Patent Publication Number: US-11659939-B2

Title: Vehicle seating assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/720,513 filed Dec. 19, 2019, entitled VEHICLE SEATING ASSEMBLY, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,272,790, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure generally relates to seating assembly, and more specifically, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle heating assembly. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Vehicles often have seats that can be heated. The seats typically have a heating member in a base of the seat and another heating member in a back of the seat. A passenger within the vehicle can generally adjust the heat supplied to the seat. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seating assembly includes a seat base that has a first heating element. A seat back has a second heating element. A sensor is coupled to the seat base and is configured to obtain a weight data. A user-interface assembly is operably coupled to the first and second heating elements. A controller is in communication with the sensor to receive the weight data. The controller is configured to control the first and second heating elements in response to the weight data. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a heating system for a seating assembly includes a seat base that has a first heating element. A seat back is coupled to the seat base and has a second heating element. A portable electronic device is configured to receive a weight data input. A controller is in communication with the portable electronic device to receive the weight data input. The controller is configured to independently control the first and second heating elements in response to the weight data input. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of heating a seating assembly includes obtaining a weight data of an occupant on a seating assembly. A first target temperature is determined for a first heating element disposed in a seat base based on the weight data. A second target temperature is determined for a second heating element disposed in a seat back based on the weight data. Heat is supplied to the seat base and the seat back based on the first and second target temperatures. 
     These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present disclosure will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following is a description of the figures in the accompanying drawings. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic in the interest of clarity and conciseness. 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG.  1    is a side perspective view of a passenger cabin of a vehicle, according to one example; 
         FIG.  2    is a graph illustrating a relationship between weight and time to reach a predefined thermal comfort level, according to one example; 
         FIG.  3    is a graph illustrating a relationship between weight, skin temperature, and thermal comfort for a back of an occupant, according to one example; 
         FIG.  4    is a graph illustrating a relationship between weight, skin temperature, and thermal comfort for thighs of an occupant, according to one example; 
         FIG.  5    is a graph illustrating a relationship between back skin temperature and thigh skin temperature of an occupant, according to one example; 
         FIG.  6    is a graph illustrating a relationship between back thermal comfort and thigh thermal comfort of an occupant, according to one example; 
         FIG.  7    is a side perspective view of a seating assembly with a heating system, according to one example; 
         FIG.  8    is a block diagram of a vehicle in communication with a portable electronic device, according to one example; 
         FIG.  9 A  is a graph illustrating a relationship between weight and target heating temperature, according to one example; 
         FIG.  9 B  is a graph illustrating a relationship between weight and target heating temperature, according to one example; 
         FIG.  9 C  is a graph illustrating a relationship between weight and target heating temperature, according to one example; 
         FIG.  10    is a top perspective view of a user-interface assembly associated with a seating assembly, according to one example; and 
         FIG.  11    is a flow diagram of a method of heating a seating assembly, according to one example. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Additional features and advantages of the presently disclosed device will be set forth in the detailed description which follows and will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description, or recognized by practicing the device as described in the following description, together with the claims and appended drawings. 
     For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the concepts as oriented in  FIG.  1   . However, it is to be understood that the concepts may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     As used herein, the term “and/or,” when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed items, can be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and/or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination. 
     As used herein, the term “about” means that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. When the term “about” is used in describing a value or an end-point of a range, the disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or end-point referred to. Whether or not a numerical value or end-point of a range in the specification recites “about,” the numerical value or end-point of a range is intended to include two embodiments: one modified by “about,” and one not modified by “about.” It will be further understood that the end-points of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other end-point, and independently of the other end-point. 
     The terms “substantial,” “substantially,” and variations thereof as used herein are intended to note that a described feature is equal or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a “substantially planar” surface is intended to denote a surface that is planar or approximately planar. Moreover, “substantially” is intended to denote that two values are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, “substantially” may denote values within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other. 
