PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-12043194-B1
Application Number: US-202318199138-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Control system

Abstract:
A system includes a body structure that defines a enclosure, a support system that is located in the enclosure, and a support structure that includes a top portion and an adjustable support assembly. The top portion is located adjacent to the support system, the adjustable support assembly includes actuators, and the adjustable support assembly is configured to move the top portion with respect to the support system. The system also includes sensors that are configured to generate sensor outputs regarding an environment outside of the system, and a controller that detects an event based on the sensor outputs. In response to the detection of the event, the controller outputs a control signal that controls the adjustable support assembly so that the adjustable support assembly moves at least part of the top portion away from the support system.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A vehicle, comprising:
 a body that defines a passenger cabin; and 
 a table located in the passenger cabin and that includes:
 a table top that includes an upper surface and that is configured to move between a first position, in which the upper surface is disposed substantially along a plane and configured to support an object thereon, and a second position, in which the upper surface is disposed non-parallel to the plane, corresponding to a vehicle event, 
 wherein the table is configured to resist movement of the table top between the first position and the second position when the table is in a locked state, and the table is configured to permit movement of the table top between the first position and the second position when the table is in a released state. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The vehicle of  claim 1 , wherein the table includes a support structure configured to be mounted to the body and a pivot assembly coupled to the support structure and the table top, with the table top configured to pivot relative to the support structure through the pivot assembly between the first position and the second position. 
     
     
       3. The vehicle of  claim 2 , wherein the pivot assembly rotates along an axis, with the axis disposed substantially parallel to the plane. 
     
     
       4. The vehicle of  claim 2 , wherein the pivot assembly includes an actuator that pivots the table top from the first position to the second position. 
     
     
       5. The vehicle of  claim 2 , wherein the pivot assembly includes a release mechanism that resists pivoting of the table top between the first position and the second position while locked and allows pivoting of the table top when released. 
     
     
       6. The vehicle of  claim 5 , wherein the release mechanism comprises a breakaway portion that operatively retains the table top in the first position, with the breakaway portion configured to break when subjected to a force that is greater than a threshold value to allow movement of the table top from the first position to the second position corresponding to the vehicle event. 
     
     
       7. The vehicle of  claim 5 , wherein the table top is off-balance relative to the pivot assembly to cause pivoting of the table top from the first position to the second position when released by the release mechanism. 
     
     
       8. The vehicle of  claim 5 , wherein the pivot assembly is spring biased to cause pivoting of the table top from the first position to the second position when released by the release mechanism. 
     
     
       9. The vehicle of  claim 1 , wherein the table top includes a first table top portion and a second table top portion each having the upper surface and configured to move independently of one another between the first position and the second position, with the upper surface of the first table top portion and the upper surface of the second table top portion disposed substantially along the plane in the first position. 
     
     
       10. The vehicle of  claim 9 , wherein the table includes a support structure configured to be mounted to the body and a pivot assembly coupled to the support structure, the first table top portion, and the second table top portion, with the first table top portion and the second table top portion configured to independently pivot relative to the support structure through the pivot assembly between the first position and the second position. 
     
     
       11. The vehicle of  claim 10 , wherein the first table top portion and the second table top portion each pivot upward independently from the first position to the second position. 
     
     
       12. The vehicle of  claim 11 , wherein the pivot assembly is disposed between the first table top portion and the second table top portion, with the first table top portion and the second table top portion configured to move toward one another as the first table top portion and the second table top portion pivot from the first position to the second position. 
     
     
       13. The vehicle of  claim 1 , further comprising a sensor system that is configured to monitor conditions of the vehicle to detect the vehicle event, wherein the table top is configured to move between the first position and the second position in response to detection of the vehicle event by the sensor system. 
     
     
       14. A vehicle table, comprising:
 a support column configured to be mounted to a vehicle; 
 a table top having an upper surface; and 
 a pivot assembly coupled to the support column and the table top, with the table top configured to pivot relative to the support column through the pivot assembly between a first position and a second position during a vehicle event, 
 wherein the pivot assembly includes a release mechanism that resists pivoting of the table top between the first position and the second position while locked and allows pivoting of the table top when released, and 
 wherein the upper surface is disposed substantially along a plane in the first position and configured to support an object thereon and the upper surface is disposed non-parallel to the plane in the second position. 
 
     
     
       15. The vehicle table of  claim 14 , wherein the pivot assembly includes an actuator that pivots the table top from the first position to the second position. 
     
     
       16. The vehicle table of  claim 14 , wherein the pivot assembly is centrally located on the table top. 
     
     
       17. A table for use within a passenger cabin of a vehicle, the table comprising:
 a support column configured to be mounted to the vehicle; 
 a table top comprising a first table top portion and a second table top portion each having an upper surface; and 
 a pivot assembly coupled to the support column, the first table top portion, and the second table top portion, with the first table top portion and the second table top portion configured to independently pivot relative to the support column through the pivot assembly between a first position and a second position during a vehicle event, wherein the upper surfaces are disposed substantially along a plane in the first position and are configured to support an object thereon and the upper surfaces are disposed non-parallel to the plane in the second position. 
 
     
     
       18. The table of  claim 17 , wherein the first table top portion and the second table top portion each pivot upward independently from the first position to the second position. 
     
     
       19. The table of  claim 18 , wherein the pivot assembly is disposed between the first table top portion and the second table top portion, with the first table top portion and the second table top portion configured to move toward one another as the first table top portion and the second table top portion pivot from the first position to the second position. 
     
     
       20. The vehicle of  claim 5 , further comprising a sensor system, wherein the release mechanism is configured to be released in response to detection of the vehicle event by the sensor system. 
     
