Seat assembly

Abstract

A seat assembly can include a seat, a seat actuator, a sensor assembly, and an electrical control unit (ECU). The seat actuator can be configured to adjust the seat. The sensor assembly can be connected to the seat and can be configured to detect pressure applied to the seat. The ECU can be operably connected to the seat actuator and the sensor assembly. The ECU can be configured to reduce soft tissue stress in soft tissue of a user by adjusting the seat with the seat actuator.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to seat assemblies, including seat assemblies that can improve user comfort, for example, by reducing stress in soft tissue. BACKGROUND

[0002] The description herein of background information is provided merely for purposes of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Thus, any aspect of this background information recited

[0003] Some seat assemblies can not be comfortable, can not provide adequate functionality, can not be configured to monitor and / or reduce stress in a user's soft tissue, and / or can not be configured to reduce lateral bulging in a user's soft tissue to increase user comfort. For example, and without limitation, some seat assemblies can not be configured to apply force and / or pressure to a user's various parts to improve blood flow to a user's soft tissue areas.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for solutions / options that minimize or eliminate one or more challenges or shortcomings of seat assemblies. The foregoing discussion is merely provided for SUMMARY

[0005] In embodiments, a seat assembly can include a seat, a seat actuator, a sensor assembly, and / or an electrical control unit (ECU). The seat actuator can be configured to adjust the seat. The sensor assembly can be connected to the seat and can be configured to detect pressure applied to the seat. The ECU can be operably connected to the seat actuator and the sensor assembly. The ECU can be configured to reduce soft tissue stress in a user's soft tissue by adjusting the seat with the seat actuator.

[0006] In embodiments, a method of operating a seat assembly is described, which can include a seat, a seat actuator connected to the seat, a sensor assembly connected to the seat, and / or an electrical control unit (ECU) operably connected to the seat actuator and the sensor assembly. The method can include detecting, by the sensor assembly, pressure applied to the seat by a user, comparing, by the ECU, the detected pressure to a specified pressure or pressure threshold, and reducing, by the ECU, soft tissue stress in the user's soft tissue by adjusting the seat with the seat actuator if the detected pressure exceeds the specified pressure or pressure threshold.

[0007] Various aspects of the present application can be implemented in one or more of the following embodiments.

[0008] 1) A seat assembly, comprising:

[0009] a seat;

[0010] a seat actuator configured to adjust the seat;

[0011] a sensor assembly connected to the seat and configured to detect a pressure applied to the seat; and

[0012] an electrical control unit (ECU) operably connected to the seat actuator and the sensor assembly;

[0013] wherein the ECU is configured to reduce a soft tissue stress in a soft tissue of a user of the seat by adjusting the seat with the seat actuator.

[0014] 2) The seat assembly of 1), wherein the ECU is configured to reduce the soft tissue stress by actuating the seat actuator to adjust at least one of:

[0015] a recline angle defined between a seat base and a seat back of the seat;

[0016] a position of at least one cushion of the seat; and

[0017] an inflation level of at least one air cell of the seat.

[0018] 3) The seat assembly of 1), wherein:

[0019] the seat actuator comprises an air cell assembly, the air cell assembly comprising a plurality of air cells; and

[0020] the sensor assembly comprises an air cell sensor configured to sense an internal pressure of at least one air cell of the plurality of air cells.

[0021] 4) The seat assembly of 1), wherein the seat has a plurality of zones;

[0022] the sensor assembly comprises an array of pressure sensors configured to detect respective local pressures of the plurality of zones; and

[0023] the ECU is configured to compare the respective local pressure of at least one zone of the plurality of zones to a pressure threshold.

[0024] 5) The seat assembly of 1), wherein:

[0025] the seat has a plurality of zones,

[0026] the sensor assembly is configured to detect a plurality of characteristics of the user; and

[0027] The ECU is configured to determine an expected composition of the soft tissue of the user associated with the plurality of regions of the seat based on the plurality of characteristics of the user.

[0028] 6) The seat assembly of 5), wherein:

[0029] The sensor assembly comprises a pressure sensor array configured to detect respective local pressures of the plurality of regions;

[0030] The ECU is configured to compare the respective local pressures of the plurality of regions to respective pressure thresholds; and

[0031] The respective pressure thresholds correspond to the expected composition of the soft tissue associated with the respective regions.

[0032] 7) The seat assembly of 1), wherein:

[0033] The seat comprises a seat base and a seat back;

[0034] The pressure profile is distributed across the seat such that at least one surface of the seat is subjected to a plurality of local pressures;

[0035] The sensor assembly comprises a first pressure sensor array connected to the seat base and a second pressure sensor array connected to the seat back;

[0036] The first pressure sensor array and the second pressure sensor array are configured to detect the plurality of local pressures; and

[0037] The first pressure sensor array and the second pressure sensor array are integrated in a seat cover of the seat.

[0038] 8) The seat assembly of 1), wherein:

[0039] The seat comprises a first cushion and a second cushion;

[0040] The seat actuator comprises an air bladder assembly comprising a plurality of air bladders;

[0041] The plurality of air bladders comprises a first cushion air bladder associated with the first cushion and a second cushion air bladder associated with the second cushion; and

[0042] Adjusting the seat with the seat actuator comprises operating the seat actuator to adjust an inflation level of at least one of the first cushion air bladder and the second cushion air bladder to adjust an amount of lateral force exerted by the first cushion and / or the second cushion on the user to reduce lateral bulging of the soft tissue.

[0043] 9) The seat assembly of 1), wherein:

[0044] the seat comprises a seat base, a seat back connected to the seat base, and a plurality of cushions;

[0045] the pressure comprises a plurality of first local pressures of the seat base and a plurality of second local pressures of the seat back;

[0046] the plurality of cushions comprises a first base cushion, a second base cushion, a first back cushion, and a second back cushion; the first base cushion and the second base cushion are connected to opposite sides of the seat base; the first back cushion and the second back cushion are connected to opposite sides of the seat back;

[0047] the sensor assembly comprises: (i) a first pressure sensor array connected to the seat base and configured to detect the plurality of first local pressures, and (ii) a second pressure sensor array connected to the seat back and configured to detect the plurality of second local pressures;

[0048] the seat actuator comprises an air bladder assembly comprising a plurality of air bladders, the plurality of air bladders comprising a first base cushion air bladder associated with the first base cushion, a second base cushion air bladder associated with the second base cushion, a first back cushion air bladder associated with the first back cushion, and a second back cushion air bladder associated with the second back cushion; and

[0049] the ECU is configured to:

[0050] compare one or more of the first local pressures and the second local pressures to a pressure threshold; and

[0051] adjust the seat and reduce soft tissue stress by actuating the seat actuator to adjust a position of at least one of the plurality of cushions to adjust an amount of lateral force applied to the user by the plurality of cushions to reduce lateral bulging of the soft tissue.

[0052] 10) A method of operating a seat assembly, the seat assembly comprising a seat, a seat actuator connected to the seat, a sensor assembly connected to the seat, and an electrical control unit (ECU) operably connected to the seat actuator and the sensor assembly, the method comprising:

[0053] detecting, by the sensor assembly, a pressure applied to the seat by a user;

[0054] comparing, via the ECU, the detected pressure to a pressure threshold; and

[0055] if the detected pressure exceeds the pressure threshold, adjusting the seat by the seat actuator to reduce soft tissue stress in soft tissue of the user.

[0056] 11) The method of 10), wherein the pressure threshold corresponds to a pressure level at which a reduction in blood flow in the soft tissue is expected to occur.

[0057] 12) The method of 10), wherein reducing the soft tissue stress comprises reducing lateral bulging of the soft tissue.

