Vehicle seat assembly

Abstract

A seat assembly is provided herein. The seat assembly includes a seat base supporting a seat member and a seat back, a headrest assembly disposed in the seat back, and a position sensor disposed in the seat back. The seat assembly also includes an adjustment mechanism that operably couples the seat back to the seat base, wherein the seat back is vertically adjusted based on a signal detection from the position sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a seat assembly, and more particularly, to a seat assembly configured for an autonomous vehicle, wherein the seat assembly can face a variety of directions. Thus, features of the seat assembly can be integrated into the seat assembly to accommodate the various positions that a seated occupant can assume within the vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Various safety features in a vehicle may function in various ways based on the presence of an occupant. Accordingly, it would be desirable to implement a vehicle seating assembly that is adjustable based on the particular occupant positioned within the seating assembly. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to one aspect of the present invention, a seat assembly is provided herein. A seat base supports a seat member and a seat back. A headrest assembly is disposed in the seat back. A position sensor is disposed in the seat back. An adjustment mechanism operably couples the seat back to the seat base. The seat back is vertically adjusted based on a signal detection from the position sensor.

[0004] According to another aspect of the present invention, a seat assembly is provided herein. The seat assembly includes a seat base supporting a seat member and a seat back. A headrest assembly is disposed in the seat back. A position sensor is disposed in the seat back for determining the height of an occupant. A seat sensor determines the presence of an occupant.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present invention, a seat assembly is provided herein. The seat assembly includes a seat base supporting a seat back. A headrest assembly is disposed in the seat back. A position sensor is disposed in the seat back. An adjustment mechanism operably couples the seat back to the seat base. The seat back is vertically adjusted based on the height of an occupant.

[0006] According to the present invention, there is provided a seat assembly, comprising:

[0007] a seat base supporting a seat member and a seat back;

[0008] a headrest assembly, the headrest assembly being disposed in the seat back;

[0009] a position sensor disposed within the seat back; and

[0010] An adjustment mechanism operably couples the seat back to the seat base, wherein the seat back is vertically adjusted based on detection of a signal from the position sensor.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, the signal detection is the sensed height of an occupant on the seat member.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a position sensor is disposed in a top portion of the headrest assembly.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the position sensor is configured as an ultrasonic sensor.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the seat assembly further includes:

[0015] An audio system is disposed in the seat back.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an audio system includes a pair of speakers disposed on opposite sides of a headrest assembly.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a pair of speakers are disposed within a recessed portion of a seat back.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the seat back is adjusted to a position where the position sensor is disposed above the head of the occupant.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a pair of speakers is capable of noise control and cancellation.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the adjustment mechanism comprises a power drive unit having an electric motor and a power transmission system comprising one or more gears.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the seat assembly further includes:

[0022] A seat belt assembly having a belt-like webbing coupled at one end to the seat assembly and at an opposite end to a retractor disposed within the seat back.

[0023] According to the present invention, there is provided a seat assembly, comprising:

[0024] a seat base supporting a seat member and a seat back;

[0025] a headrest assembly, the headrest assembly being disposed in the seat back;

[0026] a position sensor disposed within the seat back for determining the height of the occupant; and

[0027] Seat sensors are used to determine the presence of an occupant.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the seat assembly further includes:

[0029] An adjustment mechanism operably couples the seat back to the seat base, wherein the seat back vertically adjusts based on a height of an occupant on the seat member.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the seat assembly further includes:

[0031] A pivotable restraint bar coupled in a first position to the seat back has a horizontal portion disposed above the head restraint assembly.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the adjustment mechanism comprises a power drive unit having an electric motor and a transmission system comprising one or more gears.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the seat assembly further includes:

[0034] A seat belt assembly having a belt-like webbing coupled at one end to the seat assembly and at an opposite end to a retractor disposed within the seat back.

[0035] According to the present invention, there is provided a seat assembly, comprising:

[0036] a seat base supporting a seat back;

[0037] a headrest assembly, the headrest assembly being disposed in the seat back;

[0038] a position sensor disposed within the seat back; and

[0039] An adjustment mechanism operably couples the seat back to the seat base, wherein the seat back vertically adjusts based on the height of the occupant.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the seat assembly further includes:

[0041] An audio system is disposed in the seat back.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the seat assembly further includes:

[0043] A seat belt assembly having a belt-like webbing coupled at one end to the seat assembly and at an opposite end to a retractor disposed within the seat back.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the adjustment mechanism is disposed between the raised central portion of the seat base and the bottom of the seat back.

[0045] These and other aspects, objects and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art after studying the following specification, claims and appended drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] In the attached figure:

[0047] Figure 1is a side plan view of a vehicle including a seat assembly according to some examples;

[0048] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary autonomous vehicle system that may be used by a vehicle according to some examples;

[0049] Figure 3 is a side perspective view of a seat assembly according to some examples;

[0050] Figure 4 is a partial front perspective view of an occupant in a seat assembly having a sensor for detecting the height of the occupant according to some examples;

[0051] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 a side plan view of a seat assembly;

[0052] Figure 6 is along Figure 5 A sectional view of the seat assembly taken along line VI-VI in FIG.