     
       21. The vehicle table of  claim 14 , wherein the table top is configured to pivot about an axis of rotation that extends substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle that corresponds to a direction of travel of the vehicle.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/903,352, filed on Sep. 6, 2022, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/318,333, filed on May 12, 2021, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/050,125, filed on Jul. 10, 2020, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to control systems. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Control systems may control the motion of objects within a compartment and absorb energy during an event that causes a sudden abnormal change in acceleration, speed, and/or direction of the compartment. Some of these systems are passive, such as restraining belts, mechanical components that crush or deform to absorb energy, and spring systems that allow motion of certain components in response to applied forces. Some of these systems are active, such as inflatable bags that deploy to react the motion of objects in a controlled manner while absorbing energy. 
     SUMMARY 
     One aspect of the disclosure is a vehicle that includes a body structure that defines a passenger cabin, a seat assembly that is located in the passenger cabin, and a table that includes a table top and an adjustable support assembly. The table top is located adjacent to the seat assembly, the adjustable support assembly includes actuators, and the adjustable support assembly is configured to move the table top with respect to the seat assembly. The vehicle also includes sensors that are configured to generate sensor outputs regarding an environment outside of the vehicle, and a controller that detects a vehicle event based on the sensor outputs. In response to the detection of the vehicle event, the controller outputs a control signal that controls the adjustable support assembly so that the adjustable support assembly moves at least part of the table top away from the seat assembly. 
     In some implementations of the vehicle, the controller outputs the control signal so that the adjustable support assembly moves at least part of the table top away from the seat assembly by rotating at least part of the table top away from the seat assembly. 
     In some implementations of the vehicle, the controller outputs the control signal so that the adjustable support assembly moves at least part of the table top away from the seat assembly by translating at least part of the table top away from the seat assembly. 
     In some implementations of the vehicle, the table includes a force sensor that outputs a force signal, wherein the controller outputs the control signal in dependence on the force signal. 
     In some implementations of the vehicle, the table includes a force sensor that outputs a force signal and the controller outputs the control signal to move at least part of the table so that a magnitude of a force represented by the force signal remains below a threshold force value. 
     In some implementations of the vehicle, a portion of the table top that is adjacent to the seat assembly is formed from a crushable material to absorb energy. 
     In some implementations of the vehicle, the adjustable support assembly includes a rotation adjuster, a first translational adjustment stage, and a second translational adjustment stage. 
     In some implementations of the vehicle, the adjustable support assembly includes a support column that is connected to a floor of the body structure. 
     In some implementations of the vehicle, the adjustable support assembly is connected to an interior wall of the body structure. 
     In some implementations of the vehicle, the adjustable support assembly is configured to move the table top of the table into a cavity that is defined by an interior wall of the body structure. 
     The vehicle may also include an airbag assembly that controllable to deploy an airbag adjacent to the seat assembly so that the airbag engages the table top and the table top serves as a reaction surface for the airbag. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure is a vehicle that includes a body structure that defines a passenger cabin, a seat assembly that is located in the passenger cabin, and a table that includes a table top and an adjustable support assembly. The table top is located adjacent to the seat assembly, the adjustable support assembly is configured to move the table top with respect to the seat assembly, and the adjustable support assembly is movable from a locked state in which motion of the table top is restrained to an unlocked state in which motion of the table top is allowed in at least one degree of freedom. The vehicle also includes sensors that are configured to generate sensor outputs regarding an environment outside of the vehicle, and a controller that detects a vehicle event based on the sensor outputs. In response to the detection of the vehicle event, the controller outputs a control signal to switch the adjustable support assembly from the locked state to the unlocked state. 
     In some implementations of the vehicle, rotation of the table top is not restrained in the unlocked state so that the table top is able to rotate in response to an external force that is applied to the table top. 
     In some implementations of the vehicle, translation of the table top is not restrained in the unlocked state so that the table top is able to translate in response to an external force that is applied to the table top. 
     In some implementations of the vehicle, a portion of the table top that is adjacent to the seat assembly is formed from a crushable material to absorb energy. 
     The vehicle may also include an airbag assembly that controllable to deploy an airbag adjacent to the seat assembly so that the airbag engages the table top and the table top serves as a reaction surface for the airbag. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure is a vehicle that includes a body structure that defines a passenger cabin, a seat assembly that is located in the passenger cabin, and a table that includes a table top and an adjustable support assembly. The adjustable support assembly includes actuators, and the adjustable support assembly is configured to move the table top with respect to the seat assembly. The airbag assembly is controllable to deploy an airbag adjacent to the seat assembly. External sensors that are configured to generate external sensor outputs regarding an environment outside of the vehicle. A controller detects a vehicle event based on the external sensor outputs and, in response to the detection of the vehicle event, outputs a control signal that controls the adjustable support assembly so that the adjustable support assembly moves to a position where the airbag engages the table top upon deployment of the airbag so that the table top serves as a reaction surface for the airbag. 
     In some implementations of the vehicle, the controller outputs the control signal so that the adjustable support assembly moves at least part of the table top to a predetermined position. 
     The vehicle may also include internal sensors that are configured to generate internal sensor outputs regarding states within the passenger cabin, wherein the controller determines a table position based on the internal sensor outputs and outputs the control signal so that the adjustable support assembly moves at least part of the table top to the table position. 
     In some implementations of the vehicle, the controller outputs the control signal so that the adjustable support assembly moves at least part of the table top by rotating at least part of the table top away from the seat assembly. 
     In some implementations of the vehicle, the controller outputs the control signal so that the adjustable support assembly moves at least part of the table top away from the seat assembly by translating at least part of the table top away from the seat assembly. 
     In some implementations of the vehicle, a portion of the table top that is adjacent to the seat assembly is be formed from a crushable material to absorb energy. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic side view illustration of a vehicle that includes a passenger cabin. 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic top view illustration of the vehicle. 
         FIG.  3    is a schematic side view illustration of a table. 
         FIG.  4    is a schematic front view illustration of the table. 
         FIG.  5    is a cross-section illustration of an example implementation of the first translational adjustment stage. 
         FIG.  6    is a schematic cross-section illustration of an example of an implementation a table top taken along line A-A of  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  7    is a schematic cross-section illustration of an example of an implementation the table top taken along line B-B of  FIG.  6   . 
         FIG.  8    is a flowchart of an example of a process for controlling a safety system of the vehicle. 
         FIG.  9    is a flowchart of an example of a process for controlling a safety system of the vehicle. 
         FIG.  10    is a schematic illustration that shows a table. 
         FIG.  11    is a cross-section schematic illustration taken along line C-C of  FIG.  10    showing rotational breakaway features. 
         FIG.  12    is a side view schematic illustration that shows translational breakaway features. 
         FIG.  13    is a schematic illustration that shows a table in a first position. 
         FIG.  14    is a schematic illustration that shows the table of  FIG.  12    in a second position. 
         FIG.  15    is a schematic illustration that shows a table in a first position. 
         FIG.  16    is a schematic illustration that shows the table of  FIG.  15    in a second position. 
         FIG.  17    is a schematic illustration that shows a table in a deployed position. 
         FIG.  18    is a schematic illustration that shows the table of  FIG.  17    in a retracted position. 
         FIG.  19    is a schematic illustration that shows a table in a deployed position. 
         FIG.  20    is a schematic illustration that shows the table of  FIG.  19    in a retracted position. 
         FIG.  21    is a schematic illustration that shows a table in a deployed position. 
         FIG.  22    is a schematic illustration that shows the table of  FIG.  21    in a retracted position. 
         FIG.  23    is a side view schematic illustration that shows a seat assembly and a table. 
         FIG.  24    shows a motion diagram for an example of an energy-absorbing device. 
         FIG.  25    shows a motion diagram for an example of an energy-absorbing device. 
         FIG.  26    shows a motion diagram for an example of an energy-absorbing device. 
         FIG.  27    shows a motion diagram for an example of an energy-absorbing device. 
         FIG.  28    is a block diagram of an example of a safety system. 
         FIG.  29    is a block diagram of an example of a hardware configuration for a controller. 
         FIG.  30    is a block diagram of an example of a hardware configuration for a vehicle. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This disclosure is directed to vehicle safety systems for use in vehicle interiors that include a table that is positionable so that it may be used by the passengers of the vehicle. 
     As an example, the vehicle safety systems that are described herein may be of particular applicability to fully autonomous vehicles. In such vehicles, there is no need to position a human driver near vehicle controls, allowing for various alternative passenger cabin configurations. Thus, a passenger may be seated at a table while travelling in the vehicle, instead of driving the vehicle. 
     The systems described herein include active and passive systems that control motion of the table upon detection of a vehicle event. As used herein, the term vehicle event refers to a collision, a crash, an evasive maneuver, or other circumstance that causes a sudden abnormal change in acceleration, speed, and/or direction of the vehicle. As used herein, detection of a vehicle event refers to detecting that a vehicle event has occurred or detecting that a vehicle event is predicted to occur (e.g., an imminent vehicle event). By controlling the motion of the table, the amount of force reacted by the table as a result of engagement by the passenger and the time period over which the force is reacted can be influenced. 
       FIG.  1    is a schematic side view illustration of a vehicle  100  that includes a passenger cabin  102  inside a body structure  104  of the vehicle  100 .  FIG.  2    is a schematic top view illustration of the vehicle. The vehicle  100  will be described with reference to a longitudinal direction X (e.g., fore-aft), a lateral direction Y (e.g., side to side), and an elevational direction Z (e.g., up-down). 
     The vehicle  100  may be a road-going vehicle that is supported by wheels and is able to travel freely upon roadways and other surfaces in accordance with a velocity, heading angle, and steering angle of the vehicle  100 . The passenger cabin  102  is a space where a passenger  101  is located when travelling in the vehicle  100 . The passenger cabin  102  is defined in the body structure  104  of the vehicle  100 . The body structure  104  may include a frame, subframe, unibody, monocoque, exterior body panels, interior body panels, and movable panels (e.g., doors, tailgate, hood, trunk lid, etc.) that are connected to other portions of the body structure  104  by mechanisms such as hinges or tracks. 
     Interior elements are located in the passenger cabin  102 . The interior elements include a seat assembly  106  and a table  120 . 
     The seat assembly  106  includes a seat pan  108 , a seat back  110 , a head rest  112 , and a seat support  114  that connects the seat assembly  106  to a floor  116  of the body structure  104 . The passenger  101  may sit in the seat assembly  106 . A restraint such as a seat belt  118  is provided to secure the passenger  101  with respect to the seat assembly  106 . The passenger  101  should be using the seat belt  118  while the vehicle  100  is operating, as the safety systems described herein are intended to be complementary to the seat belt  118  and used in conjunction with it. It should be understood, however, that the safety systems that are described herein are configured to provide energy absorption for passengers who are not using the seat belt  118 . 
     The seat pan  108  and the seat back  110  may each include structures such as rigid frames, springs or other resilient suspension members, cushioning materials (e.g., foam rubber), a seat cover, and/or other structures. The seat pan  108  is configured to be sat on by the user, e.g., including contact with the buttocks and thighs of the passenger  101 . The seat back  110  extends upward from the seat pan  108  and may be pivotally connected to the seat back  110  to allow adjustment of a recline angle. The seat back  110  is configured for engagement with the passenger  101 , e.g., with the hips, torso, shoulders, neck, and/or head of the passenger  101 . The seat support  114  is connected to the seat pan  108  and/or the seat back  110  to support the remainder of the seat assembly  106  in a spaced relationship above a floor  116  of the passenger cabin  102 . In some implementations, the seat support  114  may be connected to the floor  116  in a manner that allows the seat assembly  106  to be moved within the vehicle  100 . As an example, the seat support  114  may be connected to the tracks that are formed in the floor  116  to allow movement of the seat assembly  106  along the tracks. 
     The table  120  is positioned near the seat assembly  106 . In the illustrated example, the table  120  is located directly ahead (e.g. forward) of the seat assembly  106  in the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle  100 . This position of the table  120  allows the table  120  to be used by the passenger  101  while they are seated in the seat assembly  106 . The table  120  includes a table top  122  and an adjustable support assembly  124  that is connected to the floor  116  of the body structure  104  and supports the table top  122  so that it is located above the floor  116  so that it is accessible to the passenger  101  while the passenger  101  is seated in the seat assembly  106 . 
       FIG.  3    is a schematic side view illustration of the table  120 .  FIG.  4    is a schematic front view illustration of the table  120 . The adjustable support assembly  124  is a motorized adjustment systems that uses actuators (e.g., rotary electric motors, linear electric motors, or other actuators) to move the table top  122 . The adjustable support assembly  124  is configured to adjust the position of the table top  122  of the adjustable support assembly  124  by moving the table top  122  in one or more rotational degrees of freedom and in one or more translational degrees of freedom. In the illustrated implementation, the adjustable support assembly  124  is operable to move the table top  122  in three translational degrees of freedom (e.g., corresponding to the longitudinal direction X, the lateral direction Y, and the elevational direction Z when the table top  122  is oriented as in  FIGS.  1 - 2   ) and in one rotational degree of freedom (e.g., around an axis parallel to the elevational direction Z when the table top  122  is oriented as in  FIGS.  1 - 2   ). 
     The adjustable support assembly  124  can be controlled by a passenger manual control. For example, the passenger may use an input device by which commands are input into a control system to adjust the position of the table to a comfortable position at which the table top  122  can be used for functions such as eating or using a laptop computer. The adjustable support assembly  124  can be controlled by an automated system that changes the position of the adjustable support assembly  124  according to program instructions. As an example, the automated system may move the table top  122  in response to detection of a vehicle event. 
     In the illustrated implementation, the adjustable support assembly  124  includes a first support column portion  326 , a second support column portion  328 , an elevation adjuster  330 , a rotation adjuster  332 , a first translational adjustment stage  334  (e.g., a longitudinal adjustment stage), and a second translational adjustment stage  336  (e.g., a lateral adjustment stage). 
     Adjustment components of the adjustable support assembly  124 , including the elevation adjuster  330 , the rotation adjuster  332 , the first translational adjustment stage  334 , and the second translational adjustment stage  336  may be operated in accordance with control signals that are output by a control system as will be described herein. 
     The first support column portion  326  and the second support column portion  328  cooperate to define a support column of the table  120 . The first support column portion  326  is connected to the floor  116  of the body structure  104  of the vehicle  100 . In the illustrated implementation, the first support column portion  326  and the second support column portion  328  are connecting in a telescoping manner, for example, with each including a hollow tubular structure with one of them (e.g., the second support column portion  328 ) having a smaller diameter to allow for nesting within the other. 
     The second support column portion  328  is connected to the first support column portion  326  by the elevation adjuster  330  to allow the height of the table top  122  to be raised and lowered. The elevation adjuster  330  is an actuator assembly that is configured to raise and lower the second support column portion  328  with respect to the first support column portion  326 , which results in raising and lowering the table top  122 . As an example, the elevation adjuster  330  may be or include a screw actuator including a rotary electric motor that is fixed to the first support column portion  326  and rotates a screw that engages a threaded element that is connected to the second support column portion  328  to cause the second support column portion  328  to raise and lower. Examples of screw actuators include lead screw actuators and ball screw actuators. The locations of components may be reversed, for example, by connecting the actuator to the second support column portion  328 . 
     The rotation adjuster  332  is connected to the second support column portion  328  and is configured to cause rotation of the table top  122  around an upright axis (e.g., an axis of the second support column portion  328 ). As an example, the rotation adjuster  332  may include a rotary electric motor that is fixed to the second support column portion  328  and has a rotatable output shaft that is connected to the first translational adjustment stage  334 . 
     In another implementation, the rotation adjuster  332  is located in the first support column portion  326  and rotates the first support column portion  326  with respect to the floor  116  of the body structure  104 . In another implementation, the rotation adjuster  332  is located in either of the first support column portion  326  or the second support column portion  328  and is configured to rotate the first support column portion  326  with respect to the second support column portion  328 . In another implementation, the rotation adjuster  332  and the elevation adjuster  330  are combined to adjust elevation and rotation using a single actuator assembly. 
     The first translational adjustment stage  334  and the second translational adjustment stage  336  are each linear adjustment stages that allow the table top  122  to be translated in a single degree of translational freedom. The first translational adjustment stage  334  and the second translational adjustment stage  336  so that, in combination, they allow the table top  122  to be translated in a plane that extends generally perpendicular to the axis of the support column of the table  120 . This may be a generally horizontal plane. The translational direction of the first translational adjustment stage  334  and the second translational adjustment stage  336  with respect to the body structure  104  of the vehicle  100  will vary according to adjustment of the rotational orientation of the table top  122  by the rotation adjuster  332 . 
     When the table top  122  is positioned in the angular orientation that is shown in  FIGS.  1 - 2   , the first translational adjustment stage  334  is operable to move the table top  122  in the longitudinal direction X of the body structure  104  and the second translational adjustment stage  336  is operable to move the table top in the lateral direction Y of the body structure  104 . 
     In the illustrated example, the rotation adjuster  332  is connected to the first translational adjustment stage  334 , the first translational adjustment stage  334  is connected to the second translational adjustment stage  336 , and the second translational adjustment stage  336  is connected to the table top  122 . It should be understood that the order of these components may be changed without affecting the ability of the adjustable support assembly  124  to adjust the position of the table top  122 . 
     In the illustrated example, the table  120  is shown as being fixed to the floor  116  of the vehicle  100 . In alternative implementations, one or more of the rotation adjuster  332 , the first translational adjustment stage  334 , or the second translational adjustment stage  336  may be implemented as a moving connection of the table  120  to the floor  116  of the vehicle  100 . As one example, the first translational adjustment stage  334  or the second translational adjustment stage may be incorporated in the floor  116  so that the table  120  translates with respect to the floor  116 , for example, along a track that is defined in the floor  116 . As another example, the rotation adjuster  332  may be incorporated in the floor  116  to define a rotating connection of the table  120  to the floor  116 . 
       FIG.  5    is a cross-section illustration of an example implementation of the first translational adjustment stage  334 . The same configuration can be used to implement the second translational adjustment stage  336 . In the illustrated example, the first translational adjustment stage  334  includes a carriage  538 , a housing  540 , linear bearings  542 , and a linear electric motor  544 . 
