U.S. patent application number 16/026522 was filed with the patent office on 2020-01-09 for adjustable firmness seat suspension and seat incorporating the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.. Invention is credited to Umesh N. Gandhi, Brian J. Pinkelman, Ryohei Tsuruta.
Application Number | 20200010001 16/026522 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 69101805 |
Filed Date | 2020-01-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200010001 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pinkelman; Brian J. ; et
al. |
January 9, 2020 |
ADJUSTABLE FIRMNESS SEAT SUSPENSION AND SEAT INCORPORATING THE
SAME
Abstract
An adjustable firmness seat suspension includes a seat frame,
first and second spring members, and an intermediate tensioning
member. The seat frame includes a first frame member and a second
frame member spaced apart from and opposite one another. The first
spring member is attached to the first frame member, the second
spring member is attached to the second frame member, and the
intermediate tensioning member is attached to and extends between
the first spring member and the second spring member. The
intermediate tensioning member is formed from a shape memory alloy
(SMA) having a first length that provides a first spring tension of
the seat suspension through the first and second spring members,
and configured to alter its length to a second length that provides
a second spring tension of the seat suspension through the first
and second spring members in response to application of a
tensioning signal thereto.
Inventors: |
Pinkelman; Brian J.; (Ann
Arbor, MI) ; Gandhi; Umesh N.; (Farmington Hills,
MI) ; Tsuruta; Ryohei; (Ann Arbor, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America,
Inc. |
Plano |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
69101805 |
Appl. No.: |
16/026522 |
Filed: |
July 3, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/544 20130101;
B60N 2/64 20130101; B60N 2/504 20130101; B60N 2/542 20130101; B60N
2/54 20130101; B60N 2/501 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60N 2/50 20060101
B60N002/50; B60N 2/54 20060101 B60N002/54 |
Claims
1. An adjustable firmness seat suspension, comprising: a seat frame
comprising a first frame member and a second frame member spaced
apart from and opposite one another; a first spring member attached
to the first frame member; a second spring member attached to the
second frame member; and an intermediate tensioning member attached
to and extending between the first and second spring members, the
intermediate tensioning member formed from a shape memory alloy
(SMA) having a first length that provides a first spring tension of
the seat suspension through the first and second spring members,
and configured to alter its length to a second length that provides
a second spring tension of the seat suspension through the first
and second spring members in response to application of a
tensioning signal thereto.
2. The adjustable firmness seat suspension of claim 1, further
comprising a controller operatively connected to and in signal
communication with the intermediate tensioning member, the
controller configured to selectively provide the tensioning
signal.
3. The adjustable firmness seat suspension of claim 2, wherein the
tensioning signal is variable, and the second length is variable,
thereby providing a variable second spring tension of the seat
suspension.
4. The adjustable firmness seat suspension of claim 2, further
comprising a locking mechanism.
5. The adjustable firmness seat suspension of claim 4, wherein the
locking mechanism comprises: a first locking member having a first
attachment end attached to the first spring member and extending
inwardly to an opposed first locking end; a second locking member
having a second attachment end attached to the second spring member
and extending inwardly to an opposed second locking end; an
intermediate locking member disposed between the first locking
member and the second locking member, the intermediate locking
member configured to receive the first locking end and the second
locking end in a first position at the first spring tension of the
seat suspension and in a second position at the second spring
tension of the seat suspension, and selectively lock or unlock the
first locking end and the second locking end at the first position
or the second position; and an actuator operatively attached to the
intermediate locking member and in signal communication with the
controller, the actuator configured to movably actuate the
intermediate locking member and selectively lock or unlock the
first locking end and the second locking end in response to a
lock/unlock signal received from the controller.
6. The adjustable firmness seat suspension of claim 5, wherein the
first locking end comprises a plurality of first member locking
teeth, the second locking end comprises a plurality of second
member locking teeth, and the intermediate locking member comprises
a selectively movable inner member comprising first intermediate
member locking teeth disposed proximate and opposing the first
member locking teeth and second intermediate member locking teeth
disposed proximate and opposing the second member locking teeth,
and wherein the selectively movable inner member is configured to
move the first intermediate member locking teeth and first member
locking teeth and the second intermediate member locking teeth and
second member locking teeth for selective engagement and
disengagement to, respectively, lock and unlock the locking
mechanism.
7. The adjustable firmness seat suspension of claim 5, wherein the
intermediate locking member is configured to receive another first
locking member and another second locking member, the first spring
member, the intermediate tensioning member, the second spring
member, the first locking member, the second locking member and a
portion of the intermediate locking member proximate the first and
second locking members together comprise an adjustable suspension
member extending in a seat suspension direction, and the adjustable
suspension member is one of a plurality of corresponding adjustable
suspension members extending in the seat suspension direction.
8. The adjustable firmness seat suspension of claim 7, wherein the
seat suspension direction is fore-aft, left-right, or up-down.