[0053] Figure 7 is a front perspective view of a seat base according to some examples;

[0054] Figure 8 is a rear perspective view of a seat back and seat components according to some examples;

[0055] Fig. 9 is a side perspective view of a seat assembly incorporating a seat belt assembly according to some examples;

[0056] Fig.10 is a top plan view of a seat assembly incorporating a seat belt assembly according to some examples; and

[0057] Fig.11 is a rear perspective view of a seat back, seat member, and seat base according to some examples. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] For the purpose of this description, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "rear", "front", "vertical", "horizontal" and their derivatives shall apply in accordance with Figure 3 The orientation in the drawings is relevant to the present invention. However, it is understood that the present invention may take various alternative orientations unless expressly specified to the contrary. It is also understood that the specific devices and methods shown in the drawings and described in the following specification are merely illustrative examples of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the examples disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting unless expressly stated otherwise in the claims.

[0059] As required, detailed examples of the present invention are disclosed herein. However, it is understood that the disclosed examples are merely examples of the present invention that can be embodied in various and alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily detailed designs, and some schematic diagrams may be exaggerated or minimized to show functional overviews. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limiting, but only as a representative basis for teaching a variety of applications of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0060] In this document, related terms such as first and second, top and bottom, etc. are only used to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between these entities or actions. The terms "include", "comprise" or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive content, so that the process, method, article or equipment including the list of elements not only includes those elements, but also may include other elements that are not explicitly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, articles or equipment. The elements that include "include ..." above do not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article or equipment including the element without more constraints.

[0061] As used herein, when the term "and / or" is used in a list of two or more items, it means that any one of the listed items can be used alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be used. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, the composition can contain A alone, B alone, C alone, a combination of A and B, a combination of A and C, a combination of B and C, or a combination of A, B, and C.

[0062] The following disclosure describes a seat assembly that can be disposed in a vehicle. The seat assembly can include a seat member having a support surface. A pair of seat member support pads can be disposed on opposite sides of the seat member. A seat base supports the seat member and has surrounding side walls that extend above the bottom of each seat member support pad. The seat assembly can be disposed in a vehicle capable of autonomous operation.

[0063] refer to Figure 1 , the seat assembly 10 is positioned in a vehicle 12. The seat assembly 10 can be moved and positioned in various positions throughout the vehicle 12 in addition to the position shown. The seat assembly 10 includes a seat base 16 connected to a seat back 14, which can be envisioned to be vertically adjustable relative to the seat base 16. The seat base 16 also supports a seat back 14 for supporting an occupant 22 ( Figure 4 ) of the support surface 20 ( Figure 4) of the seat member 18. The seat base 16 is slidably and / or pivotally coupled to the floor 24 of the vehicle 12 to allow the seat assembly 10 to be adjusted relative to the floor 24 of the vehicle 12. However, in some examples, the seat base 16 may be fixedly connected to the floor 24 of the vehicle 12 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0064] refer to Figure 2 , the vehicle 12 may be a manually operated vehicle (i.e., using a human driver) or may be driven autonomously by the onboard computer 26. Additionally or alternatively, the vehicle 12 may be remotely controlled (e.g., via an operator located at a different location). In the autonomous example, one of the Figure 2 2, the computer 26 may be configured to communicate with one or more remote sites, such as a server 28, via a network 30. The one or more remote sites may include a data store 32. The vehicle 12 including the computer 26 is configured to receive information (e.g., collected data 34) from one or more data collectors 36 associated with various components of the vehicle 12 (e.g., a steering wheel, a brake pedal, an accelerator pedal, a gear lever, etc.). The computer 26 typically includes an autonomous driving module 38 that includes instructions for operating the vehicle 12 autonomously (i.e., without some or any operator input), including instructions that may be in response to instructions received from the server 28. Moreover, the computer 26, for example in the module 38, may typically include instructions for receiving data, for example, from one or more data collectors 36 (such as an interactive voice response (IVR) system, a graphical user interface (GUI) including a touch screen, etc.).

[0065] By determining the driver characteristics and / or vehicle operating conditions, module 38 can determine appropriate controls to apply to one or more vehicle components. For example, module 38 can determine if and when the steering wheel should be moved to simulate or approximate vehicle steering as part of an autonomous driving operation, e.g., autonomous driving according to instructions from server 28 and / or module 38.

[0066] The vehicle computer 26 typically includes a controller having a processor and a memory, the memory including one or more forms of computer-readable media, and storing instructions that can be executed by the processor to perform various operations. In addition, the computer 26 may include one or more computing devices, such as controllers included in the vehicle 12 for monitoring and / or controlling various vehicle components (such as engine control units (ECUs), transmission control units (TCUs), etc.). The computer 26 can generally be configured to communicate on a controller area network (CAN) bus or the like. The computer 26 can also have a connection to an on-board diagnostic connector (OBD-II). Via the CAN bus, OBD-II, and / or other wired or wireless mechanisms, the computer 26 can transmit messages to various devices in the vehicle 12 and / or receive messages from various devices including the data acquisition device 36 (such as controllers, actuators, sensors, electronic devices, etc.). In addition, the computer 26 can be configured to communicate with a network 30, which can include various wired and / or wireless network technologies, such as cellular, Bluetooth, wired and / or wireless packet networks, etc.

