Shape memory polymer seat assemblies
First Claim
1. A seat assembly, comprising:
- a seat fabric, wherein at least a portion of the seat fabric comprises a yarn comprising a shape memory polymer adapted to undergo a change in a modulus of elasticity at a thermal transition temperature;
a support material upon which the seat fabric is disposed; and
a controller in operative communication with the shape memory polymer, wherein the controller is operable to selectively apply a thermal activation signal to the shape memory polymer to effect a change in the modulus of elasticity of the shape memory polymer, wherein the change in the modulus of elasticity of the shape memory polymer results in a change in a stiffness and/or flexibility of the seat fabric.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A seat assembly includes a seat fabric, wherein at least a portion of the seat fabric comprises a yarn comprising a shape memory polymer adapted to undergo a change in a modulus of elasticity at a thermal transition temperature; a support material upon which the seat fabric is disposed; and a controller in operative communication with the shape memory polymer, wherein the controller is operable to selectively apply a thermal activation signal to the shape memory polymer to effect a change in the modulus of elasticity of the shape memory polymer, wherein the change in the modulus of elasticity of the shape memory polymer results in a change in a stiffness and/or flexibility of the seat fabric.
33 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A seat assembly, comprising:
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a seat fabric, wherein at least a portion of the seat fabric comprises a yarn comprising a shape memory polymer adapted to undergo a change in a modulus of elasticity at a thermal transition temperature;
a support material upon which the seat fabric is disposed; and
a controller in operative communication with the shape memory polymer, wherein the controller is operable to selectively apply a thermal activation signal to the shape memory polymer to effect a change in the modulus of elasticity of the shape memory polymer, wherein the change in the modulus of elasticity of the shape memory polymer results in a change in a stiffness and/or flexibility of the seat fabric. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method, comprising:
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contacting a seat user with a seat fabric of a seat assembly, wherein at least a portion of the seat fabric is woven from a yarn comprising a shape memory polymer;
heating the shape memory polymer of the yarn to a thermal transition temperature effective to undergo a change in a modulus of elasticity at the thermal transition temperature, wherein the change in the modulus of elasticity results in a change in the stiffness and/or flexibility of the seat fabric; and
cooling the shape memory polymer of the yarn below the thermal transition temperature effective to change a shape of the seat assembly, or maintaining the shape memory polymer of the yarn at or above the thermal transition temperature effective to change a compliance of the seat assembly. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification