Electrical System

Abstract

The electrical system includes a movable component that is configured to be selectively connected to a mounting surface and selectively removed from the mounting surface. The movable component may include a first electronic control unit (ECU) and an electromechanical interface that is configured to selectively lock the movable component with the mounting surface. The electrical system may include a second ECU and / or a third ECU, the second ECU is configured to communicate with the first ECU, and the third ECU is configured to detect potential dynamic events via one or more sensors. The third ECU may be configured to provide dynamic event information to the second ECU. The second ECU may be configured to provide disabling information corresponding to the dynamic event information to the movable component. The first ECU may be configured to lock the movable component with the mounting surface according to the disabling information.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 982,990, filed on February 28, 2020, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, as if fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to electrical systems, including electrical systems that may be used, for example, in conjunction with a vehicle, tracks, and / or seats. background

[0004] The following discussion of this background description is for the purpose of providing context only. Therefore, no aspect of this background description is either explicitly or implicitly admitted to be prior art with respect to the present disclosure to the extent it is not otherwise qualified as prior art.

[0005] Some electrical systems are not robust enough, do not provide adequate functionality, and / or are not configured to effectively handle dynamic events.

[0006] Therefore, solutions / options are needed that minimize or eliminate one or more challenges or disadvantages of electrical systems.The foregoing discussion is intended only to illustrate examples of the art and not an admission of scope.

[0007] Overview

[0008] In an embodiment, the electrical system may include a movable component that is configured to be selectively connected to and selectively removed from a mounting surface. The movable component may include a first electronic control unit (ECU) and an electromechanical interface that is configured to selectively lock the movable component with the mounting surface. The electrical system may include a second ECU and / or a third ECU, the second ECU being configured to communicate with the first ECU, and the third ECU being configured to detect potential dynamic events via one or more sensors. The third ECU may be configured to provide dynamic event information to the second ECU. The second ECU may be configured to provide disabling information corresponding to the dynamic event information to the movable component. The first ECU may be configured to activate the electromechanical interface based on (e.g., using, based on, based on, etc.) the disabling information to lock the movable component with the mounting surface.

[0009] For an embodiment, a method of operating an electrical system may include detecting a potential dynamic event, providing disabling information to a movable component, locking the movable component to a mounting surface in response to the disabling information, providing activation information to the movable component, and / or activating a safety device associated with the movable component based on the activation information after locking the movable component.

[0010] The foregoing and other potential aspects, features, details, utilities and / or advantages of examples / embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent from reading the following description and from reviewing the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Although the claims are not limited to specific descriptions, an understanding of various aspects can be gained through a discussion of various examples. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and certain features may be enlarged or hidden to better illustrate and explain the innovative aspects of the examples. In addition, the exemplary illustrations described herein are not exhaustive or otherwise limiting, and are not limited to the precise forms and configurations shown in the drawings or disclosed in the following detailed description. The exemplary illustrations are described in detail with reference to the drawings as follows:

[0012] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram generally illustrating an embodiment of an electrical system in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 2 is a perspective view generally illustrating some portions of an embodiment of a movable component and track assembly of an electrical system in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view generally illustrating an embodiment of a movable component and track assembly of an electrical system in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram generally illustrating an embodiment of an electrical system in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 5 is a flow chart generally illustrating an embodiment of a method of operating an electrical system according to the teachings of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0017] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Although the present disclosure will be described in conjunction with embodiments and / or examples, they do not limit the present disclosure to these embodiments and / or examples. On the contrary, the present disclosure covers alternatives, modifications and equivalents.

[0018] In an embodiment, for example Figure 1 and Figure 4 As generally illustrated in FIG. 1 , the electrical system 100 may include one or more movable components 102 that may be configured to move relative to a mounting surface 104 .

[0019] In an embodiment, for example, Figure 1 and Figure 4, mounting surface 104 may include a track / rail assembly / system 106 having one or more tracks / rails 108 that may, for example, extend substantially in the X-direction, the Y-direction, the Z-direction and / or extend at one or more angles to the X-direction, the Y-direction, the Z-direction. For example, but not limitation, mounting surface 104 may include and / or be a portion of a vehicle 110 (e.g., a vehicle floor).

[0020] For example, in Figure 1 and Figure 4 As generally illustrated in , the movable component 102 may include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, configurations, and / or materials. For example, but not limited to, the movable component 102 may include a seat (e.g., movable components 102A-102F), a console (e.g., movable component 102G), and / or a cargo rack (e.g., movable component 102H), etc. The movable component 102 may include a first electronic control unit (ECU) 130.

[0021] In an embodiment, for example, Figure 1-Figure 4 As generally illustrated in FIG. 1 , the movable component 102 may include one or more safety devices 132. The safety devices 132 may include, for example, an air bag 134, a pyrotechnic device 136, and / or a seat belt pretensioner 138, among others. Figure 1 and Figure 4 The movable component 102A is shown with a first ECU 130, a safety device 132, an air bag 134, an ignition device 136, and / or a seat belt pretensioner 138. One or more of the other movable components 102B-102H may include a respective first ECU 130, a safety device 132, an air bag 134, an ignition device 136, and / or a seat belt pretensioner 138, etc.

