Adjustable seat assembly with driving modes

A seat assembly is provided with a seat cushion and a seat back. A controller is in electrical communication with an actuator. The controller is programmed to receive a data input indicative of occupant anthropometry data. The data input is compared with predetermined data ranges. A setting of the actuator is adjusted to a predetermined setting based on the predetermined data range. A data input indicative of a selected driving mode is received by the controller. The setting of the actuator is adjusted to another predetermined setting based on the selected driving mode. The actuator includes an inflation device, side bolster air bladders, a seat back recline actuator, a tilt actuator, and a central air bladder. The driving modes include a touring mode, a sport mode and a performance mode.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Technical Field

Various embodiments relate to adjustable seat assemblies with driving modes.

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

According to an embodiment, a seat assembly is provided with a seat cushion adapted to be adjustably mounted to a vehicle body. A seat back is pivotally mounted adjacent the seat cushion. At least one actuator is operably connected to at least one of the seat cushion and the seat back for adjustment of at least one of a plurality of settings of the seat assembly. A controller is in electrical communication with the at least one actuator. The controller is programmed to receive a data input indicative of occupant anthropometry data. The data input is compared with predetermined data ranges. At least one of the plurality of settings of the at least one actuator is adjusted to a predetermined setting based on the predetermined data range. A data input indicative of a selected driving mode is received by the controller. At least one of the plurality of settings of the at least one actuator is adjusted to another predetermined setting based on the selected driving mode.

According to another embodiment, a seat assembly is provided with a seat cushion adapted to be mounted to a vehicle body and an inflation device. A pair of side bolster air bladders is in fluid communication with the inflation device and is oriented within side bolster regions of the seat cushion, each with a range of inflation. A seat back is pivotally mounted adjacent the seat cushion with a pivot range. A seat back recline actuator is operably connected to the seat cushion and the seat back to adjust a recline angle of the seat back relative to the seat cushion. A pair of side bolster air bladders is in fluid communication with the inflation device and is oriented within side bolster regions of the seat back. A controller is in electrical communication with the inflation device and the seat back recline actuator. The controller is programmed to receive a data input indicative of a sport driving mode. The inflation device is adjusted to inflate the pair of side bolster air bladders in the seat cushion to increase bolster support in response to the sport driving mode. The inflation device is adjusted to inflate the pair of side bolster air bladders in the seat back to increase bolster support in response to the sport driving mode. The seat back recline actuator is adjusted to decrease an angle between the seat cushion and the seat back in response to the sport driving mode to increase back support.

According to another embodiment, a seat assembly is provided with a seat cushion adapted to be pivotally mounted to a vehicle body with a pivotal range of adjustment of a tilt angle of the seat cushion and an inflation device. A pair of side bolster air bladders is in fluid communication with the inflation device and is oriented within side bolster regions of the seat cushion, each with a range of inflation. A tilt actuator is operably connected to the seat cushion to pivot the seat cushion. A seat back is pivotally mounted adjacent the seat cushion with a pivot range. A seat back recline actuator is operably connected to the seat cushion and the seat back to adjust a recline angle of the seat back relative to the seat cushion. A pair of side bolster air bladders is in fluid communication with the inflation device and is oriented within side bolster regions of the seat back. At least one air bladder is oriented centrally within the seat back in fluid communication with the inflation device. A controller is in electrical communication with the inflation device, the seat back recline actuator, and the tilt actuator. The controller is programmed to receive a data input indicative of a performance driving mode. The inflation device is adjusted to inflate the pair of side bolster air bladders in the seat cushion to increase bolster support in response to the performance driving mode. The inflation device is adjusted to inflate the pair of side bolster air bladders in the seat back to increase bolster support in response to the performance driving mode. The seat back recline actuator is adjusted to decrease an angle between the seat cushion and the seat back in response to the performance driving mode to increase back support. The tilt actuator is adjusted to raise a front of the seat cushion in response to the performance driving mode to increase thigh support. The inflation device is adjusted to deflate the at least one central back air bladder in response to the performance driving mode to decrease central back support.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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 assembly20. 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 sport setting may be provided for active drivers to provide a more erect position with firmer seating. A performance setting may be provided for active drivers in a performance setting to provide an erect position with even firmer seating.