[0067] Instructions may be stored in and executed by the computer 26 in the autonomous driving module 38. Using data received in the computer 26 (e.g., from the data collector 36, the server 28, etc.), the module 38 may control various vehicle 12 components and / or operations without the driver operating the vehicle 12. For example, the module 38 may be used to adjust vehicle speed, acceleration, deceleration, steering, operation of components such as lights, windshield wipers, etc. Moreover, the module 38 may include instructions for evaluating information received in the computer 26 regarding characteristics of the vehicle 12 operator, e.g., from the data collector 36.

[0068] The data collector 36 may include various vehicle devices. For example, various controllers in the vehicle 12 may operate as a data collector 36 to provide data 34 via a CAN bus, for example, data 34 related to vehicle speed, acceleration, etc. Moreover, sensors, global positioning system (GPS) devices, navigation systems, etc. may be included in the vehicle 12 and configured as a data collector 36 to provide data to the computer 26, for example, via a wired or wireless connection. The sensor data collector 36 may include sensors such as radar (RADAR), laser radar (LIDAR), sonar, etc., which may be deployed to measure the distance between the vehicle 12 and other vehicles or objects. Other sensor data collectors 36 may include cameras, breathalyzers, motion detectors, etc. (i.e., data collectors 36) that provide data for evaluating the condition or mode of the operator of the vehicle 12. In addition, the data collector 36 may include sensors for detecting the position, position change, position change rate, etc. of vehicle components such as steering wheels, brake pedals, accelerators, and gear levers.

[0069] The memory of the computer 26 typically stores collected data 34. The data 34 is typically collected using one or more data collectors 36, and may additionally include data calculated in the computer 26 and / or server 28. In general, the collected data 34 may include any data that may be collected by a collection device and / or calculated from such data 34. For example, as described above, the collected data 34 may include data regarding the position, change in position, rate of change in position, etc., of components of the vehicle 12, such as a steering wheel, brake pedal, accelerator, gear lever, etc.

[0070] The network 30 represents one or more mechanisms by which the vehicle computer 26 can communicate with the remote server 28. Thus, the network 30 can be one or more of a variety of wired or wireless communication mechanisms including any desired combination of wired (e.g., cable and fiber optic) and / or wireless (e.g., cellular, wireless, satellite, microwave, and radio frequency) communication mechanisms and any desired network topology (or topology when multiple communication mechanisms are utilized). Exemplary communication networks include wireless communication networks that provide data communication services (e.g., using Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11, etc.), local area networks (LANs), and / or wide area networks (WANs) including the Internet.

[0071] The server 28 may be one or more computer servers, each typically including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions executable by the processor, including instructions for performing various steps and processes. The server 28 may include or be communicatively coupled to a data storage 32 for storing collected data 34, as well as parameters for evaluating operator inputs, such as parameters for a particular vehicle operator, a particular vehicle 12, particular weather or other environmental conditions, and the like. Moreover, the server 28 may store information related to a plurality of vehicles 12 within a geographic area, relative to a particular road, city, and the like, traffic conditions, weather conditions, and the like. The server 28 may also be configured to provide drive-by-wire instructions to the vehicles 12 in an autonomous driving area (e.g., a road, and the like), such as a "full stop" instruction for all vehicles 12 to stop, speed limits, lane restrictions, and the like.

[0072] In operation, the vehicle 12 may be operated in an autonomous mode with one or more vehicle occupants 22 ( Figure 4) is within one or more seat assemblies 10 within a vehicle 12. The seat assembly 10 may be moved to various locations or positions within the vehicle 12. Due to the many occupants 22 entering and exiting the vehicle 12 and the various positions of the seat assembly 10, the seat assembly 10 may include various safety features therein for occupants 22 of different sizes. The seat member support pads 56, 58 and the seat back support pads 44, 46 may help retain the occupant 22 in the seat assembly 10 during lateral and straddle vehicle loads and / or serve as reaction surfaces for safety features provided within the seat assembly 10.

[0073] Reference now Figure 3 The seat assembly 10 may be a highly contoured and stylized seat assembly 10 configured for use with an autonomous vehicle 12 as provided herein, but is not limited to such use. The seat assembly 10 generally includes a seat member 18 supported by a seat base 16. Figure 3 As shown, the seat back 14 is generally shown in an upright use position for supporting a vehicle occupant 22 in an upright seating position. The seat assembly 10 also includes a head restraint assembly 40 integrated into the seat back 14 .

[0074] Further references Figure 3 , a restraint bar 42 is coupled to the seat back 14. The restraint bar 42 can be coupled to any portion of the seat back 14, such as the front portion of the seat back 14. The restraint bar 42 can be operated between a first position and a second position (shown in phantom). The restraint bar 42 can be equipped with at least one deployable safety feature, such as an airbag. The restraint bar 42 generally conforms to the contour of the seat back 14 to give the occupant 22 an integrated and aesthetically pleasing appearance. In some examples, the restraint bar 42 can be generally U-shaped.