[0058] 13) The method of 12), wherein:

[0059] reducing the lateral bulging of the soft tissue comprises adjusting an amount of lateral force applied to the user by a first pad and a second pad;

[0060] adjusting the seat by the seat actuator comprises adjusting a position of at least one of the first pad and the second pad;

[0061] the first pad and the second pad are disposed on opposite sides of the seat;

[0062] the seat actuator comprises an air bladder assembly;

[0063] the air bladder assembly comprises a first pad air bladder associated with the first pad and a second pad air bladder associated with the second pad; and

[0064] adjusting the position of at least one of the first pad and the second pad comprises adjusting a respective inflation level of at least one of the first pad air bladder and the second pad air bladder.

[0065] 14) The method of 10), wherein:

[0066] the seat has a plurality of zones,

[0067] the plurality of zones are subject to respective local pressures of the pressure applied to the seat by the user;

[0068] the sensor assembly comprises an array of pressure sensors coupled to the seat; and

[0069] detecting the pressure applied to the seat comprises detecting, by the array of pressure sensors, the respective local pressures of the plurality of zones of the seat.

[0070] 15) The method of 14), further comprising:

[0071] generating, via the ECU, a pressure profile of the respective local pressures of the plurality of zones at a particular point in time; and

[0072] detecting a peak pressure zone in the pressure profile by comparing the detected pressure to the pressure threshold.

[0073] 16) The method of 14), wherein:

[0074] the pressure threshold comprises a plurality of local pressure thresholds corresponding to respective ones of the plurality of zones;

[0075] comparing the detected pressure to the pressure threshold comprises comparing the respective local pressures of the plurality of zones to a respective one of the plurality of local pressure thresholds; and

[0076] reducing the soft tissue stress comprises reducing the respective local pressure of at least one of the plurality of zones in which the respective local pressure exceeds the respective local pressure threshold.

[0077] 17) The method of 14), further comprising:

[0078] obtaining information about the user via an occupant sensor of the sensor assembly;

[0079] generating a model for at least a portion of the user's body based on the obtained information; and

[0080] determining, via the ECU, an expected composition of the soft tissue associated with the plurality of zones of the seat based on the model.

[0081] 18) The method of 17), further comprising the ECU utilizing the model and the expected composition to identify at least partially closed one or more capillaries of the user;

[0082] wherein adjusting the seat via the seat actuator comprises adjusting the seat to promote opening of the one or more capillaries.

[0083] 19) The method of 17), wherein the model comprises information or data related to bone, muscle, fat, and skin tissue of the user.

[0084] 20) The method of 17), wherein the pressure threshold comprises a first local pressure threshold corresponding to a first zone of the plurality of zones and a second local pressure threshold corresponding to a second zone of the plurality of zones; and the method further comprises:

[0085] determining the first local pressure threshold based on the expected composition of the soft tissue associated with the first region; and

[0086] determining the second local pressure threshold based on the expected composition of the soft tissue associated with the second region;

[0087] wherein comparing the detected pressure to the pressure threshold includes (i) comparing the respective local pressure of the first region to the first local pressure threshold, and (ii) comparing the respective local pressure of the second region to the second local pressure threshold.

[0088] The foregoing and other possible aspects, features, details, utilities, and / or advantages of the disclosed examples / embodiments will be apparent from reading the following description, with or without accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0089] While the claims are not limited to the specific illustrations, an understanding of the various aspects can be obtained by a discussion of the various examples. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and certain features can be exaggerated or hidden in the interest of clarity and conciseness. Additionally, the illustrative examples described herein are not exhaustive or otherwise limited to the precise forms and configurations disclosed in the drawings and the following detailed description. The illustrative examples are described in detail through reference to the drawings as follows:

[0090] Figure 1 is a side view generally illustrating an embodiment of a seat assembly in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

[0091] Figure 2 is a front view generally illustrating an embodiment of a seat assembly in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

[0092] Figure 3 is a top view generally illustrating an embodiment of a seat base in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

[0093] Figure 4 is a front view generally illustrating an embodiment of a seat back in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

[0094] Figure 5A is a simplified cutaway view of a portion of a user's physiological composition / structure in the context of the teachings of this disclosure.

[0095] Figure 5B , Figure 5C , Figure 5D and Figure 5E is a front view generally illustrating an embodiment of a seat assembly in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

[0096] Figure 6A 、 Figure 6B and Figure 6C A pressure profile based on a user's weight distribution on a seat assembly is generally shown in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

[0097] Figure 7 A representation of a pressure profile from a seat base taken by an embodiment of a seat assembly in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

[0098] Figure 8 A representation of a pressure profile from a seat back taken by an embodiment of a seat assembly in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

[0099] Figure 9 A graphical illustration including a pressure profile stack including several pressure profiles taken by an embodiment of a seat assembly in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

[0100] Figure 10 A flowchart generally showing an embodiment of a method of operating a seat assembly in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0101] 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. While the present disclosure will be described in conjunction with embodiments and / or examples, it is not intended that the present disclosure be limited to these embodiments and / or examples. On the contrary, the present disclosure covers alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

[0102] In the embodiments generally shown, for example, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The vehicle 10 can include a mounting surface 12, a track / rail assembly 14, an electrical control unit (ECU) 16, and / or a seat assembly 20. The seat assembly 20 can include at least one seat 22. The seat 22 can be selectively connected (e.g., electrically and / or mechanically) to the track assembly 14. The ECU 16 can be electrically connected to the seat 22, for example, via the track assembly 14. The ECU 16 can be configured to at least partially control operation of the seat 22. The seat 22 can be connected to the track assembly 14 via a support member 24. The support member 24 can be selectively connected to the track assembly 14. For example, but not limited to, the support member 24 can be configured to be inserted into and removed from the track assembly 14 vertically (e.g., in the Z direction) and / or horizontally (e.g., in the X direction and / or Y direction), for example, at a plurality of locations along the track assembly 14. The support member 24 can be configured to move along the track assembly 14 (e.g., in the X direction and / or Y direction).

[0103] In the embodiments generally shown, for example,Figure 1 and Figure 2 In generally illustrated embodiments, the track assembly 14 can be disposed on a mounting surface 12 (e.g., a vehicle floor). The track assembly 14 can be configured to receive the seat 22. The track assembly 14 can include one or more of various shapes, sizes, and / or configurations. For example, and without limitation, the track assembly 14 can extend in an X-direction and / or a Y-direction such that the seat 22 can move in the X-direction and / or the Y-direction along the track assembly 14. In some embodiments, the seat 22 and / or the support member 24 can be connected to the mounting surface 12 independent of the track assembly 14 (e.g., the seat assembly 20 can not include the track assembly 14).

[0104] According to, for example Figure 1 and Figure 2 In generally illustrated embodiments, the seat 22 can include a seat base 26, a seat back 28, a headrest 30, one or more seat cushions 32, a seat cover 34 (e.g., a seat trim), a leg support 36, and / or a seat actuator 38. Either or both of the seat base 26 and the seat back 28 can be adjustably connected to one another and / or configured to be selectively adjusted / moved relative to one another and / or the mounting surface 12, for example, by the seat actuator 38 (e.g., one or more electric motors). The headrest 30 can be connected to the seat back 28, opposite the seat base 26 (e.g., at a top of the seat back 28), and can be adjustable by the seat actuator 38. The leg support 36 can be connected to the seat base 26, opposite the seat back 28 (e.g., at a front of the seat base 26). The leg support 36 can be configured for selective adjustment (e.g., pivoting, sliding, etc.) relative to the seat base 26, the seat back 28, and / or the mounting surface 12. The seat base 26, the seat back 28, and / or the headrest 30 can include one or more cushions 32 configured to cushion and / or support a user. The seat cover 34 can be disposed on and / or wrapped around the seat 22 to at least partially enclose and conceal various components of the seat 22 (e.g., the seat cushions 32, the leg support 36, bolsters, etc.). The seat cover 34 can be configured as a single piece / component and / or multiple components. In an example, the seat cover 34 can be configured as a seat trim including several pieces / components, each of which can be disposed on and / or at least partially around a respective portion of the seat 22.