FIG. 1illustrates the vehicle seat assembly20while revealing internal components. The seat assembly20includes a seat cushion22adapted to be mounted to a floor24of a vehicle body. The seat cushion22is mounted to the vehicle floor24for adjustable tilt about a lateral axis within a limited pivotal range to raise a lower a front of the seat cushion22. An actuator26, such as a motor-driven actuator26is provided beneath the seat cushion22to adjust an angle of the seat cushion22relative to the vehicle floor24to regulate thigh support. Tilt actuators26are known in the art, and the tilt actuator26is illustrated schematically inFIG. 1. The seat assembly20may also include additional motor-driven actuators for translation in a fore and aft direction and in an up and down direction of the vehicle.

The seat cushion22includes a pair of central inflatable air bladder assemblies28spaced apart in a sacral region30of the seat cushion22. The seat cushion22also includes a pair of bolster air bladder assemblies32, each oriented within one of a pair of side bolster regions34of the seat cushion22.

The seat assembly20includes a seat back36pivotally connected to the seat cushion22to extend generally upright relative to the seat cushion22with a limited range of pivotal movement. Motor-driven pivotal adjustment of the seat back36relative to the seat cushion22is provided by a seat back recline actuator38. Recline actuators38are also known in the art, and the recline actuator38is also illustrated schematically inFIG. 1.

A central air bladder assembly39is provided in the seat back36within pelvis, lumbar and thoracic regions of the seat back36. A pair of side bolster air bladder assemblies40are each provided within one of a pair of seat back side bolster regions42. A head restraint44is mounted for motor-driven adjustable translation to the seat back36.

At least one compressor46provides a source of air to the seat assembly20. A plurality of valves48receive the compressed air and are controlled by a controller50for regulating compressed air into and out of the seat assembly20. The valves48may be provided as a common valve bank that is housed in the seat back36or under the seat cushion22; or the valves48may each be provided on each of the air bladders28,32,39,42. The compressor46may be provided in the seat back36, the seat cushion22or concealed within the vehicle body. The controller50may be provided in a module under the seat cushion22, 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 individual air bladders of the central air bladder assembly39are adjustable to provide the right degree of support in the correct location necessary to reduce such loading.

The controller50receives the adjustment settings from the pre-set data or from the customized data. The data may be input from one or more interfaces that is/are provided in the vehicle. The interface may be integrated into the vehicle, such as an instrument panel display52ofFIG. 2that is in suitable wired or wireless communication with the controller50. The instrument panel display52ofFIG. 2permits an occupant to select a driving mode, for example, Tour or Sport. The display52may include a touchscreen for receiving input of the selection. Alternatively, a dedicated switch may permit the drive mode selection. The drive mode selection is communicated to the controller50.

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.

FIGS. 3-11illustrate display images from an interface, such as a tablet.FIG. 3illustrates a welcome screen wherein a data collection process is initiated.FIGS. 4 and 5illustrate input screens wherein biometric, personal health and personal preference data, such as height and wellness, is collected. This data is utilized to adjust the seat to the pre-set options, based on the prior-collected data in the knowledge base or table.

Each of the air bladders28,32,39,40may include a pressure sensor to detect air pressure in the respective bladder28,32,39,40. Any pressure sensor is contemplated, such as a pneumatic pressure sensor at the outlet valve of each respective air bladder28,32,39,40. Pressure can also be sensed by contact pressure sensors disposed in front of or behind some, or all of, the respective air bladders28,32,39,40, 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.

FIG. 6illustrates a depiction of the vehicle seat assembly20with zones ranging in color to depict a distribution of pressure upon the seat assembly20. This visualization may assist an occupant in positioning upon the seat assembly20with live visual feedback. If manual adjustment is selected,FIG. 7requests the occupant to select a zone of the seat assembly20for adjustment. Once a zone is selected, such as thoracic inFIG. 8or lumbar inFIG. 9, incremental adjustment of each air bladder of the air bladder assembly39by the occupant is permitted.

