Patent Description:
The present invention generally relates to seating and more specifically to support structures for the cushions of the seats.

Passenger seats may include one or more cushions. The cushions are predominantly manufactured using polyurethane (PU) foams. The cushions include a stiffness which is set during manufacturing. The stiffness may be designed to comfortably accommodate passenger in a given weight range. Passengers outside of the weight range may experience discomfort due to the cushion providing too much or too little support. The cushions do not actively conform to different sized occupants. Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide a device, system, and method that cures the shortcomings described above.

<CIT> discloses a heat-shrinkable planar textile material with a plurality of yarn systems forming the planar textile material, wherein the planar textile material having at least one heat-shrinkable plastic yarn. <CIT> discloses a smart (intelligent) textile that can change its porosity, shape, loft, texture and colour by reacting to environmental conditions or when stimulated by thermal, electrical or chemical sources. <CIT> discloses a flexible diaphragm which can be a woven or knitted elastic textile having bi-directional expansive elasticity in a warp and weft directions with return capacity. <CIT> discloses a seat for a vehicle having a tensioning device selectively acting on a flexible sheet material.

An upholstery is described, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the upholstery includes a cushion. In some embodiments, the upholstery includes a dress cover. In some embodiments, the dress cover encloses at least a portion of the cushion. In some embodiments, the dress cover comprises a first yarn and a second yarn. In some embodiments, the first yarn and the second yarn are woven together. In some embodiments, the first yarn is in warp. In some embodiments, the second yarn is in weft. In some embodiments, the dress cover compresses the cushion when there is no voltage applied across the first yarn and the second yarn. In some embodiments, the first yarn and the second yarn are each configured to change in length upon receiving a voltage differential. In some embodiments, the change in length of the first yarn and the second yarn causes the dress cover to bulge. In some embodiments, the bulge of the dress cover allows the cushion to expand thereby changing a stiffness of the cushion. In some embodiments, the first yarn and the second yarn are each configured to return to an original length when the voltage differential is removed.

A passenger seat is described, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the passenger seat includes a seat back. In some embodiments, the passenger seat includes a seat pan. In some embodiments, the passenger seat includes an upholstery. In some embodiments, the upholstery includes a cushion. In some embodiments, the upholstery includes a dress cover. In some embodiments, the dress cover encloses at least a portion of the cushion. In some embodiments, the dress cover comprises a first yarn and a second yarn. In some embodiments, the first yarn and the second yarn are woven together. In some embodiments, the first yarn is in warp. In some embodiments, the second yarn is in weft. In some embodiments, the dress cover compresses the cushion when there is no voltage applied across the first yarn and the second yarn. In some embodiments, the first yarn and the second yarn are each configured to change in length upon receiving a voltage differential. In some embodiments, the change in length of the first yarn and the second yarn causes the dress cover to bulge. In some embodiments, the bulge of the dress cover allows the cushion to expand thereby changing a stiffness of the cushion. In some embodiments, the first yarn and the second yarn are each configured to return to an original length when the voltage differential is removed.

Implementations of the concepts disclosed herein may be better understood when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. In the drawings:.

In the following detailed description of embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the disclosure.

The appearances of the phrase "in some embodiments" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, and embodiments may include one or more of the features expressly described or inherently present herein, along with any other features which may not necessarily be expressly described or inherently present in the instant disclosure.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are generally directed to upholsteries with dress covers made of artificial muscles. The seat dress covers made of the artificial muscles conform to the human body contour of a passenger sitting on the seat. The displacement and force of the dress cover is determined by a voltage applied to the artificial muscles, the fabric, material properties and sizes, and the manner of patterning and assembly of the artificial muscles. The dress cover retains a potential deflection state offering counter pressure to passenger for a prolonged time until the voltage is supplied. The dress cover dynamically adjusts shape and contour as the passenger changes a seated position. The active shape morphing of the dress cover eases the blood flow and provides better comfort. The dress cover conforms to the body to increase the surface area between the body and the seat. Increasing the surface area may reduce the pressure distribution of the body on the seat.

Referring now to <FIG>, an aircraft <NUM> that includes a passenger seat <NUM> is described, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the passenger seat <NUM> may include, but is not limited to, an economy-class passenger seat, a business class passenger seat, a first-class passenger seat, a cabin attendant passenger seat, and the like. <FIG> depicts an example of a passenger seat 102a. <FIG> depicts an example of a passenger seat 102b. <FIG> depicts an example of a passenger seat 102c. The passenger seats 102a-102c are merely illustrative of the various embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to be limiting.

