetric comfort position through a graphical user interface or inputs such as a button on the seat assembly that is in communication with the controller. By manually selecting the asymmetric comfort position, the user may manually set the left-side actuators  42  to apply a pressure different than the right-side actuators  44 . 
     The controller  38  may also automatically adjust the movable comfort system  30  to set the left-side actuators  42  to apply a different pressure than the right-side actuators  44 .  FIG. 2  depicts a method  100  for adjusting the seat assembly  10 . 
     The controller  38  collects occupant seating data, as shown in block  110 . The data may be based on the status of actuators (such as pressure of inflatable air bladders, status of valves or the like), anthropometric data, body pressure distribution (BPD), or other data that provides a comfort, typical preferred asymmetric lumbar supported posture and biomechanical position of the occupant in the vehicle seat assembly  10 . For example, each of the left-side and right-side air bladders  72 ,  74 , may include a pressure sensor  62 ,  64 , respectively, to detect air pressure in each bladder. Any pressure sensor may be used, such as a pneumatic pressure sensor at the outlet valve of each respective air bladder. 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. In another embodiment, the pressure of the bladders  72 ,  74  may also be measured in pneumatic fill lines (not shown) connected to the bladders  72 ,  74 . The pneumatic fill lines may extend from each bladder to the controller  38  and may connect to the controller  38  at a connection nozzle. The sensors  62 ,  64  may be located within the controller  38  at the end of the pneumatic fill lines. 
     In block  112 , the controller  38  compares the plurality of sensor values. In block  114 , the controller  38  determines that the occupant is seated asymmetrically. In one embodiment, the controller  38  may determine that the occupant is seated asymmetrically if the different in pressures from a left-side sensor  62  is at least twenty-percent different than a corresponding right-side sensor  64 . In another embodiment, the controller  38  may determine that the occupant is seated asymmetrically if an average of the left-side sensors  62  differs from an average of the right-side sensors  64 . Any suitable method of determining an asymmetric seating position is contemplated based on a difference in the left-side sensors  62  compared to the right-side sensors  64 . 
     If the occupant is seated asymmetrically, the controller  38  set the pressure of the left-side actuators  42  and right-side actuators  44  at different pressures, to accommodate the occupant&#39;s asymmetric seating position, as shown in block  116 . 
     The controller  38  may also take into account the pre-set data when setting the pressure of the left-side actuators  42  and right-side actuators  44 , as shown in block  118 . The controller  38  may also use pre-set data to adjust the comfort system  30 , as shown in block  118 . Pre-set data may include previous occupant settings of asymmetric seating positions, or pre-set asymmetric seating preferences. Various other pre-set data, such as basic comfort, seated posture and biomechanically optimized seating position recommendations. For example, a touring setting may 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. 
     If the occupant is seated evenly, the controller  38  may continue to receive data to monitor the occupants seating position. If the occupant shifts to an asymmetric seating position, after a predetermined time, the controller  38  may adjust the actuators  32  to an asymmetric comfort seating position. The controller  38  may apply a new seating position if the occupant shifts or if the occupant manually selects a new position. Otherwise, the controller  38  maintains the asymmetric seating position. 
     Examples of asymmetric seating positions are illustrated in  FIGS. 3-5 .  FIGS. 3-4  illustrate embodiments where the left-side and right-side actuators  42 ,  44  are left and right air bladders  72 ,  74 . Each of the left and right air bladders  72 ,  74  includes a valve  38  that is independently controllable and decoupled from the other valves. Also, each of the left air bladders  72  includes a left sensor  62 , and likewise, each of the right air bladders  74  includes a right sensor  64 . 
     The asymmetric comfort seating position shown in  FIG. 3  schematically illustrates the right air bladders  74  are inflated more than the left air bladders  72 . While the number of the air bladders on the left and right side  72 ,  74  may vary, in the embodiment in  FIG. 3 , all of the right air bladders  74  are inflated to a greater pressure than the left air bladders. 
     In  FIG. 4 , the asymmetric comfort seating position illustrates an embodiment where a portion of the left air bladders  72  are inflated more than the right air bladders  74 . In fact, the right air bladders  74  are not inflated at all so that only the portion of the left bladders  72  are applying pressure to the occupant. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a moveable comfort system  30  that includes a four-way lumbar support system  80 . In typical four-way lumbar systems, the actuator is adjustable in the upright direction as well as providing various amounts of support to the occupant in the fore-aft direction. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5 , a left lumbar actuator  82  is decoupled from a right lumber actuator  84  and moveable independently. Therefore, the left lumber actuator  82  can apply different pressure than the right lumber actuator  84  through more or less fore-aft travel. The left lumber actuator  82  may also be moveable to a different height than the right lumber actuator  82 . In the embodiment in  FIG. 5 , the left and right lumbar actuators  82 ,  84  are applying generally the same pressure, but at different heights. 
     While exemplary 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.