9. The adjustable firmness seat suspension of claim 7, wherein the
controller is operatively connected to and in signal communication
with each intermediate tensioning member of the adjustable
suspension members, and configured to selectively provide a
tensioning signal to each intermediate tensioning member.
10. The adjustable firmness seat suspension of claim 9, wherein the
tensioning signal to each intermediate tensioning member is
variable and the second length of each intermediate tensioning
member is variable, thereby providing a variable second spring
tension to each intermediate tensioning member.
11. The adjustable firmness seat suspension of claim 10, wherein
the variable tensioning signal to each intermediate tensioning
member is the same.
12. The adjustable firmness seat suspension of claim 10, wherein
the variable tensioning signal to at least one intermediate
tensioning member is different from the variable tensioning signals
to the other intermediate tensioning members.
13. The adjustable firmness seat suspension of claim 10, wherein
the variable tensioning signals to the intermediate tensioning
members are individually adjusted to a user and stored in the
controller as user-specific variable tensioning signals.
14. The adjustable firmness seat suspension of claim 1, further
comprising a user seat cushion disposed over the seat suspension
between the first frame member and the second frame member.
15. The adjustable firmness seat suspension of claim 14, further
comprising a seat cover disposed over the user seat cushion and the
seat suspension.
16. The adjustable firmness seat suspension of claim 1, wherein the
seat frame is disposed in and comprises a seat base, seat back, or
both, and wherein the seat base, seat back, or both comprise a
seat.
17. The adjustable firmness seat suspension of claim 1, wherein the
SMA comprises nitinol.
18. A vehicle seat, comprising: a seat base, seat back, or both,
comprising: an adjustable firmness seat suspension, comprising: a
seat frame comprising a first frame member and a second frame
member spaced apart from and opposite one another; a plurality of
first spring members attached to the first frame member; a
plurality of second spring members attached to the second frame
member; and a plurality of intermediate tensioning members each
attached to and extending between a respective pair of first and
second spring members, each intermediate tensioning member formed
from a shape memory alloy (SMA) having a first length that provides
at least part of a first spring tension of the seat suspension, and
configured to alter its length to a second length that provides at
least part of a second spring tension of the seat suspension in
response to application of a tensioning signal thereto; a user seat
cushion disposed over the seat suspension between the first frame
member and the second frame member; and a seat cover disposed over
the user seat cushion and the seat suspension.
19. The seat of claim 18, further comprising a controller
operatively connected to and in signal communication with the
intermediate tensioning members, the controller configured to
selectively provide the tensioning signals.
20. The seat of claim 19, further comprising a locking mechanism
corresponding to at least one intermediate tensioning member and a
respective pair of first and second spring members, the locking
mechanism comprising: a first locking member having a first
attachment end attached to the first spring member and extending
inwardly to an opposed first locking end; a second locking member
having a second attachment end attached to the second spring member
and extending inwardly to an opposed second locking end; an
intermediate locking member disposed between the first locking
member and the second locking member, the intermediate locking
member configured to receive the first locking end and the second
locking end in a first position at the first spring tension of the
seat suspension and in a second position at the second spring
tension of the seat suspension, and selectively lock or unlock the
first locking end and the second locking end at the first position
or the second position; and an actuator operatively attached to the
intermediate locking member and in signal communication with the
controller, the actuator configured to movably actuate the
intermediate locking member and selectively lock or unlock the
first locking end and the second locking end in response to a
lock/unlock signal received from the controller.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to an
adjustable firmness seat suspension and a seat having the same and,
more particularly, to an adjustable firmness vehicle seat
suspension and a vehicle seat having the same.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Various forms of seats, particularly vehicle seats used in
various types of motive vehicles, incorporate seat suspensions in
both the seat base (i.e. the portion that contacts the lower body
of a user, including the legs) and seat back (i.e. the portion that
contacts the upper body of a user, including the back, arms, neck,
and head) to support the weight of a user, such as a vehicle
operator or passenger. The users can have significant differences,
including, for example, different weights and weight distributions,
body types, shapes (e.g. male and female), and sizes (e.g. overall
heights and widths, as well as leg, arm, neck, and head sizes). It
is frequently desirable to provide adjustable seats, particularly
seats with adjustable seat suspensions in the seat base and seat
back, to accommodate these differences and provide a comfortable
seat for the user.
[0003] Various approaches have been employed to provide adjustable
seats, including those that provide heating and cooling elements,
adjust the back support (e.g. lumbar regions), adjust the thigh
support (e.g. various adjustable side and seat bolsters), and
change the size of the seat. These seats have included adjustable
seat suspensions that incorporate various inflatable elements, such
as air bladders, as well as those that incorporate certain shape
memory alloy (SMA) elements.
[0004] Notwithstanding the existence of prior adjustable seat
suspensions and seats that incorporate them, different users may
find seats and seat suspension systems either too firm (too hard)
or not firm enough (too soft) for their liking. Therefore, there
remains a need for new adjustable firmness seat suspensions and
seats incorporating them that are configured to provide improved
degrees or levels of firmness that better satisfy user requirements
and/or that provide a lower cost.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In one embodiment, an adjustable firmness seat suspension is
disclosed. The adjustable firmness seat suspension includes a seat
frame, first and second spring members, and an intermediate
tensioning member. The seat frame includes a first frame member and
a second frame member spaced apart from and opposite one another.