The passenger seat <NUM> may include a seat back <NUM> and a seat pan <NUM>. The passenger seat <NUM> is coupled to a floor (e.g., by a track) for providing structural support to the seat pan <NUM> and the seat back <NUM>. In embodiments, the seat back <NUM> and the seat pan <NUM> may be separate structures and/or may include one or more shared components. For example, the seat back <NUM> and the seat pan <NUM> can have a shared cushion or covering. The seat back <NUM> may also be configured to move relative to the seat pan <NUM>. For example, the seat back <NUM> can be configured to transition between upright and reclining positions. In embodiments, the seat pan <NUM> can also be actuated such that the passenger seat <NUM> may be configurable between an upright position and a bed position (i.e., a lie-flat position), although this is not intended to be a limitation of the present disclosure. The passenger seat <NUM> may also include one or more arm rests <NUM>. The arm rests <NUM> may be pivotally mounted to the passenger seat <NUM> by a pivot joint or another kinematic coupling. In embodiments, the passenger seat <NUM> may include a head rest <NUM>. The head rest <NUM> may be coupled to the seat back <NUM>. In embodiments, the passenger seat <NUM> may include a foot rest <NUM>. The foot rest <NUM> may be coupled to the seat pan <NUM>. In embodiments, the passenger seat <NUM> may include an upholstery <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, an upholstery <NUM> is described, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The upholstery <NUM> may include a cushion <NUM>, a dress cover <NUM>, a base structure <NUM>, and the like. The upholstery <NUM> may be considered an artificial muscle upholstery due to the yarns of the dress cover <NUM>, as will be described further herein.

In embodiments, the upholstery <NUM> may include the base structure <NUM>. The base structure <NUM> may also be referred to as a support, a structural member, and the like. The base structure <NUM> may support the cushion <NUM>. The base structure <NUM> may support the cushion by bearing a weight of and/or holding up the cushion <NUM>. The base structure <NUM> may be coupled to one or more structural members of the passenger seat <NUM>. In embodiments, the base structure <NUM> may include one or more springs, although this is not intended to be limiting.

In embodiments, the upholstery <NUM> may include the cushion <NUM>. The cushion <NUM> may include a shape or contour. The contour of the cushion <NUM> is designed to match the contour of a typical passenger. The cushion <NUM> may remain in the shape through the life of the cushion <NUM>. In this regard, the cushion <NUM> may include a contour which is fixed. It is noted that the cushion <NUM> may experience some plastic deformations while remaining fixed at the contour. For example, the cushion <NUM> may experience plastic deformations due to age, heat, repeated elastic deformations, and the like.

In embodiments, the cushion <NUM> may include foam. The foam may include a material, such as, but not limited to a polyurethane (PU) foam. The foam may be cut and bonded into shape, molded into shape, and the like. In another embodiment, where there are multiple layers of foam, the multiple layers may be coupled together. For example, the multiple layers may be coupled with an adhesive, with fasteners, or the like. In embodiments where there are multiple layers of foam, the multiple layers may be fabricated from foam having the same or different densities. For example, the foam may be stacked, with the first layer on the bottom being constructed from a highest-density foam on the bottom (e.g., adjacent or on top of the base structure <NUM>) and the succeeding layers being constructed of successively less dense foam.

In embodiments, the cushion <NUM> may include a fire blocker. The cushion <NUM> may include one or more layers of the fiber blocker. The fire blocker may include a flame retardant material property. Flame retardant may refer a property of resisting degradation when subject to a flame. The layers of the fiber blocker may be provided above, below, and/or interspersed with the layers of the foam.

In embodiments, the cushion <NUM> may include a stiffness. The stiffness of the cushion <NUM> may be defined by the foam and/or the fire blocker layers. The stiffness may be measured in indentation load deflection (ILD). Indentation load deflection (ILD) may indicate a number of pounds of pressure needed to indent a cushion by <NUM>%. Indentation load deflection (ILD) may also be referred to as indentation force deflection (IFD) or as a compression profile. For example, the cushion <NUM> may include an Indentation Load Deflection (ILD) of between <NUM> and <NUM> kilograms (<NUM> and <NUM> pounds), although this is not intended to be limiting.