[0075] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the seat back 14 includes first and second seat back support pads 44, 46 disposed on opposite sides of the insertion contact surface 48. The seat back support pads 44, 46 may have an upper region 50 that extends a first distance d forward of the contact surface 48 of the seat back 14. 1 The lower region 52 extends forward of the contact surface 48 of the seat back 14 by a second distance d 2 The intermediate region 54 extends forward of the contact surface 48 of the seat back 14 by a third distance d 3 In some examples, the second distance d 2 Less than the first distance d 1 , the third distance d 3 Can be greater than the first distance d 1 and the second distance d 2 .

[0076] The seat component 18 similarly includes first and second seat component support pads 56, 58, which extend outwardly from a generally inserted support structure. In some cases, the seat component support pads 56, 58 and the support structure can be formed as a bracket disposed on the seat base 16. The seat component 18 and the seat back 14 can include a cover 62 on portions thereof, which can be composed of a flexible material (i.e., any material that can be elastically deformed). The cover 62 is configured to provide any desired aesthetic look and feel to the seat assembly 10.

[0077] The first and second seat back support cushions 44, 46, the first and second seat member support cushions 56, 58, the contact surface 48 of the seat back 14, and the support structure of the seat member 18 generally define a space 60 (eg, a space 60 configured to support a seated occupant and to define the occupant 22 at least partially retained therein) that is configured to support a seated occupant. Fig.10 ) of the bucket seat configuration of the seat assembly 10. The first and second seat member support cushions 56, 58 and the first and second seat back support cushions 44, 46 are generally configured to cooperate to position, support and hold the seated occupant 22 when riding in the vehicle 12 (such as during autonomous operation of the vehicle). The bracket features of the first and second seat member support cushions 56, 58 and the first and second seat back support cushions 44, 46 provide load management to hold the occupant 22 in the seat assembly 10 during lateral and cross-vehicle loads. Moreover, these bracket features hold the seated occupant 22 in a proper position within the seat assembly 10 (or limit the position in which the occupant 22 can be set) to pre-activate the restraint system before a threat. With the seated occupant 22 in a proper position within the space 60, the safety features incorporated into the seat assembly 10 and / or the vehicle 12 can operate as expected during a collision event.

[0078] like Figure 3 As further shown in FIG. 1 , the seat base 16 includes a wraparound side wall 64 extending upwardly from a support portion 66. The wraparound side wall 64 includes first and second side portions 68, 70 and a rear portion 72. In some examples, the seat component support pads 56, 58 include outwardly extending top surfaces 78, 80. The top surface 78, 80 of each respective seat component support pad 56, 58 extends above the top surface 74, 76 of the respective first and second side portions 68, 70 of the wraparound side wall 64.

[0079] The rear portion 72 includes a raised central portion 82, and it is contemplated that one or both of the rear portion 72 and the raised central portion 82 may be operably coupled to a height adjustment mechanism 100 ( Figure 6 ) of the seat back 14.

[0080] The support portion 66 is configured to be mounted to a support surface 20, such as a vehicle floor 24. The support portion 66 can be mounted to a track assembly to move the seat assembly 10 between a fore-aft position (as shown by arrow 84) ​​and / or a vehicle lateral (i.e., vehicle side-to-side) position (as shown by arrow 86). The seat assembly 10 can also be mounted to a rotation assembly to rotate the seat assembly 10 along a path as shown by arrow 88. Thus, the seat assembly 10 can be oriented in a forward and / or rearward direction within the vehicle 12. In this way, fixed mounting locations for safety features (such as airbag systems mounted on the dashboard and airbag curtains mounted on the pillars) can be ineffective for seated occupants 22 positioned in a non-forward direction, for example. Therefore, some safety features can be incorporated into the seat assembly 10 to move with the seat assembly 10 and maintain a consistent position relative to the seated occupant 22.

[0081] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the seat assembly 10 may also include an integrated audio system 90. The audio system 90 includes a speaker 92 mounted within the seat back 14 that converts electrical signals into sound. The sound may provide entertainment through music and / or provide information through instructions or indications. In some audio systems 90, it may be desirable to receive the sound through a path directly to the listener. By placing the speaker 92 within the recessed area 94, the sound can be isolated within the seat assembly 10, which results in minimal distraction to adjacent passengers within the vehicle 12. The sound may use two or more separate channels (such as stereo) that make the sound distribution more natural.

[0082] The speaker 92 can be mounted in a recessed area 94 of the front surface of the seat back 14. As used herein, the term "front surface" refers to the surface of the seat back 14 that faces the seated occupant 22. Although the example involves a speaker 92 mounted to the front surface, the speaker 92 can be mounted in any surface of the seat assembly 10. The sound barrier 96 can be mounted to be consistent with the surface of the recessed area 94 and can be formed by an acoustically reflective or acoustically absorbing material. For example, the sound barrier 96 can be formed of foam, plastic, wood, etc. In addition, the sound barrier 96 can be formed of some other rigid or flexible material and covered with a decorative material such as cloth, vinyl resin or leather. To accommodate safety issues, the sound barrier 96 can be formed of a soft, elastic material (such as foam).

[0083] In some examples, the speaker 92 can be used for noise control and elimination via active or passive methods. Active noise control is the use of power to reduce sound. Passive noise control refers to sound control by noise reduction materials (such as by sound barriers 96) rather than power. According to some methods of active noise control, once a noise signal is identified, the noise signal is reduced and removed by subtracting the noise signal from the signal sent or received. The technology is implemented using a digital signal processor (DSP) or software. An adaptive algorithm is designed to analyze the waveform of background auditory or non-auditory noise, and then generates a signal that will phase shift or reverse the polarity of the original signal based on a specific algorithm. The inverted signal (phase reversal) is then amplified and the transducer generates a sound wave proportional to the amplitude of the original waveform, thereby generating destructive interference. This effectively reduces the volume of the perceptible noise.

[0084] Sound is a pressure wave consisting of a compression phase and a rarefaction phase. The noise cancellation speaker emits a sound wave with the same amplitude but in reverse phase (also called anti-phase) as the original sound. The waves combine to form a new wave in a process called interference and effectively cancel each other out - this effect is called phase cancellation. The noise cancellation speaker can be co-located with the speaker 92 to be attenuated. In this case, it has the same audio power level as the source of the unwanted sound. Alternatively, the transducer that transmits the cancellation signal can be located at the location where sound attenuation is required (e.g., the seat assembly 10). This can be canceled using a lower power level and is effective at different locations. Therefore, in a small, partially enclosed space (such as the seat assembly 10), global noise reduction can be achieved via measurements of the modal response of the speaker 92, the feedback microphone, and the housing.

[0085] One or more controllers 98 that control one or more functions of the vehicle 12 and / or the seat assembly 10 may be disposed within the seat component support pads 56, 58, or disposed at any other operable location on the seat assembly 10 and / or within the vehicle 12. For example, the one or more controllers 98 may control the audio system 90 within the seat assembly 10 and / or the vehicle 12. The controller 98 may additionally and / or alternatively control a reclining feature and / or any other desired feature of the seat assembly 10. It should be understood that the one or more controllers 98 may control any other functions of the vehicle 12 and / or the seat assembly 10 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0086] refer to Figure 4-6, the seat back 14 can be adjusted vertically along arrow 102 by the adjustment mechanism 100. The adjustment mechanism 100 can be operably coupled to a position sensor 104. The position sensor 104 can be configured as an ultrasonic sensor 106 that detects obstacles in front of the seat back 14. The ultrasonic sensor 106 is coupled to a controller 108, and the controller 108 generates an output signal for the adjustment mechanism 100 to adjust the height of the seat back 14. The ultrasonic sensor 106 can be mounted in the headrest assembly 40, above the headrest assembly 40, and / or in any other feasible location. In some examples, the position sensor 104 can be set in the recessed area 94 of the seat back 14 or in any other feasible location in the seat back 14 and / or the vehicle 12.

[0087] The ultrasonic sensor 106 may include: a transmitter (not shown) adapted to transmit ultrasonic waves in front of it; and a receiver (not shown) adapted to receive waves reflected from any object in the space 60 defined within the seat assembly 10. The controller 108 determines the transit time elapsed between transmitting the wave and receiving the same wave reflected from the occupant 22. Subsequently, the controller 108 generates an output signal corresponding to the relative distance between the vehicle 12 and the occupant 22 using the formula d=2c / t, where c is the speed of sound and t is the transit time. Based on this calculation, the ultrasonic sensor 106 can determine whether the occupant 22 is arranged in the seat assembly 10. The ultrasonic sensor 106 will also determine whether the occupant 22 is in front of the position sensor 104. If the occupant 22 is in front of the position sensor 104, the seat back 14 will be adjusted upward until the occupant 22 is no longer detected.

[0088] The seat assembly 10 may also include a seat sensor 109 for determining the presence of the occupant 22. The seat sensor 109 (which includes but is not limited to any type of proximity sensor, seat airbag sensor, pressure sensor) may be used to determine whether the seat assembly 10 is occupied. If the seat sensor 109 detects that the seat assembly 10 is occupied and the position sensor 104 does not detect the occupant 22, the seat back 14 may be adjusted downward until the position sensor 104 detects the occupant 22. The seat back 14 may be adjusted to suit the comfort of the occupant 22 and / or to align safety features integrated into the seat assembly 10 with the occupant 22. For example, the seat back 14 may be adjusted to assist in the proper deployment of the restraint bar 42.

[0089] refer to Figure 6In some examples, the position sensor 104 may additionally and / or alternatively be configured as a capacitive sensor 110 that may also be disposed within the seat back 14. The capacitive sensor 110 provides a sensing activation area 112 that surrounds a portion of the headrest assembly 40 and may detect a capacitance change caused by a conductor (such as the head of a seated occupant 22) that is within the sensing activation area 112 of the capacitive sensor 110 (e.g., within the seat assembly 10). The capacitive sensor 110 may be positioned at a predetermined position so that the sensor may detect the height of the occupant 22. In some examples, if the capacitance change meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold level indicating that the occupant 22 is in front of the capacitive sensor 110 and has moved to the removal position, the adjustment mechanism 100 may be prompted to activate accordingly. Although the position sensor 104 is shown and described herein as a capacitive sensor 110, it should be understood that additional or alternative types of proximity sensors may be used to detect various other signal changes, such as, but not limited to, inductive sensors, optical sensors, temperature sensors, resistive sensors, etc., or combinations thereof. Furthermore, any other position detection device may be used in conjunction with or in place of a proximity sensor.