The first spring member is attached to the first frame member, the
second spring member is attached to the second frame member, and
the intermediate tensioning member is attached to and extends
between the first spring member and the second spring member. The
intermediate tensioning member is formed from a shape memory alloy
(SMA) having a first length that provides a first spring tension of
the seat suspension through the first and second spring members,
and configured to alter its length to a second length that provides
a second spring tension of the seat suspension through the first
and second spring members in response to application of a
tensioning signal thereto.
[0006] In another embodiment, a vehicle seat is disclosed. The seat
includes a seat base, seat back, or both, and includes an
adjustable firmness seat suspension. The adjustable firmness seat
suspension includes a seat frame, a plurality of first spring
members, a plurality of second spring members, and a plurality of
intermediate tensioning members. The seat frame includes a first
frame member and a second frame member spaced apart from and
opposite one another. The first spring members are attached to the
first frame member, the second spring members are attached to the
second frame member, and the intermediate tensioning members are
each attached to and extend between a respective pair of first and
second spring members. Each intermediate tensioning member is
formed from a shape memory alloy (SMA) having a first length that
provides at least part of a first spring tension of the seat
suspension, and configured to alter its length to a second length
that provides at least part of a second spring tension of the seat
suspension in response to application of a tensioning signal
thereto. The seat also includes a user seat cushion disposed over
the seat suspension between the first frame member and the second
frame member. The seat further includes a seat cover disposed over
the user seat cushion and the seat suspension.
[0007] The above features and advantages and other features and
advantages of the invention are readily apparent from the following
detailed description of the invention when taken in connection with
the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Other features, advantages and details appear, by way of
example only, in the following detailed description of embodiments,
the detailed description referring to the drawings in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic section view of an embodiment of an
adjustable firmness seat suspension in a first tension condition
and a seat that includes the seat suspension, as disclosed
herein;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic section view of the seat suspension of
FIG. 1 in a second tension condition that is greater than the first
tension condition;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a schematic section view of a second embodiment of
an adjustable firmness seat suspension in a first tension condition
and a seat that includes the seat suspension, as disclosed
herein;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a schematic section view of the seat suspension of
FIG. 3 in a second tension condition that is greater than the first
tension condition;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a schematic section view of the embodiment of FIG.
3 taken along Section 5-5,
[0014] FIG. 6 is a schematic section view of the embodiment of FIG.
5 taken along Section 6-6 in a locked condition;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a schematic section view of the embodiment of FIG.
6 in an unlocked condition;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a schematic top section view of a third embodiment
of an adjustable firmness seat suspension, as disclosed herein;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a schematic front section view of the embodiment
of FIG. 8;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a schematic top view of a fourth embodiment of an
adjustable firmness seat suspension, as disclosed herein;
[0019] FIG. 11 is a schematic top view of a fifth embodiment of an
adjustable firmness seat suspension, as disclosed herein; and
[0020] FIG. 12 is a schematic section view of a sixth embodiment of
an adjustable firmness seat suspension and a seat that includes the
seat suspension, as disclosed herein.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0021] An adjustable firmness seat suspension and a seat
incorporating the same are disclosed. The firmness of the seat
suspension is also sometimes referred to in the art as the relative
hardness or softness of the seat suspension. The seat suspension
utilizes a shape memory alloy (SMA), such as nitinol, to adjust or
vary the firmness of the seat suspension. For example, the seat
suspension may utilize an SMA member, such as an SMA wire, that is
mounted by its respective ends to a pair of spring members, such as
coil springs, which in turn are mounted to a seat frame. The SMA
member and spring members are disposed in tension within the seat
frame to provide a first or base spring tension. The SMA member may
be deformed in tension, either prior to or during its installation,
to a first length that is greater than an initial length. With the
SMA member at its first length, the first spring tension may then
be adjusted by the application of an electrical current to heat the
SMA member by, for example, resistive heating and thereby cause a
phase change within the SMA member that causes the SMA member to
revert to or otherwise toward its initial length, thereby
decreasing in length and changing (i.e. increasing) the spring
tension of the seat suspension to a second spring tension. Thus,
adjusting the current adjusts the length of the SMA member, which
in turn adjusts the spring tension and the firmness
(hardness/softness) of the seat suspension. The current may be
applied by a controller configured to variably control the current
signal continuously over a predetermined range of currents, thereby
providing a predetermined range of spring tensions and firmness
levels within the seat suspension.