In embodiments, the upholstery <NUM> may include a dress cover <NUM>. The dress cover <NUM> may be configured to fit over at least a portion of the cushion <NUM>. For example, the dress cover <NUM> may be configured to wrap around or otherwise enclose the cushion <NUM>. The dress cover <NUM> may then act as a protective skin to the cushion <NUM>. The dress cover <NUM> may lie flat on the cushion <NUM>. In this regard, the dress cover <NUM> may conform to the cushion <NUM>. The cushion <NUM> and the base structure <NUM> may be at least partially covered or enclosed (e.g., contained within) by the dress cover <NUM>. For example, the dress cover <NUM> may wrap around one or more edges, side surfaces, and/or bottom surface of the cushion <NUM> and/or the base structure <NUM> to secure the dress cover <NUM> to the cushion <NUM>. For instance, the cushion <NUM> may be fully enclosed (e.g., contained within) by the dress cover <NUM>, while at least a portion of the base structure <NUM> may be covered or enclosed by the dress cover <NUM>. In addition, both the cushion <NUM> and the base structure <NUM> may be fully enclosed (e.g., contained within) by the dress cover <NUM>. It is noted herein the wrap-around nature of the dress cover <NUM> may assist in keeping the dress cover <NUM> taut.

The dress cover <NUM> may contribute to the aesthetics of the passenger seat <NUM>. For example, the dress cover <NUM> may include a color and/or pattern which contributes to the aesthetics. The color and pattern may be adjusted to achieve the desired aesthetic.

In another embodiment, the dress cover <NUM> is manufactured from one or more sections. In general, the dress cover <NUM> may be fabricated from <NUM>, <NUM>. up to an N number of sections. Where there are multiple sections, each section has a section top surface length that forms a percentage of a cover top surface length of the dress cover <NUM>. Where there are multiple sections, adjacent sections may be joined together. For example, the adjacent sections may be joined together via sewing, a fabric adhesive, or the like. For instance, adjacent sections may be joined together at one or more seams <NUM>. Although a joining location is illustrated, it is noted herein the joining location is shown only for purposes of clarity and that the joining location may be hidden on the dress cover <NUM> (e.g., non-accessible when the dress cover <NUM> is installed on the cushion <NUM>) for purposes of preventing access to the joining location, cleanliness of design, meeting aviation guidelines and/or standards, or the like.

In another embodiment, the one or more sections of the dress cover <NUM> may be fabricated from a same type and/or pattern of material or a different type and/or pattern of material. For example, at least some of the sections of the dress cover <NUM> may be fabricated from different types of material. By way of another example, all sections of the dress cover <NUM> may be fabricated from a different type and/or pattern of material. By way of another example, all sections of the dress cover <NUM> may be fabricated from a same type and/or pattern of material. The one or more sections of the dress cover <NUM> may include be fabricated from a yarn. The yarn may be an artificial muscle. The artificial muscle may be expandable and/or compressible (e.g., beyond the natural movement of the material structure or fabric weave).

In embodiments, the dress cover <NUM> may compress the cushion <NUM>. The cushion <NUM> may be pre-compressed and then wrapped with the dress cover <NUM>. The dress cover <NUM> may then compress the cushion <NUM> by flattening, squeezing, and/or pressing downwards on the cushion <NUM>. The compression of the cushion <NUM> may increase the density of the foam in the cushion <NUM>. The pre-compressed state of the cushion <NUM> may also increase the stiffness of the cushion <NUM>. In this regard, the cushion <NUM> the increased density may correspond to the increased stiffness.

In embodiments, the dress cover <NUM> includes yarns <NUM> of artificial muscle. The dress cover <NUM> may compress the cushion <NUM> when no voltage is applied across yarns <NUM> of the dress cover <NUM>. The yarns <NUM> of artificial muscle may be engaged to deform the dress cover <NUM>. The deformation of the dress cover <NUM> may allow the cushion <NUM> to expand. The expansion of the cushion <NUM> may then change the stiffness of the cushion <NUM>. For example, the expansion of the cushion <NUM> may reduce the density of the cushion and/or decrease the stiffness of the cushion <NUM>. The expansion of the cushion <NUM> may decrease the stiffness. Thus, the stiffness of the cushion <NUM> may be actively adjusted by the dress cover <NUM>.