     As used herein the terms “the,” “a,” or “an,” mean “at least one,” and should not be limited to “only one” unless explicitly indicated to the contrary. Thus, for example, reference to “a component” includes embodiments having two or more such components unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 
     In this document, relational terms, such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like, are used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 - 11    reference numeral  10  generally refers to a seating assembly for a vehicle  14 . A seat base  18  has a first heating element  22  and a seatback  26  has a second heating element  30 . A sensor  34  is coupled to at least one of the seat base  18  and the seatback  26 . The sensor  34  is configured to obtain weight data. A user-interface assembly  38  is operably coupled to the first and second heating elements  22 ,  30 . A controller  42  is in communication with the sensor  34  to receive the weight data. The controller  42  is configured to control the first and second heating elements  22 ,  30  in response to the weight data. 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , the vehicle  14  typically includes a passenger cabin  46  that has multiple seating rows  50 ,  54 , each having at least one seating assembly  10 . It is contemplated that the configuration of the seating rows  50 ,  54  as illustrated in  FIG.  1    is merely exemplary, such that any the vehicle  14  can include any practicable seating configuration. Moreover, each seat within the passenger cabin  46  may be configured as the seating assembly  10  described herein. The vehicle  14  may be a sedan, a sport utility vehicle, a van, a truck, a crossover, or another style of vehicle  14 . In various examples, the vehicle  14  may be a manually operated vehicle  14  (e.g., with a human driver), a fully autonomous vehicle  14  (e.g., with no human driver), or a partially autonomous vehicle  14  (e.g., operated with or without a human driver). Additionally, the vehicle  14  may be utilized for personal and/or commercial purposes, such as for ride-providing services (e.g., chauffeuring) and/or ride sharing services. 
     Referring still to  FIG.  1   , each seating assembly  10  within the vehicle  14  includes a heating system  58  that has the first and second heating elements  22 ,  30 . The first heating element  22  may be coupled to and/or disposed within the seat base  18  and the second heating element  30  may be coupled to and/or disposed within the seatback  26 . This configuration can provide for two independent heating elements within the seating assembly  10 . When an occupant is seated on the seating assembly  10 , the first heating element  22  can operate to warm the thighs or legs of the occupant, while the second heating element  30  can operate to heat the back of the occupant. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the weight of the occupant seated on the seating assembly  10  may be a factor that influences the amount of time for the back of the occupant to reach a predefined thermal sensation level, as determined using the Berkeley Thermal Comfort/Sensation Scale. As illustrated in the example of  FIG.  2   , there can be a negative linear relationship between the weight of the occupant and the elapsed time to reach a thermal sensation of 2.5 on the Berkeley Thermal Comfort/Sensation Scale for the back of the occupant. The data illustrated in  FIG.  2   , as well as  FIGS.  3 - 6   , were obtained using a heated seat system at level three in a 2019 Ford Fusion Energi Titanium seat heating system, the Berkeley Thermal Comfort/Sensation Scale, and weights of male occupants. The thermal sensation of 2.5 on the Berkeley Thermal Comfort/Sensation Scale corresponds to a thermal sensation of slightly hot as perceived by the occupant. Moreover, the data illustrated in  FIG.  2   , as well as  FIGS.  3 - 6   , were collected using the weight of male occupants; however, it is contemplated that a similar relationship between weight and elapsed time exists for female occupants. 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the exemplary data produced a negative linear relationship between weight and time to reach a thermal sensation level of 2.5. As such, the greater the weight of the occupant seated on the seating assembly  10 , the less amount of time was taken for the thermal sensation of 2.5 in the back of the occupant to be reached. In this way, the weight of the occupant can change the perceived heating of the seating assembly  10 , which can result in unequal perceived heating of the seating assembly  10  for occupants with different weights. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1  and  3   , the exemplary data illustrates a relationship between weight, back skin temperature, and back thermal comfort. As illustrated in  FIG.  3   , the back skin temperature of the exemplary data produced a parabolic fitted line relative to the weight of the occupant. In this way, the back skin temperature increases with weight to a predefined weight (e.g., an apex) and then decreases as weight continues to increase. As illustrated in  FIG.  3   , occupants having a weight in a range of from about 170 pounds to about 210 pounds had the highest back skin temperatures. 
     The exemplary data illustrated in  FIG.  3    produced a substantially opposite trend for back thermal comfort of the occupant within the seating assembly  10  using the Berkeley Thermal Comfort/Sensation Scale. As the weight of the occupant increased, the back thermal comfort decreased to a predefined weight, then the back thermal increased as weight continued to increase. In  FIG.  3   , the exemplary data illustrates that the occupants having a weight in a range of from about 190 pounds to about 240 pounds had the lowest back thermal comfort. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  3   , the back skin temperature correlates with the back thermal comfort, as well as the weight of the occupant. In the non-limiting example of  FIG.  3   , the data of the back skin temperature produced a parabolic fitted line with the equation y=0.0011x 2 −0.5003x+52.281, and the data collected regarding back thermal comfort produced a parabolic fitted line having the equation y=0.0029x 2 −1.111x+64.682. As illustrated in  FIG.  3   , the back skin temperature of the occupant increased with weight to predefined weight, while the back thermal comfort of the occupant decreased with the weight. Therefore, as the back skin temperature of the occupant increases, the thermal comfort of the occupant can decrease. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1  and  4   , the exemplary data illustrates a relationship between thigh skin temperature, weight, and the thigh thermal comfort of the occupant seated on the seating assembly  10 . The data illustrates an increase in thigh skin temperature with an increase in weight to a predefined weight, and then the thigh skin temperature decreased as weight continued to increase forming a parabolic fitted line having an equation of y=0.0014x 2 −0.5993x+27.518. Moreover, the thigh comfort of the occupant, as illustrated in  FIG.  4   , decreased with an increase in weight to a predefined weight and then increased as weight continued to increase, producing a parabolic fitted line having an equation of y=0.0014x 2 −0.5993x 2 +27.518. As such, the thigh skin temperature can increase with an increase in weight, which also correlates with a decrease in thigh thermal comfort. As illustrated in  FIG.  4   , occupants having a weight in a range of from about 190 pounds to about 230 pounds experienced the highest thigh skin temperature and experienced the lowest levels of thigh thermal comfort. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2 - 4   , the data relating to the back skin temperature produced a similar trend as the data relating to the thigh skin temperature. Further, the data relating to back thermal comfort produced a similar trend as the data relating to thigh thermal comfort. As illustrated, the back and thigh skin temperatures can increase with an increase in weight, which can correspond with a decrease in thermal comfort. As illustrated in  FIG.  3   , occupants having weight in a range of from about 170 pounds to about 210 pounds had the highest back skin temperatures, whereas as illustrated in  FIG.  4   , occupants having a weight in a range of from about 190 pounds to about 230 pounds experienced the highest thigh skin temperatures. Similarly, occupants with a weight in a range of from about 190 pounds to about 240 pounds had the lowest back thermal comfort, as illustrated in  FIG.  3   , and occupants with a weight in a range of from about 170 pounds to about 210 pounds experienced the lowest thigh thermal comfort. Accordingly, the data illustrates the relationship between high skin temperatures, low thermal comfort, and weight. The differences in skin temperature of the back and thigh, as well as the thermal comfort rating of the back and thigh change with weight of the occupant. The difference in skin temperature and thermal comfort can result in a difference in perceived heating of the seating assembly  10  for occupants having different weights. 
     Referring to  FIG.  5   , the data regarding back skin temperature is illustrated in comparison to the data regarding thigh skin temperature of the occupant. The graph of  FIG.  5    illustrates a difference in skin temperature between the back and the thigh of the occupant, such that the back skin appears to undergo more dramatic increase in skin temperature than the thigh skin. As illustrated, the data relating to the back skin temperature produced a parabolic fitted line having an equation of y=0.0029x 2 −1.111x 2 +64.682, and the data relating to thigh skin temperature produced a parabolic fitted line having an equation of y=0.0014x 2 −0.5993x+27.518. The back skin temperature for each of the occupants, as illustrated in  FIG.  5   , is greater than the thigh skin temperature. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  6   , the thigh thermal comfort of the occupant is illustrated in comparison with back thermal comfort of the occupant. Generally, the back thermal comfort is lower than the thigh thermal comfort as weight increases when tested at the highest thermal sensation level using the Berkeley Thermal Comfort/Sensation Scale. The data relating to back thermal comfort produced a parabolic fitted line having an equation of y=0.0011x 2 −0.5003x+52.281, while the data relating to the thigh thermal comfort produced a parabolic fitted line having the equation y=0.0006x 2 −0.2688x+29.658. As illustrated in  FIGS.  5  and  6   , the back skin temperature may generally be higher than the thigh skin temperature, and the back thermal comfort level may generally be lower than the thigh thermal comfort level when the seatback  26  is heated to the same temperature as the seat base  18 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  7   , the seating assembly  10  may include the first heating element  22  coupled to the seat base  18  and the second heating element  30  coupled to the seatback  26 . The sensor  34  may be coupled to one of the seat base  18  and the seatback  26 . As illustrated in  FIG.  7   , the sensor  34  is coupled to the seat base  18 . Moreover, an additional or alternative sensor  62  may be coupled with the seatback  26 . The seating assembly  10  can include a single sensor  34  or more than one sensor  34 ,  62 . Further, each sensor  34 ,  62  can be a single sensor or a sensor assembly with multiple individual sensors. Each of the first and second heating elements  22 ,  30  and the sensors  34 ,  62  may be in communication with the controller  42 . 