     The carriage  538  and the housing  540  and connected by the linear bearings  542  to allow relative sliding. As an example, the carriage  538  may have an axial length that is shorter than (e.g., one fourth of) an axial length of the housing  540 . In the illustrated example, the linear bearings  542  include elongate rods that are mounted to the housing  540  and guide blocks that are mounted to the carriage  538  so that the guide blocks may slide along the elongate rods. Other configurations may be used. 
     The linear electric motor  544  includes a channel  546 , magnet arrays  548 , and electromagnetic coils  550 . The channel  546  is an elongate u-shaped structure that extends along the housing  540  parallel to the linear bearings  542 . The magnet arrays  548  are positioned opposite one another along the inside of the channel  546 . The electromagnetic coils  550  are connected to the carriage  538  and are positioned in the channel  546  between the magnet arrays  548 . As an example, the electromagnetic coils  550  may be mounted to a rigid structure that extends outward from a surface of the housing  540  into the interior of the channel  546 . As is known in the art, energization and de-energization of the electromagnetic coils  550  creates attractive and repulsive forces that can be controlled to cause linear motion in a forward or rearward direction. Other actuators may be used in place of the linear electric motor  544 , such as a ball screw actuator or a lead screw actuator. 
     It should be understood that the adjustable support assembly  124  may include passive and/or active components in various configurations. For example, the rotation adjuster  332 , the first translational adjustment stage  334 , or the second translational adjustment stage  336  may include passive or active movement mechanisms such as electromechanical devices, pneumatic devices, and/or pre-tensioned spring devices. 
       FIG.  6    is a schematic cross-section illustration of an example of an implementation the table top  122  taken along line A-A of  FIG.  3   .  FIG.  7    is a schematic cross-section illustration of an example of an implementation the table top  122  taken along line B-B of  FIG.  6   . In the illustrated implementation, the table top  122  includes an upper panel  652 , a lower panel  654 , and a peripheral structure  756 , at least part of the table top  122  includes an internal structure  658  that has a crushable configuration. The crushable configuration of the internal structure  658  allows the table top  122  to crush and thereby absorb energy when subjected to large external farces. As examples, the crushable configuration of the internal structure  658  may be defined by a crushable material, a geometric configuration of a rigid or semi-rigid material, or by a geometric configuration of a crushable material. Thus, a portion of the table top  122  may be formed from a crushable material to absorb energy during a vehicle event. Thus, a portion of the table top  122  that is positioned adjacent to the seat assembly  106  may be formed from a crushable material to absorb energy during a vehicle event. 
     In the illustrated example, the internal structure  658  includes upright wall portions  660  that extend all or part of the way between the upper panel  652  and the lower panel  654  and are arranged in a hexagonal configuration to define cells  662 , which are open spaces (e.g., air spaces, pores, etc.) that extend in the elevational direction Z. The presence of the cells  662  in the internal structure  658  of the table top  122  allows for crushing, as the upright wall portions  660  may collapse toward each other during crushing. In the illustrated example, the cells  662  are configured to allow crushing in the length and width dimensions of the table top  122  but are strong in the elevational direction. This allows for crushing in response to forces applied in the longitudinal direction X and/or the lateral direction Y of the vehicle  100 . Other types of cellular structures may be used instead of hexagonal configurations, including two-dimensional cellular structures and three-dimensional cellular structures of any configuration. 
     In some implementations, only part of the table top  122  includes an internal structure  658  that has a crushable configuration. The table top  122  may be configured so that the portion of the table top  122  that is positioned near the seat assembly  106  is crushable. For example, part of the peripheral structure  756  may be positionable adjacent to (e.g., facing) the seat assembly  106  and the crushable configuration of the internal structure  658  may be located adjacent to that part of the peripheral structure  756  and extending across the table top  122  by at least twenty percent of the width of the table top  122  in the direction perpendicular to that part of the peripheral structure  756  (e.g., at least twenty percent of a width of the table top  122  in the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle  100 ). 
       FIG.  8    is a flowchart of an example of a process  870  for controlling a safety system of the vehicle  100 . The process  870  may be implemented, for example, in the form of computer executable program instructions that are executed by a computing device (e.g., having a memory and a processor). The process  870  may be embodied, for example, in the form of a computer readable storage device that includes instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the operations of the process  870 . 
     In operation  871 , an actual or predicted vehicle event is detected. As one example, an actual vehicle event can be detected by sensors that are associated with the vehicle  100 , such as impact sensors or accelerometers. The signals from these sensors are interpreted by a control system of the vehicle (e.g., by comparing the magnitude of a sensor output sensor to a threshold value) to determine whether an actual vehicle event has occurred, such as when a sensed acceleration value exceeds a threshold value. Detection of an actual vehicle event may be performed according to known techniques. As another example, a predicted vehicle event can be detected using sensors associated with the vehicle  100  to determine the current positions of static or dynamic objects with respect to the vehicle  100 , and the predict (e.g., based on current velocities of the vehicle  100  and other objects in the environment around the vehicle  100 ) that the vehicle  100  will collide with one or more of the static or dynamic objects (e.g., an imminent vehicle event) at a time in the future (e.g., milliseconds in the future, seconds in the future, etc.). Detection of a predicted vehicle event may be performed according to known techniques. 
     In operation  872 , the table top  122  of the table  120  is moved using the adjustable support assembly  124 . Operation  872  is performed in response to detection of an actual or predicted vehicle event in operation  871 . In operation  872  the table top  122  of the table  120  may be moved away from the seat assembly  106  in order to reduce forces experienced by the passenger  101  as a result of contact with the table  120  during a vehicle event. This is an active movement of the table top  122  using actuators that are included in the adjustable support assembly  124  and under control of an automated system, for example, included in a computing device or control unit that is included in the vehicle  100 . 
     In an implementation, the table top  122  of the table  120  is moved using the adjustable support assembly  124  in response to an actual or predicted vehicle event by translating the table top  122  away from the seat assembly  106 . As a result, a distance between the seat assembly  106  and at least part of the table top  122  of the table  120  is increased. With respect to the position shown in  FIGS.  1 - 2   , the table top  122  of the passenger  101  may be translated away from the seat assembly  106  by translating the table top  122  forward in the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle  100 . As an example, the table top  122  may be translated forward in the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle  100  using the first translational adjustment stage  334  of the adjustable support assembly  124  of the table  120 . 
     In an implementation, the table top  122  of the table  120  is moved using the adjustable support assembly  124  in response to an actual or predicted vehicle event by rotating the table top  122  away from the seat assembly  106 . As a result, a distance between the seat assembly  106  and at least part of the table top  122  of the table  120  is increased. With respect to the position shown in  FIGS.  1 - 2   , the table top  122  of the passenger  101  may be translated away from the seat assembly  106  by rotating the table top  122  around an axis that extends in the elevational direction Z of the vehicle  100 , for example, using the rotation adjuster  332  of the adjustable support assembly  124  of the table  120 . 
     In an implementation, the table top  122  of the table  120  is moved using the adjustable support assembly  124  in response to an actual or predicted vehicle event by translating and rotating the table top  122  away from the seat assembly  106 . 
     In operation  872  the table top  122  of the table  120  is moved from an initial position to a changed position. The changed position reflects translation of the table top  122  of the table  120  by a distance relative to the initial position and/or rotation of the table top  122  of the table  120  by a rotation angle relative to the initial position. The distance and/or rotation angle may be a predetermined distance and/or a predetermined rotation angle. The distance and/or rotation angle may be a dynamically determined distance and/or rotation angle. 
     In one implementation, the table top  122  of the table  120  is moved in operation  872  dependent upon a force applied to the table top  122  by an object such as the passenger  101  or the seat assembly  106 . As an example, an output signal (e.g., force signal) from a force sensor  323  ( FIG.  3   ) can be used to determine how far to translate and/or rotate the table top  122  relative to the initial position. As one example, translation and/or rotation of the table top  122  of the table  120  may continue as while a magnitude of a force sensed by the force sensor  323  exceeds a threshold value until a maximum translation distance and/or rotation angle (e.g., predetermined maximum translation distance and predetermined maximum rotation angle) are reached. As another example, the speed and distance of translation and/or rotation of the table top  122  of the table  120  may be controlled by a predetermined relationship that controls motion of the table top  122  using a formula, lookup table or other relationship based on the magnitude of the force applied to the table  120  and optionally based on the current position of the table  120  and/or the current rotational velocity of the table  120 . Thus, the table  120  may include the force sensor  323 , which outputs a force signal, and a controller outputs a control signal to move the table top  122  of the table  120  using the adjustable support assembly  124  in dependence on the force signal 
     In some implementations, translation and/or rotation of the table top  122  of the table  120  are limited to maximum values, which may be referred to as a predetermined maximum translation distance and predetermined maximum rotation angle. As one example, the actuators of the adjustable support assembly  124  may be configured to resist motion beyond the predetermined maximum translation distance and predetermined maximum rotation angle. As one example, the adjustable support assembly  124  may include mechanical stops (e.g., stop surfaces included in the rotation adjuster  332 , the first translational adjustment stage  334 , and/or the second translational adjustment stage  336 ) that are engaged to resist motion beyond the predetermined maximum translation distance and predetermined maximum rotation angle. 