[0105] According to, for example Figure 2The generally illustrated embodiments, the seat bottom 26 and / or the seat back 28 can include one or more pads 40A, 40B, 42A, 42B. For example, but not limited to, the pads 40A, 40B, 42A, 42B can include a generally triangular and / or ramped cross-sectional shape. The pads can be configured to effectively "push" a portion of a seated user away from an associated respective surface. The seat bottom 26 can include a first bottom pad 40A and / or a second bottom pad 40B, and / or the seat back 28 can include a first back pad 42A and / or a second back pad 42B. The pads 40A, 40B, 42A, 42B can be configured to contact one or more sides of the user 100, for example to at least partially enclose a body portion of the user 100. The pads 40A, 40B, 42A, 42B can be adjustable by the seat actuator 38. For example, but not limited to, the pads 40A, 40B, 42A, 42B can be adjustable by the air bladder assembly 50, 56 and / or any other type of mechanical adjustment assembly of the seat actuator 38.

[0106] According to, for example Figure 2In the generally illustrated embodiment, a first base pad 40A may extend along a first side 26A of the seat base 26 (e.g., in the X direction), and / or a second base pad 40B may extend along a second side 26B of the seat base 26 (e.g., in the X direction). The first side 26A of the seat base 26 may be opposite to the second side 26B. The first base pad 40A and / or the second base pad 40B may extend upward (e.g., in the Z direction) to a greater extent than other portions of the seat base 26 (e.g., the main portion 26C), which may provide a generally U-shaped configuration for the seat base 26. In at least some cases, the first base pad 40A and / or the second base pad 40B may contact and / or abut against the user 100's legs (e.g., thighs), hips, and / or buttocks (e.g., in the Y and / or Z directions). The first base pad 40A and / or the second base pad 40B may be adjustable relative to the main portion 26C of the seat base 26. For example, but not limited to, the first base pad 40A may be pivotable relative to the main portion 26C of the seat base 26 (e.g., pivotable about an axis extending generally in the X direction) to adjust the angle θ1 defined between the first base pad 40A and the main portion 26C, and / or the second base pad 40B may be pivotable relative to the main portion 26C of the seat base 26 (e.g., pivotable about an axis extending generally in the X direction) to adjust the angle θ1' defined between the second base pad 40B and the main portion 26C. Additionally and / or alternatively, the base pads 40A, 40B may be movable and / or slidable relative to the main portion 26C of the seat base 26, for example, to adjust the degree to which the base pads 40A, 40B protrude from the seat base 26 (e.g., in the Z direction, in the Y direction, etc.). Adjusting the position of the base pads 40A, 40B may decrease and / or increase the distance between the first base pad 40A and the second base pad 40B.

[0107] In example Figure 2In the generally illustrated embodiment, the first backrest pad 42A and / or the second backrest pad 42B can extend along the sides 28A, 28B of the seat back 28 (e.g., in the Z-direction when the seat back 28 is in an upright configuration). For example, but not by way of limitation, the first backrest pad 42A can extend from the first side 28A of the seat back 28 (e.g., in the X-direction), and / or the second backrest pad 42B can extend from the second side 28B of the seat back 28 (e.g., in the X-direction), which can provide the seat back 28 with a generally U-shaped configuration. The first side 28A of the seat back 28 can be opposite the second side 28B of the seat back 28. When the user 100 is occupying the seat 22, at least in some instances, the first backrest pad 42A and / or the second backrest pad 42B can, for example, contact the shoulders, torso, and / or waist of the user 100 (e.g., in the X-direction and / or the Y-direction). The first backrest pad 42A and / or the second backrest pad 42B can be adjustable relative to the main portion 28C of the seat back 28. For example, but not by way of limitation, the first backrest pad 42A can be pivotable (e.g., pivotable about an axis extending generally in the Z-direction) relative to the main portion 28C of the seat back 28 to adjust the angle Θ2 defined between the first backrest pad 42A and the main portion 28C, and / or the second backrest pad 42B can be pivotable (e.g., pivotable about an axis extending generally in the Z-direction) relative to the main portion 28C of the seat back 28 to adjust the angle Θ2' defined between the second backrest pad 42B and the main portion 28C. Additionally and / or alternatively, the backrest pads 42A, 42B can move and / or slide relative to the main portion 28C of the seat back 28, for example, to adjust the extent to which the backrest pads 42A, 42B protrude from the seat back 28 (e.g., in the X-direction, in the Y-direction, etc.). Adjusting the position of the backrest pads 42A, 42B can decrease and / or enlarge the distance between the first backrest pad 42A and the second backrest pad 42B.

[0108] In some embodiments, for example Figure 1 and Figure 2In the generally illustrated embodiment, the seat assembly 20 and / or the seat actuator 38 can include a first bladder assembly 50. The first bladder assembly 50 can be connected to and / or integrated within the seat base 26. The first bladder assembly 50 can include one or more bladders 52. For example, but not by way of limitation, the first bladder assembly 50 can include a first base cushion bladder 52A, a second base cushion bladder 52B, and / or one or more base bladders 52C. The first base cushion bladder 52A can be associated with and / or at least partially disposed in the first base cushion 40A. The second base cushion bladder 52B can be associated with and / or at least partially disposed in the second base cushion 40B. For example, the base cushion bladders 52A, 52B can be disposed such that inflation of the one or more base cushion bladders 52A, 52B exerts pressure and / or force on the user 100 and / or over the user 100 in the X-direction, the Y-direction, and / or the Z-direction (e.g., through the base cushions 40A, 40B). For example, but not by way of limitation, inflating the first base cushion bladder 52A and the second base cushion bladder 52B can exert pressure and / or force on the lower portion of the user 100 (e.g., the thighs, the waist, the hips, the buttocks, etc.) in a direction that is perpendicular to the surface of the base cushions 40A, 40B that contacts the user 100 (e.g., through the base cushions 40A, 40B). The Y-component of the force exerted by the first base cushion 40A on the user 100 and the Y-component of the force exerted by the second base cushion 40B on the user 100 can be oriented in opposite directions (e.g., extend in substantially opposite Y-directions). The Z-component of the force exerted by the first base cushion 40A on the user 100 and the Z-component of the force exerted by the second base cushion 40B on the user 100 can be oriented in the same direction (e.g., upward in the Z-direction). The base bladders 52C can be associated with and / or at least partially disposed in the main portion 26C of the seat base 26.

[0109] In some embodiments, for example Figure 1 and Figure 2In the generally illustrated embodiment, the seat assembly 20 and / or the seat actuator 38 can include a second bladder assembly 56. The second bladder assembly 56 can be connected to and / or integrated within the seat back 28. The second bladder assembly 56 can include one or more bladders 58. For example, but not by way of limitation, the second bladder assembly 56 can include a first back cushion bladder 58A, a second back cushion bladder 58B, and / or one or more back bladders 58C. The first back cushion bladder 58A can be associated with and / or at least partially disposed in the first back cushion 42A. The second back cushion bladder 58B can be associated with and / or at least partially disposed in the second back cushion 42B. For example, the back cushion bladders 58A, 58B can be disposed such that inflation of the one or more back cushion bladders 58A, 58B exerts pressure and / or force on the user 100 and / or over the user 100 (e.g., through the back cushions 42A, 42B) in the X-direction, the Y-direction, and / or the Z-direction. For example, but not by way of limitation, inflation of the first back cushion bladder 58A and the second back cushion bladder 58B can exert pressure and / or force on an upper portion of the user 100 (e.g., torso, abdomen, shoulders, neck, etc.) in a direction that is perpendicular to a surface of the back cushions 42A, 42B that contacts the user 100. A Y-component of force exerted by the first back cushion 42A on the user 100 and a Y-component of force exerted by the second back cushion 42B on the user 100 can be oriented in opposite directions (e.g., extend in substantially opposite Y-directions). An X-component of force exerted by the first back cushion 42A on the user 100 and an X-component of force exerted by the second back cushion 42B on the user 100 can be oriented in the same direction (e.g., forward in the X-direction). The back bladders 58C can be associated with and / or at least partially disposed in the main portion 28C of the seat back 28.

[0110] According to, for example Figure 1 and Figure 2In the generally illustrated embodiment, the first airbag assembly 50 and / or the second airbag assembly 56 may be connected to the ECU 16 at least indirectly (e.g., via wired and / or wireless connection), such that the ECU 16 may be configured to control the operation of the airbags 52, 58. The ECU 16 may independently control the first airbag assembly 50 and / or the second airbag assembly 56. For example, but not limited to, the ECU 16 may be configured to inflate and / or deflate the first airbag assembly 50 while simultaneously inflating and / or deflating the second airbag assembly 56. The ECU 16 may be connected to and / or configured to control the fluid source 70 to inflate and / or deflate one or more of the airbags 52, 58 of the airbag assemblies 50, 56. The fluid source 70 may include, for example but not limited to, a fluid pump, a fan, a fluid reservoir, and / or one or more control valves and other components, which may be configured to selectively supply fluid (e.g., air) to and / or remove fluid (e.g., air) from the airbag assemblies 50, 56. For example but not limited to, the fluid source 70 may be in fluid communication with the airbag assemblies 50, 56 via one or more fluid conduits 70A (e.g., pipes, hoses, conduits, etc.).

[0111] In example Figure 2 In the generally illustrated embodiment, ECU 16 can inflate and / or deflate airbags 52, 58 to increase and / or decrease the flexibility of the main portion 26C of the seat base 26, the main portion 28C of the seat back 28, and / or the cushions 40A, 40B, 42A, 42B, and / or the support provided by the main portion 26C of the seat base 26, the main portion 28C of the seat back 28, and / or the cushions 40A, 40B, 42A, 42B. Inflating the base airbag 52C can increase the rigidity of the main portion 26C of the seat base 26 and / or decrease its flexibility. Inflating the backrest airbag 58C can increase the rigidity of the main portion 28C of the seat back 28 and / or decrease its flexibility. Inflating the air bladders 52A, 52B, 58A, and 58B increases the rigidity and / or decreases the flexibility of the pads 40A, 40B, 42A, and 42B, thus at least partially restricting the movement of the user 100 (or at least more restricting it than before inflation). Deflating the air bladders 52A, 52B, 58A, and 58B increases the flexibility and / or decreases the rigidity of the pads 40A, 40B, 42A, and 42B, thus less restricting the movement of the user 100 than when inflated to a lesser extent.

[0112] According to, for example Figure 1 and Figure 2In the generally illustrated embodiment, seat assembly 20 may include seat actuator 38. Seat actuator 38 may be configured to adjust seat base 26, seat back 28, and / or one or more cushions 40A, 40B, 42A, 42B. In the example, seat actuator 38 may include a first airbag assembly 50 and / or a second airbag assembly 56. Seat actuator 38 may be configured to adjust the position of seat 22, rotate seat 22, tilt seat 22, and / or provide one or more adjustments. Seat actuator 38 may be configured to change (e.g., adjust) the angle θ3 between seat base 26 and seat back 28. Seat actuator 38 may be configured to raise and lower headrest 30. Seat actuator 38 may be configured to change the angle between seat base 26 and mounting surface 12. Seat actuator 38 may be configured to adjust the angle of leg support 36 relative to seat base 26 and / or be configured to slide leg support 36 relative to seat base 26.

[0113] In example Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the generally illustrated embodiment, the seat actuator 38 can be automatically controlled by the ECU 16 and / or manually controlled by a user, for example, via a user interface 72. The user interface 72 can be located, for example, on, in, and / or near the seat 22 (e.g., seat base 26). The user interface 72 can receive commands, for example, via one or more inputs from the user 100 (e.g., audio input, motion input, physical input, etc.). The ECU 16 can be configured to control the seat actuator 38 based on inputs from the user 100, which can be provided via the user interface 72.

[0114] In example Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the generally illustrated embodiment, seat assembly 20 may include sensor assembly 74. Sensor assembly 74 may be connected to ECU 16 to transmit information to ECU 16, and / or ECU 16 may be configured to analyze information from sensor assembly 74.

[0115] According to such Figure 2The generally illustrated embodiment, the sensor assembly 74 can include one or more sensor arrays 76A, 76B. The sensor arrays 76A, 76B can be disposed substantially proximate to a surface of the seat 22 to increase accuracy of sensed information. The sensor arrays 76A, 76B can be at least partially disposed in the seat base 26 and / or the seat back 28, and / or can be disposed in another location (e.g., in a vehicle cabin). The sensor arrays 76A, 76B can be disposed between one or more seat cushions 32 and seat covers 34 (e.g., seat trim). Additionally and / or alternatively, the sensor arrays 76A, 76B can be disposed in and / or integrated within one or more seat cushions 32 and / or seat covers 34. The sensor arrays 76A, 76B can be in electrical connection with the ECU 16 (e.g., via a wired connection and / or a wireless connection). The ECU 16 can be configured to receive information from the sensor arrays 76A, 76B.

[0116] According to, for example Figure 3 and Figure 4 The generally illustrated embodiment, the sensor arrays 76A, 76B can include one or more sensors 78, 78’ (e.g., pressure sensors). The sensors 78, 78’ of the sensor arrays 76A, 76B can be disposed spaced apart from one another such that each sensor 78, 78’ is associated with a different area 80, 80’ of a surface of the seat 22. In an example, the sensors 78, 78’ of the sensor arrays 76A, 76B can be disposed in a series of columns and rows to form a matrix and / or array, and / or can be disposed in any other manner to provide a desired pattern (e.g., concentric circles, a typical contact pattern when the user 100 is seated on the seat, etc.) and / or a desired distribution of the sensors 78, 78’.

[0117] According to, for example Figure 3The generally illustrated embodiment, the first sensor array 76A can be connected to and / or at least partially disposed in the seat bottom 26. The first sensor array 76A can be disposed substantially proximate to a first surface 26D of the seat bottom 26. The first surface 26D can be defined / form by one or more portions, regions, surfaces, etc. of the main portion 26C of the seat bottom 26, the first bottom pad 40A, and / or the second bottom pad 40B. The first sensor array 76A can be configured to detect, for example, localized pressures applied to each region 80 of the first surface 26D by a user 100 seated on the seat bottom 26. Each region 80 of the first surface 26D can be associated with one or more sensors 78 of the first sensor array 76A, and / or the sensors 78 of the first sensor array 76A can each be disposed in and / or aligned with a respective region 80 of the first surface 26D (e.g., the first sensor 78A is associated with and / or aligned with the first region 80A, the second sensor 78B is associated with and / or aligned with the second region 80B, etc.).

[0118] According to, for example, Figure 4 The generally illustrated embodiment, the second sensor array 76B can be connected to and / or at least partially disposed in the seat back 28. The second sensor array 76B can be disposed substantially proximate to a second surface 28D of the seat back 28, which a user will rest their back on when seated in the seat 22. The second surface 28D can be defined / form by one or more portions, regions, surfaces, etc. of the main portion 28C of the seat back 28, the first back pad 42A, and / or the second back pad 42B. The second sensor array 76B can be configured to detect, for example, localized pressures applied to each region 80’ of the second surface 28D by a user 100 seated on the seat 22. Each region 80’ of the second surface 28D can be associated with one or more sensors 78’ of the second sensor array 76B, and / or the sensors 78’ of the second sensor array 76B can each be disposed in and / or aligned with a respective region 80’ of the second surface 28D (e.g., the first sensor 78A’ is associated with and / or aligned with the first region 80A’, the second sensor 78B’ is associated with and / or aligned with the second region 80B’, etc.).

[0119] According to, for example, Figure 1 and Figure 2The generally illustrated embodiment, the sensor assembly 74 can include an occupant sensor assembly 84 configured to collect information and / or data corresponding to an identity of the user 100 and / or characteristics of the user 100 (e.g., gender, height, weight, anthropometric measurements, etc.). For example, and without limitation, the occupant sensor assembly 84 can include an optical sensor, a lidar sensor, a camera, etc.

[0120] In accordance with, for example Figure 2 The generally illustrated embodiment, the seat assembly 20 can include a fluid sensor 82 (e.g., a fluid pressure sensor). The fluid sensor 82 can be configured to measure a fluid pressure of the bladders 52, 58 of the bladder assemblies 50, 56. The fluid sensor 82 can include a first sensor portion 82A, a second sensor portion 82B, a third sensor portion 82C, and / or a fourth sensor portion 82D. The first sensor portion 82A can be at least partially disposed within and / or connected to the first seat cushion bladder 52A, the second sensor portion 82B can be at least partially disposed within and / or connected to the second seat cushion bladder 52B, the third sensor portion 82C can be at least partially disposed within and / or connected to the first seat back cushion bladder 58A, and / or the fourth sensor portion 82D can be at least partially disposed within and / or connected to the second seat back cushion bladder 58B. The sensor portions 82A-82D can be configured to sense / measure a pressure within the respective bladders 52A, 52B, 58A, 58B. The fluid sensor 82 can be connected with the ECU 16 (e.g., via a wired connection and / or a wireless connection) such that the ECU 16 can receive pressure information from the fluid sensor 82.

[0121] In accordance with, for example Figure 5A The generally illustrated embodiment, the user 100 can generally have a physiological structure / composition that includes soft tissue 102 surrounding / approximating one or more bones 104. The soft tissue 102 can include skin 102A, fat 102B, and / or muscle 102C. It can be desirable to limit stress applied to the soft tissue 102. For example, as Figure 5BAs generally described, soft tissue 102 can remain substantially undistorted when in equilibrium (e.g., when user 100 is standing). Generally, soft tissue 102 can resist compression more effectively than torsional / shear stress; therefore, when subjected to stress (e.g., a force), soft tissue 102 may become more prone to distortion than when compressed. For example, when user 100 sits on seat 22, seat 22 can apply resistance 106 to user 100's soft tissue 102, which can subject soft tissue 102 to concentrated stress and / or pressure (e.g., at the point where force 106 is applied to soft tissue 102) and can cause soft tissue 102 to deform (e.g., distort, compress, etc.). For example, as... Figure 5C Generally shown, soft tissue 102 can be subjected to a force 106 from seat 22 and a force 108 from another part of user 100 (e.g., bone 104) in opposite directions, which may cause areas of soft tissue 102 to experience considerable stress. Conversely, soft tissue 102 situated between forces 106, 108 may become compressed (e.g., compressed soft tissue 110), and adjacent soft tissue (e.g., raised soft tissue 112) may become distorted and bulge away from the area of ​​compressed soft tissue 110 (e.g., in directions 114, 116). In areas of soft tissue 102 subjected to significant stress, blood vessels and / or capillaries in soft tissue 102 may constrict and / or blood flow to and / or within soft tissue 102 may be restricted (e.g., localized ischemia). Figure 5D Generally shown, by modifying the position and / or size of the area where the soft tissue 102 is located, for example by manipulating the position and / or size of the area where the force 106 is applied, modifying the force applied to the soft tissue 102 (e.g., force 106) and / or redistributing the force applied to the soft tissue 102 (e.g., force 106), the final pressure on the larger volume, mass, area, etc. of the soft tissue 102 can be modified / redistributed, thereby reducing the amount of stress in certain areas of the soft tissue 102. The final reduction in soft tissue stress can be isolated to certain areas of the soft tissue 102, such as the area closest to where the force is applied (e.g., area 118), and at least some other areas of the soft tissue 102 can still withstand a significant amount of stress and / or soft tissue bulging may still occur. Figure 5E As generally shown, applying one or more opposing forces 120, 122 (e.g., in opposite directions 114, 116) to the raised soft tissue 112 can limit and / or eliminate tissue bulges caused by forces 106, 108 and / or can create tissue bulges in directions opposite to forces 106, 108 124, 126, which can at least partially resist and / or counteract forces 106, 108. In this way, soft tissue stress can be reduced, and / or blood flow to the soft tissue 102 can be increased.

[0122] According to embodiments, the ECU 16 can be configured to receive information from the sensor assembly 74, such as pressure data from the sensor arrays 76A, 76B, user data from the occupant sensor assembly 84, and / or inflation data from the fluid sensor 82. The ECU 16 can be configured to determine and / or estimate other information and / or characteristics of the user 100 in the one or more zones 80, 80’ (e.g., body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, and / or shape and percentage of skin 102A, fat 102B, muscle 102C, bone 104, etc.) based on information collected by the occupant sensor assembly 84, the sensor arrays 76A, 76B, and / or the fluid sensor 82. The ECU 16 can be configured to generate a pressure profile 86 that represents, presents, identifies, characterizes, etc. the local pressure in each zone 80, 80’ of the surface (e.g., the first surface 26D, the second surface 28D, etc.) of the seat 22 at a particular point in time. The pressure profile 86 can take any form to convey the desired information, and can or can not be conveyed, presented, and / or displayed to the user 100. For example, the pressure profile 86 can be a series of numbers, an array / matrix, a table, an image, etc. stored in the ECU 16 or in a memory connected with the ECU 16. The ECU 16 can generate the pressure profile 86 and / or related information based on the sensor assembly 74, the sensor arrays 76A, 76B, the occupant sensor assembly 84, and / or the fluid sensor 82.

[0123] In the embodiments generally shown as Figure 6A - Figure 6C , Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the pressure profile 86 can include an image in which each zone 80, 80’ of the surface 26D, 28D is marked, identified, classified, colored, etc. according to the local pressure detected thereby. Exemplary pressure profiles 86 of the first surface 26D and the second surface 28D are shown in Figure 6A - Figure 6C . Figure 6A An example of a pressure profile 86 is depicted in which the user 100 has a substantially centered weight distribution. Figure 6B An example of a pressure profile 86 is depicted in which the user 100 has a rightward tilted / offset weight distribution. Figure 6C An example of a pressure profile 86 is depicted in which the user 100 has a leftward tilted / offset weight distribution.