[0022] The seat suspension, and a seat incorporating the seat
suspension, may also incorporate a locking mechanism to lock/unlock
the seat suspension at any predetermined tension level that the SMA
member and spring members are capable of achieving, and may
incorporate an actuator to lock/unlock the locking mechanism. The
locking mechanism may also be in signal communication with the
controller and configured to lock/unlock the seat suspension based
on a lock/unlock signal from the controller in conjunction with the
tension adjustment. Thus, for example, the seat suspension may be
unlocked in conjunction with a tensioning signal to change the
spring tension to another level, and then relocked at the new
spring tension, which may be higher or lower than the original
spring tension. The seat suspension may be combined with cushion
elements and a seat cover and used in a seat base, seat back, or
both, to provide an adjustable firmness seat. These seats may be
used in any seating application. For example, these seats may be
used in all manner of motive vehicle seats, including those for
land, marine, and aircraft or space vehicle applications, and
particularly seats for automobiles, including all manner of cars
and light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty trucks.
[0023] As used herein, the terms front or forward or rear or
rearward or aft refer to the front or rear of the article or
vehicle, or to a direction toward the front or rear of the article
or vehicle, respectively. The terms longitudinal or along the
length refer to a direction that extends along an article or
vehicle centerline between the front and the rear. The terms
lateral or along the width or left-right refer to a direction that
is orthogonal, or substantially orthogonal, to the longitudinal
direction. The terms up or upward or down or downward refer to the
top or bottom of the article or vehicle, or to a direction
substantially toward the top or bottom of the article or vehicle,
respectively. The terms in or inner or inward refer to a direction
toward the center of the article (e.g. the seat or the seat
suspension between a seat frame's frame members) or vehicle, and
out or outer or outward refer to the opposite direction away from
the center or central portion of the article (e.g. the seat or the
seat suspension) or vehicle.
[0024] Referring to FIGS. 1-12 generally, and more particularly to
FIGS. 1-2, in one embodiment an adjustable firmness seat suspension
20 for an adjustable firmness seat 10 is disclosed. The seat 10 may
comprise any manner of fixed or movable seat, including a seat for
a motive vehicle 1, such as a land, marine, and aircraft or space
vehicle, and particularly a seat, or a plurality of seats, for
automobiles, including all manner of cars and light-duty,
medium-duty, and heavy-duty trucks.
[0025] The seat suspension 20 includes a seat frame 22. The seat
frame 22 includes a first frame member 24 and a second frame member
26 that is spaced apart from and opposite the first frame member
24, and extending in a direction substantially the same as, and
including a direction that is the same as, the first frame member
24. The direction may be any suitable direction, and particularly a
fore (F)-aft (A) direction, up (U)-down (D) direction, or left
(L)-right (R) direction, including directions in the vehicle 1, as
illustrated in FIGS. 10-12. Reference to substantially the same as
with regard to such a direction is based on the fact that the first
and second frame members 24, 26 need not be parallel to one
another, but rather may converge or diverge from one another along
the direction, or similarly may be arcuate curving away from and/or
toward one another such that they are not parallel. The first and
second frame members 24, 26 may be formed from any suitable
material, including metals, such as various steel alloys and
aluminum alloys, and engineering plastics, as well as various
combinations or composites thereof, and may include solid frame
members or hollow frame members, such as various rectangular
channels or circular tubes. In one embodiment, the first frame
member 24 and second frame member 26 may be portions of a
continuous seat frame 22 as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. In
other embodiments, the first frame member 24 and second frame
member 26 may be standalone portions and may not be continuous with
or connected to one another.
[0026] The seat suspension 20 also includes a first spring member
28 that is attached on a first outer end 30 to the first frame
member 24 and has a first inner end 32 extending inwardly toward
the second frame member 26. The first spring member 28 may comprise
any suitable type of spring, including a coil spring. The first
spring member 28 may be attached to the first frame member 24 by
any suitable attachment including a mechanical coupling where at
least one of the coils of the coil spring engages an opening or
feature formed into the seat frame 22, or a mechanical clamp and
fastener that clamps the first spring member 28 to the seat frame
22, or by a weld joint that joins the first spring member 28 to the
seat frame 22. The first spring member 28 may be made from any
suitable material, including various steel alloys, particularly
spring steel alloys.
[0027] The seat suspension 20 also includes a second spring member
34 disposed opposite the first spring member 28 that is attached on
a second outer end 36 to the second frame member 26 and has a
second inner end 38 extending inwardly toward the first frame
member 24. The second spring member 34 may comprise any suitable
type of spring, including a coil spring. The second spring member
34 may be attached to the second frame member 26 by any suitable
attachment including a mechanical coupling where at least one of
the coils of the coil spring engages an opening or feature formed
into the seat frame 22, or a mechanical clamp and fastener that
clamps the second spring member 34 to the seat frame 22, or by a
weld joint that joins the second spring member 34 to the seat frame
22. The second spring member 34 may be made from any suitable
material, including various steel alloys, particularly spring steel
alloys.