     In some implementations of the process  870 , a controller detects a vehicle event based on sensor outputs and, in response to the detection of the vehicle event, outputs a control signal that controls the adjustable support assembly so that the adjustable support assembly moves at least part of the table top away from the seat assembly. The controller may output the control signal so that the adjustable support assembly moves at least part of the table top away from the seat assembly by rotating at least part of the table top away from the seat assembly. The controller may output the control signal so that the adjustable support assembly moves at least part of the table top away from the seat assembly by translating at least part of the table top away from the seat assembly. 
       FIG.  9    is a flowchart of an example of a process  970  for controlling a safety system of the vehicle  100 . The process  970  may be implemented, for example, in the form of computer executable program instructions that are executed by a computing device (e.g., having a memory and a processor). The process  970  may be embodied, for example, in the form of a computer readable storage device that includes instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the operations of the process  970 . 
     Initially, the position of the table top  122  is locked so that movement of the table top  122  in rotation and translation is restrained. As one example, electric motors used in the actuators that are included in the adjustable support assembly  124  of the table  120  can apply braking according to known techniques, such as reverse current braking, to lock the movement of the table top  122 . As another example, some or all of the actuators that are included in the adjustable support assembly  124  may incorporate mechanical locking structures that restrain motion of the table top  122 . Mechanical locking structures may be included in, for example, the elevation adjuster  330 , the rotation adjuster  332 , the first translational adjustment stage  334 , and/or the second translational adjustment stage  336  of the adjustable support assembly  124  of the table  120 . 
     In operation  971 , an actual or predicted vehicle event is detected in accordance with the description of operation  871  of the process  870 . 
     In operation  972 , the adjustable support assembly  124  is controlled to unlock motion of the table top  122  in at least one degree of freedom. Thus, the adjustable support assembly may be moved from a locked state to an unlocked stated in response to detection of an actual or predicted vehicle event by unlocking motion of the adjustable support assembly  124  in at least one degree of freedom so that the table top  122  is able to move passively in response to application of an external force (e.g., contact with the passenger  101 ). As one example, motion of the rotation adjuster  332  may be changed from a locked stated in which motion of the rotation adjuster  332  is restrained to an unlocked state in which motion of the rotation adjuster  332  is not restrained. 
     This is a passive movement of the table top  122  in which the table top  122  is moved by forces applied to the table top  122  by external objects as opposed to being moved by actuators that are included in the adjustable support assembly  124 . 
     In one implementation, the table top  122  of the table  120  is moved in operation  872  dependent upon a force applied to the table top  122  by an object such as the passenger  101  or the seat assembly  106 . As an example, the output signal from a force sensor  323  ( FIG.  3   ) can be used to determine how far to translate and/or rotate the table top  122  relative to the initial position. As one example, translation and/or rotation of the table top  122  of the table  120  may continue as while a magnitude of a force sensed by the force sensor  323  exceeds a threshold value until a maximum translation distance and/or rotation angle (e.g., predetermined maximum translation distance and predetermined maximum rotation angle) are reached. As another example, translation and/or rotation of the table top  122  of the table  120  may be controlled, based the magnitude of a force sensed by the force sensor  323 , to set a translational speed and/or a rotational speed that are intended to prevent the magnitude of the force sensed by the force sensor  323  from exceeding a threshold value. As another example, the speed and distance of translation and/or rotation of the table top  122  of the table  120  may be controlled by a predetermined relationship that controls motion of the table top  122  using a formula, lookup table or other relationship based on the magnitude of the force applied to the table  120  and optionally based on the current position of the table  120  and/or the current rotational velocity of the table  120 . 
       FIG.  10    is an illustration that shows a table  1020  that includes a table top  1022  and an adjustable support assembly  1024  that incorporates breakaway features. The table  1020  may be implemented in accordance with the description of the table  120 , and the table top  1022  and the adjustable support assembly  1024  may include any or all of the components described with respect to the table top  122  and the adjustable support assembly  124 . The table  1020  may be incorporated in the vehicle  100  in the manner described with respect to the table  120 . 
     The breakaway features of the adjustable support assembly  1024  include rotational breakaway features  1033  that, in the illustrated implementation, are located at an interface of a first support column portion  1026  and a second support column portion  1028  of the adjustable support assembly  1024 . The breakaway features of the adjustable support assembly  1024  also include translational breakaway features  1035  that, in the illustrated implementation, connect the table top  1022  to the adjustable support assembly  1024 . The breakaway features of the adjustable support assembly  1024  may be incorporated with all other implementations of tables described herein. 
       FIG.  11    is a cross-section illustration taken along line C-C of  FIG.  10    of the rotational breakaway features  1033 . In the illustrated example, the second support column portion  1028  is telescopically nested in the first support column portion  1026 . The first support column portion  1026  has axial grooves  1180  formed on its inner periphery, and engaging structures such as splines  1181  extend outward from the first support column portion  1026  into the axial grooves  1180  to allow elevational translation by sliding while resisting rotation by engagement of the splines  1181  with the axial grooves  1180 . The splines  1181  include axially-extending notches  1182  that define weak points that extend axially along the splines  1181 . If the rotational breakaway features  1033  are subjected to a rotational force that is greater than a threshold value (e.g., according to the strength of the splines  1181  along the axially-extending notches  1182 ), the splines  1181  may fail (e.g., by shearing along the axially-extending notches  1182 ) so that the splines  1181  no longer resist rotation of the first support column portion  1026  with respect to the second support column portion  1028 . This allows rotational breakaway during a vehicle event so that the table top  1022  may rotate away from the seat assembly  106 . 
       FIG.  12    is a side view illustration that shows the translational breakaway features  1035 , which include posts  1083  that connect the table top  1022  to the adjustable support assembly  1024 . The posts  1083  include notches  1084  that define weak spots for the posts  1083 , and are configured to fail when subjected to a force that is greater than a threshold value. As an example, the notches  1084  may be oriented to fail in response to forces applied in the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle  100  to allow translational breakaway of the table top  1022  during a vehicle event so that the table top  1022  moves translationally away (e.g., in the longitudinal direction X) during a vehicle event. 
       FIG.  13    is an illustration that shows a table  1320  in a first position in which a table top  1322  is oriented such that the upper surface of the table top  1322  is generally horizontal. The position shown in  FIG.  13    is a use position that corresponds to usage of the table  1320  under normal circumstances.  FIG.  14    is an illustration that shows the table  1320  in a second position in which the table top  1322  is oriented so that the upper surface of the table top  1322  is generally upright (e.g., within twenty-five degrees of vertical). The table  1320  may be implemented in accordance with the description of the table  120 , and may include any or all of the components described with respect to the table  120 , including the adjustable support assembly  124 . The table  1320  may be incorporated in the vehicle  100  in the manner described with respect to the table  120 . 
     The table top  1322  is connected to a support column  1326  by a pivot assembly  1385 . A rotation axis of the pivot assembly  1385  may be generally horizontal. For example, as installed in the vehicle  100 , the rotation axis of the pivot assembly  1385  may extend parallel to the lateral direction Y of the vehicle  100 . The pivot assembly  1385  may be active or passive. As one example, the pivot assembly  1385  may be controlled actively according to the process  870 . As another example, the pivot assembly  1385  may be controlled passively according to the process  970 . 
     In one implementation, the pivot assembly  1385  is active and includes an actuator (e.g. a rotary electric motor) that can be controlled to pivot the table top  1322  from the first position to the second position in response to detection of an actual or predicted vehicle event. In another implementation, the pivot assembly  1385  includes a release mechanism (e.g., solenoid pin) that resists rotation while locked, allows rotation when released, and is released (e.g., by a signal or command) in response to detection of an actual or predicted vehicle event. In this implementation, the table top  1322  may be off-balance relative to the pivot assembly  1385  and/or the pivot assembly  1385  may be spring biased to cause pivoting of the table top  1322  from the first position to the second position when the pivot assembly  1385  is released. In another implementation, the pivot assembly  1385  may include rotational breakaway features (e.g., implemented per the rotational breakaway features  1033 ) that allow pivoting of the table top  1322  from the first position to the second position in response to an applied force that causes the rotational breakaway features to fail (e.g., force greater than a threshold values corresponding to the strength of the rotational breakaway features. 
       FIG.  15    is an illustration that shows a table  1520  in a first position in which a table top having a first table top portion  1522   a  and a second table top portion  1522   b  is oriented such that the upper surface of the table top is generally horizontal. The position shown in  FIG.  15    is a use position that corresponds to usage of the table  1520  under normal circumstances.  FIG.  16    is an illustration that shows the table  1520  in a second position in which the first table top portion  1522   a  and the second table top portion  1522   b  are each oriented so that the upper surface of the table top is generally upright (e.g., within twenty-five degrees of vertical). The table  1520  may be implemented in accordance with the description of the table  120 , and may include any or all of the components described with respect to the table  120 , including the adjustable support assembly  124 . The table  1520  may be incorporated in the vehicle  100  in the manner described with respect to the table  120 . 