[0022] For example, in Figure 2 and Figure 3 As generally illustrated in FIG. 1 , the movable component 102 may include one or more electrical components 140. For example, but not limited to, the electrical component 140 may include: an electric motor 1401 (e.g., see Figure 2 and Figure 3), which can be configured to move the movable component 102 (and / or some parts of the movable component 102) relative to the mounting surface 104; a fluid bladder 1402, which can be configured to adjust the surface of the movable component 102 (e.g., a lumbar support portion, a massage portion, a driver notification area, etc.); a heating element 1403, which can be configured to heat the surface of the movable component 102 (e.g., to provide seat heating); an air mover 1404 (e.g., a fan), which can be configured to move air toward and / or away from the movable component 102 (e.g., to provide seat cooling); one or more additional ECUs 1405 (e.g., a distributed safety device / restraint ECU); and / or one or more actuators 1406 (e.g., a motor, a linear actuator, an ignition device, etc.), etc. The movable component 102 may include one or more movable component sensors 144, which may be configured to detect movable component information (e.g., occupancy status, seat belt connection status, position, orientation, etc.) of the movable component 102. For example, but not limited to, the one or more movable component sensors 144 may include an occupancy sensor, a seat belt sensor, and / or a position sensor (e.g., for received signal strength indicator (RSSI) position determination).

[0023] In an embodiment, for example, Figure 1 and Figure 4 , the movable component 102 can be configured to be connected to and / or removed from the mounting surface 104 in a plurality of positions and / or orientations (e.g., X-direction positions, Y-direction positions, rotational positions, forward orientations, rearward orientations, etc.). The movable component 102 can be configured to move along / relative to the mounting surface 104 when connected to the mounting surface 104. For example, but not limited to, the movable component 102 can be selectively locked with the track assembly 106 (e.g., via the electromechanical interface 156) so that the movable component 102 can be electrically connected to the mounting surface 104 while moving along the mounting surface 104 and / or when locked with the mounting surface 104. Additionally or alternatively, the movable component 102 can be removed from the mounting surface 104 in a plurality of positions and / or orientations relative to the mounting surface 104 and / or the track assembly 106, such as being removed from the mounting surface 104 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface 104 (e.g., in the Z direction).

[0024] For example, Figure 2 and Figure 3As generally depicted in , the electromechanical interface 156 can be configured to mechanically and / or electrically connect the movable component 102 to the track assembly 106. The electromechanical interface 156 can be configured to selectively allow the movable component 102 to move relative to the mounting surface 104 (e.g., along the track 108 of the track assembly 106), such as in a direction perpendicular to the Z direction, while limiting the Z direction movement of the movable component 102 relative to the mounting surface 104 in at least some cases. For example, but not limited to, the electromechanical interface 156 can include one or more anchors 158 and / or electrical connectors 160, which can be movably connected to a support member 162 of the movable component 102. The one or more anchors 158 can be configured to selectively limit movement of the movable component 102 (e.g., in the X direction, the Y direction, and / or the Z direction), such as by engaging with the track 108 of the track assembly 106 to limit movement of the movable component 102 (e.g., in the X direction, the Y direction, and / or the Z direction). As Figure 3 As shown generally, the electrical connector 160 and / or one or more connector portions 160A of the electrical connector 160 can be moved (e.g., rotated about an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the Z direction) into and / or out of contact with one or more conductors 164 of the track assembly 106 (e.g., to establish and / or break electrical connections between the movable component 102 and the mounting surface 104). The one or more conductors 164 can be connected to the track 108 of the track assembly 106 (e.g., substantially fixed in the track 108 of the track assembly 106) and / or can be connected to the track 108 of the track assembly 106 by an insulator 166 (e.g., see Figure 3 ) is electrically insulated from the track 108. For example, but not limited to, the electrical connector 160 can be moved / rotated manually / mechanically and / or by a powered actuator (eg, motor 1401).

[0025] In an embodiment, for example, Figure 1 and Figure 4104, and / or may remain substantially stationary relative to the mounting surface 104. The second ECU 170 may be configured to communicate with the first ECU 130, for example, via one or more conductors 164 and one or more electrical connectors 160 / connector portions 160A and / or via wireless communication (e.g., via one or more antennas 172 and / or communication devices 174). The second ECU 170 may be configured, for example, to provide power from a power source 176 to the movable component 102 via the track assembly 106 and / or one or more conductors 164 of the track assembly 106. The power may be provided to the movable component 102, for example, for powering the first ECU 130, the one or more electrical components 140, and / or the one or more safety devices 132.