[0028] In one embodiment, the first and second spring members 28,
34 may also be formed from a shape memory alloy (SMA), including
the SMA materials described herein, and may also be energized with
a tensioning signal (e.g. an electrical current), as described
herein, to further increase the magnitude of the spring tensions
described herein. The first spring member 28 and the second spring
member 34 may include the same type of spring configuration and
spring material or may have different spring configurations and/or
spring materials.
[0029] The seat suspension 20 also includes an intermediate
tensioning member 40 formed from an SMA attached to and extending
between the first inner end 32 and the second inner end 38 and
having a first length (L.sub.1) as shown in FIG. 1 that provides a
first spring tension 42, or alternately first condition, or
alternately first position, of the seat suspension 20 through the
first and second spring members 28, 34. The first and second spring
members 28, 34 may be selected to have a predetermined size and
spring rate and provide a predetermined tensioning force in
conjunction with the operation of the intermediate tensioning
member 40, as described herein. The intermediate tensioning member
40 is configured to alter its length to a second length (L.sub.2)
that is shorter than the first length (L.sub.1) as shown in FIG. 2
that provides a second spring tension 44, or alternately second
condition, or alternately second position, of the seat suspension
20 through the first and second spring members 28, 34 in response
to application of a tensioning signal thereto. The intermediate
tensioning member 40 may have any suitable shape and size, which in
one embodiment includes an SMA wire 46. The intermediate tensioning
member 40 may be attached to the first inner end 32 and the second
inner end 38 by any suitable attachment, including any suitable
mechanical or metallurgical attachment or joint, such as various
mechanical clamps, crimps, swage joints, welds, and the like,
configured to permanently or removably fix these members to one
another sufficiently to repeatably apply and release a tensioning
force to the first and second spring members 28, 34.
[0030] In one embodiment, the SMA of the intermediate tensioning
member 40, such as the SMA wire 46, would be initially formed to an
initial length and then be deformed to the first length (L.sub.1),
with the first length (L.sub.1) being greater than the initial
length either prior to, or in conjunction with, the formation of
the seat suspension 20. The first spring tension 42 resulting in
the first and second spring members 28, 34 and the intermediate
tensioning member 40 at a predetermined first length (L.sub.1)
provides a predetermined first spring tension 42, which represents
a predetermined minimum spring tension of the seat suspension 20.
The seat suspension 20 may then be adjusted to a desired spring
tension by application of a variable tensioning signal (e.g.
current to heat the SMA wire 46 by resistive heating) to the
intermediate tensioning member 40 to change the first length
(L.sub.1) to a variable predetermined second length (L.sub.2) to
provide a second spring tension 44, which at a minimum provides the
second length (L.sub.2) being equal to the initial length and
provides a maximum second spring tension 44. Thus, the diameter of
the SMA wire 46 and the selection of the SMA and its physical and
mechanical metallurgical properties (e.g. modulus of elasticity,
martensite and austenite transition temperatures, etc.) and the
characteristics of the first and second spring members 28, 34, such
as spring rate, will be selected to provide a predetermined
operating range of the first and second spring tensions 42, 44 for
the seat suspension 20.
[0031] As used herein, SMA may comprise any suitable SMA or SMAs,
including nickel-titanium based (nitinol) alloys, indium-titanium
based alloys, nickel-aluminum based alloys, nickel-gallium based
alloys, copper based alloys (e.g., copper-zinc alloys,
copper-aluminum alloys, copper-gold, and copper-tin alloys),
gold-cadmium based alloys, silver-cadmium based alloys,
indium-cadmium based alloys, manganese-copper based alloys,
iron-platinum based alloys, iron-palladium based alloys, and the
like. The SMA's alloys may be binary alloys, ternary alloys, or any
higher order alloys so long as the alloy composition exhibits a
shape memory effect, e.g., change in shape or length as a function
of current, temperature, and the like. In one embodiment, the
nitinol alloy comprises Ni and Ti in substantially equal atomic
percentages, and in another embodiment equal atomic percentages
with the formula NiTi. In one embodiment, suitable nitinol wire is
as specified in ASTM F2063.
[0032] In one embodiment, the seat suspension 20 also includes a
controller 48 operatively connected to and in signal communication
with the intermediate tensioning member 40. The controller 48 is
configured to selectively provide the tensioning signal applied to
the intermediate tensioning member 40, which in one embodiment is a
selectively variable current signal that is applied through an
electrical conductor, such as wire or cable 50 that is operatively
connected to the intermediate tensioning member 40 and the
controller 48, and is configured to provide a predetermined amount
of resistive heating sufficient to cause a phase transformation
within the SMA of the intermediate tensioning member 40 by
exceeding a predetermined phase transformation temperature of the
SMA necessary to cause it to begin to revert to its original
(predeformed) shape and initial length, thereby selectively
tensioning the first and second spring members 28, 34. The
controller 48 may include one or more controllers, and may comprise
a microcontroller(s) or microprocessor(s) or other controlling
device, including an electronic control unit, such as one or more
distributed vehicle control modules that are in signal
communication with one another or networked via a wired
communication bus, wireless communication bus, or a combination
thereof. In an embodiment of controller 48 comprising an electronic
control unit, such as one or more distributed vehicle control
modules, the control modules may include a core comprising a
microcontroller; volatile or nonvolatile memory including EERAM,
ROM, and/or flash memory configured to store a table representative
of the length of the intermediate tensioning member 40 as a
function of applied current values, for example; inputs including a
supply voltage, digital inputs, and/or analog inputs representative
of a user command to adjust the seat suspension 20; outputs,
including relay drivers, bridge drivers, injector drivers, and/or
logic outputs; communication links; output relays configured to
control application of a current through the wire or cable 50 to
the intermediate tensioning member 40; and a housing. In one
embodiment, the tensioning signal is variable and the second length
(L.sub.2) is variable, thereby providing a variable second spring
tension 44 of the seat suspension 20. The controller 48 may be
mounted to any suitable mounting member 49 in the motive vehicle 1
in any suitable manner. Mounting member 49 may comprises a portion
of the seat 10, such as a seat bottom 11, or may comprise any
another portion of the vehicle 1 such as the vehicle chassis or
frame.
