U.S. patent application number 16/445283 was filed with the patent office on 2020-12-24 for vehicle seating assembly with displaceable platform.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ford Global Technologies, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Ford Global Technologies, LLC. Invention is credited to Derek Board, Alan George Dry, Johnathan Andrew Line.
Application Number | 20200398714 16/445283 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004159122 |
Filed Date | 2020-12-24 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20200398714 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dry; Alan George ; et
al. |
December 24, 2020 |
VEHICLE SEATING ASSEMBLY WITH DISPLACEABLE PLATFORM
Abstract
A vehicle seating assembly having a seat cushion and a
suspension system disposed proximate an underside of the seat
cushion. The suspension system includes a carrier assembly, a
displaceable platform, and an attachment member extending between
the carrier assembly and the displaceable platform, wherein the
attachment member is positionable between the rest position and an
extended position. The displaceable platform is positionable
between a design position and a fully deployed position.
Inventors: |
Dry; Alan George; (Grosse
Pointe Woods, MI) ; Line; Johnathan Andrew;
(Northville, MI) ; Board; Derek; (Ferndale,
MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ford Global Technologies, LLC |
Dearborn |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Ford Global Technologies,
LLC
Dearborn
MI
|
Family ID: |
1000004159122 |
Appl. No.: |
16/445283 |
Filed: |
June 19, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/502 20130101;
B60N 2/06 20130101; B60N 2/42763 20130101; B60N 2/42772
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60N 2/427 20060101
B60N002/427; B60N 2/50 20060101 B60N002/50; B60N 2/06 20060101
B60N002/06 |
Claims
1. A vehicle seating assembly comprising: a seat cushion; a
suspension system disposed proximate an underside of the seat
cushion and including: a carrier assembly; and a displaceable
platform positionable between a design position and a fully
deployed position, pivotably coupled to a front portion of the
carrier assembly, and slidably coupled to a rear portion of the
carrier assembly; and an attachment member including: a first end
having a T-shaped link coupled to the displaceable platform; and a
second end coupled to the carrier assembly, wherein the attachment
member is positionable between a rest position and an extended
position.
2. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein in the design
position the displaceable platform has a first height and wherein
in the fully deployed position the displaceable platform has a
second height.
3. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 2, wherein the second
height is greater than the first height.
4. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 3, wherein the suspension
system further comprises a pitch plate disposed between the carrier
assembly and the displaceable platform.
5. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 4, wherein the pitch plate
is in a primary position when the displaceable platform is in the
design position and wherein the pitch plate is in a secondary
position when the displaceable platform is in the fully deployed
position.
6. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 5, wherein the primary
position is a lowered position and wherein the secondary position
is a raised position.
7. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 6, wherein the carrier
assembly includes a carrier having four segments.
8. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 7, wherein the four
segments include first and second opposing segments positioned
longitudinally along a seat and third and fourth segments
positioned laterally across the seat.
9. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 8, wherein the attachment
member is coupled to the fourth segment.
10. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 9, wherein the pitch
plate is coupled to the third segment.
11. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 10, wherein the pitch
plate includes first and second attachment members extending from
the pitch plate and wherein the first and second attachment members
are coupled to the third segment.
12. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 11, wherein the first and
second attachment members are rotationally coupled to the third
segment.
13. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 7, wherein the carrier
assembly includes a panel disposed in the carrier.
14. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 13, wherein the T-shaped
link extends through a slot in the panel.
15. A vehicle seat comprising: front and rear portions; a
displaceable platform disposed on a carrier assembly, wherein the
displaceable platform is movable between a design position and a
fully deployed position; and an attachment member pivotably coupled
to the carrier assembly and including: a T-shaped link coupled to
the displaceable platform, wherein the displaceable platform is
disposed proximate a rear portion of the carrier assembly in the
design position, wherein the displaceable platform is disposed
proximate a front portion of the carrier assembly in the fully
deployed position, and wherein the displaceable platform is
pivotably coupled to the front portion of the carrier assembly and
slidably coupled to the rear portion of the carrier assembly.
16. The vehicle seat of claim 15, wherein the attachment member is
positionable between a rest position when the displaceable platform
is in a design position and an extended position when the
displaceable platform is in a fully deployed position.