[0026] For example, Figure 1 and Figure 4 As generally illustrated in FIG. 1 , the second ECU 170 may be configured to obtain dynamic event information 178, for example, from a third ECU 180 and / or via one or more dynamic event sensors 182 (e.g., radar, LiDAR, accelerometer, position sensor, compass, etc.). The third ECU 180 and / or one or more dynamic event sensors 182 may be configured to detect potential (or actual) dynamic events (e.g., before a dynamic event occurs and / or when a dynamic event occurs). For example, but not limited to, dynamic events may include vehicle collisions and / or significant acceleration or deceleration events. Detecting a potential dynamic event may, for example, include detecting that the vehicle 110 may collide / collide with another object or creature (e.g., based on the current relative speed, direction, position, etc. of the vehicle 110 and / or the obstacle / object / creature).

[0027] In an embodiment, for example, Figure 5As generally illustrated in FIG. 1 , if a potential dynamic event is detected (e.g., by one or more dynamic event sensors 182), the third ECU 180 and / or the one or more dynamic event sensors 182 may provide dynamic event information 178 to the second ECU 170. The second ECU 170 may be configured to provide the dynamic event information 178 to the movable component 102 and / or to the first ECU 130. Additionally or alternatively, the second ECU 170 may receive the dynamic event information 178 and provide disabling information to the movable component 102 and / or the first ECU 130. For example, but not limited to, the disabling information may be provided (e.g., broadcast) via one or more antennas 172, which may be at least indirectly connected to the mounting surface 104 and / or may be connected (e.g., physically connected, operatively connected, communicatively connected, etc.) to one or more of the second ECU 170, the third ECU 180, and / or the one or more dynamic event sensors 182. The disabling information may, for example, correspond to a potential dynamic event, and / or may include information (e.g., a signal, command, message, data, etc.) for preparing the movable component 102 for the dynamic event. For example, preparing the movable component 102 for the dynamic event may include locking the movable component 102 with the track assembly 106 (e.g., substantially immediately via the electromechanical interface 156) and / or disabling one or more functions and / or electrical components 140 of the movable component 102.

[0028] For an embodiment, the electrical system 100 may be configured to activate one or more safety devices 132, which may be connected to and / or disposed near the removable component 102. For example, but not limited to, if a potential (or actual) dynamic event is detected, the second ECU 170 may provide activation information to the removable component 102. The activation information may be provided from the second ECU 170 to the one or more safety devices 132 via the electromechanical interface 156 and / or wirelessly (e.g., broadcast via one or more antennas 172). The activation information may include information (e.g., a signal, a command, a message, data, etc.) for activating the one or more safety devices 132. In some cases, the activation information may be provided substantially directly to the one or more safety devices 132 (e.g., not routed via the first ECU 130). The activation information may activate the one or more safety devices 132. In some cases, the activation information and / or dynamic event information 178 may be provided to the first ECU 130 , which may control activation of one or more safety devices 132 (eg, in a distributed configuration).

[0029] For an embodiment, the second ECU 170 can be configured to disconnect the power source 176 from the track assembly 106, such as in response to receiving the dynamic event information 178 and / or after activating the safety device 132, which can, for example, help avoid short circuits during dynamic events.

[0030] For embodiments, the activation information may be provided to the movable component 102 after the disabling information has been provided to the movable component 102 and / or after the movable component 102 is disabled / locked. Providing the disabling information prior to the activation information may facilitate disabling / locking the movable component 102 prior to activating one or more security devices 132.

[0031] In an embodiment, the second ECU 170 may continue to provide / broadcast the disabling information until the dynamic event actually occurs (or is expected to occur) and / or for a period of time after the dynamic event occurs (or is expected to occur). When the disabling information is provided / broadcasted, the first ECU 130 may keep the movable part 102 locked with the track assembly 106, and / or disable some or all functions of the movable part 102 and / or the operation of the electrical component 140. The disabling operation of the movable part 102 may include one or more manual operations (e.g., operations initiated by a user by actuating a button / lever of the movable part 102) and / or one or more automatic operations (e.g., operations initiated by one or more ECUs, voice commands, mobile devices, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the first ECU 130 may disable some or all functions of the movable part 102 and / or manual operation of the electrical component 140 until the second ECU 170 provides the enabling information to the movable part 102 and / or the first ECU 130. For example, once the first ECU 130 receives the enabling information, the function of the movable component 102 and / or the operation of the electrical component 140 may be activated, but in some cases, the previously stopped operation of the function and / or electrical component 140 may or may not be automatically resumed.

[0032] For an embodiment, the second ECU 170 may be configured to provide the enabling information if the second ECU 170 determines / verifies that the electrical system 100 is in a safe condition. The second ECU 170 may, for example, determine that the electrical system 100 is in a safe condition based at least in part on (e.g., using, based on, dependent on, etc.) input from one or more users. For example, but not limited to, the second ECU 170 may provide the enabling information after an occupant / driver moves a vehicle key, after a vehicle occupant presses a button, and / or after an occupant provides a specific voice command / response, etc. The second ECU 170 may be configured to connect (and / or reconnect) the power source 176 to the track assembly 106 if / when the electrical system 100 is determined to be in a safe condition.