[0124] According to embodiments, the ECU 16 can be configured to generate a model for one or more portions of the user 100. The model geometry can be parameterized (e.g., parameterized fixed element analysis model) to account for different body shapes and / or types. The ECU 16 may, for example but not limited to, utilize an Ogden model for soft tissue 102 (e.g., skin 102A, fat 102B, muscle 102C) and / or other tissue. The model may, for example but not limited to, be based on a strain energy (w) function where represents the stretch ratio in the principal strain direction, and and represent material parameters. In some cases, the model can only account for a first order model (i.e., N = 1). The strain energy function may, for example, be used to determine the second Piola-Kirchhoff stress and / or Green Lagrangian strain in the model. The ECU 16 may, for example, construct the model based on information provided by the sensor assembly 74 (e.g., occupant sensor assembly 84, sensor arrays 76A, 76B) and / or information input by the user 100, for example, through the user interface 72. In an example, the ECU 16 can be configured to determine a surface pressure of the soft tissue 102 associated with some or each region 80, 80’ based on the detected local pressure of the region. The ECU 16 can be configured to determine an amount of stress (e.g., compressive stress, shear stress, von Mises stress, shear strain, etc.) experienced by the soft tissue 102 in each region 80, 80’ of the surface 26D, 28D based on, for example, the model of the soft tissue 102 and / or the surface pressure. The ECU 16 may, for example, determine a level or amount of capillary closure based on the von Mises stress and / or shear strain using a hierarchical multiscale mechanics approach. Based on the model of the soft tissue 102 and / or the surface pressure, the ECU 16 can be configured to determine a stress / strain distribution in the soft tissue 102 in each region 80, 80’ at a macro-scale level. The ECU 16 can be configured to determine a stress / strain distribution in the soft tissue 102 in each region 80, 80’ at a micro-scale level based on, for example, a large deformation theory, nonlinear pseudo-incompressible mechanical properties of muscle fibers and endomysium using neo-Hookean energy functions. The ECU 16 can be configured to determine a number of closed capillaries within the soft tissue 102 in each region 80, 80’ of the surface 26D, 28D and / or blood flow to the soft tissue 102 in each region 80, 80’ of the surface 26D, 28D based on, for example, the model, the macro-scale stress / strain distribution, the micro-scale stress / strain distribution, and / or the surface pressure of the soft tissue 102.

[0125] According to an embodiment, ECU 16 can be configured to acquire / determine a pressure threshold for each region 80, 800. Additionally and / or alternatively, a single pressure threshold can be acquired / determined for all regions 80, 80' of surfaces 26D, 28D. The pressure threshold (or specified pressure) can be substantially equal to the amount of pressure at which the soft tissue 102 can begin to experience reduced blood flow. In the example, the pressure threshold can vary depending on the region 80, 80', based on the composition of the soft tissue 102 of the user 100's body portion and / or the user 100's body portion (e.g., percentages of skin 102A, fat 102B, muscle 102C, bone 104, etc.). For example, the first seat base region where the user 100's thigh rests may have a first pressure threshold corresponding to the structure (make-up) of the user 100's thigh, while the second seat back region where the user 100's lower back rests may have a second pressure threshold corresponding to the structure of the user 100's lower back. Generally, the pressure threshold can be, for example, but not limited to, between approximately 3.5 kPa and approximately 50 kPa (inclusive), and / or can be approximately 11 kPa.

[0126] In an embodiment, the ECU 16 may be configured to compare local pressure in each region 80, 80' of surfaces 26D, 28D with a corresponding pressure threshold based on the body parts of the user 100 and / or the soft tissue composition of the body parts of the user 100 (e.g., percentages of skin 102A, fat 102B, muscle 102C, bone 104, etc.) disposed on surfaces 26D, 28D. For example, the ECU 16 may compare the local pressure in a first region where the user 100's thigh is disposed with a first pressure threshold for the thigh, and may compare the local pressure in a second region where the user 100's lower back is disposed with a second pressure threshold for the lower back.

[0127] According to such Figure 6C and Figure 9 In the generally illustrated embodiment, ECU 16 may be configured to detect a peak pressure region 88 in a pressure distribution map 86 and / or to depict a detected peak pressure region 88 in the pressure distribution map 86. The peak pressure region 88 may be a region in which the local pressure is substantially equal to and / or greater than a corresponding local pressure threshold. To detect the peak pressure region 88, ECU 16 may be configured to compare the local pressure in each region 80, 80' of surfaces 26D, 28D with a corresponding local pressure threshold.

[0128] According to, for example Figure 9In general, the illustrated embodiment, the ECU 16 can be configured to assemble a plurality of pressure profiles 86 into a pressure profile stack 90 to track the detected peak pressure regions 88 on the pressure profile stack 90 and / or analyze changes in the detected peak pressure regions 88 on the pressure profile stack 90. The ECU 16 can assemble the pressure profile stack 90 from pressure profiles 86 spanning a desired time range (e.g., a time range such as 2 seconds to 10 minutes). In this manner, the ECU 16 can be configured to be able to track the local pressure in each region 80, 80’ of the surface 26D, 28D over a period of time.

[0129] According to embodiments, the ECU 16 can be configured to control, activate, actuate, etc. the seat actuator 38, e.g., in response to detecting a peak pressure region 88, a prevalence of peak pressure regions 88 detected over a certain time, and / or a rapid change in detected pressure (e.g., a change caused by a shift, fidgeting, and / or repositioning by the user 100, etc.). The ECU 16 can be configured to activate the seat actuator 38 to reduce soft tissue stress of the soft tissue 102, e.g., in one or more peak pressure regions 88 (e.g., by reducing the compressive stress, shear stress, and / or deformation experienced by the soft tissue 102), and / or configured to increase blood flow to the soft tissue 102 to provide optimal / improved comfort to the user 100. Activating the seat actuator 38 can include adjusting a position of the vehicle seat 22 in the X-direction, Y-direction, and / or Z-direction (e.g., raising and lowering the seat 22), rotating the seat 22, reclining the seat 22 (e.g., the seat base 26), increasing / decreasing the angle Θ3 between the seat base 26 and the seat back 28, raising / lowering the headrest 30, adjusting (e.g., sliding, pivoting, etc.) the leg support 36, actuating the fluid source 70, inflating and / or deflating one or more bladders 52A, 52B, 52C, 58A, 58B, 58C of the bladder assembly 50, 56, and / or adjusting (e.g., repositioning, sliding, pivoting, etc.) the seat base 26, the seat back 28, and / or one or more cushions 40A, 40B, 42A, 42B. For example, and without limitation, the ECU 16 can be configured to adjust the seat base 26 and / or the seat back 28 by inflating and / or deflating the base bladder 52C and / or the back bladder 58C (e.g., by the fluid source 70) to increase and / or decrease the flexibility of the seat base 26 and / or the seat back 28 and / or the support provided by the seat base 26 and / or the seat back 28 to the user 100.

[0130] In embodiments, the ECU 16 can be configured to adjust one or more of the base pads 40A, 40B to apply pressure / force to a lower portion (e.g., thighs, waist, hips, buttocks, etc.) of the user 100, further restrict movement of the lower portion of the user 100, and / or provide increased support to the lower portion of the user 100. Additionally and / or alternatively, the ECU 16 can be configured to adjust one or more of the back pads 42A, 42B to apply pressure / force to an upper portion (e.g., torso, abdomen, shoulders, neck, etc.) of the user 100, further restrict movement of the upper portion of the user 100, and / or provide increased support to the upper portion of the user 100. For example, but not limited to, the ECU 16 can be configured to inflate and / or deflate the base pad bladders 52A, 52B and / or the back pad bladders 58A, 58B to adjust (e.g., slide, pivot, etc.) a position of the base pads 40A, 40B and / or the back pads 42A, 42B, increase / decrease flexibility of the base pads 40A, 40B and / or the back pads 42A, 42B, and / or increase / decrease support provided by the base pads 40A, 40B and / or the back pads 42A, 42B. In this manner, the pad bladders 52A, 52B, 58A, 58B can apply force and / or pressure to the soft tissue 102 of the user 100 to reduce soft tissue stress and / or reduce, limit, prevent, etc. bulging of the soft tissue 102.

