Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/009,585 filed Jun. 9, 2014, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference herein. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    Various embodiments relate to adjustable seat assemblies. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    An adjustable seat assembly is illustrated and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,758,924, which issued on Jun. 2, 1998 to Lear Corporation. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    According to at least one embodiment, a seat assembly is provided with a seat cushion. A seat back is adapted to be pivotally mounted adjacent the seat cushion. A plurality of sensors is operably connected to at least one of the seat cushion and the seat back to detect a seating position of an occupant. A media device is provided. A controller is in electrical communication with the plurality of sensors and the media device, and is configured to receive data from the plurality sensors, compare the data to determine if the occupant is seated evenly, and operate the media device to inform the occupant of an uneven posture seating position. 
         [0005]    According to at least another embodiment, a computer-program product is embodied in a non-transitory computer readable medium that is programmed for automatically displaying a pressure distribution upon a seat assembly. The computer-program product includes instructions for receiving input indicative of measured pressure values from a plurality of sensors in a plurality of zones of a seat assembly. A range of the measured pressure values is determined. A range of colors is assigned to the range of the measured pressure values. Signals are provided to a display indicative of a color distribution to the plurality of zones of the seat assembly as a visual representation of pressure distribution upon the seat assembly. 
         [0006]    According to at least another embodiment, a method for displaying pressure distribution of a seat assembly measures pressure values from a plurality of sensors in a plurality of zones of a seat assembly. A range of the measured pressure values is determined. A range of colors is assigned to the range of the measured pressure values. The seat assembly is displayed with the plurality of zones colored by the range of colors as a visual representation of pressure distribution upon the seat assembly. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  is a flowchart of a method for determining various adjustment positions of a vehicle seat assembly for various users, according to an embodiment; 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a graph of data collected in the method of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of a vehicle seat assembly, illustrated partially disassembled, according to an embodiment; 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is a display image for a vehicle seating system according to an embodiment; 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is another display image for the vehicle seating system of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  is another display image for the vehicle seating system of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  is another display image for the vehicle seating system of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  is another display image for the vehicle seating system of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 9  is another display image for the vehicle seating system of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 10  is another display image for the vehicle seating system of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 11  is another display image for the vehicle seating system of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 12  is another display image for the vehicle seating system of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 13  is a flowchart of a method for adjusting a vehicle seat assembly according to an embodiment; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 14  is a flowchart of another method for adjusting a vehicle seat assembly according to another embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]    As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention. 
         [0022]    A comfort, posture and wellness seating system for vehicle seat assemblies provides a visual interface with adjustment hardware organically or inorganically. The system may be employed to properly configure any new or existing seating system. The system can also address specific comfort, posture or preferences, such as thoracic support. The seating system objectifies comfort data and biomechanics knowledge to make the data transferable. The seating system connects biomechanical optimization to measurable engineering data to make a complete comfort, posture and wellness seating system. 
         [0023]    The comfort, posture and wellness seating system integrates anthropometry, bio-mechanics, and historical seating comfort data. The seating system can be employed in original equipment for vehicles or in aftermarket products. Applicable markets include automotive, mass transit, airlines, etc., as well as non-vehicular seating such as office, home, commercial, and public venue seating. 
         [0024]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a flowchart of a method for determining various adjustment positions of a vehicle seat assembly for various users is illustrated, according to an embodiment. Data collection may occur at block  20 . The data collection  20  may include expert positioning of occupants for optimal comfort, posture and/or wellness by a doctor or chiropractor. The data collection  20  can be used at specific sites on an ongoing basis if required. The expert input provides a high level of expert comfort, posture and personalized fitting. 
         [0025]    The data  22  may be based on anthropometry, body pressure distribution (BPD), status of actuators (such as pressure of inflatable air bladders, status of valves or the like), or other data that provides a comfort, posture and biomechanically optimized position of an adjustable vehicle seat assembly. The data is collected in a knowledge base  24  or table for setting adjustments based on categories of data. The knowledge base  24  may be compiled from the expert positioned data  20  and the occupant specific data  22 . The setting adjustments from the knowledge base  24  are utilized for pre-set options  26  in a vehicle seat assembly  28 . The setting adjustments  24  can be customized by a user at a controller or display  30 . 
         [0026]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , input data  20 ,  22  can be plotted versus adjustment settings  20 ,  24  for high level categorization. The settings  20 ,  24  can be categorized by topology clustering for setting the pre-set options  26 . Various setting options  26  may be provided for various types of driving. For example a touring setting may provide per package settings and basic comfort, posture and biomechanically optimized seating position recommendations. The touring setting may also provide optimal visibility, use of features and controls, and the like. A performance setting may be provided for active drivers to provide a more erect position with firmer seating. Additionally, a luxury setting may be more reclined with softer seating. 
         [0027]      FIG. 3  illustrates the vehicle seat assembly  28  with a cover removed. The seat assembly  28  includes a seat cushion  32  adapted to be mounted for motor-driven adjustable translation in a fore and aft direction and in an up and down direction of a vehicle. The seat assembly  28  includes a seat back  34  pivotally connected to the seat cushion  32  to extend generally upright relative to the seat cushion  32  for motor-driven pivotal adjustment relative to the seat cushion  32 . A head restraint (not shown) is mounted for motor-driven adjustable translation to the seat back  34 . 