Referring now in particular to <FIG>, an exploded view of the passenger seat <NUM> is described, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The passenger seat <NUM> is depicted with two of the upholsteries <NUM>. For example, the passenger seat <NUM> may include a seat pan upholstery 200a. The seat pan upholstery 200a is an upholstery of the seat pan <NUM>. The seat pan upholstery 200a may include seat pan cushion 202a, a seat pan dress cover 204a, and a seat pan support structure (not depicted). By way of another example, the passenger seat <NUM> may include a seat back upholstery 200b. The seat back upholstery 200b is an upholstery of the seat back <NUM>. The seat back upholstery 200b may include seat back cushion 202b, a seat back dress cover 204b, and a seat back support structure (not depicted).

Although the passenger seat <NUM> is described as including the upholsteries, this is not intended as a limitation of the present disclosure. It is contemplated that the upholstery <NUM> may be used with any of the seat back <NUM>, seat pan <NUM>, arm rest <NUM>, head rest <NUM>, the foot rest <NUM>, ottoman, and the like. In this regard, the upholstery <NUM> may be a seat back upholstery, a seat pan upholstery, an arm rest upholstery, a head rest upholstery, a foot rest upholstery, an ottoman upholstery, and the like. In embodiments, one or more of the seat back <NUM>, seat pan <NUM>, arm rest <NUM>, head rest <NUM>, and/or the foot rest <NUM> includes the upholstery <NUM>. It is further contemplated that a partition, a monument, an ottoman, and the like within the aircraft <NUM> may include the upholstery <NUM>. In this regard, the upholstery <NUM> may be incorporated into one or more of the seat back <NUM>, seat pan <NUM>, arm rest <NUM>, head rest <NUM>, foot rest <NUM>, the partition, the monument, or the ottoman of the aircraft <NUM>. Furthermore, each of the various seat back <NUM>, seat pan <NUM>, arm rest <NUM>, head rest <NUM>, foot rest <NUM>, partition, monument, and ottoman may include the upholstery <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the dress cover <NUM> is described, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In embodiments, the dress cover <NUM> includes a sheet <NUM> and yarns <NUM>.

The sheet <NUM> may include a material. For example, the material of the sheet <NUM> may include, but is not limited to, a fabric (e.g., a woven fabric), a leather, a synthetic material, and the like.

In embodiments, the dress cover <NUM> includes the yarns <NUM>. The yarns <NUM> may be stitched into, woven with, and/or integrated into the sheet <NUM>. The yarns <NUM> may include yarn 304a and yarn 304b. The yarn 304a and the yarn 304b are woven together. The yarn 304a and the yarn 304b may be carried back and forth along the width and length and woven together. The yarn 304a and the yarn 304b may then be interlaced in a specific order. For example, the yarn 304a may cross over the yarn 304b at one or more positions. The positions of the yarn 304a crossing over the yarn 304b may define a weave pattern, as will be described further herein. The yarn 304a may also be disposed orthogonal relative to the yarn 304b.

In embodiments, the yarn 304a is in warp. Warp may refer to a yarn which is lengthwise, longitudinal, or vertically relative to the dress cover <NUM>. In this regard, the yarn 304a may be referred to as a warp yarn. The yarn 304a may be carried back and forth along a length of the dress cover <NUM>. The yarn 304a may be a continuous yarn. In this regard, the yarn 304a may be a continuous yarn by being iteratively carried along the length, folded over, carried back along the length in parallel to the first length, and then folded over.

In embodiments, the yarn 304b is in weft. Weft may refer to a yarn which is transverse or horizontal relative to the dress cover <NUM>. The yarn 304b may be referred to as a weft yarn. The yarn 304b may be carried back and forth along a width of the dress cover <NUM>. The yarn 304b may be a continuous yarn. In this regard, the yarn 304b may be a continuous yarn by being iteratively carried along the width, folded over, carried back along the width in parallel to the first width, and then folded over.

The dress cover <NUM> may include a warp density. The warp density may refer to the number of lengths of the yarn 304a per a unit square (e.g., number of the lengths per inch). The dress cover <NUM> may also include a weft density. The weft density may refer to the number of lengths of the yarn 304b per a unit square (e.g., number of the lengths per inch). The dress cover <NUM> may include a mesh density. The mesh density may be defined by the warp density and the weft density (e.g., defined as a ratio of the warp density to the weft density, defined as a ratio of the weft density to the warp density). The dress cover <NUM> may include any warp density, weft density, and mesh density, such that the depiction of the yarn 304a and the yarn 304b is not intended to be limiting.