[0033] In an embodiment, the third ECU 180 may be configured to provide the dynamic event information 178 to the first ECU 130 (e.g., directly), e.g., independently of the second ECU 170 providing the disabling information. Additionally or alternatively, if the third ECU 180 provides the dynamic event information 178 to the first ECU 130, the second ECU 170 may not provide the disabling information to the first ECU 130, but in this case, the second ECU 170 may still provide the activation information and / or the enabling information.

[0034] For an embodiment, the electrical system 100 may include a plurality of movable components 102, some or all of which may include a first ECU 130, one or more electrical components 140, and / or one or more safety devices 132. The second ECU 170 may be configured to broadcast disabling information to some or all of the plurality of movable components 102. For example, but not limited to, the same disabling information may be provided to all / each movable component 102. The first ECU 130 of the movable component 102 may be configured to receive the disabling information and / or lock the movable component 102 with the mounting surface 104 and / or the track assembly 106 in response to / according to the disabling information. Locking the movable component 102 with the mounting surface 104 may include activating the electromechanical interface 156 of the movable component 102 to engage the mounting surface 104 and / or the track assembly 106, which may substantially prevent movement of the movable component 102 relative to the mounting surface 104.

[0035] In an embodiment, the second ECU 170 may be configured to provide activation information to one or more of the plurality of movable components 102. In some cases, the activation information may be provided substantially directly to one or more safety devices 132 of each movable component 102, which may activate the one or more safety devices 132 (e.g., different activation information may be provided to each movable component 102 for appropriately activating the respective safety devices 132). In some cases, the activation information may be provided to the first ECU 130 of some or each movable component 102, and the first ECU 130 may then control activation of the one or more safety devices 132 of the respective movable components 102 independently of the other movable components 102 (e.g., the same activation information may be provided to each movable component 102, and the first ECU 130 may determine how to activate the respective one or more safety devices 132 substantially independently of each other).

[0036] For an embodiment, the first ECU 130 may be configured to provide movable component information (e.g., occupancy status, seat belt connection status, position, orientation, etc.) to the second ECU 170 and / or the third ECU 180, for example, via a communication device 174, which may be obtained through the status and / or readings of one or more movable component sensors 144. For example, but not limited to, the communication device 174 may include a receiver, a transmitter, a transceiver, and / or other components. For example, the first ECU 130, the second ECU 170, and / or the third ECU 180 (or a safety device module combined therewith) may determine how to deploy the safety device 132 based on the movable component information.

[0037] In an embodiment, one or more of ECU 130, ECU 170, ECU 180 may be configured to determine the manner in which one or more safety devices 132 should be deployed (e.g., to make a safety device deployment determination), for example, to provide an optimal amount of protection for one or more occupants of vehicle 110. ECU 130, ECU 170, ECU 180 and / or safety device 132 may make safety device deployment determinations based on various factors, including, but not limited to, movable component information of one or more movable components 102 (e.g., occupancy status, seat belt connection status, position, orientation, etc.), vehicle 110 information (e.g., vehicle speed, interior layout of vehicle 110, arrangement and / or orientation of one or more movable components 102 relative to each other, specifications of vehicle 110, etc.), dynamic event information 178 (e.g., speed of object / organism, estimated time of dynamic event, estimated force generated by dynamic event, etc.), environmental information (e.g., weather / road conditions, traffic level, nearby objects / organisms that may potentially cause secondary dynamic events, etc.), and / or other available or stored information (e.g., estimated occupant displacement based on dynamic event type, such as side impact, rear impact, front impact, crash test information / statistics, etc.). Thus, movement of the movable member 102 during a safety device deployment determination may compromise the determination (eg, if a determination is made when the movable member 102 is in a first position, but when the safety device 132 is actually deployed, the movable member 102 is in a second position).

[0038] For an embodiment, if a potential dynamic event is detected, the second ECU 170 can be configured to provide disabling information to the first ECU 130 of the movable component 102, and the first ECU 130 can substantially immediately stop the movement of the movable component 102 and / or fix the position / orientation of the movable component 102. A deployment determination can then be made based at least in part on the stopped / locked position of the movable component 102. If no potential dynamic event is detected, the movable component 102 can be moved, connected, and / or removed in a substantially unlimited number of configurations (e.g., even when the vehicle 110 is in motion, at least in some cases).