17. The vehicle seat of claim 16, further comprising: a retention
mechanism extending between the displaceable platform and the
carrier assembly, wherein the retention mechanism is in a lowered
position when the displaceable platform is in a design position,
and wherein the retention mechanism is in a raised position when
the displaceable platform is in a fully deployed position.
18. The vehicle seat of claim 17, wherein the carrier assembly
includes a carrier, wherein the retention mechanism includes first
and second attachment members, and wherein the first and second
attachment members are rotatably coupled to a tubular front segment
of the carrier.
19. The vehicle seat of claim 18, wherein the attachment member is
coupled to a rear segment of the carrier, wherein the carrier
assembly includes a panel disposed between the carrier and the
displaceable platform, and wherein the T-shaped link connects the
displaceable platform to the attachment member.
20. A seating assembly comprising: a seatback; a seat including: a
cushion; a displaceable platform; a carrier assembly; and a seat
frame assembly; wherein the carrier assembly is fixedly coupled to
the seat frame assembly, wherein an attachment member and a pitch
plate are disposed between the displaceable platform and the
carrier assembly, and wherein the displaceable platform is
rotatable relative to a front portion of the carrier assembly and
slidable relative to a rear portion of the carrier assembly between
a design position and a fully deployed position in response to a
sudden vehicle deceleration.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to a vehicle seating
assembly, and more specifically to a vehicle seating assembly
designed to regulate the position of a seating assembly passenger
during a sudden vehicle deceleration.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A vehicle seating assembly may have features that manage the
position of a passenger on a vehicle seat.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle
seating assembly has a seat cushion and a suspension system
disposed proximate an underside of the seat cushion. The suspension
system includes a carrier assembly, a displaceable platform, and an
attachment member extending between the carrier assembly and the
displaceable platform, wherein the attachment member is
positionable between the rest position and an extended positon. The
displaceable platform is positionable between a design position and
a fully deployed position.
[0004] Embodiments of the first aspect of the invention can include
any one or a combination of the following features: [0005] in the
design position the displaceable platform has a first height and
wherein in the fully deployed position the displaceable platform
has a second height; [0006] the second height is greater than the
first height; [0007] the suspension system further comprises a
pitch plate disposed between the carrier assembly and the
displaceable platform; [0008] the pitch plate is in a primary
position when the displaceable platform is in the design position
and wherein the pitch plate is in a secondary position when the
displaceable platform is in the fully deployed position; [0009] the
primary position is a lowered position and wherein the secondary
position is a raised position; [0010] the carrier assembly includes
a carrier having four segments; [0011] the four segments include
first and second opposing segments positioned longitudinally along
a seat and third and fourth segments positioned laterally across
the seat; [0012] the attachment member is coupled to the fourth
segment; [0013] the pitch plate is coupled to the third segment;
[0014] wherein the pitch plate includes first and second attachment
members extending from the pitch plate and wherein the first and
second attachment members are coupled to the third segment; [0015]
the first and second attachment members are rotationally coupled to
the third segment; [0016] the carrier assembly comprises a carrier
including a first segment, a second segment, a third segment, and a
fourth segment, and a panel including a first flange, a second
flange, and a third flange, wherein the panel is disposed on the
carrier so that the first flange of the panel is coupled to the
first segment of the carrier, the second flange of the panel is
coupled to the second segment of the carrier, and the third flange
of the panel is coupled to the fourth segment of the carrier; and
[0017] the panel includes an elongated notch, wherein the
attachment member includes a first end and a second end, wherein
the first end of the attachment member is coupled to a T-shaped
link that extends from the displaceable platform and through the
elongated notch, and wherein the second end of the attachment
member is coupled to the fourth segment of the carrier.
[0018] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a
vehicle seating assembly includes a seat having front and rear
portions, a displaceable platform disposed on a carrier assembly,
wherein the displaceable platform is movable between a design
position and a fully deployed position, and an attachment member
and a retention mechanism, wherein the attachment member is coupled
to a rear portion of the carrier assembly and the displaceable
platform and wherein the retention mechanism is coupled to a front
portion of the carrier assembly and the displaceable platform,
wherein the displaceable platform is disposed proximate the rear
portion of the carrier assembly in the design position and wherein
the displaceable platform is disposed proximate the front portion
of the carrier assembly in the fully deployed position.
[0019] Embodiments of the second aspect of the disclosure can
include any one or a combination of the following features: [0020]
the attachment member is positionable between a rest position when
the displaceable platform in in a design position and an extended
position when the displaceable platform is in a fully deployed
position; [0021] the retention mechanism comprises a pitch plate,
wherein the pitch plate is in a lowered position when the
displaceable platform is in a design position, and wherein the
pitch plate is in a raised position when the displaceable platform
is in a fully deployed position; [0022] the carrier assembly
includes a carrier, wherein the pitch plate includes first and
second attachment members, and wherein the first and second
attachment members are rotatably coupled to a tubular front segment
of the carrier; and [0023] the attachment member is coupled to a
rear segment of the carrier, wherein the carrier assembly includes
a panel disposed between the carrier and the displaceable platform,
and wherein a T-shaped link connects the displaceable platform to
the attachment member.
[0024] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a
seating assembly includes a seatback and a seat including a
cushion, a displaceable platform, a carrier assembly, and a seat
frame assembly, wherein the carrier assembly is fixedly coupled to
the seat frame assembly, wherein an attachment member and a
retention mechanism are disposed between the displaceable platform
and the carrier assembly, and wherein the displaceable platform is
movable relative to the carrier assembly between a design position
and fully deployed position in response to a sudden vehicle
deceleration.
[0025] These and other aspects, objects, and features of the
present invention will be understood and appreciated by those
skilled in the art upon studying the following specification,
claims, and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] In the drawings:
[0027] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a portion of a vehicle having a
plurality of seating assemblies in a first configuration;
[0028] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a portion of a vehicle having a
plurality of seating assemblies in a second configuration;
[0029] FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a floor of a vehicle
including a plurality of seating assemblies and a track
assembly;
[0030] FIG. 4 is a side schematic view of a seating assembly with a
displaceable platform in a design position and a fully deployed
position;
[0031] FIG. 5 is a side schematic view of a displaceable platform
in a design position;
[0032] FIG. 6 is a side schematic view of the displaceable platform
of FIG. 5 in a fully deployed position;
[0033] FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of a carrier and a base
member in a design position;
[0034] FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of a carrier assembly and
a displaceable platform in a design position;
[0035] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the carrier assembly and
the pitch plate;
[0036] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the suspension
system with the displaceable platform in the design position,
according to an embodiment;
[0037] FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the
suspension system with the displaceable platform taken along line
XA-XA of FIG. 10;
[0038] FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the suspension
system of FIG. 10 with the displaceable platform in the fully
deployed position;
[0039] FIG. 12 is a side schematic view of the displaceable
platform in a design position;
[0040] FIG. 13 is a side schematic view of the displaceable
platform in a fully deployed position;
[0041] FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of a suspension system
with the displaceable platform in the fully deployed position,
according to an embodiment;
[0042] FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective view of a suspension system
of FIG. 14 with the displaceable platform in a fully deployed
position;
[0043] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of an attachment member in
a rest position;
[0044] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an
attachment member in an extended position; and
[0045] FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of portions of an
attachment member.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0046] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper,"
"lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical,"
"horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the concepts
as oriented in vehicle 18 of FIG. 1. However, it is to be
understood that the concepts may assume various alternative
orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It
is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes
illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the
following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the
inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific
dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the
embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting,
unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
[0047] With reference to the seating assembly 10 described below
and shown in the attached figures, a seating assembly 10 may be
described from the vantage point of a passenger 12 seating in the
seating assembly 10. The side of a seating assembly 10 disposed on
a right side of a seated passenger 12 may be referred to as a right
side or a first side of the seating assembly 10. The side of a
seating assembly 10 disposed on a left side of a seated passenger
12 may be referred to as a left side or a second side of the
seating assembly 10.
[0048] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a vehicle seating assembly 10 may
include various features for providing movability of the vehicle
seating assembly 10. The vehicle seating assembly 10 may include a
track assembly 14 for translating the vehicle seating assembly 10
fore and aft within the vehicle 18. The track assembly 14 may be a
long track assembly 14 or a short track assembly 14 for full or
partial movement of the seating assembly 10 within the vehicle 18,
respectively. The seating assembly 10 may further include a
platform 22 extending between tracks 26 of the track assembly 14.