     The sensors  34 ,  62  may be configured to obtain the weight data of the occupant seated on the seating assembly  10 . The sensors  34 ,  62  can be any practicable sensor configured to obtain a weight, force, or another measurement of the size of the occupant. The sensors  34 ,  62  may be configured to communicate the weight data to the controller  42 . The controller  42  may use the weight data received from at least one of the sensors  34 ,  62  to control the first and second heating elements  22 ,  30 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  8   , the controller  42  includes a processor  66 , a memory  70 , and other control circuitry. Instructions or routines  74  are stored in the memory  70  and executable by the processor  66 . The controller  42  may include one or more routines  74  relating to controlling the first and second heating elements  22 ,  30  based on the weight data obtained by at least one of the sensors  34 ,  62 . 
     According to various aspects, the controller  42  may include one or more routines  74  for processing the weight data to determine a first target temperature of the first heating element  22  and a second target temperature of the second heating element  30 . As such, the first and second heating elements  22 ,  30  may be selectively and/or independently controlled by the controller  42 . In this way, the controller  42  may be configured to generate electric currents to flow through the respective first and second heating elements  22 ,  30  to generate two different heating temperatures. Accordingly, the first target temperature of the first heating element  22  may be different than the second target temperature of the second heating element  30 . Therefore, the back of the occupant seated on the seating assembly  10  can be heated independently of the thigh of the occupant. It is contemplated that the controller  42  may activate one or both of the first and second heating elements  22 ,  30  when the occupant activates the heating system  58  ( FIG.  7   ). 
     In various examples, the controller  42  may include one or more routines  74  for determining the first target temperature based on the weight data. Additionally or alternatively, the controller  42  may include one or more routines  74  for determining the second target temperature based on the weight data. When determining the first and second target temperatures, the controller  42  may use ambient temperature data obtained by a temperature sensor  78  in communication with the controller  42 . The temperature sensor  78  may be configured to obtain the ambient temperature data and communicate the ambient temperature data to the controller  42 . The ambient temperature data may be determined within the passenger cabin  46  ( FIG.  1   ) and/or exterior to the vehicle  14 . For example, when the temperature sensor  78  obtains a lower ambient temperature data, the first and second target temperatures may be higher than when the temperature sensor  78  obtains a higher ambient temperature data. 
     The controller  42  may use the weight data to determine the first and second target temperatures. The weight data may have a variety of relationships with the first and second target temperatures, as illustrated in  FIGS.  9 A- 9 C . For example, as illustrated in  FIG.  9 A , the relationship between the weight data and the first and second target temperatures may be substantially parabolic. As such, the first and second target temperatures may increase as weight increases and then decrease as weight continues to increase. As illustrated in  FIG.  9 B , the relationship may be substantially constant until a predefined weight and there may be a negative linear relationship. In this way, the first and second target temperatures may be substantially the same for occupants with a weight less than a predefined weight, then the first and second target temperatures may decrease as weight increases after the predefined weight. As illustrated in  FIG.  9 C , the relationship between weight and the first and second target temperatures may be a negative linear relationship. Accordingly, the first and second target temperatures may decrease as weight increases. It is contemplated that any relationship may be defined between the weight data and the first and second target temperatures. 