[0039] In an embodiment, for example, Figure 5, the method 200 of operating the electrical system 100 may include detecting a dynamic event at box 202, such as, for example, detecting a dynamic event via one or more dynamic event sensors 182 and / or a third ECU 180 (which may be an integral part of the dynamic event sensor 182 and / or connected to the dynamic event sensor 182). Detecting a dynamic event may include detecting a potential dynamic event (e.g., before it occurs) and / or detecting an actual dynamic event (e.g., when the dynamic event is triggered and / or when the dynamic event occurs). For example, but not limited to, detecting a dynamic event may include detecting a vehicle collision and / or a significant acceleration / deceleration event (e.g., acceleration / deceleration exceeds a threshold / is outside a predetermined range). Detecting a vehicle collision may include detecting the possibility of a collision / collision between the vehicle 110 and another object or creature (e.g., based on the current relative speed, direction, position, etc. of the vehicle 110 and / or the obstacle / object / creature).

[0040] For an embodiment, the method 200 may include providing dynamic event information 178 (e.g., information related to the detected dynamic event) via the third ECU 180 and / or the one or more dynamic event sensors 182 at block 204 in response to detecting the dynamic event at block 202. Providing the dynamic event information 178 may include transmitting and / or broadcasting the dynamic event information 178 via one or more antennas 172 operatively connected (e.g., communicatively connected) to the third ECU 180 and / or the one or more sensors 182. Providing the dynamic event information 178 may include providing the dynamic event information 178 to the second ECU 170 via the third ECU 180 and / or the one or more dynamic event sensors 182. Providing the dynamic event information 178 may include indirectly providing the dynamic event information 178 to one or more (e.g., all) movable components 102 and / or the first ECU 130 via the second ECU 170 (e.g., wirelessly and / or via the electromechanical interface 156), for example, in response to receiving the dynamic event information 178 from the third ECU 180 and / or the dynamic event sensor 182. Additionally and / or alternatively, providing the dynamic event information 178 may include directly providing the dynamic event information 178 to one or more (e.g., all) movable components 102 and / or the first ECU 130 via the third ECU 180 and / or the one or more dynamic event sensors 182. In some embodiments, providing the dynamic event information 178 may include providing the disabling information to the movable component 102 and / or the first ECU 130 via the second ECU 170 even if the dynamic event information 178 is provided directly to the movable component 102 and / or the first ECU 130 from the third ECU 180 and the dynamic event sensor 182. Providing the disabling information via the second ECU 170 may include continuously providing / broadcasting the disabling information until the dynamic event occurs (or is expected to occur) and / or for a period of time after the dynamic event occurs (or is expected to occur).

[0041] For an embodiment, the method 200 may include preparing one or more (e.g., all) movable components 102 for a dynamic event (e.g., a detected dynamic event) at block 206, for example, via one or more first ECUs 130, in response to receiving the dynamic event information 178 and / or the disabling information. Preparing the movable component 102 for the dynamic event may, for example, include disabling one or more functions of the movable component 102 and / or operation of the electrical component 140 via the first ECU 130 in response to receiving the disabling information (e.g., based on the dynamic event information 178 and / or the disabling information). Disabling operation of the movable component 102 may include disabling one or more manual operations (e.g., operations initiated by a user via a button / lever actuating the movable component 102) and / or one or more automatic operations (e.g., operations initiated by one or more ECUs 130, ECU 170, ECU 180, voice commands, mobile devices, etc.). The operation of disabling the movable component 102 may include: maintaining the movable component 102 in a disabled state when disabling information is provided / broadcasted via the second ECU 170 and / or until the movable component 102 and / or its first ECU 130 receives enabling information (e.g., enabling information from the second ECU 170 and / or the third ECU 180).

[0042] For embodiments, additionally or alternatively, preparing the movable component 102 for the dynamic event at block 206 may include stopping movement of the movable component 102 (e.g., immediately) and / or locking the movable component 102 with the track assembly 106 (e.g., via the electromechanical interface 156), thereby limiting and / or substantially preventing movement of the movable component 102 relative to the mounting surface 104. Locking the movable component 102 with the track assembly 106 may include fixing a position and / or orientation of the movable component 102 relative to the mounting surface 104. Locking the movable component 102 to the track assembly 106 (e.g., via the electromechanical interface 156) may include engaging one or more anchors 158 with the track assembly 106 of the mounting surface 104, and / or may include establishing and / or maintaining an electrical connection between the movable component 102 and the mounting surface 104, such as by adjusting the electrical connector 160 / connector portion 160A into contact with one or more conductors 164 of the track assembly 106. In some configurations, the connector portion 160A may maintain electrical contact with the one or more conductors 164 when the movable component 102 is moving and when the movable component 102 is fixed. For example, but not limited to, the electromechanical interface 156 may include and / or be connected (e.g., operably connected) to one or more electrical components 140 (e.g., one or more actuators 1406), which may be configured to cause and / or facilitate movement / adjustment of the electrical connector 160 and / or one or more anchors 158 (e.g., see Figure 2 ). In some configurations, the electromechanical interface 156 can include an actuator 1406, which can include an electric motor operably connected to one or more anchors 158 to move the one or more anchors 158 between an engaged / locked position and a disengaged / unlocked position. Locking the movable component 102 with the track assembly 106 can include operating the actuator 1406 (e.g., rotating the motor) to move the one or more anchors 158 into an engaged / locked position with the track assembly 106.