[0131] According to embodiments, applying force to the user 100 with the first base pad 40A and applying force to the user 100 with the second base pad 40B (the forces having Y components extending in opposite directions (e.g., toward the user 100)) can squeeze the user 100, which can reduce soft tissue stress and / or reduce, limit, prevent, etc. bulging of the soft tissue 102 associated with one or more of the regions 80 (e.g., one or more of the regions 80 proximate the primary portion 26C). Applying force to the user 100 with the first base pad 40A and applying force to the user 100 with the second base pad 40B (the forces each having a Z component extending upward in the Z direction (e.g., away from the mounting surface 12)) can push the user 100 away from a portion of the seat base 26, which can reduce soft tissue stress and / or soft tissue surface pressure in one or more of the regions 80 (e.g., one or more of the regions 80 proximate the primary portion 26C). For example, but not limited to, as shown in FIG. 6, the ECU 16 can be configured to adjust the base pads 40A, 40B to apply pressure / force to the user 100 to reduce soft tissue stress and / or soft tissue surface pressure in the first region 86A disposed proximate the spine of the user 100 and / or to increase soft tissue stress and / or soft tissue surface pressure in the second region 86B disposed proximate the legs of the user 100. Figure 7 Generally shown, actuating the seat actuator 38 (e.g., reducing the pressure of one or more of the bladders 52 of the first bladder assembly 50, applying less force / pressure to the user 100 via the base pads 40A, 40B, etc.) can reduce soft tissue stress and / or soft tissue surface pressure in a first region 86A disposed proximate a spine of the user 100, and / or can increase soft tissue stress and / or soft tissue surface pressure in a second region 86B disposed proximate a leg of the user 100.

[0132] According to embodiments, exerting force on the user 100 with the first backrest cushion 42A and exerting force on the user 100 with the second backrest cushion 42B (the forces having Y components extending in opposite directions (e.g., toward the user 100)) can compress the user 100, which can reduce soft tissue stress and / or reduce, limit, prevent, etc. bulging of soft tissue 102 associated with one or more regions 80’ (e.g., one or more regions 80’ proximate the primary portion 28C). Exerting force on the user 100 with the first backrest cushion 42A and exerting force on the user 100 with the second backrest cushion 42B (the forces each having X components extending forward in the X direction) can push the user 100 away from a portion of the seat back 28, which can reduce soft tissue stress and / or soft tissue surface pressure in one or more regions 80’ (e.g., one or more regions 80’ proximate the primary portion 28C). As Figure 8 Generally shown, actuating the seat actuators 38 (e.g., reducing the pressure of one or more air bladders 58 of the second air bladder assembly 56, exerting less force / pressure on the user 100 through the backrest cushions 42A, 42B, etc.) can reduce soft tissue stress and / or soft tissue surface pressure in a third region 86C disposed proximate the hips (e.g., iliac crest) of the user 100, and / or can increase soft tissue stress and / or soft tissue surface pressure in a fourth region 86D disposed proximate the lower back of the user 100.

[0133] In embodiments, the ECU 16 can be configured to determine an optimal configuration of the seat 22 in which the user 100 experiences a minimized reduction in blood flow and / or soft tissue stress. The ECU 16 can use a gradient-based optimization algorithm to determine the optimal configuration of the seat 22. To obtain the optimal configuration of the seat 22, the ECU 16 can use the current configuration (e.g., position, recline angle, air bladder inflation levels, etc.) of the seat 22 as an initial input parameter in the optimization algorithm. By way of example, the ECU 16 can be configured to adjust the seat 22 to the determined optimal configuration by the seat actuators 38.

[0134] In an embodiment, ECU 16 may be configured to determine whether the local pressure in regions 80, 80' of one or more detected peak pressure regions 88 has been sufficiently reduced (e.g., reduced below a pressure threshold). For example, ECU 16 may monitor the local pressure (e.g., via sensor assembly 74, sensor array, etc.), for example, when seat actuator 38 is activated. If ECU 16 determines that the local pressure in each region 80, 80' of the detected peak pressure regions 88 has been sufficiently reduced, ECU 16 may deactivate seat actuator 38 to maintain seat 22 in its current configuration. If ECU 16 determines that the local pressure in each region 80, 80' of the detected peak pressure regions 88 has not been sufficiently reduced, ECU 16 may continue operation of seat actuator 38. ECU 16 may be configured to maintain the configuration of seat assembly 20 and / or the inflation level of airbags 52, 58 when seat 22 is occupied and no peak pressure region 88 is detected. ECU 16 can be configured to collect, store and / or analyze information about user 100 and predict the optimal way to adjust seat 22 based on the collected information to reduce soft tissue 102 deformation of user 100 and / or increase blood flow to soft tissue 102 of user 100.

[0135] In example Figure 10 In the generally illustrated embodiment, the method 200 of operating the seat assembly 20 may include, at block 202, sensing information and / or characteristics of a user 100 occupying the seat 22 (e.g., via occupant sensor assembly 84) and / or detecting pressure applied to the seat 22 (e.g., via one or more sensor arrays 76A, 76B). Sensing information and / or characteristics of the user 100 may include, for example, but not limited to, identifying the user 100 and / or detecting the user 100's gender, height, weight, anthropometric values, etc. Additionally and / or alternatively, sensing information and / or characteristics of the user may include determining and / or estimating other information and / or characteristics of the user 100 using the ECU 16 based on information collected by the occupant sensor assembly 84 (e.g., body mass index, body fat percentage, and / or the shape and percentage of skin 102A, fat 102B, muscle 102C, bone 104, etc., in one or more parts of the user 100). Detecting the pressure applied to the seat 22 may include detecting the local pressure applied by the user 100 to each region 80 of the first surface 26D by the first sensor array 76A and / or detecting the local pressure applied by the user 100 to each region 80' of the second surface 28D by the second sensor array 76B.

[0136] According to embodiments, the method 200 can include, at block 204, generating, via the ECU 16, a pressure profile 86 that depicts the local pressure in each region 80 of the first surface 26D at a particular point in time, and / or generating a pressure profile 86 that depicts the local pressure in each region 80’ of the second surface 28D at a particular point in time. Generating the pressure profile 86 can include marking, identifying, classifying, etc. each region 80, 80’ of the surface 26D, 28D in the pressure profile 86 according to its detected local pressure.

[0137] According to embodiments, the method 200 can include, at block 206, determining, via the ECU 16, a pressure threshold for one or more regions 80, 80’ of the surface 26D, 28D (e.g., a local pressure threshold for each region 80, 80’). Determining the pressure threshold can include generating a model (e.g., a fixed element analysis model) for one or more portions of the user 100 based on information provided by the sensor assembly 74 (e.g., the occupant sensor assembly 84, the sensor arrays 76A, 76B) and / or information input by the user 100, e.g., via the user interface 72. Determining the pressure threshold can include determining a surface pressure of the soft tissue 102 associated with each region 80, 80’ based on the detected local pressure of the region. Determining the pressure threshold can include determining, based on the generated model and / or the determined surface pressure of the associated soft tissue 102, an amount of stress (e.g., compressive stress, shear stress, von Mises stress, shear strain, etc.) experienced by the soft tissue 102 in the region 80, 80’ of the surface 26D, 28D, a macro-scale stress / strain distribution in the soft tissue 102, a micro-scale stress / strain distribution in the soft tissue, a number of closed capillaries in the soft tissue 102 in the region 80, 80’ of the surface 26D, 28D, and / or a reduction in blood flow in the soft tissue 102 in the region 80, 80’ of the surface 26D, 28D.

