Vehicle seat support cushion

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a seat assembly. The seat assembly includes a seat member having a support surface. A pair of seat member supports pads are disposed on opposite sides of the seat member. A seat base supports the seat member and has a wrap-around sidewall that extends above the bottom of each seat member support pad.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a seat assembly, and more particularly, to a seat assembly that can be used in an autonomous vehicle, wherein the seat assembly faces any desired direction. 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] A seat bolster may be configured to inhibit lateral movement of an occupant disposed within a seat assembly. Accordingly, it is desirable to implement a bolster within a vehicle seat assembly. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to one aspect of the present invention, a seat assembly is provided herein. The seat assembly includes a seat component having a support surface. A pair of seat component support pads are disposed on opposite sides of the seat component. A seat base supports the seat component and has a wraparound side wall extending above the bottom of each seat component support pad.

[0004] According to another aspect of the present invention, a seat assembly is provided herein. The seat assembly includes a seat component having a support surface. A pair of pivotable seat component support pads are disposed on opposite sides of the seat component. A seat base supports the seat component. The seat base is prevented from moving outwardly by contacting the pair of seat component support pads with the seat base.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present invention, a seat assembly is disclosed. The seat assembly includes a seat base supporting a seat member. A pair of pivotable seat member support pads are disposed on opposite sides of the seat member. The seat back has a pair of seat back support pads extending therefrom. The seat member support pad and the seat back support pad serve as reaction surfaces defining a space for retaining an occupant.

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

[0007] a seat member having a support surface;

[0008] a pair of seat member support pads disposed on opposite sides of the seat member; and

[0009] A seat base supports the seat members and has wraparound side walls extending over the bottom of each seat member support cushion.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the invention, the seat component support pad includes an outwardly extending top surface that extends above the wraparound side wall.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the seat assembly further includes:

[0012] A seat back is operably coupled to the seat base.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the seat assembly further includes:

[0014] Seat cover, the seat cover covers the supporting surface.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the seat back defines a lateral seat back support pad, which has an upper area extending a first distance forward of a contact surface of the seat back and a lower area extending a second distance forward of the contact surface of the seat back, and the second distance is less than the first distance.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the seat back support pad includes an intermediate region extending a third distance forward of the contact surface of the seat back, the third distance being greater than the first and second distances.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a pair of seat component support pads are pivotable about a point below the top surface of the seat base.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the seat component support pad is configured as an armrest for an occupant resting on the support surface.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the seat component support pad is prevented from further outward movement by contact with the first and second side portions of the wraparound side wall.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the seat assembly further includes:

[0021] A bolster airbag is disposed within at least one of a pair of seat member bolsters.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the seat assembly further includes:

[0023] One or more controllers are disposed within the seat component support cushion, the controllers controlling one or more functions of the seat assembly.

[0024] According to the present invention, there is provided a seat assembly, comprising:

[0025] a seat member having a support surface;

[0026] a pair of pivotable seat member support pads disposed on opposite sides of the seat member; and

[0027] A seat base supports a seat component, wherein the seat base is prevented from outward movement by having a pair of seat component support pads in contact with the seat base.

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

[0029] A seat cover is disposed on the seat member and the pair of seat member support pads and is at least partially composed of a flexible material.

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

[0031] A seat back is operably coupled to the seat base.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the seat component support pad is configured as an armrest for an occupant resting on the support surface.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a seat base is slidably and pivotally coupled to a floor of a vehicle to allow the seat assembly to be adjusted relative to the floor of the vehicle.

[0034] According to the present invention, there is provided a seat assembly, comprising:

[0035] A seat base supports the seat member.

[0036] a pair of pivotable seat member support pads disposed on opposite sides of the seat member; and

[0037] A seat back having a pair of seat back support pads extending therefrom, wherein the seat member support pads and the seat back support pads serve as reaction surfaces defining a space for retaining an occupant.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the seat assembly further includes:

[0039] One or more controllers are disposed within the seat component support cushion, the controllers controlling one or more functions of the seat assembly.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the seat component support pad is also configured as an armrest for an occupant resting on the support surface of the seat component.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the seat base is configured as a swivel.