In embodiments, the yarns <NUM> may be an active muscle. The active muscle may actuate when a stimulus is applied. The stimulus applied to the active muscle may include, but is not limited to a voltage differential applied across the yarns <NUM>, heating the yarns <NUM>, and the like. The term voltage differential may also be referred to as an electric potential difference or the like. The voltage differential may indicate a first end of the yarn has a voltage which is higher than a second end of the yarn. The voltage differential may then induce a current through the yarns <NUM>. The yarns <NUM> may receive the voltage differential by the voltage differential being applied across the yarns <NUM>. It is contemplated that the artificial muscles may include a twisted and coiled polymeric (TCP) actuator, a shape memory alloy, and the like. In embodiments, the active muscle may include a reversible actuation cycle. The reversible actuation cycle may include actuating the yarns <NUM> by changing the length and then returning the yarns <NUM> to the original length. The original length may refer to the length of the yarns <NUM> immediately prior to receiving the voltage differential.

The yarns <NUM> may change in length when the voltage differential is applied to the yarns <NUM>. The change in length of the artificial muscles may refer to a length of the yarns <NUM> being reduced or increased. The change in length may refer to contraction (e.g., reducing the length) or expansion (e.g., increasing the length). The voltage differential may induce internal stresses in the yarns <NUM>. The internal stress may cause the change in length. The voltage differential may be applied across the yarn 304a and/or the yarn 304b. The voltage differential may cause the yarn 304a and/or the yarn 304b to change in length.

The changes in length of the yarns <NUM> may cause the dress cover <NUM> to bulge. The bulging of the dress cover <NUM> may refer to swelling outward or expansion of the dress cover <NUM> away from the cushion <NUM> and/or away from the base structure <NUM>. The yarns <NUM> may act as a spring stiffness by deforming elastically under load. The bulging of the dress cover <NUM> may allow the cushion <NUM> to expand thereby changing the stiffness of the cushion <NUM>. The expansion of the cushion <NUM> may also allow the cushion <NUM> to contour to a portion of a passenger sitting on the passenger seat <NUM>.

In embodiments, the yarns <NUM> may return to the original length when the voltage differential is removed. The yarns <NUM> may return to the original length to reduce the internal stresses. The return of the yarns <NUM> to the original length may cause the dress cover <NUM> to return to a flat surface. The flat surface may be desirable for aesthetic purposes.

In embodiments, the dress cover <NUM> may bulge convexly. The convex bulging of the dress cover <NUM> may be based on one or more factors, such as, but not limited to, warp density, weft density, mesh density, yarn length, weave pattern, the voltage differential, and the like. The factors may be controlled to achieve a desired stiffness for the cushion <NUM>. As may be understood, the warp density, weft density, mesh density, yarn length, and weave pattern are not limited to the layout depicted. The layout may be adjusted based on the width and length of the cushion <NUM>.

The convex bulging of the dress cover <NUM> may be defined by a surface of the dress cover <NUM>. It is contemplated that the dress cover <NUM> may convexly bulge into a number of surfaces, such as, but not limited to, convex parabolic cylinders, hyperbolic paraboloids, a saddle surface, a crossed trough surface, and the like. In some instances, the convex bulging of the surfaces of the dress cover <NUM> may be beneficial to conform to a surface of a passenger. For example, the surface of the dress cover <NUM> may be beneficial to conform to a seat, a back, or the like of the passenger sitting on the upholstery <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the voltage differential is applied across the yarn 304a and the voltage differential is not applied across the yarn 304b. The yarn 304a is contracted due to the voltage differential while the yarn 304b remains the original length. The lengths of the yarns <NUM> causes the dress cover <NUM> to bulge. The dress cover <NUM> bulges convexly with a surface of a parabolic cylinder. The surface is non-uniform along the length of the yarn 304a and is uniform along the length of the yarn 304b. A minimum height of the surface is at the turns or ends of the yarn 304a. A maximum height of the surface is at a midpoint of the length of the yarn 304a.

Referring now to <FIG>, the voltage differential is not applied across the yarn 304a and the voltage differential is applied across the yarn 304b. The yarn 304a remains the original length while the yarn 304b is contracted due to the voltage differential. The lengths of the yarns <NUM> causes the dress cover <NUM> to bulge. The dress cover <NUM> is bulges convexly with a surface of a parabolic cylinder. The surface is uniform along the length of the yarn 304a and is non-uniform along the length of the yarn 304b. A minimum height of the surface is at the turns or ends of the yarn 304b. A maximum height of the surface is at a midpoint of the length of the yarn 304b.