The platform 22 and the track assembly 14 may be integrated into
the vehicle underbody frame 30 to provide structural stiffness and
side-impact performance. The platform 22 includes cross-members 34
configured to allow the structural stiffness needed for side-impact
performance to move with the seating assembly 10, allowing the
seating assembly 10 to be moved into various positions while
maintaining structural support. Further, the platform 22 may also
include a universal attachment system 38 to allow various seating
assemblies to couple with the platform 22 including, for example,
rotating seating assemblies. Also, a seating assembly 10 may have a
base member 42 that may be a module that may be received by the
universal attachment system 38 of the platform 22. The platform 22
may include extendable, or widening, cross-members 34 that may be
adjustable to configure the platform 22 to receive base members 42
of various widths that may correspond to seating assemblies 10 of
various widths.
[0049] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a vehicle underbody frame 30
is shown having a plurality of seating assemblies 10. The vehicle
underbody frame 30 may include a floor panel 46 configured to
support the plurality of seating assemblies 10. The vehicle
underbody frame 30 may further include a front area 50 and a rear
area 54. One or more of the plurality of seating assemblies 10 may
be configured as the movable vehicle seating assembly 10. It is
contemplated that the vehicle 18 may be any type of vehicle, for
example a car, a truck, a van, or other vehicle. It is also
contemplated that the vehicle 18 may be an autonomous vehicle. It
is also contemplated that the concept set forth in this disclosure
may be utilized in the front area 50 of the vehicle 18 as well as
the rear area 54 of the vehicle 18, depending on the configuration
of the vehicle 18.
[0050] A portion of the plurality of seating assemblies 10 of FIGS.
1 and 2 is shown positioned within the front area 50 of the vehicle
18 with one or more of the plurality of seating assemblies 10 being
configured as a movable vehicle seating assembly 10. Another
portion of the plurality of seating assemblies 10 may be positioned
elsewhere within the vehicle 18. The plurality of seating
assemblies 10 may be operably coupled to the floor panel 46 of the
vehicle 18 by track assemblies 14. Any one of the plurality of
seating assemblies 10 may be configured as a movable vehicle
seating assembly 10. The vehicle seating assemblies 10 may be
translatable along the respective track assembly 14 between a first
position of the seating assembly 10 (FIG. 1) and a second position
of the seating assembly 10 (FIG. 2). Additionally, the vehicle
seating assemblies 10 may be rotatable relative to the platform 22
using a swivel assembly (not shown). Where the vehicle seating
assemblies 10 are rotatable, the vehicle seating assemblies 10 may
further be movable between a forward facing position in the vehicle
18 (FIG. 1) and a rearward facing position in the vehicle 18 (FIG.
2).
[0051] Referring now to FIG. 3, the seating assembly 10 may include
a seat 60 and a seatback 64. The seat 60 may be disposed above the
base member 42. A linkage assembly 58 for securing the seat 60 to
the base member 42 may be disposed between the seat 60 and the base
member 42. The seat 60 may include bolsters 62 that may be disposed
on opposing sides of the seat 60. The seatback 64 may be pivotally
coupled to the seat 60. A headrest 68 may be coupled to the
seatback 64. The passenger 12 may be restrained by a seat belt 70.
According to various examples, the seating assembly 10 may include
covers 72 positioned on either side of the seating assembly 10.
[0052] A floor cover 76 may be positioned above and parallel to the
floor panel 46 and may be configured to conceal the track assembly
14. The floor cover 76 may define a plurality of slots 80. The
plurality of slots 80 may be defined over the tracks 26 of the
track assembly 14, such that the platform 22 may extend at least
partially through the plurality of slots 80 to couple to the track
assembly 14. Each of the slots 80 may be defined to have a length
selected to allow movement of the seating assembly 10 between the
first position of the seating assembly 10 (FIG. 1) and the second
position of the seating assembly 10 (FIG. 2).
[0053] The floor cover 76 may further conceal a cutout 84 of the
floor panel 46. The cutout 84 may be configured to house the track
assembly 14. The cutout 84 may include front and rear walls 88, 92
and sidewalls 96, 100. The sidewalls 96, 100 may be spaced apart
and may frame a void 104 of the cutout 84. The track assembly 14
may be positioned within the void 104. In various examples, the
platform 22 may at least partially be positioned within the void
104 and the track assembly 14. The track assembly 14 may include
guides 108 positioned on first and second sides of the seating
assembly 10 and operably coupled with the cutout 84. The guides 108
may be positioned in pairs. Each guide 108 may be operably coupled
with one of the sidewalls 96, 100, such that the track assembly 14
is recessed within the cutout 84, as the seating assembly 10 is
translated between the first position of the seating assembly 10
(FIG. 1) and the second position of the seating assembly 10 (FIG.