[0042] 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

[0043] In the attached figure:

[0044] Figure 1 is a side plan view of a vehicle including a seat assembly according to some examples;

[0045] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary autonomous vehicle system that may be used by a vehicle according to some examples;

[0046] Figure 3 is a side perspective view of a seat assembly according to some examples;

[0047] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 a top view of a seat assembly;

[0048] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 a side plan view of a seat assembly;

[0049] Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of a seat member having a pair of support cushions and a seat back of a seat assembly according to some examples;

[0050] Figure 7 is a rear perspective view of a seat back, a seat member, and a seat base of a seat assembly according to some examples;

[0051] Figure 8 is a front perspective view of a seat base according to some examples; and

[0052] Fig. 9 is a rear perspective view of a seat back and seat member with an air bag extending from a support cushion, according to some examples. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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 member 18 and the seat base 16. The seat base 16 also supports a seat frame having a plurality of seats for supporting an occupant 22 ( Figure 4 ) of the support surface 20 ( Figure 4 ) of the seat member 18. The seat base 16 can be 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 can be fixedly connected to the floor 24 of the vehicle 12 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0059] 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, typically includes 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.), etc.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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 computed in the computer 26 and / or at the server 28. In general, the collected data 34 may include any data that may be collected by a collection device and / or computed 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.

[0065] 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 30 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] In operation, the vehicle 12 may be operated in an autonomous mode with one or more vehicle occupants 22 ( Figure 4 ) within one or more seat assemblies within the 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 to protect 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 loads and / or serve as reaction surfaces for safety features disposed within the seat assembly 10.

[0068] Reference now Figure 3 The seat assembly 10 may be a highly contoured and stylized seat assembly 10 that may be 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 that is supported by a seat base 16. Figure 3 As shown, the seat back 14 is generally shown in a position for receiving a vehicle occupant 22 ( Figure 4 ) is supported in an upright use position in an upright seating position. The seat assembly 10 also includes a headrest assembly 40 integrated into the seat back 14.

[0069] Further references Figure 3 , a restraint bar 42 is coupled to the seat back 14. The restraint bar 42 can be coupled to 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.

[0070] 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 .

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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 bucket seat configuration of the seat assembly 10 configured to support a seated occupant and define a space 60 in which the occupant 22 is retained. 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 properly position, support, and retain the seated occupant 22 when riding in a vehicle 12 (such as an autonomous 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 retain the seated occupant 22 in the seat assembly 10 during lateral and cross-vehicle loads. Moreover, these bracket features can help retain the seated occupant 22 in a predetermined 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 properly positioned within the space 60 , safety features incorporated into the seat assembly 10 and / or the vehicle may operate as intended during a crash event.

[0073] 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. The rear portion 72 includes a raised center portion 82, and it is contemplated that one or both of the rear portion 72 and the raised center portion 82 may be operably coupled to the seat back 14 having a height adjustment mechanism disposed therebetween.

[0074] 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 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. Therefore, considering the autonomous driving capabilities of the autonomous vehicle, the seat assembly 10 can be oriented in the forward and rearward directions within the autonomous vehicle. 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.

[0075] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5 , the seated occupant 22 has buttocks 90 and thighs 92, 94 supported on the support structure of the seat member 18. The vehicle occupant 22 also has a torso 96 and a head 98 adjacent to the headrest assembly 40, the torso 96 being generally supported by the contact surface 48 of the seat back 14. The thighs 92, 94 of the vehicle occupant 22 are supported on the support surface 20 of the seat member 18. In some examples, the occupant 22 can utilize the top surface 78 of the seat member support pads 56, 58 as an armrest. Thus, as provided herein, the seat member support pads 56, 58 include a cover 62 ( Figure 3 ), the cover 62 extends on the inner surface 100, 102 of each respective seat component support pad 56, 58 and / or along the top surface 78, 80 of each respective seat component support pad 56, 58. In various examples, a first cover material can be disposed on the inner surface 100, 102, and a second cover material can be disposed on the top surface 78, 80 of each respective seat component support pad 56. It is contemplated that a cushion can be disposed between the cover 62 and the substrate of each seat component support pad 56, 58.

[0076] Further references Figure 4 and Figure 5 , one or more controllers 104 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. For example, the one or more controllers 104 may control the audio system within the seat assembly 10 and / or the vehicle 12. The controller 104 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 104 may control any other functions of the vehicle 12 and / or the seat assembly 10 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0077] Still reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the seat back support pads 44, 46 can extend forward from the occupant's shoulders 106 or any other upper body part when the occupant's back is on the contact surface 48 of the seat back 14. In some cases, the seat back support pads 44, 46 can also extend forward from the occupant's head 98 when the occupant 22 places their head 98 against the headrest assembly 40. The wraparound of the occupant 22 can place the occupant 22 in a substantially known position so that any safety features integrated into the seat assembly can be activated with known results. Therefore, the seat component support pads 56, 58 and the seat back support pads 44, 46 can be used as reaction surfaces for safety features (such as side air bags) integrated into the seat assembly 10.

[0078] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the seat component support pads 56, 58 can be adjustable support pads to adjust the amount of lateral support provided by the seat assembly 10 by adjusting the position of the seat component support pads 56, 58 relative to the seat component 18. The adjustment is generally achieved by pivoting the seat component support pads 56, 58 laterally inward or toward the occupant 22 and / or laterally outward or away from the occupant 22 around the pivot point. The inward adjustment of the seat component support pads 56, 58 relative to the seat component 18 results in a more vertically angled seat component support pads 56, 58, and thus increases the amount of lateral support provided by the seat assembly 10. As provided herein, in some examples, as shown, the seat component support pads 56, 58 can pivot around an axis 108 below the top surfaces 74, 76 of the first and second side portions 68, 70 of the wraparound sidewall 64.

[0079] The seat base 16 can limit outward pivoting of the seat component support pads 56, 58. For example, the seat component support pads 56, 58 can be prevented from further outward movement by contact with the first and second side portions 68, 70 of the wraparound sidewall 64. Preventing outward movement beyond a predetermined position can ensure that the seat component support pads 56, 58 can assist in retaining the occupant 22 in the seat assembly 10 during lateral and straddle-car loads and / or serve as a reaction surface for safety features provided within the seat assembly 10.

[0080] refer to Figure 8 , the seat base 16 may include a rigid wraparound sidewall 64. The wraparound sidewall 64 may include a divider 110 in its bottom 112. The first and second side portions 68, 70 of the wraparound sidewall 64 and the divider 110 may define an open cavity 114 in which items are disposed. The divider 110 may prevent items disposed below the seat member 18 from being disposed below the seat back 14.

[0081] Continue to refer Figure 8 , the seat base 16 also includes a pair of lateral protrusions 116, 118 extending into the cavity 114. The lateral protrusions 116, 118 can provide support for the seat component 18. The lateral protrusions 116, 118 are disposed below the top surfaces 74, 76 in the respective first and second side portions 68, 70 of the wraparound side wall 64. In some cases, the seat component 18 can be configured as a bracket including a seat portion and a seat component support pad 56, 58. The bracket can be disposed within the seat base 16, and the bottom 120 ( Figure 6) can be disposed below the top surfaces 74, 76 of the first and second side portions 68, 70 of the side wall 64. As provided herein, once the seat component support pads 56, 58 contact the first and second side portions 68, 70 of the wraparound side wall 64, the seat component support pads 56, 58 can be prevented from pivotally moving outwardly.