[0090] According to various examples, the seat back 14 can properly accommodate various occupant body types. For example, as described in the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), the seat assembly 10 can be adjustable for torsos ranging from the 2.5th percentile female to the 99th percentile male.

[0091] refer to Figure 6-8, the seat adjustment mechanism 100 may include a track 114 mounted to the seat base 16. The power drive unit 116 includes an electric motor 118 and a drivetrain 120, which may include one or more gears 122 that may be operably connected to a shaft 124 and / or other motion-transmitting components. The drive unit 116 is shown as being fixed relative to the track 114, but some or all of the drivetrain components may also be mounted to the seat back 14 (or otherwise move therewith). In the depicted system, the drive unit 116 moves the seat back 14 along the track 114 via a linear actuator 125 extending along the track 114. For example, the linear actuator 125 may be a worm gear, a Bowden cable, a slotted belt, a spur gear, etc. driven by the drivetrain 120. The seat back 14 includes a pair of linear brackets 128 that extend parallel to the track 114 and are fixedly mounted to the lower portion of the seat back 14. Thus, the seat back 14 is vertically adjustable relative to the seat base 16 via the adjustment mechanism 100 concealed by the raised central portion 82 of the seat base 16. It is contemplated that the power drive unit 116 may alternatively be disposed on the seat back 14 and operably coupled to the seat base 16 to provide similar vertical adjustment of the seat back 14 between the upper and lower positions.

[0092] according to Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the example shown in , the electric motor 118 is supported by a cross bracket 126. The electric motor 118 is also disposed in a cavity 129 defined by the seat base 16. The electric motor 118 is operably connected to the controller 108. As provided herein, the controller 108 can raise and / or lower the seat back 14 based on the height of the occupant 22 in the seat assembly 10. For example, when the position sensor 104 fails to detect the occupant 22 in the seat assembly 10, the power drive unit 116 can lower the seat back 14. The seat assembly 10 can be lowered until the occupant 22 is detected, which can ensure the required height of the seat back 14 so as to use the safety features provided in the seat assembly 10. In some examples, each time the occupant 22 leaves the vehicle 12, the seat assembly 10 can return to the initial predetermined position. When a new occupant 22 enters, the seat back 14 can be adjusted upward and / or downward from the initial position.

[0093] refer to Figure 8 and Fig. 9, the seat assembly 10 may also include a seat belt assembly 130. The seat belt assembly 130 includes a webbing 132 that is coupled to the seat assembly 10 at one end and is also coupled to a retractor 134 disposed within the seat back 14 at an opposite end. The retractor 134 (like the adjustment mechanism 100) may be disposed in a position that may be hidden by the raised center portion 82 of the seat base 16. It is contemplated that the webbing 132 may be coupled to the seat assembly 10 using a second retractor 134 in a dual retractor system. When coupled to the retractor 134, the webbing 132 is retractable, thereby allowing the vehicle occupant 22 to move the seat belt assembly 130 components to lock the seat belt assembly 130. It should be understood that any other seat belt orientation may also be used within the seat assembly 10 provided herein without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0094] In some examples, the webbing 132 is coupled to a D-ring 136 or a turning ring. The seat belt assembly 130 also includes a tongue member 138 that is operably coupled to the webbing 132 and can slide along the webbing 132 for adjustable movement along the webbing 132. The tongue member 138 is coupled to a portion of the webbing 132 and can slide along a portion of the webbing 132, and is configured to be releasably coupled to the seat belt buckle 140 to restrain the occupant 22 in the vehicle 12. As provided herein, the seat back 14 is vertically adjustable and can be automatically adjusted based on the height of the occupant 22. Therefore, once the seat back 14 has been moved to accommodate a particular occupant 22 disposed in the seat assembly 10, the D-ring 136 can be in a desired position relative to the occupant 22, and the seat assembly 10 can provide additional safety for the occupant 22 of the vehicle 12.

[0095] refer to Figure 8-11 As provided herein, an adjustment mechanism 100 and / or a seat belt assembly 130 may be disposed on a rear portion of the seat back 14. The adjustment mechanism 100 is configured to raise and lower the seat back 14, which may be accomplished automatically by detecting the size of the occupant via the position sensor 104. The automatic adjustment is configured to place the headrest assembly 40 at the height of the head of the occupant 22. However, it should be understood that the seat back 14 may be moved to a desired position based on any other reference point without departing from the scope of the present invention. The seat belt assembly 130 includes a retractor 134 that may also be hidden by the seat base 16. The seat assembly 10 may be moved around the vehicle 12, and as such, each component may be disposed within the seat assembly 10 to provide the features provided herein in any seat assembly position within the vehicle 12.

[0096] Use of the present invention may provide various advantages. For example, use of the seat assembly provides safety features integrated into the seat assembly. The seat assembly may include a seat back that adjusts vertically to accommodate various occupant sizes. In the event of a crash, the generally known placement of the occupant's head relative to the seat back helps ensure that the safety features within the seat assembly perform as intended to best protect the occupant. The seat assembly may be disposed within an autonomous vehicle 12.