     Moreover, the relationship between the weight data and the first and second target temperatures may be based on assigned weight categories, or alternatively, the weight data obtained by the sensors  34 ,  62 . In various examples, the weight data obtained by the sensors  34 ,  62  may be communicated to the controller  42 , which may include one or more routines  74  for assigning the weight data to one of a plurality of stored, predefined weight categories. The predefined weight categories may be stored in the memory  70 . In a non-limiting example, the weight categories may be weight ranges that span about a 10 pound range. The predefined weight categories may be any practicable category for classifying the weight data obtained by the sensors  34 ,  62 . The same routines  74  may determine the first and second target temperatures, or alternatively, separate routines  74  may be utilized. The function pattern (e.g., the defined relationship between the weight data and the first and second target temperatures, such as, parabolic, negative linear, etc.) used to determine the first and second target temperatures may be substantially similar, with the two target temperatures differing by a constant amount (e.g., the first target temperature may be “x” degrees Celsius above the second target temperature or a similar constant difference). Stated differently, the first target temperature can be calculated by an equation (e.g., y=mx+b) and the second target temperature can be calculated using another similar equation with a difference in a constant variable (e.g., y=mx+b+5). This can provide for a more personalized heating system, optimizing skin temperatures and thermal comfort. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  8  and  10   , the controller  42  may be in communication with a user-interface assembly  38 . The user-interface assembly  38  may include a first user-interface  82  and a second user-interface  86 . The first user-interface  82  may be configured to receive a user input to control the first heating element  22 , and the second user-interface  86  may be configured to receive a user input to control the second heating element  30 . The user-interface assembly  38  may be configured to adjust the current flowing through the first and second heating elements  22 ,  30 , thereby adjusting the heat of the first and second heating elements  22 ,  30 . The first and second user-interfaces  82 ,  86  may adjust the perceived temperature relative to the corresponding of the first and second target temperatures. The first user-interface  82  may operate to raise or lower the temperature of the first heating element  22  relative to the first target temperature. The second user-interface  86  may operate similarly with respect to the second heating element  30 . When the user-interface assembly  38  increases the heat relative to the respective target temperature, a constant addition of current flows through the corresponding of the first and second heating elements  22 ,  30 . Moreover, when the heat is lowered via the user-interface assembly  38 , a constant reduction of the current flowing through the first or second heating element  22 ,  30  occurs relative to the corresponding target temperature. 
     The heat generated by the first and second heating elements  22 ,  30  may be different based on the weight data. For example, a different current may flow through the first and second heating elements  22 ,  30  when the first and second heating elements  22 ,  30  are heated to the first and second target temperatures. In a non-limiting example, a greater current can flow through the first heating element  22  or may flow through the second heating element  30  based on the obtained weight data. In another non-limiting example, the first and second heating elements  22 ,  30  may be different heating assemblies providing for different corresponding heats generated by the first and second heating elements  22 ,  30 . Further, in another non-limiting example, the first and second heating elements  22 ,  30  may have different number of coils disposed therein, which may correspond with different corresponding heats generated with a substantially similar current flowing through each of the first and second heating elements  22 ,  30 . It is contemplated that the corresponding heats of the first and second heating elements  22 ,  30  may be generated in any practicable way. 
     Referring again to  FIG.  8   , the controller  42  may be configured to determine the first and second target temperatures in response to the weight data obtained by at least one of the sensors  34 ,  62 . Additionally or alternatively, the controller  42  may use a weight data input received from a portable electronic device  90 . The portable electronic device  90  may be any cell phones, smart phones, tablets, computers, etc. The controller  42  may include communication circuitry  94 , which may be configured to communicate with the portable electronic device  90  or remote servers (e.g., cloud servers, Internet connected databases, computers, etc.) via a communication interface  98 . 