[0082] Still refer to Figure 8 , the seat base 16 includes a raised center portion 82 disposed behind the seat back 14. Similar to the first and second side portions 68, 70 of the wraparound sidewall 64, the raised center portion 82 of the seat base 16 can prevent the seat back 14 from moving past the raised center portion 82. Therefore, the occupant 22 can be in a substantially fixed position on the opposite lateral sides and rearward. Due to the fixed position, the safety feature can be integrated into the seat and effectively protect occupants 22 of various sizes.

[0083] refer to Fig. 9 In some examples, the seat component support cushions 56, 58 may include a support cushion airbag 122. The crash pulse module may be operably coupled to an airbag deployment system 124. The crash pulse module is configured to determine whether a crash event has occurred and further determine whether the crash event is a frontal crash event, a side crash event, or another crash event. The support cushion airbag 122 is configured to provide protection for the occupant 22 of the seat assembly 10 during a crash event. The support cushion airbag 122 is initially in a retracted position and is generally foldable and disposed in the support cushion to be hidden from view. As Fig. 9 As shown, when the crash pulse module detects a crash event, the airbag deployment system 124 signals the inflator to generate gas, which travels through the lines and moves the bolster airbag 122 to the inflated position 126 .

[0084] The use of the present invention may provide various advantages. For example, the use of a seat assembly provides safety features integrated into the seat assembly. The seat assembly may include support pads that hold an occupant within a predetermined space. In the event of a crash, the known positioning of the occupant helps ensure that the safety features perform as intended to best protect the occupant. The seat assembly may be disposed within an autonomous vehicle.

[0085] According to various examples, a seat assembly is provided herein. The seat assembly includes a seat member having a support surface. A pair of seat member support pads are disposed on opposite sides of the seat member. A seat base supports the seat member and has a wraparound sidewall extending above a bottom of each seat member support pad. Examples of the seat assembly may include any one or combination of the following features:

[0086] The seat member support pad includes an outwardly extending top surface extending above the wraparound side wall;

[0087] A seat back operably coupled to the seat base;

[0088] The seat cover covers the supporting surface;

[0089] a seat back defining a lateral seat back support cushion having an upper region extending a first distance forward of a contact surface of the seat back and a lower region extending a second distance forward of the contact surface of the seat back, the second distance being less than the first distance;

[0090] the seat back support pad includes a middle region extending a third distance forward of the contact surface of the seat back, the third distance being greater than the first and second distances;

[0091] The pair of seat member support pads are pivotable about a point below the top surface of the seat base;

[0092] The seat member support pad is configured as an armrest for an occupant resting on the support surface;

[0093] Preventing further outward movement of the seat component support pad by contacting the first and second side portions of the wraparound side wall;

[0094] a support cushion airbag disposed within at least one of the pair of seat member support cushions; and / or

[0095] One or more controllers disposed within the seat component support cushion control one or more functions of the seat assembly.

[0096] In addition, a method of manufacturing a seat assembly is provided herein. The method includes forming a seat component having a support surface. A pair of seat component support pads are coupled on opposite sides of the seat component. The seat component is attached to a seat base. The seat base has a wraparound sidewall that extends above the bottom of each seat component support pad.

[0097] According to some examples, a seat assembly is provided herein. The seat assembly includes a seat member having a support surface. A pair of pivotable seat member support pads are disposed on opposite sides of the seat member. A seat base supports the seat member. The seat base is prevented from moving outwardly by contacting the pair of seat member support pads with the seat base. Examples of the seat assembly may include any one or combination of the following features:

[0098] A seat cover is disposed on the seat member and the pair of seat member support pads and is at least partially composed of a flexible material;

[0099] A seat back operably coupled to the seat base;

[0100] The seat component support pad is configured as an armrest for an occupant resting on the support surface; and / or

[0101] • The seat base is slidably and pivotably coupled to the floor of the vehicle to allow the seat assembly to be adjusted relative to the floor of the vehicle.