     The first table top portion  1522   a  and the second table top portion  1522   b  are connected to a support column  1526  by a pivot assembly  1585 . A rotation axis (or rotation axes) of the pivot assembly  1585  may be generally horizontal. For example, as installed in the vehicle  100 , the rotation axis of the pivot assembly  1585  may extend parallel to the lateral direction Y of the vehicle  100 . The pivot assembly  1585  allows independent pivoting of the first table top portion  1522   a  and the second table top portion  1522   b . In the illustrated implementation, the first table top portion  1522   a  and the second table top portion  1522   b  each pivot upward independently from the first position to the second position. In an alternative implementation, the first table top portion  1522   a  and the second table top portion  1522   b  each pivot downward independently from the first position to the second position. The first table top portion  1522   a  and the second table top portion  1522   b  may move passively or actively, for example, according to the implementations discussed in connection with the table top  1322  of the table  1320 . For example, the table  1520  may include electromechanical actuators to move the first table top portion  1522   a  and the second table top portion  1522   b  upward or downward. As one example, the pivot assembly  1585  may be controlled actively according to the process  870 . As another example, the pivot assembly  1585  may be controlled passively according to the process  970 . When rotated upward or downward, surfaces of the first table top portion  1522   a  and the second table top portion  1522   b  may be oriented generally vertically, such as generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X. 
       FIG.  17    is an illustration that shows a table  1720  in deployed position.  FIG.  18    is an illustration that shows the table  1720  in a retracted position. The table  1720  includes a table top  1722  is connected to and supported by an interior wall  1786  (e.g., instrument panel, etc.) that is located in a passenger cabin of a vehicle, such as the passenger cabin  102  of the vehicle  100 . For example, the interior wall  1786  may be part of the body structure  104  of the vehicle  100 . In the deployed position, the table top  1722  may be located near a seat assembly  1706  that is similar to the seat assembly  106 . The table top  1722  may move to the retracted position by sliding from the deployed position into a cavity  1787  that is formed in the interior wall  1786  (e.g., through an opening formed in the interior wall  1786 ). In the deployed position, a majority of the table top  1722  is located outside of the cavity  1787 . In the retracted position, a majority of the table top  1722  is located in the cavity  1787 . 
     The table top  1722  may be supported by a translational stage  1734  that allows the table top  1722  to slide between the deployed position and the retracted position. The translational stage  1734  may be active or passive. In active implementations, the translational stage  1734  may include actuators (e.g., electromechanical actuator devices) that move the table top  1722  from the deployed position to the retracted in response to a command that is issued by a control system in response to detection of a vehicle event. In passive implementations, the table top  1722  may move from the deployed position to the retracted position in response to application of force to the table top  1722  (e.g., upon contact of the passenger  101  with the table  1720  during a vehicle event). As one example, motion of the table top  1722  may be controlled actively according to the process  870 . As another example, motion of the table top  1722  may be controlled passively according to the process  970 . 
     The translational stage  1734  may be or include an electromechanical device, a pneumatic device and/or a pre-tensioned spring device. The translational stage  1734  may be implemented in the manner described with respect to the first translational adjustment stage  334  and the second translational adjustment stage  336 . The translational stage  1734  may include an energy absorbing device that controls motion of the table top  1722  to absorb energy in a controlled manner during movement of the table top  1722  in response to force applied by contact of the passenger  101  with the table top  1722 . 
       FIG.  19    is an illustration that shows a table  1920  in deployed position.  FIG.  20    is an illustration that shows the table  1920  in a retracted position. The table  1920  includes a table top having a first table top portion  1922   a  and a second table top portion  1922   b . The first table top portion  1922   a  is connected to and supported by an interior wall  1986  (e.g., instrument panel, etc.) that is located in a passenger cabin of a vehicle, such as the passenger cabin  102  of the vehicle  100 . The second table top portion  1922   b  is telescopically related to the first table top portion  1922   a  so that it slides into and out of an interior of the first table top portion  1922   a  between the deployed position and the retracted position. In the deployed position, the second table top portion  1922   b  may be located near a seat assembly  1906  that is similar to the seat assembly  106 . The second table top portion  1922   b  may move to the retracted position by sliding from the deployed position into the interior of the first table top portion  1922   a . In the deployed position, a majority of the second table top portion  1922   b  is located outside of the first table top portion  1922   a . In the retracted position, a majority of the second table top portion  1922   b  is located in the interior of the first table top portion  1922   a.    
     The second table top portion  1922   b  may be supported by a translational stage  1934  that allows the second table top portion  1922   b  to slide between the deployed position and the retracted position. The translational stage  1934  may be active or passive. In active implementations, the translational stage  1934  may include actuators (e.g., electromechanical actuator devices) that move the second table top portion  1922   b  from the deployed position to the retracted in response to a command that is issued by a control system in response to detection of a vehicle event. In passive implementations, the second table top portion  1922   b  may move from the deployed position to the retracted position in response to application of force to the second table top portion  1922   b  (e.g., upon contact of the passenger  101  with the second table top portion  1922   b  during a vehicle event). As one example, motion of the second table top portion  1922   b  may be controlled actively according to the process  870 . As another example, motion of the second table top portion  1922   b  may be controlled passively according to the process  970 . 
     The translational stage  1934  may be or include an electromechanical device, a pneumatic device and/or a pre-tensioned spring device. The translational stage  1934  may be implemented in the manner described with respect to the first translational adjustment stage  334  and the second translational adjustment stage  336 . The translational stage  1934  may include an energy absorbing device that controls motion of the second table top portion  1922   b  to absorb energy in a controlled manner during movement of the second table top portion  1922   b  in response to force applied by contact of the passenger  101  with the second table top portion  1922   b.    
       FIG.  21    is an illustration that shows a table  2120  in deployed position.  FIG.  22    is an illustration that shows the table  2120  in a retracted position. The table  2120  includes a table top having a first table top portion  2122   a  and a second table top portion  2122   b . The first table top portion  2122   a  is connected to and supported by an interior wall  2186  (e.g., instrument panel, etc.) that is located in a passenger cabin of a vehicle, such as the passenger cabin  102  of the vehicle  100 . The table  2120  includes an adjustable support assembly that is defined by a first pivot assembly  2188  and a second pivot assembly  2189 . The first pivot assembly  2188  connects the first table top portion  2122   a  to the interior wall  2186  so that the first table top portion  2122   a  is rotatable with respect to the interior wall  2186 . The second table top portion  2122   b  is connected to the first table top portion  2122   a  by a second pivot assembly  2189  so that the second table top portion  2122   b  is rotatable with respect to the first table top portion  2122   a . In the deployed position, the second table top portion  2122   b  may be located near a seat assembly  2106  that is similar to the seat assembly  106  and the first table top portion  2122   a  and the second table top portion  2122   b  are arranged so that they are oriented generally horizontally and in a generally coplanar relationship with respect to each other. 
     To move from the extended position to the retracted position, the first pivot assembly  2188  causes (e.g., actively) or permits (e.g., passively) rotation of the first table top portion  2122   a  relative to the interior wall  2186  so that it extends generally upward from the interior wall  2186  at the second pivot assembly  2189 , while the second pivot assembly  2189  causes or permits rotation of the second table top portion  2122   b  relative to the first table top portion  2122   a  so that it extends generally downward from the first table top portion  2122   a  at the second pivot assembly  2189 . 
     The first pivot assembly  2188  and the second pivot assembly  2189  are pivoting hinge type assemblies that may be active or passive. In active implementations, the first pivot assembly  2188  and the second pivot assembly  2189  may include actuators (e.g., electromechanical actuator devices) that move the first table top portion  2122   a  and the second table top portion  2122   b  from the deployed position to the retracted in response to a command that is issued by a control system in response to detection of a vehicle event. In passive implementations, the first table top portion  2122   a  and the second table top portion  2122   b  may move from the deployed position to the retracted position in response to application of force to the second table top portion  2122   b  (e.g., upon contact of the passenger  101  with the second table top portion  2122   b  during a vehicle event). As one example, motion of the first table top portion  2122   a  and the second table top portion  2122   b  may be controlled actively according to the process  870 . As another example, motion of the first table top portion  2122   a  and the second table top portion  2122   b  may be controlled passively according to the process  970 . 
     The first pivot assembly  2188  and the second pivot assembly  2189  may each be or include an electromechanical device, a pneumatic device and/or a pre-tensioned spring device. The first pivot assembly  2188  and the second pivot assembly  2189  may be implemented in the manner described with respect to the rotation adjuster  332 , the pivot assembly  1385  and/or the pivot assembly  1585 . The first pivot assembly  2188  and the second pivot assembly  2189  may each include an energy absorbing device that controls motion of the first table top portion  2122   a  and the second table top portion  2122   b  to absorb energy in a controlled manner during movement of the second table top portion  2122   b  in response to force applied by contact of the passenger  101  with the second table top portion  2122   b.    
       FIG.  23    is a side view schematic illustration that shows a seat assembly  2306  and a table  2320 . The seat assembly  2306  may be implemented according to the description of the seat assembly  106 . The table  2320  may be implemented according to the description of tables in any of the foregoing implementations, including the table  120 . The seat assembly  2306  and the table  2320  may be located in the passenger cabin of a vehicle, such as the passenger cabin  102  of the vehicle  100 . 
     The table  2320  includes an adjustable support assembly  2324 , which is implemented in accordance with the description of the adjustable support assembly  124  or in accordance with the descriptions of any of the mechanisms described in the foregoing embodiments alone or in combination. 