[0043] Additionally or alternatively, the electromechanical interface 156 may include an actuator 1406, which may include an ignition device (e.g., a piston) that may be configured to (i) move one or more anchors 158 between an engaged / locked position and a disengaged / unlocked position (e.g., see Figure 2 ), and / or (ii) directly engaging the track assembly 106 to limit and / or prevent movement of the movable member 102 relative to the track assembly 106 (e.g., see Figure 3). Locking the movable component 102 with the track assembly 106 may include operating the actuator 1406 (e.g., activating an ignition device) to (i) move one or more anchors 158 into a position to engage / lock with the track assembly 106, and / or (ii) directly engage the track assembly 106.

[0044] For an embodiment, the method 200 may include detecting movable component information (e.g., occupancy status, seat belt connection status, position, orientation, etc.) of one or more (e.g., all) movable components 102 via one or more movable component sensors 144 (e.g., occupancy sensor, seat belt sensor, position sensor, etc.) at block 208. Detecting the movable component information may include providing the detected movable component information to the first ECU 130, the second ECU 170, and / or the third ECU 180.

[0045] For an embodiment, the method 200 may include making a safety device deployment determination via the second ECU 170 and / or the third ECU 180 at block 210. For example, making a safety device deployment determination may include determining which safety devices 132, if any, should be deployed and / or when such safety devices 132 should be deployed to provide an optimal amount of protection for one or more occupants of the vehicle 110. Making a safety device deployment determination may include considering various factors, such as movable component information received from the first ECU 130, dynamic event information 178, information of the vehicle 110, environmental information, and / or other information that may be stored and / or accessed by the second ECU 170 and / or the third ECU 180.

[0046] For an embodiment, the method 200 may include providing activation information to one or more (e.g., all) movable components 102, the first ECU 130, and / or the safety devices 132 at block 212, for example, via the second ECU 170 and / or the third ECU 180. Providing the activation information may include providing the activation information directly to the one or more safety devices 132. Providing the activation information may include providing instructions to the one or more first ECUs 130 for activating one or more (e.g., a subset, all, etc.) of the safety devices 132 based on the safety device deployment determination. Additionally and / or alternatively, providing the activation information may include providing the same activation information to the one or more movable components 102 and / or the first ECU 130. For such a configuration, some or all of the first ECUs 130 may make safety device deployment determinations at least partially independently of each other, which may include one or more of the same processes described above with respect to block 210.

[0047] For an embodiment, the method 200 may include activating one or more safety devices 132 based on the activation information at block 214. In at least some examples, one or more safety devices 132 (e.g., airbags 134, ignition devices 136, etc.) may not be activated, for example, when one or more conditions are not satisfied (e.g., the detected potential dynamic event does not actually occur).

[0048] For an embodiment, the method 200 may include disconnecting the power source 176 from the track assembly 106 via the second ECU 170 at block 216, e.g., after a dynamic event occurs and / or after one or more safety devices 132 are activated at block 214. In an example, the power source 176 may not be disconnected from the track assembly 106 (e.g., the method 200 may skip block 216) when one or more conditions are not met (e.g., the detected potential dynamic event does not actually occur, one or more safety devices 132 are not activated, etc.).

[0049] For an embodiment, the method 200 may include determining whether the electrical system 100 is in a safe condition at box 218, such as by the second ECU 170. Determining whether the electrical system 100 is in a safe condition may include receiving input from a user (e.g., moving a vehicle key, pressing a button, providing a specific voice command / response, etc.).

[0050] For an embodiment, the method 200 may include providing enabling information, for example, by the second ECU 170, at block 220 in response to determining at block 216 that the electrical system 100 is in a safe condition. Providing the enabling information may include providing the enabling information to the one or more movable components 102 and / or the first ECU 130 to enable / restore one or more functions of the movable components 102 and / or operation of the electrical components 140 (e.g., disabled at block 206 and / or still in a safe operating condition after the dynamic event). Additionally and / or alternatively, providing the enabling information may include connecting and / or reconnecting the power source 176 to the track assembly 106 via the second ECU 170.

[0051] In an embodiment, an ECU (e.g., a first ECU 130, a second ECU 170, a third ECU 180, etc.) may include an electronic controller and / or include an electronic processor, such as a programmable microprocessor and / or a microcontroller. In an embodiment, an ECU may include, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). An ECU may include a central processing unit (CPU), a memory (e.g., a non-temporary computer readable storage medium), and / or an input / output (I / O) interface. An ECU may be configured to perform various functions, including those described in more detail herein, using appropriate programming instructions and / or codes implemented in software, hardware, and / or other media. In an embodiment, an ECU may include multiple controllers. In an embodiment, an ECU may be connected to a display, such as a touch screen display.

[0052] All that is contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative only and not restrictive. Changes may be made in detail or structure without departing from the present disclosure. Specific features, structures or characteristics shown or described in conjunction with one embodiment / example may be combined in whole or in part with the features, structures, functions and / or characteristics of one or more other embodiments / examples without restriction, as long as such combination is not illogical or ineffective. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific situations or materials to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The use of "for example" in this specification should be broadly interpreted and used to provide non-limiting examples of embodiments of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to such examples.

[0053] An electronic control unit (ECU), system and / or processor as described herein may include conventional processing means known in the art capable of executing pre-programmed instructions stored in an associated memory, all in accordance with the functionality described herein. To the extent that the methods described herein are embodied in software, the resulting software may be stored in an associated memory and may also constitute a means for performing these methods. Such a system or processor may also be of a type having a combination of ROM, RAM, RAM and ROM and / or non-volatile memory and volatile memory, so that any software may be stored and also allows for the storage and processing of dynamically generated data and / or signals.

[0054] It should be further understood that the manufacturing articles according to the present disclosure may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program encoded thereon for implementing the logic and other functions described herein. The computer program may include a code for executing one or more methods disclosed herein. Such an embodiment may be configured to be executed by one or more processors (e.g., multiple processors), which are integrated into a single system or distributed on a communication network and connected together through a communication network, and the communication network network may be wired or wireless. The code for implementing one or more of the features described in conjunction with one or more embodiments can cause multiple transistors to change from a first state to a second state when executed by a processor. A specific change mode (e.g., which transistors change state and which transistors do not change state) may be at least partially specified by logic and / or code.

[0055] This application also provides the following aspects:

[0056] 1) An electrical system comprising:

[0057] A movable component configured to be selectively connected to and removed from a mounting surface, the movable component comprising:

[0058] a first electronic control unit (ECU); and

[0059] an electromechanical interface configured to selectively lock the movable component relative to the mounting surface;

[0060] a second ECU configured to communicate with the first ECU; and

[0061] a third ECU configured to detect a potential dynamic event via one or more sensors;

[0062] wherein the third ECU is configured to provide dynamic event information to the first ECU and / or the second ECU; and

[0063] Among them, at least one of the following:

[0064] The second ECU is configured to provide disabling information to the movable component, the disabling information corresponding to the dynamic event information; and

[0065] The first ECU is configured to lock the movable component with the mounting surface according to the disabling information and / or the dynamic event information.

[0066] 2) The electrical system according to 1), wherein the first ECU is configured to lock the movable component with the mounting surface and disable one or more electrical components of the movable component according to the disabling information.

[0067] 3) The electrical system according to 1), wherein:

[0068] The movable component includes a movable component sensor configured to obtain movable component information;

[0069] The first ECU is configured to provide the movable component information to the second ECU; and

[0070] The second ECU is configured to make a safety device deployment determination based on the movable component information.

[0071] 4) The electrical system according to 3), wherein:

[0072] The first ECU is configured to lock the movable component with the mounting surface according to the disabling information; and

[0073] The second ECU is configured to make the safety device deployment determination based at least in part on a position in which the movable component is locked relative to the mounting surface via the first ECU.

[0074] 5) The electrical system of 1), comprising one or more additional movable components configured to be selectively connected to and removed from the mounting surface.

[0075] 6) The electrical system of 5), wherein the movable component and the one or more additional movable components are configured to move along a track assembly of the mounting surface.

[0076] 7) The electrical system according to 1), comprising one or more antennas;

[0077] Wherein, the second ECU is configured to provide the disabling information to the movable component via the one or more antennas.

[0078] 8) The electrical system of 1), wherein the movable component is configured to connect to a rail assembly of the mounting surface in a forward orientation and a rearward orientation.

[0079] 9) The electrical system according to 1), wherein the electromechanical interface comprises:

[0080] one or more anchors configured to lock the movable member to a track assembly connected to the mounting surface; and

[0081] An electrical connector is configured to rotate into and out of electrical contact with the conductors of the track assembly.

[0082] 10) A method of operating an electrical system, the method comprising:

[0083] Detect potential dynamic events;

[0084] providing disabling information to a movable component configured to be coupled to, removed from, and moved along a track assembly coupled to a mounting surface; and

[0085] In response to the disabling information, the movable component is locked relative to the mounting surface.

[0086] 11) The method according to 10), comprising:

[0087] providing the disabling information to a plurality of other movable components; and

[0088] In response to the disabling information, the plurality of other movable components are locked relative to the mounting surface.

[0089] 12) The method according to 10), wherein providing the disabling information to the movable component comprises broadcasting the disabling information to the movable component and one or more other movable components via one or more antennas.

[0090] 13) The method of 10), wherein locking the movable component comprises activating an electromechanical interface of the movable component to engage the track assembly and substantially prevent movement of the movable component relative to the mounting surface.

[0091] 14) The method according to 10), wherein:

[0092] The disabling information corresponds to the potential dynamic event;

[0093] The mounting surface is part of a vehicle; and

[0094] The potential dynamic event includes a vehicle collision.