         [0028]    At least one compressor  36  provides a source of air to the seat assembly  28 . A plurality of valves  38  receive the compressed air and are controlled by a controller  39  for regulating compressed air into and out of the seat assembly  28 . The seat cushion  32  includes a forward left air bladder  40 , a forward right air bladder  42 , a rear left air bladder  44 , a rear right air bladder  46 , a left side bolster air bladder  48 , and a right side bolster air bladder  50 . The seatback  34  includes a plurality of lumbar air bladders  52 , a plurality of thoracic air bladders  54 , a left side bolster air bladder  56 , and a right side bolster air bladder  58 . The valves  38  may be provided as a common valve bank that is housed in the seat back  34  or under the seat cushion  32 ; or the valves  38  may each be provided on each of the air bladders  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50 ,  52 ,  54 ,  56 ,  58 . The compressor  36  may be provided in the seat back  34 , the seat cushion  32  or concealed within the vehicle body. The controller  39  may be provided in a module under the seat cushion  32 , and may be a multifunction controller that also controls other functions in the vehicle. 
         [0029]    It is believed that supporting the thoracic region of the spine can reduce forces and support as much as one-third of the upper body mass. By increasing support of the upper body mass, loads are reduced on the muscles, ligaments, and spine and pelvic regions. Decreased load reduces fatigue on these areas of the body. The thoracic air bladders  54  are adjustable to provide the right degree of support in the correct location necessary to reduce such loading. 
         [0030]    The controller  39  receives the adjustment settings  24  from pre-set data  26  or from customized data  30 . The data may be input from an interface that is provided in the vehicle. The interface may be integrated into the vehicle, such as an instrument panel display that is in suitable wired or wireless communication with the controller  39 . The interface may be remote, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA) including phones, tablets and the like. The interface may be provided as a smart phone application, wherein users enter relevant information about themselves. The smart phone interface may not require on-site expertise or seat properties. The remote interface permits a user to transport settings to each vehicle, such as personal passenger vehicles, airline seating, rental cars, and the like. 
         [0031]      FIGS. 4-12  illustrate display images from an interface, such as a tablet.  FIG. 4  illustrates a welcome screen wherein a data collection process is initiated.  FIG. 5  illustrates a screen wherein a user name is input to identify the user.  FIG. 6  illustrates another input screen wherein biometric and personal health data, such as wellness and activity level, is collected. This data is utilized to adjust the seat to the pre-set options  26 , based on prior-collected data  22  in knowledge base  24 . 
         [0032]    Each of the air bladders  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50 ,  52 ,  54 ,  56 ,  58  may include a pressure sensor to detect air pressure in the respective bladder  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50 ,  52 ,  54 ,  56 ,  58 . Any pressure sensor is contemplated, such as a pneumatic pressure sensor at the outlet valve of each respective air bladder  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50 ,  52 ,  54 ,  56 ,  58 . Pressure can also be sensed by contact pressure sensors disposed in front of or behind some or all of the respective air bladders, including on a front or rear surface thereof. The contact pressure sensors may include pressure-sensing mats, such as those available by Tekscan®, Inc. of  307  West First Street. South Boston, Mass. 02127-1309, USA.  FIG. 7  illustrates a depiction of the vehicle seat assembly  28  with zones ranging in color to depict a distribution of pressure upon the seat. This visualization may assist an occupant in positioning upon the seat assembly  28  with live visual feedback. If manual adjustment is selected,  FIG. 8  requests the occupant to select a zone of the seat for adjustment. Once a zone is selected, such as thoracic in  FIG. 9  or lumbar in  FIG. 10 , incremental adjustment of each air bladder  52  by the occupant is permitted. 
         [0033]    Referring again to  FIG. 7 , a dynamic comfort, posture and biomechanically optimized option is offered. Selection of the dynamic comfort option measures the pressure in the sensors at  FIG. 11 , and displays a live view as in  FIG. 12 . The controller  39  compares the sensor values, and if the controller  39  determines that the occupant is not seated evenly, the controller  39  balances the air pressure in opposing air bladders to balance the occupant seating position. 
         [0034]      FIG. 13  depicts a flowchart for a method for adjusting the seat assembly  28  according to an embodiment. At block  60  the user comfort fit survey is completed. This process may be performed in an application on a PDA, tablet or smartphone, or in a controller in the vehicle. At block  62 , real time user data is sent to a gateway module, or controller  39 . In block  64 , the seat assembly  28  is positioned, and the air bladder values are adjusted. At block  66 , the gateway module receives an occupant weight distribution from the air bladder pressure sensors. At block  68  live values are adjusted, such as a percentage of bladder fullness. At block  70 , the values are sent to the interface application, and the range of values is assigned a range of colors. In block  72 , a live view is displayed, as in  FIG. 12 . Steps  66  and  68  are repeated for dynamically adjusting the seat assembly  28  to the occupant&#39;s position. Steps  66 ,  70  and  72  are repeated incrementally to provide the live view of the pressure distribution. 
         [0035]      FIG. 14  depicts a flowchart for a method for adjusting the seat assembly  28  according to another embodiment. At block  74  a welcome screen initiates a data collection process. At block  76  a user name is input to identify the user. At block  78  another input screen includes a questionnaire wherein biometric and ergonomic data and activity level is collected. This data is utilized to adjust the seat at block  80  to the pre-set options  26 , based on prior-collected data  22  in knowledge base  24 . At block  82 , a depiction of the vehicle seat assembly  28  is provided with zones ranging in color to depict a distribution of pressure upon the seat assembly  28 . If manual adjustment is selected at block  84 , the occupant can select a zone of the seat for adjustment, such as thoracic  86 , back bolster  88 , lumbar  90  and cushion bolster  92 . Once manual adjustment is completed, the live view body pressure distribution (BPD) screen  82  is updated. If a dynamic mode is selected at block  84 , then the adjustments and live view are updated based on the measurements from the pressure sensors and the biometric data. 
         [0036]    While various embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, the features of various implementing embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the invention.

Technology Category: b