SEAT CUSHION STRUCTURE

• US 20120313409A1
• Filed: 11/16/2010
• Published: 12/13/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 11/16/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Adient Luxembourg Holding S..R.L.
• Original Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company (Johnson Controls International plc)
• Inventors: Michalak, Eric B.
• Granted Patent: US 9,211,827 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 297/216.1
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/56 Heating or ventilating devices
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/7035 Cushions
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/7047 Springs
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/7064 helicoidal
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/7094 Upholstery springs

Abstract

A seat cushion structure for use in a vehicle seat including a first outer wall and a second outer wall joined to form a plurality of chambers. The seat cushion includes an energy absorption substance disposed within the chambers to absorb occupant load. The seat cushion also includes a plurality of springs disposed within the chambers to further facilitate occupant support and comfort.

Claims

1. A seat cushion structure for use in a vehicle seat, the cushion structure comprising:

a first outer wall and a second outer wall joined by an inner wall to form a plurality of chambers; and

an energy absorption substance disposed within the chambers to absorb occupant load.

2. The seat cushion structure of claim 1, wherein the plurality of chambers form a plurality of pockets each haying a predetermined shape.

3. The seat cushion structure of claim 1, wherein the energy absorption substance is air.

4. The seat cushion structure of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of springs disposed within the chambers to further absorb occupant load.

5. The seat cushion structure of claim 4, wherein the springs have varying size and tension strength.

6. The seat cushion structure of claim 5, wherein larger springs are placed at an outer portion of the seat structure and smaller springs are placed at a middle portion of the seat structure to enhance occupant support and comfort,

7. The seat cushion structure of claim 1, further comprising a support substrate attached to the second outer wall to provide additional support.

8. The seat cushion structure of claim 7, wherein the support substrate is a sleeve that at least partially wraps around the vehicle seat.

15. The seat cushion structure of claim 8, wherein the support substrate is a sleeve that at least partially wraps around the vehicle seat.

9. A seat cushion structure for use in a vehicle seat, the cushion structure comprising:

a first outer wall and a second outer wall joined to form a plurality of chambers;

an energy absorption substance disposed within the chambers to absorb occupant load; and

a support substrate attached to the second outer wall to provide additional support.

10. The seat cushion structure of claim 9, further comprising an inner wall that joins the first outer wall and second outer wall to form a plurality of pockets.

11. The seat cushion structure of claim 9, wherein the energy absorption substance is air.

12. The seat cushion structure of claim 9, further comprising a plurality of springs disposed within the chambers to further absorb occupant load.

13. The seat cushion structure of claim 12, wherein the springs have varying size and tension strength.

14. The seat cushion structure of claim 13, wherein larger springs are placed at an outer portion of the seat structure and smaller springs are placed at a middle portion of the seat structure to enhance occupant support and comfort.

16. A seat base cushion structure for use in a vehicle seat, the cushion structure comprising:

a cushion member having a first side bolster, a second opposed side bolster, a front side, an opposed rear side, an upper surface having a raised portion at the first and second side bolsters, and an opposed lower surface;

a first set of springs disposed within the cushion member first side, wherein the first set of springs is arranged in a row from the cushion member front side to the cushion member rear side; and

a second set of springs disposed within the cushion member second side, wherein the second set of springs is arranged in a row from the cushion member front side to the cushion member rear side, wherein the first and second set of springs serve to straddle and support cargo and occupants.

17. The seat base cushion structure of claim 16 further comprising a structural support substrate adjacent the cushion member, wherein the first set of springs or second set of springs is secured to the structural support, such that either the first set of springs or second set of springs absorb energy from an impact collision.

18. The seat base cushion structure of claim 16 further comprising a structural support substrate that at least partially encloses the cushion member.

19. The seat base cushion structure of claim 16 further comprising a. climate control mat positioned adjacent the cushion member, and application of a load to the cushion member facilitates air flow from the climate control mat.