     An airbag assembly  2307  is located adjacent to the seat. In the illustrated implementation, the airbag assembly  2307  is located in the seat assembly  2306 . As examples, the airbag assembly  2307  could be located along the sides of the seat pan, seat back, or headrest of the seat assembly, or in arms of the seat assembly  2306 . In other implementations, the airbag assembly  2307  may be located in or under the table, in the ceiling of the passenger cabin, or in the side walls of the passenger cabin. The airbag assembly, prior to deployment, includes a folded airbag and an inflator (e.g., pyrotechnic). Other components may be included. When inflated, the airbag assembly  2307  defines an inflated airbag  2309  that is located in front of a passenger that is seated in the seat assembly  2306 . The table  2320  serves as a reaction surface that restricts movement of the inflated airbag  2309  so that it is able to react the forces applied to it as a result of engagement by the passenger, for example, by engagement of the inflated airbag  2309  with a top surface of a table top  2322  of the table  2320 . Thus, the safety systems that are described herein may include an airbag assembly that is controllable to deploy an airbag adjacent to the seat assembly so that the airbag engages the table top and the table top serves as a reaction surface for the airbag. 
     To allow the table  2320  to serve as a reaction surface, the adjustable support assembly  2324  may be controlled in response to detection of a vehicle event to move the table  2320  to a location where it will effectively react the inflated airbag  2309 . As one example, the adjustable support assembly  2324  may be controlled (e.g., by a controller) to move the table  2320  to a predetermined position. As another example, the controller may determine a table position for the table  2320  based on sensor output signals that are received from sensors and then move the table  2320  to the determined table position. The sensor output signals may represent one or more internal or external factors. External factors may include sensed values relating to an actual or predicted vehicle event such as a speed of the vehicle  100 , a speed of an external vehicle, and the location of the external. Internal factors may include sensed values relating to the passenger, such as measurements of the passenger (e.g., weight and height) and the relative positions of the seat assembly  2306  and the table  2320 . Thus, in some implementations, a controller outputs a control signal so that the adjustable support assembly  2324  moves at least part of the table top  2322  to a predetermined position. In some implementations, internal sensors are configured to generate internal sensor outputs regarding states within the passenger cabin, and a controller determines a table position based on the internal sensor outputs and outputs the control signal so that the adjustable support assembly  2324  moves at least part of the table top  2322  to the table position. 
       FIGS.  24 - 27    are directed to examples of energy absorbing devices that may be used with described herein as passive motion control devices to absorb energy in a controlled manner. As an example, the example energy absorbing devices may be used in translational stages discussed herein, such as the translational stage  1734  and the translational stage  1934 . The energy absorbing devices can be used to control or dampen movement of any of the tables, table tops, and components thereof during a vehicle event or other rapid deceleration of the vehicle  100 . 
       FIG.  24    shows a motion diagram for an example of an energy absorbing device  2490 . The energy absorbing device  2490  includes a ductile strip  2491  that is connected at an attachment point  2492  (e.g., attachment to a table top) and routed through a series of barriers  2493  configured to plastically deform the ductile strip  2491  upon reaching a predetermined threshold force value for payout of the ductile strip  2491 . Motion of the attachment point  2492  indicated using a dotted-line arrow. Motion of the attachment point can occur after the predetermined threshold force value is met or in response to a command received from a controller. 
       FIG.  25    shows a motion diagram for another example of an energy absorbing device  2590 . The energy absorbing device  2590  includes a cable  2594  or other tension carrying member that is coupled to an attachment point  2592  (e.g., attachment to a table) and coiled around a spool  2595  with a torsion bar (not shown) used to control the predetermined threshold force value for payout of the cable  2594 . Motion of the attachment point  2592  is indicated using dotted-line arrows. Motion of the attachment point  2592  can occur after the predetermined threshold force value is met or in response to a command to allow movement received from a controller. 
       FIG.  26    shows a motion diagram for another example of an energy absorbing device  2690 . The energy absorbing device  2690  includes energy absorbing elements in the form of notches  2696  designed with a tunable force or predetermined load threshold at which deformation in the form or compression or bending occurs. In this manner, the notches  2696  control movement of an attachment point  2692  as the attachment point  2692  passes subsequent ones of the notches  2696  and they are bent by engagement with the attachment point  2692 . Motion of the attachment point  2692  can occur after the predetermined threshold force value is met or in response to a command to allow movement received from a controller. 
       FIG.  27    shows a motion diagram for another example of an energy absorbing device  2790 . The energy absorbing device  2790  includes an energy absorbing element in the form of a deformable element  2797  such as a honeycomb member, a deformable tube, an extruded member, or other structure with a or predetermined force threshold at which deformation in the form or compression or crumpling occurs. In this manner, the deformable element  2797  controls movement of an attachment point  2792  (e.g., attachment to a table) with motion of the attachment point  2792  indicated using a dotted-line arrow. Motion of the attachment point  2792  can occur after the predetermined threshold force value is met or in response to a command to allow movement received from a controller. 
       FIG.  28    is a block diagram of a safety system  2800 . The safety system  2800  can include a controller  2801 , sensors  2802 , a seat system  2803 , an airbag system  2804 , and a table system  2805 . The safety system  2800  can include components similar to components described in reference to  FIGS.  1 - 27   . For example, the seat system  2803  can operate in a manner similar to the seat assembly  106  and may include additional seats configured similarly. The airbag system  2804  may be implemented in the manner described with respect to the airbag assembly  2307 . The table system  2805  may include any of the configurations and structures described with respect to tables in the foregoing implementations, including adjustable support assemblies such as the adjustable support assembly  124 . The description of the safety system  2800  is relevant to all implementations that are described herein and some or all of the features of the safety system  2800  may be included in those implementations. 
     The controller  2801  coordinates operation of the safety system  2800  by facilitating wired of wireless communications between included components of the safety system  2800  and/or other systems of the vehicle. The controller  2801  may receive sensor outputs (e.g., signals, data, etc.) from the sensors  2802  that provide information regarding environmental conditions outside of the vehicle  100 , conditions inside of the vehicle  100 , operating conditions of the vehicle  100 , and/or other information. The controller  2810  may also receive information from and/or send information to other portions of the safety system  2800 . 
     The sensors  2802  may capture or receive information related, for example, to components of the safety system  2800 , to other systems of the vehicle, and/or to an environment. The environment may include the passenger cabin of the vehicle and an outside environment that is external to the vehicle. Information captured or received by the sensors  2802  can relate to seats, anchors, footrests, occupants within a vehicle, other vehicles, pedestrians and/or objects in the external environment, operating conditions of the vehicle, operating conditions of other vehicles, trajectories of other vehicles, and/or other conditions within the vehicle or exterior to the vehicle. 
     The safety system  2800  can control an operational mode of the table system  2805  and/or the airbag system  2804  based on a control signal, such as a signal from the controller  2801 . The control signal may be based on information captured or received by the sensors  2802  and may cause various components within the safety system  2800  to change between various operational modes. The safety system  2800  may determine when and how to move, lock, unlock or otherwise control the table system  2805 , and send control signals (e.g., voltage signal, command message, etc.) to the table system  2805 . 
     The safety system  2800  may control operation of the table system  2805  to control forces incident upon the table during a vehicle event, consistent with a force value. The force value may be determined based on any one or combination of inputs including vehicle speed, external vehicle speeds, passenger mass, and passenger height. The information used to make these decisions may be supplied by the sensors  2802 , including external sensing sensors and interior sensing sensors. The external sensing sensors output signals that represent observations of the environment around the vehicle  100 . The external sensing sensors may include, as examples, radar sensors, LIDAR sensors, still cameras, and video cameras. The internal sensors are configured to output signals that represent observations regarding states within the passenger cabin  102  of the vehicle  100 . Examples of the internal sensors include seat weight sensors, safety belt buckle switches, still cameras, and video cameras. The force value can be determined by assessing the passenger when they enter the vehicle. The force levels can be determined in response to detection of an actual or predicted vehicle event. 
     Some features of the safety systems described herein may be disabled under certain conditions, which can be specified by control logic and evaluated, for example, based on sensor signals. 
     Some or all of the motion causing (e.g., active) or motion regulating (e.g., passive) devices that are described herein may be equipped with one way locking mechanism that prevents return to the initial position. As an example, after translation of the table  120  away from the seat assembly  106 , the one-way locking mechanism is engaged to restrain translation of the table  120  back toward the seat assembly  106 . 
       FIG.  29    is a block diagram that shows an example of a hardware configuration for a controller  2900  that may be used to implement the controller  2801  of the safety system and/or other portions of the safety system  2800 . In the illustrated example, the controller  2900  includes a processor  2901 , a memory device  2902 , a storage device  2903 , one or more input devices  2904 , and one or more output devices  2905 . These components may be interconnected by hardware such as a bus  2906  that allows communication between the components. 