2).
[0054] Referring to FIGS. 1-18, a vehicle seating assembly 10
includes a seat cushion 112 and a suspension system 128 disposed
proximate an underside 126 of the seat cushion 112. The suspension
system 128 includes a carrier assembly 120, a displaceable platform
124, and an attachment member 160. The attachment member 160
extends between the carrier assembly 120 and the displaceable
platform 124. The attachment member 160 is positionable between a
rest position A3 and an extended position B3. The displaceable
platform 124 is positionable between a design position A1 and a
fully deployed position B1.
[0055] Vehicles may provide new and flexible vehicle interior
seating configurations. As a result, the vehicle may include
various safety features for protecting passengers during a sudden
deceleration of the vehicle (represented by a force F1 in FIGS. 3
and 4). These safety features may include seat belts, airbags,
occupant positioning management seat designs, and other passenger
restraints.
[0056] Referring to FIG. 4, a passenger 12 is shown disposed in a
vehicle seating assembly 10.
[0057] A displaceable platform 124 and the pitch plate 142 are
schematically shown below the passenger 12. The displaceable
platform 124 is shown in a design position A1 and a fully deployed
position B1. The displaceable platform 124 may move from the design
position A1 to the fully deployed position B1 in response to a
sudden deceleration of a vehicle 18 represented by force F1 in
FIGS. 3 and 4. As the displaceable platform 124 moves from a design
position A1 to a fully deployed position B1, the pitch plate 142
may move from a lowered position A2 to a raised position B2. The
pitch plate 142 may rotate about an axis 130. The axis 130 may
extend through the third segment 148C of the carrier 148 (see FIGS.
8 and 10). The passenger 12 is shown in a first position I prior to
a sudden deceleration of a vehicle 18 represented by force F1 in
FIGS. 3 and 4. In response to force F1, the weight of the passenger
12 and a restraint of the passenger (e.g., a seat belt 70, an air
bag, a restraint system that is deployable with the airbag, and/or
another passenger restraint) may exert a force F2 on the
displaceable platform 124 that may move the displaceable platform
124 from the design position A1 to the fully deployed position
B1.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 5, displaceable platform 124 is shown in a
design position A1. The displaceable platform 124 may be disposed
under or in a seat cushion 112. The displaceable platform 124 may
be coupled to a seat frame assembly 116 or other seating assembly
support structure. It is contemplated that the displaceable
platform 124 may be used in a seating assembly 10 including a seat
60 and a seatback 64. A suspension system 128 may include a carrier
assembly 120, a displaceable platform 124, and attachments between
the carrier assembly 120 and the displaceable platform 124. In the
example shown, the attachments between the carrier assembly 120 and
the displaceable platform 124 may include an attachment member 160
and a pitch plate 142. The suspension system 128 may be coupled to
a base member 42. The base member 42 may be a module that may be
coupled to a universal attachment system 38 of the track assembly
14. In the example shown, the base member 42 is shown disposed
above tracks 26. The pitch plate 142 is an example of a retention
mechanism that may be disposed between the carrier assembly 120 and
the displaceable platform 124. The retention mechanism may limit
movement of the displaceable platform 124. The pitch plate 142 is
shown in a lowered position A2. The displaceable platform 124 may
have a height H1. The height H1 may be measured from a line that is
substantially parallel to the carrier 148 to the intersection of
the pitch plate 142 with the displaceable platform 124.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 6, the displaceable platform 124 is shown
in a fully deployed position B1. As previously explained, when the
vehicle 18 experiences a sudden deceleration (as represented by a
force F1 in FIGS. 3 and 4), then the displaceable platform 124 may
move from a design position A1 to a fully deployed position B1. In
the fully deployed position B1 of the displaceable platform 124, a
pitch plate 142 disposed between the carrier assembly 120 and the
displaceable platform 124 may limit movement of the displaceable
platform 124. As previously stated, the retention mechanism (pitch
plate 142) may be in the lowered position A2 when the displaceable
platform 124 is in the design position A1 (FIG. 5). The retention
mechanism (pitch plate 142) may be in the raised position B2 (FIG.