[0097] According to various examples, a seat assembly is provided herein. A seat base supports a seat member and a seat back. A headrest assembly is disposed in the seat back. A position sensor is disposed in the seat back. An adjustment mechanism operably couples the seat back to the seat base. The seat back is vertically adjusted based on a signal detection from the position sensor. Examples of the seat assembly may include any one or combination of the following features:

[0098] The signal detection is the sensed height of the occupant on the seat member;

[0099] A position sensor is located in the top of the headrest assembly;

[0100] The position sensor is configured as an ultrasonic sensor;

[0101] The audio system is built into the seat back.

[0102] The audio system includes a pair of speakers disposed on opposite sides of the headrest assembly;

[0103] A pair of speakers are set into a recessed portion of the seat back;

[0104] Adjust the seat back to a position where the position sensor is located above the occupant's head;

[0105] A pair of speakers provide noise control and cancellation;

[0106] The adjustment mechanism comprises a power drive unit having an electric motor and a power transmission system comprising one or more gears; and / or

[0107] The seat belt assembly has a belt-like webbing coupled to the seat assembly at one end and to a retractor disposed within the seat back at an opposite end.

[0108] In addition, a method for manufacturing a vehicle seat assembly is provided herein. The method includes forming a seat base supporting a seat member and a seat back. A headrest assembly is formed in the seat back. A position sensor is disposed in the seat back. An adjustment mechanism is disposed between the seat back and the seat base. The seat back is configured to be adjusted vertically based on a signal detection from the position sensor.

[0109] According to some examples, a seat assembly is provided herein. The seat assembly includes a seat base supporting a seat member and a seat back. A headrest assembly is disposed in the seat back. A position sensor is disposed in the seat back for determining the height of an occupant. A seat sensor determines the presence of an occupant. Examples of the seat assembly may include any one or combination of the following features:

[0110] an adjustment mechanism operably coupling the seat back to the seat base, wherein the seat back is vertically adjusted based on the height of an occupant on the seat member;

[0111] a pivotable restraint bar coupled in a first position to a seat back having a horizontal portion disposed above the head restraint assembly;

[0112] The adjustment mechanism comprises a power drive unit having an electric motor and a power transmission system comprising one or more gears; and / or

[0113] The seat belt assembly has a belt-like webbing coupled to the seat assembly at one end and to a retractor disposed within the seat back at an opposite end.

[0114] According to some examples, a seat assembly is provided herein. The seat assembly includes a seat base supporting a seat back. A headrest assembly is disposed in the seat back. A position sensor is disposed in the seat back. An adjustment mechanism operably couples the seat back to the seat base. The seat back is vertically adjusted based on the height of an occupant. Examples of the seat assembly may include any one or combination of the following features:

[0115] The audio system is built into the seat back.

[0116] A seat belt assembly having a belt-like webbing coupled at one end to the seat assembly and at an opposite end to a retractor disposed within the seat back; and / or

[0117] • The adjustment mechanism is disposed between the raised center portion of the seat base and the bottom of the seat back.

[0118] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the invention and other components of construction are not limited to any particular material. Unless otherwise specified herein, other exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein may be formed from a variety of materials.

[0119] For purposes of this invention, the term "coupled" (including all its forms: coupled, coupled, coupled, etc.) generally means that two components (electrical or mechanical) are connected directly or indirectly to each other. Such connection may be fixed in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved by the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body or by each other or by the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or, unless otherwise specified, may be removable or releasable in nature.

[0120] In addition, the arrangement of any parts realizing the same function is effectively "associated" so that the desired function is realized. Therefore, any two group parts combined to realize a specific function in this article can be regarded as "associated" to each other so that the desired function is realized, regardless of architecture or intermediate parts. Similarly, any two parts so associated can also be regarded as "operably connected" or "operably coupled" to each other to realize the desired function, and any two parts that can be so associated can also be regarded as "operably coupled" to each other to realize the desired function. Some examples of operable coupling include but are not limited to physically pairable and / or physically interacting parts and / or wirelessly interacting and / or wirelessly interacting parts and / or logically interacting and / or logically interacting parts. In addition, it is to be understood that the parts before the term ".." in can be arranged in any feasible position (for example, on the vehicle, in the vehicle, and / or arranged from the outside of the vehicle) so that the parts can work in any manner described herein.

[0121] It is also important to note that, as shown in the exemplary examples, the construction and arrangement of the elements of the present invention are merely illustrative. Although only a few examples of the present invention are described in detail in the present invention, it will be easily understood by those skilled in the art to examine the present invention that many modifications are possible (e.g., changes in size, size, structure, shape, and the proportions, parameter values, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc. of various elements) without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter. For example, an element shown as being integrally formed may be composed of a plurality of parts, or an element shown as a plurality of parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interface may be reversed or otherwise changed, the length or width of the structure and / or member or connector or other elements of the system may be variable, and the nature or number of the adjustment position provided between the elements may be changed. It should be noted that the elements and / or components of the system may be composed of any of a variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability in any of a variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Therefore, all these modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Without departing from the spirit of the present invention, other replacements, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangements of desired and other exemplary examples.

[0122] It will be understood that any described process or step in the described process can be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form a structure within the scope of the present invention. The exemplary structures and methods disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as restrictive. It will also be understood that, without departing from the concept of the present invention, the above-mentioned structures and methods may be deformed and modified, and it will also be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims are clearly stated in their language.