[0033] As illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, in one embodiment, the seat
suspension 20 also includes a locking mechanism 52 that is
configured to lock the position of the seat suspension 20 and
maintain a predetermined spring tension and corresponding firmness
of the seat suspension 20. Any suitable seat suspension 20 locking
mechanism 52 may be used. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism
52 includes a first locking member 54 having a first attachment end
56 attached to the first inner end 32 of the first spring member 28
and extending inwardly to an opposed first locking end 58. The
locking mechanism 52 also includes a second locking member 60
having a second attachment end 62 attached to the second inner end
38 of the second spring member 34 and extending inwardly to an
opposed second locking end 64.
[0034] The locking mechanism 52 also includes an intermediate
locking member 66 disposed between the first locking member 54 and
the second locking member 60 and configured to receive the first
locking end 58 and the second locking end 64 in a first position
(P.sub.1) at the first spring tension 42 of the seat suspension 20
and in a second position (P.sub.2) at the second spring tension 44
of the seat suspension 20 and configured to selectively lock or
unlock the first locking end 58 and the second locking end 64 at
the first position (P.sub.1) or the second position (P.sub.2).
Unlocking allows the first locking end 58 and the second locking
end 64 to slidably move through locking mechanism 52 between the
first position (P.sub.1) and second position (P.sub.2) and between
the first spring tension 42 and second spring tension 44 of the
seat suspension 20, or otherwise from one position to another
position and one corresponding spring tension to another spring
tension of the seat suspension 20. Locking the first locking end 58
and the second locking end 64 allows the corresponding first spring
tension 42, second spring tension 44 or other spring tension of the
seat suspension 20 at the first position (P.sub.1), second position
(P.sub.2) or other position, as the case may be, to be fixed by
fixing the position of the first and second spring members 28, 34
to which they are attached.
[0035] As shown in FIGS. 3-5, 8, and 9, the first locking member 54
and the second locking member 60 may have any suitable shape and
size. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3-5, the first locking
member 54 and the second locking member 60 each comprise a
substantially rectangular strip or strap shape having a length (l)
and a width (w). The length (l) and width (w) may be any suitable
values sufficient to span the portion of the seat suspension 20 or
the seat frame 22 to which they pertain. In one embodiment, the
width (w) is less than the length (l) as illustrated in FIGS.
3-5.
[0036] In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the first
locking member 54 comprises a substantially U-shaped body of any
suitable size having a base portion 51 proximate the first inner
end 32 of the first spring member 28 and leg portions 53 and 55
that each include first locking ends 57 and 59, respectively.
Similarly, the second locking member 60 comprises a substantially
U-shaped body of any suitable size having a base portion 61
proximate the second inner end 38 of the second spring member 34
and leg portions 63 and 65 that each include first locking ends 67
and 69.
[0037] The locking mechanism 52, including the first locking member
54, second locking member 60, or intermediate locking member 66 are
also support members of the seat suspension 20 that, together with
the first spring member 28, intermediate tensioning member 40,
second spring member 34 and their associated first and second frame
members 24, 26, work together as or as part of the seat suspension
20 to both support the load associated with a user while at the
same time allowing the user to adjust between the first spring
tension 42 and second spring tension 44 of the seat suspension 20
and other performance characteristics of the seat suspension 20 to
achieve a predetermined or user selectable degree or level of
firmness. The first locking member 54, second locking member 60,
intermediate locking member 66 and their component elements may be
formed from any suitable material, including a metal, engineering
plastic, or a combination or composite thereof, that is capable of
bearing a predetermined portion of the load distributed over the
entire seat suspension 20, which may include users with a weight
range of about 75 to about 400 lbs.
[0038] In one embodiment, the seat suspension 20 and its locking
mechanism 52 also includes an actuator 68 operatively attached to
the intermediate locking member 66 and configured to movably
actuate the intermediate locking member 66 and selectively lock or
unlock the first locking end 58 and the second locking end 64. The
actuator 68 may be any suitable actuator capable of moving the
intermediate locking member 66, or a component thereof,
sufficiently to lock and unlock the first locking end 58 and the
second locking end 64. In one embodiment, the actuator 68 includes
an actuator cable, which may include an SMA actuator cable. In
another embodiment, the actuator 68 may include an electrically
operable solenoid 70. In one embodiment, the actuator 68 is also in
signal communication with the controller 48 and is configured to
movably actuate the intermediate locking member 66 and selectively
lock or unlock the first locking end 58 and the second locking end
64 in response to a lock/unlock signal received from the controller
48. The lock/unlock signal may be communicated as an electrical
signal, including a voltage or current, applied through a
conductive control line 72, such as a conductive wire.
[0039] Any suitable mechanism or device may be employed to lock or
unlock the locking mechanism 52 and its first locking end 58 and
second locking end 64. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, in one
embodiment, the first locking end 58 includes a plurality of first
member locking teeth 74. In this embodiment, the second locking end
64 includes a plurality of second member locking teeth 76. In this
embodiment, the intermediate locking member 66 also includes a
selectively movable inner member 78 that includes first
intermediate member locking teeth 80 configured to be disposed
proximate to and opposing the first member locking teeth 74 and
second intermediate member locking teeth 82 configured to be
disposed proximate to and opposing the second member locking teeth
76. The selectively movable inner member 78 is configured to move
the first intermediate member locking teeth 80 and second
intermediate member locking teeth 82. The first intermediate member
locking teeth 80 and first member locking teeth 74 and the second
intermediate member locking teeth 82 and second member locking
teeth 76 are selectively engageable and disengageable to,
respectively, lock and unlock the locking mechanism 52. One or more
bias springs 73 may be disposed between an interior surface of a
housing 71 of the intermediate locking member 66 on an end thereof
opposite an end on which the actuator 68 is disposed and the
selectively movable inner member 78. In one embodiment, upon
application of the tensioning signal to tension the first and
second spring members 28, 34 to provide the first spring tension
42, second spring tension 44 or other predetermined spring tension,
as described herein, the bias springs 73 are biased (compressed)
upon the resulting actuation of the actuator 68 and movement of the
selectively movable inner member 78, which is disposed within the
housing 71, in response to a lock signal to lock the locking
mechanism 52 in a locked position (FIG. 6). Upon cancellation of
the lock signal or application of an unlock signal the bias of the
compressed bias springs 73 moves the selectively movable inner
member 78 downward toward the actuator 68 to disengage the first
intermediate member locking teeth 80 and first member locking teeth
74 and the second intermediate member locking teeth 82 and second
member locking teeth 76 and unlock the locking mechanism 52 by
moving the selectively movable inner member 78 to an unlocked
position (FIG. 7), thereby adjusting the seat suspension 20 by
releasing the first spring tension 42, second spring tension 44 or
other predetermined spring tension in the first and second spring
members 28, 34. The intermediate locking member 66, housing 71, and
selectively movable inner member 78 may include openings configured
to receive one first locking member 54 and one second locking
member 60 (FIGS. 3 and 4), or a plurality of first locking members
54 and second locking members 60 (FIGS. 8-11). In the case where
the intermediate locking member 66 and housing 71 are configured to
receive a plurality of first locking members 54 and second locking
members 60, the selectively movable inner member 78 may comprise a
single selectively movable inner member 78 or a plurality of
individual selectively movable inner members 78 in one housing 71
configured to receive corresponding first locking members 54 and
second locking members 60. A plurality of individual selectively
movable inner members 78 may be actuated together by one actuator
68 or a plurality of actuators 68, or may be actuated individually
by a plurality of actuators 68, which may be operated by the
controller 48 in conjunction with the intermediate tensioning
members 40 to provide a corresponding plurality of individual
spring tensions, as described herein.
[0040] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the first spring
member 28, intermediate tensioning member 40, second spring member
34, first locking member 54, second locking member 60, and a
portion of the intermediate locking member 66 proximate the first
and second locking members 54, 60 (where the intermediate locking
member 66 is configured to receive more than one first locking
member 54 and more than one second locking member 60) together
comprise an adjustable suspension member 84 extending in a seat
suspension direction. The adjustable suspension member 84 is one of
a plurality of corresponding adjustable suspension members 84
extending in the seat suspension direction. In one embodiment, the
seat suspension direction is the fore-aft (F-A) direction,
left-right (L-R) direction, and/or up-down (U-D) direction as shown
in FIGS. 10-12.
[0041] As shown in FIGS. 10-11, in one embodiment, the controller
48 is operatively connected to and in signal communication with
each of the intermediate tensioning members 40 and is configured to
selectively provide the tensioning signal to each of the
intermediate tensioning members 40. In another embodiment, the
tensioning signal to each intermediate tensioning member 40 is
variable and the second length (L.sub.2) of each intermediate
tensioning member 40 is variable, thereby providing a variable
second spring tension 44 to each intermediate tensioning member 40
of the adjustable suspension members 84. In this embodiment, the
spring tension can be varied continuously in the seat suspension
direction between the first spring tension 42 and second spring
tension 44. In one embodiment, the variable tensioning signal to
each intermediate tensioning member 40 is the same, and the spring
tension or firmness of the adjustable suspension members 84 is the
same. In another embodiment, the variable tensioning signal to at
least one of the plurality of intermediate tensioning members 40 is
different from that to the other intermediate tensioning members
40, and the spring tension or firmness of at least one of the
adjustable suspension members 84 is different from that of the
others. In other embodiments, the spring tension of the adjustable
suspension members 84 can be varied continuously, or
discontinuously, or from member to adjacent member in the seat
suspension direction. In one embodiment, the variable tensioning
signals to the intermediate tensioning members 40 are individually
adjusted to the preferences of an individual user and stored in the
controller 48 as user-specific variable tensioning signals.
[0042] As shown in FIGS. 1-4 and 12, in one embodiment, the seat
suspension 20 also includes a seat cushion 86 configured to support
a user 88 that is disposed over the seat suspension 20 between the
first frame member 24 and the second frame member 26. The seat
cushion 86 may have any suitable configuration. In one embodiment,
the seat cushion 86 may be in touching contact with the seat
suspension 20, including any one or more, or all, of the elements
of the seat suspension 20, including, first and second frame
members 24, 26, first and second spring members 28, 34,
intermediate tensioning member 40 and locking mechanism 52 or its
elements as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. In another embodiment,
the seat cushion 86 may be disposed above the seat suspension 20
and may be configured to be deformed during use by a user 88 into
touching contact with the seat suspension 20, including any one or
more, or all, of the elements of the seat suspension 20, including,
first and second frame members 24, 26, first and second spring
members 28, 34, intermediate tensioning member 40 and locking
mechanism 52 or its elements as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4, and 12.
The seat cushion 86 may include any suitable resilient material,
and in one embodiment includes a polymer foam. In one embodiment,
the seat suspension 20 also includes a seat cover 90 disposed over
the user seat cushion 86 and the seat suspension 20. The seat cover
90 may include a textile fabric, polymer, leather, or a combination
thereof. The seat cover 90 may be attached in any suitable manner
to any suitable member of the vehicle 1, including any suitable
portion or member of the seat 10. In one embodiment, a bottom edge
91 of the seat cover 90 is attached to the mounting member 49 as
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In another embodiment, the bottom edge 91
of the seat cover 90 is attached to the seat frame 22, such as a
bottom portion thereof, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0043] As shown in FIGS. 1-4 and 12, in one embodiment, the seat
suspension 20 is covered by the seat cushion 86 and seat cover 90
and together comprise a seat base 92, seat back 94, or both. The
seat base 92, seat back 94, or both comprise the seat 10, such as
the seat 10 for the vehicle 1. Alternately, as shown in FIG. 12,
the seat suspension 20 is covered by the seat cushion 86 and seat
cover 90 and together comprise a portion of the seat base 92, such
as a thigh support 96, or a portion of a seat back 94, such as a
lumbar support 98, or both.
[0044] The terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of
quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the
referenced items. The modifier "about" used in connection with a
quantity is inclusive of the stated value and has the meaning
dictated by the context (e.g., includes the degree of error
associated with measurement of the particular quantity).
Furthermore, unless otherwise limited all ranges disclosed herein
are inclusive and combinable (e.g., ranges of "up to about 25
weight percent (wt. %), more particularly about 5 wt. % to about 20
wt. % and even more particularly about 10 wt.% to about 15 wt. %"
are inclusive of the endpoints and all intermediate values of the
ranges, e.g., "about 5 wt. % to about 25 wt. %, about 5 wt. % to
about 15 wt. %", etc.). The use of "about" in conjunction with a
listing of items is applied to all of the listed items, and in
conjunction with a range to both endpoints of the range. Finally,
unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used
herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of
skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The suffix "(s)"
as used herein is intended to include both the singular and the
plural of the term that it modifies, thereby including one or more
of that term (e.g., the metal(s) includes one or more metals).
Reference throughout the specification to "one embodiment",
"another embodiment", "an embodiment", and so forth, means that a
particular element (e.g., feature, structure, and/or
characteristic) described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment described herein, and may or
may not be present in other embodiments.
[0045] It is to be understood that the use of "comprising" in
conjunction with the components or elements described herein
specifically discloses and includes the embodiments that "consist
essentially of" the named components (i.e., contain the named
components and no other components that significantly adversely
affect the basic and novel features disclosed), and embodiments
that "consist of" the named components (i.e., contain only the
named components).
[0046] While the invention has been described in detail in
connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be
readily understood that the invention is not limited to such
disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention can be modified to
incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or
equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are
commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention.
Additionally, while various embodiments of the invention have been
described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention may
include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the
invention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing
description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended
claims.
* * * * *