[0095] 15) The method according to 10), comprising:

[0096] providing activation information to the movable component; and

[0097] After locking the movable component, a safety device associated with the movable component is activated according to the activation information.

[0098] 16) The method according to 15), comprising:

[0099] disconnecting power from the track assembly after activating the safety device;

[0100] determining whether the electrical system is in a safe condition;

[0101] providing enabling information to the movable component if the electrical system is in the safe condition; and

[0102] If the electrical system is in the safe condition, the power source is connected to the track assembly.

[0103] 17) The method according to 16), wherein the disabling information is provided to the movable part before the activating information is provided to the movable part.

[0104] 18) The method according to 10), comprising disabling manual and automatic operation of the movable part when the movable part receives the disabling information and / or until the movable part receives the enabling information.

[0105] 19) The method according to 18), wherein:

[0106] The movable component includes a seat having one or more electrical components; and

[0107] Disabling manual and automatic operation includes disabling manual operation of the one or more electrical components.

[0108] 20) The method according to 19), wherein the one or more electrical components include at least one of an electric motor, a heating element, a fluid bladder and / or a blower.

Claims

1. An electrical system comprising: A movable component configured to be selectively connected to and selectively removed from a mounting surface, the movable component comprising: a first ECU; and an electromechanical interface configured to selectively lock the movable component relative to the mounting surface; a second ECU configured to communicate with the first ECU; and a third ECU configured to detect a potential dynamic event via one or more sensors; wherein the third ECU is configured to provide dynamic event information to the first ECU and / or the second ECU; and Among them, at least one of the following: The second ECU is configured to provide disabling information to the movable component, the disabling information corresponding to the dynamic event information; and The first ECU is configured to lock the movable component with the mounting surface according to the disabling information and / or the dynamic event information.

2. The electrical system according to claim 1, wherein: The first ECU is configured to lock the movable component with the mounting surface and disable one or more electrical components of the movable component according to the disabling information.

3. The electrical system of claim 1, wherein: The movable component includes a movable component sensor configured to obtain movable component information; The first ECU is configured to provide the movable component information to the second ECU; and The second ECU is configured to make a safety device deployment determination based on the movable component information.

4. The electrical system of claim 3, wherein: The first ECU is configured to lock the movable component with the mounting surface according to the disabling information; and The second ECU is configured to make the safety device deployment determination based at least in part on a position in which the movable component is locked relative to the mounting surface via the first ECU. 5 . The electrical system of claim 1 , comprising one or more additional movable components configured to be selectively coupled to and removed from the mounting surface.

6. The electrical system according to claim 5, wherein: The movable component and the one or more additional movable components are configured to move along a track assembly of the mounting surface.

7. The electrical system of claim 1, comprising one or more antennas; in, The second ECU is configured to provide the disabling information to the movable component via the one or more antennas.

8. The electrical system of claim 1, wherein: The movable member is configured to couple with a track assembly of the mounting surface in a forward orientation and a rearward orientation.

9. The electrical system of claim 1, wherein: The electromechanical interface comprises: one or more anchors configured to lock the movable member to a track assembly connected to the mounting surface; and An electrical connector is configured to rotate into and out of electrical contact with the conductors of the track assembly.

10. A method of operating an electrical system, the method comprising: Detect potential dynamic events; providing disabling information to a movable component configured to be coupled to, removed from, and moved along a track assembly coupled to a mounting surface; as well as In response to the disabling information, the movable component is locked relative to the mounting surface.

11. The method according to claim 10, comprising: providing the disabling information to a plurality of other movable components; as well as In response to the disabling information, the plurality of other movable components are locked relative to the mounting surface.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein: Providing the disabling information to the movable component includes broadcasting the disabling information to the movable component and one or more other movable components via one or more antennas.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein: Locking the movable component includes activating an electromechanical interface of the movable component to engage the track assembly and substantially prevent movement of the movable component relative to the mounting surface.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein: The disabling information corresponds to the potential dynamic event; The mounting surface is part of a vehicle; and The potential dynamic event includes a vehicle collision.

15. The method according to claim 10, comprising: providing activation information to the movable component; as well as After locking the movable component, a safety device associated with the movable component is activated according to the activation information.

16. The method according to claim 15, comprising: disconnecting power from the track assembly after activating the safety device; determining whether the electrical system is in a safe condition; providing enabling information to the movable component if the electrical system is in the safe condition; as well as If the electrical system is in the safe condition, the power source is connected to the track assembly.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein: The disabling information is provided to the movable component before the activating information is provided to the movable component.

18. The method of claim 10, comprising disabling manual and automatic operation of the movable component when the movable component receives the disabling information and / or until the movable component receives the enabling information.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein: The movable component includes a seat having one or more electrical components; and Disabling manual and automatic operation includes disabling manual operation of the one or more electrical components.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein: The one or more electrical components include at least one of an electric motor, a heating element, a fluid bladder, and / or a blower.

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