[0102] According to other examples, a seat assembly is disclosed. The seat assembly includes a seat base supporting a seat member. A pair of pivotable seat member support pads are disposed on opposite sides of the seat member. The seat back has a pair of seat back support pads extending therefrom. The seat member support pads and the seat back support pads serve as reaction surfaces defining a space for retaining an occupant. Examples of the seat assembly may include any one or combination of the following features:

[0103] One or more controllers disposed within the seat component support pad to control one or more functions of the seat assembly;

[0104] The seat member support pad is also configured as an armrest for an occupant on the support surface of the seat member; and / or

[0105] The seat base is configured as a swivel.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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 member having a support surface; a pair of pivotable seat member support pads disposed on opposite sides of the seat member, each pivotable seat member support pad having a first top surface extending outwardly; and a seat base that supports the seat member and has a wrap-around sidewall including a first side, a second side, and a rear, the first side and the second side having a second top surface, the first top surface of each pivotable seat member support pad extending above the respective second top surface; and the bottom of the pivotable seat member support pad is disposed below the second top surface.

2. The seat assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: a seat back operatively coupled to the seat base.

3. The seat assembly according to any one of claims 1-2, comprising: a seat cover covering the support surface.

4. The seat assembly according to claim 2, wherein the seat back defines a lateral seat back support pad having an upper region extending a first distance in front of a contact surface of the seat back and a lower region extending a second distance in front of the contact surface of the seat back, the second distance being less than the first distance.

5. The seat assembly according to claim 4, wherein the seat back support pad includes a middle region extending a third distance in front of the contact surface of the seat back, the third distance being greater than the first distance and the second distance.

6. The seat assembly according to one of claims 1-2, wherein the pair of pivotable seat member support pads are pivotable about a point below the top surface of the seat base.

7. The seat assembly according to one of claims 1-2, wherein the pivotable seat member support pads are configured as armrests for an occupant on the support surface.

8. The seat assembly according to claim 6, wherein the pivotable seat member support pads are prevented from further outward movement by contacting the first and second sides of the wrap-around sidewall.

9. The seat assembly according to one of claims 1-2, further comprising: a support pad airbag disposed in at least one of the pair of pivotable seat member support pads.

10. The seat assembly according to one of claims 1-2, comprising: one or more controllers disposed in the pivotable seat member support pads, the controllers controlling one or more functions of the seat assembly.

11. A method of manufacturing a seat assembly, the method comprising: forming a seat member having a support surface; coupling a pair of pivotable seat member support pads to opposite sides of the seat member, each pivotable seat member support pad having a first top surface extending outwardly; and Attach the seat base to the seat member, the seat base having a wrap-around sidewall that includes a first side, a second side, and a rear, the first side and the second side having a second top surface, and a first top surface of each pivotable seat member support pad extending above the respective second top surface; and a bottom of the pivotable seat member support pad is disposed below the second top surface.

12. A seat assembly, comprising: a seat member having a support surface; a pair of pivotable seat member support pads disposed on opposite sides of the seat member, each pivotable seat member support pad having a first top surface that extends outwardly; and a seat base that supports the seat member, wherein the seat base prevents outward movement thereof by bringing the pair of pivotable seat member support pads into contact with the seat base; the seat base supports the seat member and has a wrap-around sidewall that includes a first side, a second side, and a rear, the first side and the second side having a second top surface, and a first top surface of each pivotable seat member support pad extending above the respective second top surface; and a bottom of the pivotable seat member support pad is disposed below the second top surface.

13. A seat assembly, comprising: a seat base that supports a seat member; a pair of pivotable seat member support pads disposed on opposite sides of the seat member, each pivotable seat member support pad having a first top surface that extends outwardly; a seat base that supports the seat member and has a wrap-around sidewall that includes a first side, a second side, and a rear, the first side and the second side having a second top surface, and a first top surface of each pivotable seat member support pad extending above the respective second top surface; and a bottom of the pivotable seat member support pad is disposed below the second top surface; and a seat back having a pair of seat back support pads extending therefrom, wherein the pivotable seat member support pads and the seat back support pads serve as reaction surfaces that define a space for maintaining an occupant.

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