Referring now to <FIG>, the voltage differential is applied across the yarn 304a and the voltage differential is applied across the yarn 304b. The yarn 304a and the yarn 304b are each contracted due to the voltage differential. The lengths of the yarns <NUM> causes the dress cover <NUM> to bulge. The dress cover <NUM> bulges convexly with a surface of a hyperbolic paraboloid. The surface is non-uniform along the length of the yarn 304a and is non-uniform along the length of the yarn 304b. A minimum height of the surface is at a first set of opposing corners <NUM> of the dress cover <NUM>. A maximum height of the surface is at a second set of opposing corners <NUM> of the dress cover <NUM>. The surface may include a saddle point at a middle of the dress cover <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, a control system <NUM> is described, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The passenger seat <NUM> and/or the upholstery <NUM> may include the control system <NUM> and/or components of the control system <NUM>. The control system <NUM> may include a power source <NUM>, a controller <NUM>, the yarns <NUM>, a sensor <NUM>, and the like.

The controller <NUM> may receive power from the power source <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may then provide a voltage differential across the yarn 304a and/or the yarn 304b. In embodiments, the controller <NUM> may control the actuation of the yarns <NUM> of the dress cover <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may control the voltage differential to control the change in length of the yarns, the bulging of the dress cover <NUM>, and similarly the stiffness of the cushion <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may apply a first voltage differential across the yarn 304a and a second voltage differential across the yarn 304b. In embodiments, the controller <NUM> may adjust the first voltage differential and the second voltage differential to adjust the bulging of the dress cover <NUM> and the stiffness of the cushion <NUM>. The convex bulging of the surface of the dress cover <NUM> may be controlled by controlling the voltage differential to the yarn 304a and the yarn 304b.

In embodiments, the controller <NUM> may independently control the voltage differential across the yarn 304a and the voltage differential across the yarn 304b. The yarn 304a and the yarn 304b may receive different voltages. The voltages of the yarn 304a and the yarn 304b may then be varied. The upholstery <NUM> may achieve complex deformations by varying the voltage differentials.

In embodiments, the sensor <NUM> may generate data. The data may indicate one or more characteristics of a passenger sitting on the upholstery <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may adjust the first voltage differential and the second voltage differential based on the data from the weight sensor.

In embodiments, the sensor <NUM> may include a weight sensor. The weight sensor may generate data regarding the weight of the passenger sitting on the upholstery <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may adjust the voltage differential based on the data regarding the weight of the passenger. In this regard, the cushion <NUM> may include a stiffness which is adjusted based on the weight of the passenger. The stiffness may be adjusted to provide an improved pressure distribution or increase comfort. The stiffness and/or the contour of the cushion <NUM> may then be controlled and adapted to each passenger.

In embodiments, the sensor <NUM> may include a seat position sensor. The data from the sensor <NUM> may indicate a position of the passenger seat <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may adjust the voltage differential when the position of the passenger seat <NUM> is changed based on the data from the sensor <NUM>. For example, the upholstery <NUM> may be the seat pan upholstery 200a. The controller <NUM> may adjust the voltage differential to increase the stiffness of the cushion 202a when the passenger seat <NUM> is in an upright position and adjust the voltage differential to decrease the stiffness of the cushion 202a when the passenger seat <NUM> is in a lie-flat position.

In embodiments, the controller <NUM> is configured to implement a massage feature in the upholstery <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may adjust the voltage differentials applied across the yarn 304a and/or the yarn 304b causing the dress cover <NUM> to bulge and contract. For example, the controller <NUM> may alternate voltage pulses across the yarns <NUM>. The bulging and contraction of the dress cover <NUM> may massage a passenger sitting on the upholstery.

In embodiments, the controller <NUM> include memory <NUM>. A memory may include any storage medium known in the art. For example, the storage medium may include a non-transitory memory medium. For instance, the non-transitory memory medium may include, but is not limited to, a read-only memory (ROM), a random-access memory (RAM), a magnetic or optical memory device (e.g., disk), a solid-state drive and the like. It is further noted that memory may be housed in a common controller housing with the one or more processor(s). For example, the memory and the processor may be housed in a processing unit, a desktop computer, or the like. In an alternative embodiment, the memory may be located remotely with respect to the physical location of the processor. In another embodiment, the memory maintains program instructions for causing the processor(s) to carry out the various steps described through the present disclosure. For instance, the program instructions may cause the processors to adjust the voltage differential.