     The communication interface  98  may be a wireless interface, which may correspond to a variety of communication protocols configured to distribute data among various electronic devices. For example, the communication interface  98  may include an IEEE 802.11 connection, an IEEE 802.15 connection, a Bluetooth® connection, a Wi-Fi connection, a WiMAX connection, a cellular signal, a signal using shared wireless access protocol cord axis (SWAP-CA), or any other type of radiofrequency or wireless signal. The IEEE 802.15 connection includes any wireless personal area networks (WPAN), such as Zigbee®, Wave®, Bluetooth®, UWB, and IrDA. In this way, the communication interface  98  may provide for data communication between the controller  42  and the portable electronic device  90 . The portable electronic device  90  may be configured to receive the weight data input and communicate the weight data input to the controller  42 . The controller  42  may include one or more routines  74  for using the weight data input to determine the first and/or second target temperatures of the first and second heating elements  22 ,  30 . 
     According to various aspects, the portable electronic device  90  may include a processor, memory, and other control circuitry. The portable electronic device  90  may include one or more instructions or routines stored within the memory and executable by the processor. The portable electronic device  90  may include one or more routines relating to storing activity and/or fitness information of the user of the portable electronic device  90 . The activity and/or fitness information may provide dynamic data (e.g., a dynamic weight data input) to the controller  42 , such that the controller  42  may dynamically change the first and second target temperatures in response to the information from the portable electronic device  90 . 
     According to various aspects, the controller  42  may store a plurality of predefined weight categories to provide for a personalized heating system  58 . In a non-limiting example, the controller  42  may store ten predefined weight categories. Further, each seating assembly  10  can have about nine combinations for heating the seating assembly  10 , based on the adjustment (e.g., raise and/or lower) of the heat relative to the first and second target temperatures through the user-interface assembly  38 . Stated differently, the first heating element  22  and the second heating element  30  can each operate at the corresponding target temperature, above the target temperature, and below the target temperature. In this way, each seating assembly  10  may provide for about ninety different combinations for heating the seating assembly  10 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  11   , and with further reference to  FIGS.  1 - 10   , a method  200  of heating the seating assembly  10  includes step  204  of activating the heating system  58 . The occupant may manually activate the heating system  58  through the user-interface assembly  38 , the portable electronic device  90 , or other activation device associated with the vehicle  14 . In step  208 , the weight data of the occupant seated on the seating assembly  10  is obtained. The weight data may be obtained through at least one of the sensors  34 ,  62  coupled to the seating assembly  10 . In this way, the sensors  34 ,  62  can obtain the weight data when the occupant is seated on the seating assembly  10 . Additionally or alternatively, the weight data input can be obtained in step  208 . In such examples, the user may communicate the weight data input through the portable electronic device  90 . Further, the activity and/or fitness information of the user may be communicated to the controller  42  by the portable electronic device  90  and associated with the weight data input. As such, the portable electronic device  90  may automatically communicate and/or update the weight data input to the controller  42 . 
     In step  212 , the weight data and/or the weight data input may be assigned to one of the plurality of predefined weight categories. According to various aspects, the controller  42  may store the plurality of predefined weight categories in the memory  70 . In step  216 , the controller  42  may be configured to determine the first target temperature of the first heating element  22 . The controller  42  may include one or more routines  74  for analyzing the weight data and/or the weight data input and calculating the first target temperature. In step  220 , the controller  42  may be configured to determine the second target temperature of the second heating element  30  using the weight data and/or the weight data input. The controller  42  may include one or more routines  74  to analyze the weight data and/or the weight data input and calculate the second target temperature. The controller  42  may include a single routine  74  for calculating the first and second target temperatures, or alternatively, may include different routines  74  to calculate the first and second target temperatures. The routines  74  (e.g., one or more algorithms) for calculating the first and second target temperatures may be substantially similar, such that the first and second target temperatures are calculated in a substantially similar manner with of constant variation. In this way, one of the first and second target temperatures may be “x” degrees Celsius greater or less than the other of the first and second target temperatures. 
     In steps  216  and  220 , the controller  42  may use the specific weight data and/or the specific weight data input to calculate the first and second target temperatures. Additionally or alternatively, the controller  42  may use the assigned weight category of the weight data and/or the weight data input to calculate the first and second target temperatures. In such examples, the weight data and/or the weight data input that falls within each of the predefined categories may result in substantially similar first and second target temperatures. As such, the first and second target temperatures may define piecewise relationships with the weight data, changing at intervals with each weight category. 