Claims

1. A seat assembly, comprising: a seat back including a first seat back support pad and a second seat back support pad disposed on opposite sides of an insertion contact surface, upper regions of the first seat back support pad and the second seat back support pad extending a first distance forward of the insertion contact surface of the seat back, lower regions extending a second distance forward of the insertion contact surface of the seat back, and intermediate regions extending a third distance forward of the insertion contact surface of the seat back; a seat base supporting a seat member and a seat back, wherein the seat base includes a wraparound sidewall extending upwardly from a support portion, the wraparound sidewall including a first side portion, a second side portion, and a rear portion, the rear portion including a raised central portion, the support portion being configured to be mounted to a vehicle floor; a seat member including first and second seat member support pads extending above top surfaces of the respective first and second side portions of the wraparound sidewall; a headrest assembly, the headrest assembly being disposed in the seat back; a position sensor disposed in the seat back; as well as An adjustment mechanism operably couples the seat back to the seat base, wherein the seat back is vertically adjusted relative to the raised center portion of the seat base based on detection of a signal from the position sensor.

2. The seat assembly of claim 1 wherein said signal detection is a sensed height of an occupant positioned on said seat member.

3. The seat assembly according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the position sensor is disposed in a top portion of the headrest assembly.

4. The seat assembly according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the position sensor is configured as an ultrasonic sensor.

5. The seat assembly according to any one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising: An audio system is disposed in the seat back.

6. The seat assembly of claim 5, wherein the audio system includes a pair of speakers disposed on opposite sides of the headrest assembly.

7. The seat assembly of claim 6, wherein the pair of speakers are disposed within a recessed portion of the seat back.

8. The seat assembly of any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the seat back is adjusted to a position where the position sensor is disposed above the head of an occupant.

9. The seat assembly of claim 6, wherein the pair of speakers are capable of noise control and cancellation.

10. The seat assembly of any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a power drive unit having an electric motor and a power transmission system including one or more gears.

11. The seat assembly according to any one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising: A seat belt assembly having a belt-like webbing coupled at one end to the seat assembly and at an opposite end to a retractor disposed within the seat back.

12. A method of manufacturing a vehicle seat assembly, the method comprising: forming a seat base that supports the seat member and the seat back; forming a headrest assembly into the seat back; disposing a position sensor in the seat back; as well as disposing an adjustment mechanism between the seat back and the seat base, wherein the seat back is configured to adjust vertically based on detection of a signal from the position sensor; wherein the seat back includes a first seat back support pad and a second seat back support pad disposed on opposite sides of an insertion contact surface, upper regions of the first seat back support pad and the second seat back support pad extending a first distance in front of the insertion contact surface of the seat back, lower regions extending a second distance in front of the insertion contact surface of the seat back, and intermediate regions extending a third distance in front of the insertion contact surface of the seat back; The seat base includes a wraparound sidewall extending upwardly from a support portion, the wraparound sidewall including a first side portion, a second side portion, and a rear portion, the rear portion including a raised central portion, the support portion being configured to be mounted to a vehicle floor; The seat component includes first and second seat component support pads extending above top surfaces of the respective first and second side portions of the wraparound sidewall.

13. A seat assembly, comprising: a seat back including a first seat back support pad and a second seat back support pad disposed on opposite sides of an insertion contact surface, upper regions of the first seat back support pad and the second seat back support pad extending a first distance forward of the insertion contact surface of the seat back, lower regions extending a second distance forward of the insertion contact surface of the seat back, and intermediate regions extending a third distance forward of the insertion contact surface of the seat back; a seat base supporting a seat member and a seat back, wherein the seat base includes a wraparound sidewall extending upwardly from a support portion, the wraparound sidewall including a first side portion, a second side portion, and a rear portion, the rear portion including a raised central portion, the support portion being configured to be mounted to a vehicle floor; a seat member including first and second seat member support pads extending above top surfaces of the respective first and second side portions of the wraparound sidewall; a headrest assembly disposed within the seat back, wherein the seat back is vertically adjustable relative to the seat base; a position sensor disposed within the seat back for determining the height of an occupant; as well as A seat sensor is used to determine the presence of the occupant.

14. A seat assembly, comprising: a seat back including a first seat back support pad and a second seat back support pad disposed on opposite sides of an insertion contact surface, upper regions of the first seat back support pad and the second seat back support pad extending a first distance forward of the insertion contact surface of the seat back, lower regions extending a second distance forward of the insertion contact surface of the seat back, and intermediate regions extending a third distance forward of the insertion contact surface of the seat back; a seat base supporting a seat back, wherein the seat base includes a wraparound sidewall extending upwardly from a support portion, the wraparound sidewall including a first side portion, a second side portion, and a rear portion, the rear portion including a raised central portion, the support portion being configured to be mounted to a vehicle floor; a seat member including first and second seat member support pads extending above top surfaces of the respective first and second side portions of the wraparound sidewall; a headrest assembly, the headrest assembly being disposed in the seat back; a position sensor disposed in the seat back; as well as An adjustment mechanism operably couples the seat back to the seat base, wherein the seat back vertically adjusts relative to the raised center portion of the seat base based on a height of an occupant.

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