Method for adjusting an input parameter of an adjustable bolster on a seat

• US 20030011337A1
• Filed: 07/24/2002
• Published: 01/16/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 11/27/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies Incorporated (Visteon Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies Incorporated (Visteon Corporation)
• Inventors: Pavlov, Kevin J
• Granted Patent: US 6,683,430 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 318/466
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/02246 Electric motors therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0268 using sensors or detectors for adapting the seat or seat part, e.g. to the position of an occupant
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0272 using sensors or detectors for detecting the position of seat parts
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/986 Side-rests B60N2/2872, B60N2/885 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/99 adjustable
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/00 Programme-control systems
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/042 using digital processors G05B19/05 takes precedence

Abstract

A method for adjusting an input parameter of an adjustable bolster (12) on a seat (10) of a vehicle (22). The preferred method includes (a) establishing a relationship between the input parameter and a feedback force on the adjustable bolster (12) and (b) adjusting the input parameter based on the relationship.

Claims

1. A method for adjusting an input parameter of an adjustable bolster on a seat of a vehicle, comprising:

(a) establishing a relationship between the input parameter and a feedback force on the adjustable bolster; and

(b) adjusting the input parameter based on the relationship.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein (a) includes sensing a feedback force on the adjustable bolster for a value of the input parameter.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein (a) further includes increasing the input parameter to a second value such that the feedback force substantially equals a predetermined force_min.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein (b) includes adjusting the input parameter based on the second value.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein (b) includes sensing a vehicle parameter of the vehicle, comparing the vehicle parameter to an activation threshold, and increasing the input parameter if the vehicle parameter≧

activation threshold.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein increasing the input parameter includes sensing a feedback force on the adjustable bolster and increasing the input parameter until the feedback force substantially equals a predetermined force_max.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein (b) includes comparing the vehicle parameter to a deactivation threshold and decreasing the input parameter to the second value if the vehicle parameter≦

deactivation threshold.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein (b) includes sensing a vehicle parameter of the vehicle, comparing the vehicle parameter to an activation threshold, and increasing the input parameter if the vehicle parameter≧

activation threshold.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein increasing the input parameter includes sensing a feedback force on the adjustable bolster and increasing the input parameter until the feedback force substantially equals a predetermined force_max.

10. The method of claim 1 further comprising commencing (a) and (b) after the occurrence of a particular event.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the particular event is a starting of an engine of the vehicle.

12. The method of claim 10 wherein the particular event is a closing of a door of the vehicle.

13. The method of claim 10 wherein the particular event is a detection of an occupant in the seat.

14. The method of claim 1 further comprising decreasing the input parameter to a minimum value upon the occurrence of a particular event.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the particular event is a shutting off of an engine of the vehicle.

16. The method of claim 14 wherein the particular event is an opening of a door of the vehicle.