Self-adjusting seat stiffness system
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A system comprising:
- a tension member spanning a portion of a seat base and connected to a tensioning unit operative to retract the tension member and increase tension therein when directed by a controller in response to a perceived vehicle dynamic event, the tension member urging a seat suspension system upward when the tension increases.
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Abstract
A self-adjusting seat stiffness system that uses a tension member and tensioning device to maintain or increase tension in a seat component during a perceived vehicle dynamic event. The system may use an inertial latching spool for the tensioning device as an example of a way to maintain tension at a target acceleration of the spool by locking up the tension member, or may have a controller to control the tensioning member to provide variable tensions depending on varying perceived vehicle parameters. The tensioning of the tension member helps to avoid submarining of an occupant under a seatbelt due to unacceptable seat compression during a vehicle dynamic event.
66 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system comprising:
a tension member spanning a portion of a seat base and connected to a tensioning unit operative to retract the tension member and increase tension therein when directed by a controller in response to a perceived vehicle dynamic event, the tension member urging a seat suspension system upward when the tension increases. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A system comprising:
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a tension member spanning between opposing frame members of a seat base; a tensioning unit operative to retract the tension member to increase tension therein; a controller directing the tensioning unit to retract the tension member to provide enhanced stiffness to a portion of the seat base in response to a perceived vehicle dynamic event; and an inflatable member connected to the tension member and deployable in response to the increased tension of the tension member. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15)
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16. A system for a vehicle comprising:
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a seat having a base and a suspension system; a tension member spanning a portion of the base; a tensioning unit connected to the tension member and operative to retract the tension member and increase tension therein; and a controller directing the tensioning unit to retract the tension member in response to a perceived vehicle dynamic event, the tension member urging the suspension system upward when the tension increases. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification