Electronic control system for a variable support mechanism

• US 6,384,715 B1
• Filed: 07/14/1999
• Issued: 05/07/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 07/15/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Rostra Precision Controls Incorporated (Aftermarket Controls Holdings Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Rostra Precision Controls Incorporated (Aftermarket Controls Holdings Corp.)
• Inventors: Potter, Jerry L.
• Primary Examiner(s): TONG, NINA C
• Application Number:
  US09/352,091
• Time in Patent Office: 1,028 Days
• Field of Search: 340/407.1, 340/606, 340/609, 340/610, 340/611, 340/612, 340/613, 340/614, 340/626, 340/665, 340/666, 340/667, 340/668, 340/425.5
• US Class Current: 340/407.1
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 27/083 with pressure control, e.g. with pressure sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 27/10 with two or more independently-fillable chambers
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 7/467 adjustable by fluid means
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/02246 Electric motors therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0244 with logic circuits
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0248 with memory of positions
• 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 2/665 using inflatable bladders
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/914 Hydro-pneumatic adjustments of the shape

Abstract

A variable support mechanism includes a plurality of pneumatic bladders and an electronic control system for controlling the inflation and deflation thereof. Each of the bladders communicates through a valve with a common manifold. The operations of the valves are individually controlled by a microprocessor. A pressure sensor communicates with the manifold and generates electrical signals that are representative of the magnitude of the fluid pressure in the manifold to the microprocessor. The microprocessor is also connected to a vent valve that provides selective fluid communication between the manifold and the atmosphere. The microprocessor is further connected to a pressure valve that provides selective fluid communication between the manifold and a pump. Initially, the magnitude of the pressure in each of the bladders is sampled, measured, and stored by the electronic control system. Then, the measured pressure readings from the bladders are compared with respective target values and, in response to that comparison, are designated as being either (1) Too Low, (2) Too High, or (3) Within Limits. The bladders that have been identified as being Too Low are inflated until they have achieved their respective target values, and the bladders that have been identified as being Too High are deflated until they have achieved their respective target values, Lastly, the electronic control system is placed an inactive mode, wherein no action occurs for a predetermined length of time. A user attention feature is periodically performed to generate a tactile indication to the user that the electronic control system is active and functioning. Then, the algorithm branches back to the first routine discussed above, wherein this cycle is repeated.

Claims

1. A method of operating a variable support mechanism including a support mechanism including a plurality of bladders having respective valves connected to a manifold and an electronic control system for selectively inflating and deflating said bladders, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) measuring the magnitude of the pressure in each of the bladders;

(b) comparing the measured pressures from the bladders with respective target values;

(c) adjusting the pressures in the bladders such that the measured values achieve the target values; and

(d) providing a tactile indication to a user for notifying the user that the system is active and functioning by changing the pressure in at least one of the bladders away from its associated target value.

2. The method defined in claim 1 wherein said step (d) is performed by increasing the pressure in one of the bladders to provide the tactile indication.

3. The method defined in claim 1 wherein said step (d) is performed by decreasing the pressure in one of the bladders to provide the tactile indication.

4. The method defined in claim 1 wherein said step (d) is performed by changing the pressure in a plurality of the bladders so as to provide a tactile indication that the electronic control system is active and functioning.

5. The method defined in claim 1 wherein said step (d) is performed by changing the pressure in all of the bladders so as to provide a tactile indication that the electronic control system is active and functioning.

6. The method defined in claim 1 wherein said step (d) is performed periodically.