6) when the displaceable platform 124 is in the fully extended
position B1. In the lowered position A2, the retention mechanism
(pitch plate 142) may have a height H1 (FIG. 5). In the fully
deployed position B1, the retention mechanism (pitch plate 142) may
have a height H2 (FIG. 6). Height H2 may be greater than height H1.
The lowered position A2 of the retention mechanism may be referred
to as the primary position of the retention mechanism. The raised
position B2 of the retention mechanism may be referred to as the
secondary position of the retention mechanism. The design of the
retention mechanism (pitch plate 142) may limit the upward movement
of the displaceable platform 124 to a predetermined height H2. As
such, the height H2 may be a predetermined height selected to
regulate movement of the passenger 12 along the seat surface 61.
The degree of rotation of the pitch plate 142 around axis 130
between the design position A1 and the fully deployed position B1
of the displaceable platform 124 may be predetermined to regulate
the position of the passenger 12 subsequent to a sudden
deceleration of the vehicle 18 represented by force F1 in FIGS. 3
and 4.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 7, a front perspective view is shown of
the passenger 12 disposed above the carrier 148. The carrier 148 is
shown coupled to the seat frame assembly 116 with opposing brackets
150. In the example shown, the brackets 150 may fixedly attach the
carrier 148 to the seat frame assembly 116. The seat frame assembly
116 may be disposed in the base member 42. The base member 42 may
be coupled to the tracks 26. As previously explained, the base
member 42 may also be a module that may be received by the
universal attachment system 38 of the platform 22. As such, the
carrier 148 may be mounted to the seat frame assembly 116, and a
base member 42 may house the seat frame assembly 116.
[0061] Referring now to FIG. 8, a top perspective view is shown of
an outline of a passenger 12 above a suspension system 128. The
displaceable platform 124 is shown in a design position A1. As
previously stated, the suspension system 128 may include a carrier
assembly 120, a displaceable platform 124, and attachments between
the carrier assembly 120 and the displaceable platform 124. In the
example shown, the carrier assembly 120 includes a carrier 148 and
a panel 132 disposed on the carrier 148. The carrier 148 may
include a rectangular shape. The carrier 148 may be tubular. The
carrier 148 may include a first and second opposing segments 148A,
148B disposed on respective first and second sides of a seated
passenger 12. First and second opposing segments 148A, 148B may be
disposed longitudinally along the seat 60. The carrier 148 may also
include third and fourth segments 148C, 148D disposed on respective
front and rear portions of the carrier 148. The third and fourth
segments 148C, 148D may be disposed laterally across the seat 60.
The panel 132 may be T-shaped. The panel 132 may include a first
flange 132A disposed on the first segment 148A of the carrier 148.
The panel 132 may include a second flange 132B disposed on a second
segment 148B of the carrier 148. The panel 132 may include a third
flange 132C disposed on the fourth segment 148D of the carrier 148.
The first, second, and third flanges 132A, 132B, 132C of the panel
132 may be curved. As such, in the example shown, the first,
second, and third flanges 132A, 132B, 132C may be curved, and a
smooth interface may exist between the first, second, and third
flanges 132A, 132B, 132C and the respective first, second, and
fourth segments 148A, 148B, 148D of the tubular frame of the
carrier 148. The panel 132 may include cross members 156. A pitch
plate 142 is shown disposed between the displaceable platform 124
and the third segment 148C of the carrier 148.
[0062] With continued reference to FIG. 8, the pitch plate 142 may
be attached to the carrier 148 with first and second attachments
144, 146. First and second attachments 144, 146 may encircle the
third segment 148C of the carrier 148. First and second attachments
144, 146 may rotate about the third segment 148C of the carrier 148
as the displaceable platform 124 moves between the design position
A1 and the fully deployed position B1. The first and second
attachments 144, 146 may include pivot bearings. An axis 130 may
extend through the third segment 148C of the carrier 148. The first
and second attachments 144, 146 may rotate about the axis 130.
[0063] With reference to FIG. 9, the carrier assembly 120 and the
pitch plate 142 are shown.
[0064] The panel 132 may include cross members 156. The panel 132
may also include an elongated notch 152. The elongated notch 152
may be longitudinally aligned with the first and second segments
148A, 148B of the carrier 148. The elongated notch 152 may include
a rectangular shape. In various examples, the carrier 148 may be a
steel or another durable material. The displaceable platform 124
may be a polymer, a metal, or another durable material. The pitch
plate 142 may be a metal or other durable material.
[0065] Referring now to FIG. 10, a bottom perspective view of a
carrier assembly 120, a displaceable platform 124, a pitch plate
142, and an attachment member 160 are shown. The displaceable
platform 124 is shown in the design position A1. The pitch plate
142 is shown in the lowered position A2. The attachment member 160
is shown in the rest position A3. The attachment member 160 may
include a first end 162 and a second end 164. The attachment member
160 may include a connector 166 disposed between the first end 162
and the second end 164. The first end 162 may be coupled to a
T-shaped link 168 that may extend through the elongated notch 152
in the panel 132. The T-shaped link 168 of the attachment member
160 may be secured to the displaceable platform 124. The second end
164 of the attachment member 160 may be pivotably coupled to the
fourth segment 148D of the carrier 148. The pivotable coupling may
include a pin 172 extending through a u-shaped bracket 176.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 10A, the T-shaped link 168 may be
connected to the displaceable platform 124. Referring again to FIG.
10, as the displaceable platform 124 moves from a design position
A1 to a fully deployed position B1 in response to a sudden
deceleration of a vehicle 18 represented by arrow F1 in FIGS. 3 and
4, the displaceable platform 124 may slide along the panel 132 and
toward the third segment 148C of the carrier 148.
[0067] Referring again to FIG. 10, the attachment member 160 is
shown in the rest position A3. The attachment member 160 may
include a telescoping member 180. The telescoping member 180 may be
within the connector 166 when the attachment member 160 is in a
rest position A3. The telescoping member 180 may extend from the
connector 166 when the attachment member 160 is in the extended
position B3. (FIG. 11.)
[0068] Referring now to FIG. 11, a bottom perspective view of a
carrier assembly 120, a displaceable platform 124, a pitch plate
142, and an attachment member 160 is shown. The displaceable
platform 124 is shown in the fully deployed position B1. The pitch
plate 142 is shown in the raised position B2. The attachment member
160 is shown in the extended position B3.
[0069] With reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, schematic views of the
displaceable platform 124 are shown in the design position A1 (FIG.
12) and the fully deployed position B1 (FIG. 13). With reference to
FIG. 12, a passenger 12 is shown on the displaceable platform 124.
The displaceable platform 124 is shown in the design position A1.
The pitch plate 142 is shown in a lowered position A2. The
attachment member 160 is shown in a rest position A3.
[0070] With reference to FIG. 13, a passenger 12 is shown on the
displaceable platform 124. The displaceable platform 124 is shown
in the fully deployed position B1. The pitch plate 142 is shown in
an extended position B2. The attachment member 160 is shown in an
extended position B3.
[0071] Referring now to FIGS. 14-18, another embodiment of the
attachment member 160 is shown. The attachment member 160A may
include a retraction mechanism 190. As previously explained with
reference to at least FIG. 4, during a sudden vehicle 18
deceleration represented by force F1 in FIGS. 3 and 4, the
displaceable platform 124 may move from the design position A1 to
the fully deployed position B1. After the sudden deceleration, the
attachment member 160A may include a retraction mechanism 190 that
retracts the displaceable platform 124 from the fully deployed
position B1 to the design position A1.
[0072] Referring to FIGS. 16-17, the retraction mechanism 190 in
the attachment member 160A may include a core member 194 and a
housing 198. The core member 194 may be resiliently biased with
respect to the housing 198. The housing 198 may surround the core
member 194. The housing 198 may be fixedly attached to the first
end 162 of the attachment member 160A. The housing 198 may be
laterally movable along core member 194 in the direction shown by
arrow III. Movement of the housing 198 toward and away from the
core member 194 may shorten and lengthen the attachment member 160A
between a rest position A3 and an extended position B3. The core
member 194 may have various diameters along the length of the core
member 194. The housing 198 may have interior diameters that may
correspond to the diameters of the core member 194 along the length
of the core member 194. That is, the outer contour of the core
member 194 may generally match the inner contour of the housing
198.
[0073] Referring to FIGS. 14-18, the housing 198 may include a
first housing part 202 and a second housing part 206. The first
housing part 202 and the second housing part 206 may be designed to
allow movement of the housing 198 along the core member 194. The
housing 198 may be divided into first and second housing parts 202,
206 so that the first and second housing parts 202, 206 may pivot
about the axis 130 extending through the first and second housing
parts 202, 206. As the first and second housing parts 202, 206
pivot outward, an elastic member (band 214) may maintain the first
and second housing parts 202, 206 in contact with at least the
third portion of the core member 194. The elastic member may be
designed with a predetermined elasticity.