     In step  224 , heat is supplied to the first and second heating elements  22 ,  30 . A current may flow through each of the first and second heating elements  22 ,  30 , thereby generating the heat. The heat supplied by each of the first and second heating elements  22 ,  30  may be based on the first and second target temperatures determined by the controller  42 . The heating of the first and second heating elements  22 ,  30  may be based on the weight data and/or the weight data input. According to various aspects, the heat supplied to the first and second heating elements  22 ,  30  may vary based on the weight of the occupant and may account for the difference in perceived heat on the back and the thigh of the occupant, as illustrated in  FIGS.  5  and  6   . 
     In step  228 , the occupant seated on seating assembly  10  may adjust a heat level (e.g., the heating) of the first and/or second heating elements  22 ,  30 . The occupant can adjust the first heating element  22  via the first user-interface  82  and the second heating element  30  via the second user-interface  86 . The occupant can independently adjust the heating of the first and second heating elements  22 ,  30 , such that the occupant can separately increase or decrease the heat of the first and second heating elements  22 ,  30 . In step  228 , the controller  42  can regulate the current flowing through the first and second heating elements  22 ,  30  to adjust the heat based on the input received by the user-interface assembly  38 . A constant increase in the current can increase the heat of the first and second heating elements  22 ,  30  relative to the first and second target temperatures. Moreover, a constant reduction in the current can reduce the heat of the first and second heating elements  22 ,  30  with respect to the first and second target temperatures. 
     Use of the present disclosure may provide a variety of advantages. For example, the heating system  58  may provide different perceived heating to the seatback  26  and the seat base  18  of the seating assembly  10 . Further, the controller  42  may include one or more routines  74  to calculate the first target temperature for the first heating element  22  coupled to the seat base  18  and the second target temperature for the second heating element  30  coupled to the seatback  26 . Additionally, the first and second target temperatures may vary to reduce the difference in perceived heat of the back and the thigh of the occupant. Moreover, the heating system  58  can provide a more uniform perceived heating sensation to the occupant seated on the seating assembly  10 . Also, the first and second target temperatures determined by the controller  42  may be based on the weight of the occupant seated on the seating assembly  10 . Additionally, the controller  42  may receive the weight data from at least one of the sensors  34 ,  62  coupled with the seating assembly  10  and/or may receive the weight data input from the portable electronic device  90 . The heating system  58  can provide a more personalized heating system  58  to increase the comfort of the occupant seated on the seating assembly  10 . Further, the first and second target temperatures can be determined by the controller  42  with minimal or no interaction by the occupant. Moreover, the user-interface assembly  38  can provide the occupant with the ability to increase or decrease the heat level of one or both of the first and second heating elements  22 ,  30  relative to the first and second target temperatures, as determined by the controller  42 . Additional benefits or advantages of using this device may also be realized and/or achieved. 
     According to various examples, a vehicle seating assembly includes a seat base that has a first heating element. A seat back has a second heating element. A sensor is coupled to the seat base and is configured to obtain a weight data. A user-interface assembly is operably coupled to the first and second heating elements. A controller is in communication with the sensor to receive the weight data. The controller is configured to control the first and second heating elements in response to the weight data. Embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or a combination of the following features:
         a user-interface assembly includes a first user-interface operably coupled to a first heating element and a second user-interface operably coupled to a second heating element;   a controller is configured to determine a first target temperature of a first heating element based on a weight data;   a controller is configured to determine a second target temperature of a second heating element based on a weight data;   a first target temperature is different than a second target temperature;   a temperature sensor is in communication with a controller, and the controller is configured to control first and second heating elements in response to an ambient temperature data;   a portable electronic device is in communication with a controller to receive a weight data input; and   a controller is configured to determine a first and second target temperatures for first and second heating elements in response to at least one of a weight data and a weight data input.       