A dynamic comfort, posture and wellness option is offered. Selection of the dynamic comfort option measures the pressure in the sensors atFIG. 10, and displays a live view as inFIG. 11. The controller50compares the sensor values, and if the controller50determines that the occupant is not seated evenly, the controller50balances the air pressure in opposing air bladders to balance the occupant seating position.

FIG. 12depicts a flowchart for a method for adjusting the seat assembly20according to an embodiment. At block100, the occupant adjusts the seat assembly20to a desired position. At block102, position data is requested from a multicontour seat module to determine a manually adjusted position of the seat assembly20. In block104, the manually adjusted position is compared to a plurality of stored predetermined data ranges with corresponding preset seating positions to determine a preset seating position corresponding to the manually adjusted position, and to assign the associated preset seating position or “comfort position” to the manually adjusted position.

At block108, the seat assembly20is 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 block106. The “comfort position” button may be selected by default to obtain the comfort position. At block110, a live view, such asFIG. 6is generated and displayed.

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 inFIGS. 4 and 5may be compared with the predetermined anthropometry data ranges, and the seat assembly20may be adjusted to a comfort position associated with the corresponding anthropometry data ranges.

Referring again toFIG. 12, upon occupant selection of a “prescribed position” button at block112, a wellness mode of the seat assembly20is obtained. At block114, the data received in the questionnaire ofFIGS. 4 and 5is compared with predetermined anthropometry data ranges. A table of predetermined wellness positions is prescribed by a health professional for optimal posture and wellness of various anthropometry ranges and stored in the controller. A prescribed wellness position is selected associated with the corresponding anthropometry data range for the data received by the occupant. At block114, the seat assembly20is adjusted to the wellness position. Then, at block116, a live view, such asFIG. 11is displayed. A dynamic comfort mode may be on at this stage, as selected at button112.

At block118, the occupant selects a driving mode, which may be based on the occupant's preference or based upon current road and/or driving conditions. The seat assembly20will adjust to the selected driving mode to optimize seat performance and overall driving feel. The driving mode selection is made at the display screen52ofFIG. 2. If a tour mode or a touring mode is selected, the seat assembly20is maintained in the wellness position.

If the sport driving mode is selected at block118, then the controller50adjusts the seat assembly20to predetermined settings based on the sport driving mode at block120. One example of the adjustments at block120result in a sport seating position with increased bolster and reduced recline. Referring again toFIG. 1, each of the side bolster air bladder assemblies32,40has a range of inflation. In response to selection of the sport driving mode at block118, the controller50increases the inflation of each of the side bolster air bladder assemblies32,40to increase lateral or side bolster support to the occupant. The increase in pressure may be, for example, seventy-five percent of the max range of inflation. A typical air bladder assembly has a maximum inflation measure in pressure of thirty-four to thirty-five kilopascals (kPa), and the increase is seventy-five percent of the maximum pressure.

With continued reference toFIG. 1, the recline actuator38has a pivotal range of the seat back36relative to the seat cushion22. In response to selection of the sport driving mode at block118, the controller50decreases an angle between the seat back36and the seat cushion22to increase back support with a more upright seating position. The decreased angle or decreased decline, said another way—increased incline, may be five percent of the pivotal range, for example.

According to another embodiment, a performance driving mode may be offered at block118ofFIG. 12for sports cars and race cars. If the performance driving mode is selected at block118, then the controller50adjusts the seat assembly20to predetermined settings based on the performance driving mode at block120to a performance driving position. The performance driving position may include increased bolster support, decreased central back support, reduced recline for increased back support, and increased thigh support. Referring again toFIG. 1, in response to selection of the performance driving mode at block118, the controller50increases the inflation of each of the side bolster air bladder assemblies32,40to increase lateral or side bolster support to the occupant. The increase in pressure may be, for example, ninety-five percent of the max range of inflation.

