Remote power seat control system and method

• US 6,369,529 B1
• Filed: 06/01/2000
• Issued: 04/09/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 06/01/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Tachi-S Engineering USA Incorporated (Tachi-S Company Limited)
• Original Assignee: Tachi-S Engineering USA Incorporated (Tachi-S Company Limited)
• Inventors: McClintock, Brian, Gaines, David W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Fletcher, Marlon T.
• Application Number:
  US09/585,024
• Time in Patent Office: 677 Days
• Field of Search: 340/825, 340/825.28, 340/825.29, 340/825.71, 340/825.72, 318/266, 318/267, 318/286, 318/16, 359/115
• US Class Current: 318/16
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/002 Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon detection means responsive to presence or absence of children B60N2/266
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/02246 Electric motors therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0228 Hand-activated mechanical switches B60N2/0229 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0244 with logic circuits
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0248 with memory of positions
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2210/30 Temperature sensors
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2220/10 using a database
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2220/20 using a deterministic algorithm
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2230/20 Wireless data transmission

Abstract

A power seating system includes a selector, a transmitter, a receiver, a controller and a seat function circuit. The selector has a plurality of user-actuated switches configured to generate one or more command signals for adjusting a position of a vehicle seat throughout its range of motion. The selector is disposed in a passenger compartment of the vehicle away from a seat assembly having the receiver, controller, and seat function circuit. The transmitter has an input for receiving the command signals and an output for transmitting electromagnetic radiation signals corresponding to the command signals. The receiver receives the generated electromagnetic radiation signals and reproduces the command signals. The controller generates control signals according to the reproduced command signals. The seat function circuit includes an adjusting circuit arranged to adjust the position of the seat according to the control signals. Wireless remote control eliminates the need for a wiring harness connecting the selector with the seat assembly.

Claims

1. A power seating system for a conventional land operated motor vehicle seat assembly, the system comprising:

selector means for generating one or more command signals configured to adjust a position of a conventional land operated motor vehicle seat throughout its range of motion;

said selector means comprising a plurality of user-actuated switches located within, and mounted on, the conventional land operated motor vehicle'"'"'s door assembly away from said seat assembly;

a transmitter, co-located with said selector means, having an input for receiving said command signals from said selector means, and an output for transmitting electromagnetic radiation signals corresponding to said command signals;

a receiver disposed in said seat assembly for receiving said electromagnetic radiation signals and reproducing said command signals;

a controller disposed in said seat assembly comprised of a multi-channel processor, configured to generate one or more control signals in accordance with said reproduced command signals;

a seat function circuit including a seat position adjusting circuit, said adjusting circuit being configured to adjust the position of said seat in accordance with said control signals by use of a plurality of electric motors, each motor having respective forward and reverse directions;

said adjustment of said seat including at least adjustment of the seat forward and backward, and up and down, in relation to the occupant compartment of the conventional land operated motor vehicle, adjustment of the lumbar portion of said seat and activation of a seat heater of said seat.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said transmitter generates radio-frequency (RF) signals corresponding to said command signals, and said transmitter is responsive to said generated RF signals for reproducing said command signals.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein said transmitter generates light signals corresponding to said command signals, and said receiver is responsive to said generated light signals for reproducing said command signals.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein said receiver is disposed in a line-of-sight (LOS) of said transmitter.