In embodiments, the controller <NUM> includes one or more processors <NUM>. The processors may include any processing unit known in the art. For example, the processors may include a multi-core processor, a single-core processor, a reconfigurable logic device (e.g., FPGAs), a digital signal processor (DSP), a special purpose logic device (e.g., ASICs)), or other integrated formats. Those skilled in the art will recognize that aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, in whole or in part, can be equivalently implemented in integrated circuits, as one or more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors), as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof, and that designing the circuitry and/or writing the code for the software/and or firmware would be well within the skill of one skilled in the art in light of this disclosure. Such hardware, software, and/or firmware implementation may be a design choice based on various cost, efficiency, or other metrics. In this sense, the processor(s) may include any microprocessor-type device configured to execute software algorithms and/or instructions. In general, the term "processor" may be broadly defined to encompass any device having one or more processing elements, which execute program instructions from memory, from firmware, or by hardware implemented functions. It should be recognized that the steps described throughout the present disclosure may be carried out by the processors.

Referring now to <FIG>, a twisted and coiled polymeric (TCP) actuator <NUM> is described, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In embodiments, the yarns <NUM> may each be the TCP actuator <NUM>. The TCP actuator <NUM> may change in length when a voltage differential is applied across the yarns <NUM>. The applied voltage creates a twisting and coiling of the TCP actuator <NUM>. The twisting and coiling of the TCP actuator <NUM> may create a potential force inside the yarns <NUM> causing the yarns <NUM> to contract along the length of the yarns <NUM>. The yarns <NUM> may then return to the original length when the voltage differential is removed. When the voltage is removed, the yarns <NUM> may untwist and uncoil causing the yarns <NUM> to expand to the original length.

The use of the TCP actuator <NUM> embedded in the dress cover <NUM> may allow the dress cover <NUM> to bulge using low voltages. For example, the TCP actuator <NUM> may activated with small voltage range of <NUM> volts to <NUM> volts. The TCP actuator <NUM> may include a deflection on the order of centimeters. The deflection may vary with respect to length of the yarn used and applied voltage distance.

In embodiments, the TCP actuator <NUM> may include fibers <NUM>. The fibers <NUM> may also be referred to as threads. For example, the TCP actuator <NUM> is depicted as being a one fiber or in a one ply configuration. It is further contemplated the TCP actuator <NUM> may be one ply, two ply, or multiple ply. It is contemplated that including multiple of the fibers <NUM> may offer a higher potential force than single fiber. The fibers <NUM> may be preloaded and coiled to form the TCP actuator <NUM>. The behavior of the TCP actuator <NUM> may be govern by the following equation:
<MAT>.

Tc is the critical twist torque required for coiling (Turns/m), G' is the shear modulus of fiber material (N/m2), D fiber of circular diameter (m), E is the young's modulus of the material.

In embodiments, the fibers <NUM> may include a material. For example, the fibers may include, but are not limited to, a nylon material. For instance, the nylon material may include nylon <NUM>, nylon <NUM>/<NUM>, and the like.

Referring now to <FIG>, the yarn 304a and the yarn 304b may be woven together in a weave pattern. The weave pattern may be a geometric pattern repeating across the dress cover <NUM>. The weave pattern may indicate the pattern in which the warp and weft yarns are interlaced. It is contemplated that the weave pattern may be any weave patterns from the textile industry, such as, but not limited to, a plain weave pattern <NUM>, a twill weave pattern <NUM>, a satin weave pattern <NUM>, a jacquard weave pattern, a velvet weave pattern, and the like. It is contemplated the weave pattern may control the bulging of the dress cover <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, graphs <NUM>-<NUM> are described, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present embodiment. The graphs <NUM>-<NUM> depict one or more characteristics of the upholstery <NUM>.

The graph <NUM> depicts time as a function of contact area. The contact area may indicate the area of the upholstery <NUM> in contact with a passenger sitting on the upholstery <NUM>. The contact area may saturate over time. In this regard, the bulging of the dress cover <NUM> may take several minutes (e.g., up to thirty minutes or more).

The graph <NUM> depicts the pressure as a function of contact area. The pressure may decrease with an increase in the contact area. An increased contact area is desirable to reduce the pressure felt by the passenger. As the contact area increases due to fabric morphing, the weight is distributed more uniformly and the pressure is reduced. The passenger may feel more comfortable when the pressure is reduced. For example, high level of surface pressure can constrict blood vessels in underlying tissues, restricting blood flow, which the passenger experiences as discomfort.

The graph <NUM> depicts displacement as a function of pressure. The displacement may increase with the pressure. The pressure may be a function of the weight of the passenger and the contact area between the cushion and the passenger. The displacement may indicate the displacement of the cushion <NUM> and/or the dress cover <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, a passenger seat <NUM> is described, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The passenger seat <NUM> may include the dress cover <NUM>. As depicted, the passenger seat <NUM> includes the seat pan dress cover 204a and the seat back dress cover 204b, although this is not intended to be limiting.

In embodiments, the dress cover <NUM> may include one or more sections <NUM>. The sections <NUM> may be rectangular shaped sections, although this is not intended to be limiting. The sections <NUM> may be joined with adjacent sections by the seams <NUM>.

In embodiments, the upholstery <NUM> may include an expected pressure distribution <NUM>. The expected pressure distribution may be based on the proportions and weight of an average passenger. The expected pressure distribution <NUM> may be extracted from pressure mapping data.

In embodiments, the mesh density may vary across the dress cover <NUM>. The sections <NUM> may include different mesh densities of the yarn 304a and the yarn 304b to vary the mesh density. A higher mesh density may allow the dress cover to bulge with a higher curvature. The higher curvature may then increase the stiffness. For example, the dress cover <NUM> may include a higher mesh density in sections <NUM> expected to have a high-pressure distribution or expected to bear a substantial portion of weight from a passenger. The use of the higher mesh density may enable sufficient stiffness in the higher-pressure sections. Similarly, a lower mesh density of the yarns <NUM> may be located in a lower pressure section of the cushion. The use of the lower mesh density of may prevent over stiffening in the lower pressure regions. Thus, the cushion may be optimized to achieve a desired indentation load deflection across the upholstery <NUM>. In embodiments, the mesh density of the yarns <NUM> may be determined based on the pressure mapping data for each type of cushion.

For example, the sections <NUM> may include a section 802a and a section 802b. The section 802a is depicted as being adjacent to the section 802b, although this is not intended to be limiting. The section 802a may include a first mesh density and the section 802b may include a second mesh density. The first mesh density may be higher than the second mesh density. The relative arrangements of the section 802a and the section 802b together with the section 802a having a higher mesh density than the section 802b, may allow the seat back dress cover 204b to achieve relatively more support for the lower back of the passenger, together with less support for the upper back of the passenger.

Similarly, the relative arrangements and mesh densities of the sections <NUM> on the seat pan dress cover 204a may allow the seat pan dress cover 204a to achieve relatively more support for the tailbone of the passenger, together with less support for the femur of the passenger.

Referring generally again to <FIG>. It is noted that where the passenger seat <NUM> is installed within the aircraft <NUM>, the passenger seat <NUM> may be configured in accordance with aviation guidelines and/or standards put forth by, but not limited to: the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), or any other flight certification agency or organization; the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or any other standards setting organization or company; and the like.

Although much of the present disclosure is directed to the passenger seat <NUM> being installed within the aircraft <NUM> or aircraft cabin, it is noted herein the passenger seat <NUM> may be installed within any number of environments. For example, the environment may include any type of vehicle known in the art. For instance, the vehicle may be any air, land, or water-based personal equipment or vehicle; any air, land, or water-based commercial equipment or vehicle; any air, land, or water-based military equipment or vehicle known in the art. By way of another example, the environment may include a commercial or industrial establishment (e.g., a home or a business).

Claim 1:
An upholstery (<NUM>) comprising:
a cushion (<NUM>); and
a dress cover (<NUM>); wherein the dress cover (<NUM>) encloses at least a portion of the cushion (<NUM>); wherein the dress cover (<NUM>) comprises a first yarn and a second yarn; wherein the first yarn and the second yarn are woven together; wherein the first yarn is in warp; wherein the second yarn is in weft;
wherein the dress cover (<NUM>) compresses the cushion (<NUM>) when there is no voltage applied across the first yarn and the second yarn; wherein the first yarn and the second yarn are each configured to change in length upon receiving a voltage differential; wherein the change in length of the first yarn and the second yarn causes the dress cover (<NUM>) to bulge; wherein the bulge of the dress cover (<NUM>) allows the cushion (<NUM>) to expand thereby changing a stiffness of the cushion (<NUM>); wherein the first yarn and the second yarn are each configured to return to an original length when the voltage differential is removed.