With continued reference toFIG. 1, in response to selection of the performance driving mode at block118, the controller50decreases an angle between the seat back36and the seat cushion22to increase back support with a more upright seating position. The decreased angle may be five percent of the pivotal range, for example.

With the selection of the performance driving mode at block118, the controller50also deflates the central air bladder assembly39. The deflation may be full deflation, such as zero or minimal kPa. This deflation permits the occupant to be received deeper within the seating surface for enhanced lateral support from the side bolster air bladder assemblies40. Thus, the occupant sits more upright, while further received or sunk into the seat back36.

The performance driving mode selection also increases thigh support by adjusting the tilt actuator26to decrease tilt by pivoting a front of the seat cushion22upward. The tilt actuator26has a pivotal range of adjustment of the seat cushion22relative to the vehicle floor24. At block120, as the seat assembly20is adjusted to the performance seating position, the tilt actuator26is adjusted by ten percent of the pivotal range to decrease tilt by increasing the front of the seat cushion22and thereby increasing thigh support.

Referring again toFIG. 12, the selected driving modes may adjust the seat assembly20from the comfort position108also. At block122, if the occupant selects the touring mode, then the comfort position from block108is maintained. If the occupant selects the sport driving mode or the performance driving mode, then the adjustments described with reference to block120are made at block124.

With reference now toFIG. 13, once the seat assembly20and associated controls are activated to place an occupant in a proper seated posture, adjustments can be made to various power controlled interior components of a vehicle assembly to adapt to the seated postural change and driving mode. All of these interior components interface with the occupant and can be affected by changes in occupant position. For illustration purposes, a display402is illustrated inFIG. 13. The display402communicates with the seat controller50as described above. A vehicle controller can communicate with the seat controller50via a computer network to the various interior components of the vehicle assembly400to adjust the various interior components via software to accommodate the occupant position. The occupant input and position information can then be used to adjust the interior features mentioned above. The adjustment of the seat assembly20may be simultaneous during, or otherwise concurrent with, the adjustments of the various interior components of the vehicle assembly400. The adjustment of the various interior components of the vehicle assembly400may be in response to the adjustment of the seat assembly20. Alternatively, the seat assembly20and the various interior components of the vehicle assembly400may be adjusted in a sequence.

According to one example, the controller50may communicate with a steering wheel interface404. After the seat assembly20is 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 interface404may communicate with the controller50to report manual adjustments of the steering wheel to store the positions for a particular occupant.

The controller50may communicate with other vehicle drive control manual input devices, such as an accelerator pedal and brake pedal interface406. After the seat assembly20is 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 interface406may communicate with the controller50to report manual adjustments of the pedals to store the positions for a particular occupant.

Vehicle vision devices may also communicate with the controller50, such as a side view mirror and rear view mirror interface408. After the seat assembly20is 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 interface408may communicate with the controller50to report manual adjustments of the mirrors to store the positions for a particular occupant.

The controller50may also communicate with a heads-up display interface410. The heads-up display includes a projector for projecting information onto a portion of the windshield of the vehicle assembly400. The adjustment may include orientation and focus prescribed for a particular user. After the seat assembly20is adjusted, the display may be adjusted. The adjustments may be determined from a detected occupant position. The heads-up display interface410may communicate with the controller50to report manual adjustments of the display to store the adjustment data for a particular occupant.

Safety restraints may also communicate with the controller50, such as a seat head restraint interface412. After the seat assembly20is 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 interface412may communicate with the controller50to report manual adjustments of the head restraint to store the positions for a particular occupant. Alternatively, the seat head restraint interface412may be incorporated into the controller50.

A seat belt shoulder anchor interface414is also depicted in communication with the seat assembly controller50. The seat belt shoulder anchor may be affixed to a vehicle body pillar, or the seat assembly20. After the seat assembly20is 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 interface414may communicate with the controller50to report manual adjustments of the seat belt shoulder anchor to store the positions for a particular occupant. Alternatively, the seat belt shoulder anchor interface414may be incorporated into the controller50.