[0074] Referring to FIGS. 16-17, the core member 194 may include a
first portion 194A, a second portion 194B, a third portion 194C,
and a fourth portion 194D. The first portion 194A may include a
cylindrical end portion having a first diameter. A second portion
194B of the core member 194 may be next to first portion 194A of
the core member 194. The second portion 194B may include a second
diameter. The second diameter may be selected to allow an elastic
member to be disposed between the housing 198 and the core member
194 at the second portion 194B of the core member 194. The elastic
member may include a coil spring 218. A slidable ring 222 may be
disposed around the second portion 194B of the core member 194. The
slidable ring 222 may include a first ring portion 226 and a second
ring portion 230. The first ring portion 226 of the slidable ring
222 may include a first diameter d1. The second portion 194B of the
slidable ring 222 may include a second diameter d2. The slidable
ring 222 may function as a spacer when the coil spring 218 is in
the compressed position A4 (FIG. 17). The slidable ring 222 may
function as a stopper when the coil spring 218 is in an expanded
position B4 (FIG. 16). The outer diameter d2 of the second ring
portion 230 may be greater than the outer diameter d1 of the first
ring portion 226.
[0075] With continuing reference to FIGS. 16-17, the core member
194 may include a third portion 194C defined by an outward
extending rib 234. The outward extending rib 234 may include a
contour defined by a surface 234A transverse to the core member
194, a first sloped surface 234B, and a second sloped surface 234C.
The first sloped surface 234B and the second sloped surface may
intersect to define the greatest diameter of the third portion
194C. A fourth portion 194D of the core member 194 may have a
fourth diameter.
[0076] With continued reference to FIGS. 16-18, the band 214 may be
disposed around the housing 198. The housing 198 may include a
groove 238 for receiving the band 214.
[0077] With reference to FIGS. 16-17, the attachment member 160A
may move between a rest position A3 (FIG. 16) and an extended
position B3 (FIG. 17). In the rest position A3, a distance X1 may
exist between the axis 210 and the core member 194. In the extended
position B3, a distance X2 may exist between the axis 210 and the
core member 194. As the housing 198 moves away from the core member
194 in the direction shown by arrow III, the housing 198 moves over
the third portion 194C of the core member 194 and an abutment 242
of the housing 198 pushes the second ring portion 230 of the
slidable ring 222 to compress the spring 218. Thus, the cavity 246
that the spring 218 is in may have various sizes in response to
movement of the housing 198 in the direction III away from the core
member 194 or movement of the housing 198 in the direction IV
toward the core member 194.
[0078] With continued reference to FIGS. 16-17, after the
displaceable platform 124 has moved from the design position A1 to
the fully deployed position B1 in response to a force F1 shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4 and indicative of a sudden vehicle deceleration and
due to a force F2 show in FIG. 4, the coil spring 218 may expand to
move the housing 198 in the direction shown by arrow IV and to move
the displaceable platform 124 from the fully deployed position B1
to the design position A1.
[0079] Referring now to FIG. 18, the retraction mechanism 190 is
shown with the core member 194 shown in a side elevational view and
the first housing part 202 in a cross-sectional view. As such, FIG.
18 shows the contours of core member 194.
[0080] A variety of advantages may be derived from the present
disclosure. The suspension system 128 may be a passive system. The
suspension system 128 may be lightweight. The suspension system 128
may be integrated into a seat 60 that may include a seat cushion
112. The suspension system 128 may be used with variety of vehicle
restraints to limit movement of a passenger 12 along a seat surface
61 during a sudden deceleration of the vehicle 18 (shown by arrow
F1 in FIGS. 3 and 4). The suspension system 128 may act as a
support for the seat cushion 112. The suspension system 128 may
provide comfort support to a passenger 12 seated on the seat
cushion 112. The suspension system 128 may also act as a hip and
leg deceleration device as the displaceable platform 124 moves from
the design position A1 to the fully deployed position B1.
[0081] It is to be understood that variations and modifications can
be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the
concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be
understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the
following claims unless these claims by their language expressly
state otherwise.
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