     The processor  2901  may be a conventional device such as a central processing unit and is operable to execute computer program instructions and perform operations described by the computer program instructions. The memory device  2902  may be a volatile, high-speed, short-term information storage device such as a random-access memory module. The storage device  2903  may be a non-volatile information storage device such as a hard drive or a solid-state drive. The input devices  2904  may include sensors such as the sensors  2802  and/or any type of human-machine interface, such as buttons, switches, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen input device, a gestural input device, or an audio input device. The output devices  2905  may include any type of device operable to send commands associated with an operating mode or state or provide an indication to a user regarding an operating mode or state, such as a display screen, an interface for a safety system such as the safety system  2800 , or an audio output. 
       FIG.  30    is a block diagram of an example of a hardware configuration for the vehicle  100 . The description of the vehicle  100  is relevant to all implementations that are described herein and some or all of the features of the vehicle  100  may be included in those implementations. 
     The vehicle  100  may be a conventional road-going vehicle that is supported by wheels and tires (e.g., four wheels and tires). As an example, the vehicle  100  may be a passenger vehicle that is configured to carry one or more passengers. As another example, the vehicle  100  may be a cargo vehicle that is configured to carry cargo items. 
     In the illustrated implementation, the vehicle  100  includes the body structure  104 , a suspension system  3002 , a propulsion system  3003 , a braking system  3004 , a steering system  3005 , a sensing system  3006 , and a control system  3007 . These are examples of vehicle systems that are included in the vehicle  100 . Other systems can be included in the vehicle  100 . 
     The body structure  104  is a structural component of the vehicle  100  through which other components are interconnected and supported. The body structure  104  may, for example, include or define the passenger cabin  102 , as previously described. The body structure  104  may include structural components (e.g., a frame, subframe, unibody, monocoque, etc.) and aesthetic components (e.g., exterior body panels). 
     The suspension system  3002  supports a sprung mass of the vehicle  100  with respect to an unsprung mass of the vehicle  100 . The suspension system  3002  is an active suspension system that is configured to control generally vertical motion of the wheels. Broadly speaking, the suspension system  3002  controls vertical motion of the wheels of the vehicle  100  relative to the body structure  104 , for example, to ensure contact between the wheels and a surface of a roadway and to reduce undesirable movements of the body structure  104 . The suspension system  3002  includes components (e.g., actuators) that are configured to transfer energy into and absorb energy from the wheels, such as by applying upward and downward forces to introduce energy into and absorb energy from the wheels. The components of the suspension system  3002  may be operated in accordance with signals from sensors in the sensing system  3006  and under control from the control system  3007 , for example, in the form of commands transmitted from the control system  3007  to the suspension system  3002 . 
     The propulsion system  3003  includes propulsion components that are configured to cause motion of the vehicle  100  (e.g., accelerating the vehicle  100 ). The propulsion system  3003  may include components such that are operable to generate torque and deliver that torque to one or more wheels (e.g., road wheels that contact the road through tires mounted on the road wheels). Examples of components that may be included in the propulsion system  3003  include motors, gearboxes, and propulsion linkages (e.g., drive shafts, half shafts, etc.). Motors included in the propulsion system  3003  may be, as examples, an internal combustion engine powered by a combustible fuel or one or more electric motors that are powered by electricity (e.g., from a battery). Electric motors that are included in the propulsion system  3003  may further be configured to operate as generators that charge the battery in a regenerative braking configuration. 
     The braking system  3004  provides deceleration torque for decelerating the vehicle  100 . The braking system  3004  may include friction braking components such as disk brakes or drum brakes. The braking system  3004  may use an electric motor of the propulsion system to decelerate the vehicle by electromagnetic resistance, which may be part of battery charging in a regenerative braking configuration. 
     The steering system  3005  is operable to cause the vehicle to turn (e.g., change direction) by changing a steering angle of one or more wheels of the vehicle  100 . As one example, one or more wheels of the vehicle may each include an independently operated steering actuator. As another example, two wheels of the vehicle  100  may be connected by steering linkages to a single steering actuator or to a manually operated steering device. 
     The sensing system  3006  includes sensors for observing external conditions of the environment around the vehicle  100  (e.g., location of the roadway and other objects) and conditions of the vehicle  100  (e.g., acceleration and conditions of the various systems and their components). The sensing system  3006  may include sensors of various types, including dedicated sensors and/or components of the various systems. For example, actuators may incorporate sensors or portions of actuators may function as sensors such as by measuring current draw of an electric motor incorporated in an actuator. The suspension system  3002  may, for example, be controlled using acceleration sensors that are connected to a sprung mass of the vehicle  100 , to an unsprung mass of the vehicle  100 , and/or to one or more suspension actuators of the vehicle  100 . 
     The control system  3007  includes communication components (i.e., for receiving sensor signals and sending control signals) and processing components (i.e., for processing the sensor signals and determining control operations), such as a controller. The control system  3007  may be a single system or multiple related systems. For example, the control system  3007  may be a distributed system including components that are included in other systems of the vehicle  100 , such as the suspension system  3002 , the propulsion system  3003 , the braking system  3004 , the steering system  3005 , the sensing system  3006 , and/or other systems. 
     As used herein, the language “at least one of A or B” should be interpreted to mean “at least one of A or at least one of B” as opposed to requiring “at least one A and at least one B.” 
     As described above, one aspect of the present technology is the gathering and use of data available from various sources, sensors, or user profiles, to operate portions of the safety system. The present disclosure contemplates that in some instances, this gathered data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data can include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, twitter IDs, home addresses, data or records relating to a user&#39;s health or level of fitness (e.g., vital signs measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information. 
     The present disclosure recognizes that the use of personal information data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users. For example, the personal information data can be used to customization operation of the safety system according to user information. Other uses for personal information data that benefit the user are also possible. For instance, health and fitness data may be used to provide insights into a user&#39;s general wellness or may be used as positive feedback to individuals using technology to pursue wellness goals. 
     The present disclosure contemplates that the entities responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use of such personal information data will comply with well-established privacy policies and/or privacy practices. In particular, such entities should implement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining personal information data private and secure. Such policies should be easily accessible by users and should be updated as the collection and/or use of data changes. Personal information from users should be collected for legitimate and reasonable uses of the entity and not shared or sold outside of those legitimate uses. Further, such collection/sharing should occur after receiving the informed consent of the users. 
     Additionally, such entities should consider taking any needed steps for safeguarding and securing access to such personal information data and ensuring that others with access to the personal information data adhere to their privacy policies and procedures. Further, such entities can subject themselves to evaluation by third parties to certify their adherence to widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adapted for the particular types of personal information data being collected and/or accessed and adapted to applicable laws and standards, including jurisdiction-specific considerations. For instance, in the US, collection of or access to certain health data may be governed by federal and/or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); whereas health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Hence different privacy practices should be maintained for different personal data types in each country. 
     Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, in the case of user-profile-based safety systems, the present technology can be configured to allow users to select to “opt in” or “opt out” of participation in the collection of personal information data during registration for services or anytime thereafter. In addition to providing “opt in” and “opt out” options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use of personal information. For instance, a user may be notified upon downloading an app that their personal information data will be accessed and then reminded again just before personal information data is accessed by the app. 
     Moreover, it is the intent of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and handled in a way to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risk can be minimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting data once it is no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect a user&#39;s privacy. De-identification may be facilitated, when appropriate, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g., collecting location data a city level rather than at an address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and/or other methods. 
     Therefore, although the present disclosure broadly covers use of personal information data to implement one or more various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that the various embodiments can be implemented without the need for accessing such personal information data. That is, the various embodiments of the present technology are not rendered inoperable due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, the safety system can be operated based on non-personal information data, a bare minimum amount of personal information, other non-personal information available to the system, or publicly available information.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20230518
Publication Date: 20240723
Grant Date: 20240723
Priority Date: 20200710
Inventors: Llamazares Domper, Arturo
White, Nicholas A.
ZOELLNER, ALEXANDER M.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "B60N3/001", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R21/013", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R21/013", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R21/055", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R21/23138", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R2021/23146", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60N2/42709", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60N2/42727", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R21/207", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60N3/001", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R21/013", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60N3/001", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R21/207", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 83547182