     According to various examples, a heating system for a seating assembly includes a seat base that has a first heating element. A seat back is coupled to the seat base and has a second heating element. A portable electronic device is configured to receive a weight data input. A controller is in communication with the portable electronic device to receive the weight data input. The controller is configured to independently control the first and second heating elements in response to the weight data input. Embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or a combination of the following features:
         a controller is configured to determine a first target temperature for a first heating element and a second target temperature for a second heating element based on a weight data input;   a first target temperature is different than a second target temperature;   a first user-interface operably coupled to the first heating element and the first user-interface is configured to receive an input to adjust a temperature of a first heating element relative to a first target temperature, wherein a second user-interface operably coupled to a second heating element and the second user-interface is configured to receive an input to a temperature of a second heating element relative to a second target temperature;   a controller is configured to assign a weight category of a weight data input based on a plurality of stored weight categories;   at least one of a first target temperature of a first heating element and a second target temperature of a second heating element are determined by a weight category of a weight data input;   a temperature sensor is in communication with a controller. The controller is configured to control first and second heating elements in response to an ambient temperature data;   a sensor is coupled to at least one of a seat base and a seat back to obtain a weight data and a controller is in communication with the sensor to receive weight data; and   a controller is configured to determine first and second target temperatures for the first and second heating elements in response to at least one of a weight data and a weight data input.       

     According to various examples, a method of heating a seating assembly includes obtaining a weight data of an occupant on a seating assembly. A first target temperature is determined for a first heating element disposed in a seat base based on the weight data. A second target temperature is determined for a second heating element disposed in a seat back based on the weight data. Heat is supplied to the seat base and the seat back based on the first and second target temperatures. Embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or a combination of the following features:
         a weight data is assigned to one of a plurality of predefined weight categories; and   a weight data is obtained by at least one of a sensor disposed in a seat base and a portable electronic device.       

     For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated. 
     Implementations of the systems, apparatuses, devices, and methods disclosed herein may include or utilize a special-purpose or general-purpose computer including computer hardware, such as, for example, one or more processors and system memory, as discussed herein. Implementations within the scope of the present disclosure may also include physical and other computer-readable media for carrying or storing computer-executable instructions and/or data structures. Such computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer system. Computer-readable media that store computer-executable instructions are computer storage media (devices). Computer-readable media that carry computer-executable instructions are transmission media. Thus, by way of example, and not limitation, implementations of the present disclosure can include at least two distinctly different kinds of computer-readable media: computer storage media (devices) and transmission media. 
     Computer storage media (devices) includes RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, solid state drives (“SSDs”) (e.g., based on RAM), Flash memory, phase-change memory (“PCM”), other types of memory (e.g., volatile, non-volatile, etc.), other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. 
     Computer-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data, which, when executed at a processor, cause a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or special-purpose processing device to perform a certain function or group of functions. The computer-executable instructions may be, for example, binaries, intermediate format instructions such as assembly language, or even source code. Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the described features or acts described above. Rather, the described features and acts are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims. 
     An implementation of the devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein may communicate over a computer network. A “network” is defined as one or more data links that enable the transport of electronic data between computer systems and/or modules and/or other electronic devices. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or any combination of hardwired or wireless) to a computer, the computer properly views the connection as a transmission medium. Transmission media can include a network and/or data links, which can be used to carry desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure may be practiced in network computing environments with many types of computer system configurations, including, an in-dash vehicle computer, personal computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, message processors, hand-held devices, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, mobile telephones, PDAs, tablets, pagers, routers, switches, various storage devices, and the like. The disclosure may also be practiced in distributed system environments where local and remote computer systems, which are linked (either by hardwired data links, wireless data links, or by any combination of hardwired and wireless data links) through the network, both perform tasks. In a distributed system environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices. 
     It should be noted that the sensor examples discussed above might include computer hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof to perform at least a portion of their functions. For example, a sensor may include computer code configured to be executed in one or more processors and may include hardware logic/electrical circuitry controlled by the computer code. These example devices are provided herein for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting. Examples of the present disclosure may be implemented in further types of devices, as would be known to persons skilled in the relevant art(s). 
     At least some examples of the present disclosure have been directed to computer program products including such logic (e.g., in the form of software) stored on any computer usable medium. Such software, when executed in one or more data processing devices, causes a device to operate as described herein. 
     The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, controllers, and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), general purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs) or other logic devices, discrete gates or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, state machine or the like. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. 
     It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the invention as shown in the exemplary examples is illustrative only. Although only a few examples of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connectors or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system might be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary examples without departing from the spirit of the present innovations. 
     Modifications of the disclosure will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the disclosure. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the following claims, as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents. 
     It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.