[0138] According to embodiments, the method 200 can include, at block 208, detecting and / or delineating (e.g., with any matrix) a peak pressure region 88 in the pressure profile 86, via the ECU 16. Detecting the peak pressure region 88 in the pressure profile 86 can include comparing the local pressure in the region 80, 80’ of the surface 26D, 28D to the respective pressure threshold. Detecting the peak pressure region 88 in the pressure profile 86 can include identifying each region 80, 80’ of the surface 26D, 28D in which the local pressure substantially equals and / or exceeds the respective pressure threshold.

[0139] According to embodiments, if the ECU 16 does not detect any peak pressure regions 88 in the pressure profile 86, the method 200 can return and repeat the process of block 202. If the ECU 16 does detect a peak pressure region 88 in the pressure profile 86, the method 200 proceeds to block 212.

[0140] According to embodiments, the method 200 can include assembling, at block 212, a pressure profile stack 90 including several pressure profiles 86 from one or more specific time periods, tracking peak pressure regions 88 detected on the pressure profile stack 90, and / or analyzing, by the ECU 16, changes in the peak pressure regions 88 detected on the pressure profile stack 90. Assembling the pressure profile stack 90 can include selecting a time period during which one or more peak pressure regions 88 are frequently and / or consistently detected.

[0141] According to embodiments, the method 200 can include, at block 214, actuating the seat actuator 38 via the ECU 16 to reduce the amount of stress experienced by the soft tissue 102 in the peak pressure region 88 (e.g., by reducing the compressive and / or shear stress experienced by the soft tissue 102) and / or to increase blood flow proximate the soft tissue 102 to provide optimal comfort to the user 100. This can include determining an optimal configuration of the seat 22 in which blood flow reduction and / or soft tissue stress experienced by the user 100 is minimized / reduced by the ECU 16, and / or actuating the seat actuator 38 to adjust the seat 22 to the determined optimal configuration. Actuating the seat actuator 38 can include reducing, limiting, preventing, etc. bulging of the soft tissue 102. Actuating / adjusting the seat actuator 38 can include adjusting a position of the seat 22, increasing / decreasing the angle 03 between the seat base 26 and the seat back 28, adjusting the leg support 36, actuating the fluid source 70, inflating and / or deflating one or more bladders 52, 58 of the airbag assembly 50, 56, and / or adjusting the seat base 26, the seat back 28, and / or one or more cushions 40A, 40B, 42A, 42B. Adjusting the seat base 26 and / or the seat back 28 can include increasing and / or decreasing flexibility of the seat base 26 and / or the seat back 28, and / or increasing and / or decreasing support provided by the seat base 26 and / or the seat back 28, which can include actuating / adjusting the seat actuator 38 and / or the fluid source 70 to inflate and / or deflate one or more base bladders 52C and / or back bladders 58C. Adjusting one or more cushions 40A, 40B, 42A, 42B can include adjusting one or more base cushions 40A, 40B to apply pressure to, further limit movement of, and / or provide increased support to a lower portion (e.g., thighs, waist, hips, buttocks, etc.) of the user 100, and / or adjusting one or more back cushions 42A, 42B to apply pressure to, further limit movement of, and / or provide increased support to an upper portion (e.g., torso, abdomen, shoulders, neck, etc.) of the user 100. Adjusting one or more base cushions 40A, 40B can include inflating and / or deflating the first base cushion bladder 52A and / or the second base cushion bladder 52B to apply pressure and / or force to the lower portion of the user 100 (e.g., via the base cushions 40A, 40B) to reduce, limit, prevent, etc. bulging of the soft tissue 102. Adjusting one or more back cushions 42A, 42B can include inflating and / or deflating the first back cushion bladder 58A and the second back cushion bladder 58B to apply pressure and / or force to the upper portion of the user 100 to reduce, limit, prevent, etc. bulging of the soft tissue 102.

[0142] According to embodiments, the method 200 can include determining, by the ECU 16, whether the local pressure of the region 80, 80’ in the one or more detected peak pressure regions 88 has been sufficiently reduced (e.g., reduced below the respective local pressure threshold) at block 216. Determining whether the local pressure of the region 80, 80’ in the one or more detected peak pressure regions 88 has been sufficiently reduced can include monitoring the soft tissue pressure of the user 100 while the seat actuator 38 is activated (e.g., by continuously repeating the processes in one or more of blocks 202-212). If the ECU 16 determines that the local pressure of the region 80, 80’ in the one or more detected peak pressure regions 88 has not been sufficiently reduced, the ECU 16 can continue operation of the seat actuator 38 by looping back to block 214. If the local pressure of the region 80, 80’ in the one or more detected peak pressure regions 88 has been sufficiently reduced, the ECU 16 can deactivate the seat actuator 38 to maintain the configuration of the seat assembly 20, and / or the method 200 can return and repeat the process in block 202.

[0143] In examples, an ECU (e.g., the ECU 16) can include an electronic controller and / or include an electronic processor, such as a programmable microprocessor and / or microcontroller. In embodiments, an ECU can include, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). An ECU can include a central processing unit (CPU), memory (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable storage medium), and / or an input / output (I / O) interface. An ECU can be configured to execute various functions with appropriate programming instructions and / or code implemented in software, hardware, and / or other media, including those described in greater detail herein. In embodiments, an ECU can include multiple controllers. In embodiments, an ECU can be connected to a display, such as a touchscreen display.

[0144] Various examples / embodiments for various devices, systems, and / or methods are described herein. Numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, functioning, manufacture, and use of the examples / embodiments described in this specification and illustrated in the various drawings. It will be appreciated, however, by those of ordinary skill in the art that the examples / embodiments can be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the examples / embodiments described in this specification. Skilled artisans will appreciate that the examples / embodiments described herein are non-limiting examples and thus can recognize that the particular structural and functional details described herein are representative in nature and thus can not limit the scope of an embodiment.

[0145] References in the specification to “an example,” “in an example,” “one example,” “an implementation,” “in an implementation,” “some implementations,” “in some implementations,” “one implementation,” or “implementations,” or the like, indicate that the feature or features described in the example / implementation are included in at least one implementation. Thus, use of such phrases in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same implementation, although it can. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in an example / implementation, it would be understood that feature, structure, or characteristic can be included, but is not necessarily required, in a particular implementation. Additionally, it should be understood that features, structures, or characteristics described in one or more examples / implementations can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more other examples / implementations.

[0146] It will be understood that a reference to a single element or feature also includes a plurality of such elements or features unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Any direction or reference frame (e.g., top, bottom, upper, lower, up, down, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) is used for identification purposes only and does not create a limitation of position, orientation, or use of an example / implementation, particularly in view of the examples / implementations described herein.

[0147] References to joining (e.g., attaching, coupling, connecting, etc.) should be construed broadly and can include intermediate members between the joined elements, relative movement between the elements, direct connection, indirect connection, fixed connection, movable connection, operable connection, indirect contact, and / or direct contact. Thus, joining references do not necessarily imply that the two elements are directly connected / conjugated and in a fixed relationship relative to each other. Connections of electrical components, if any, can include mechanical connections, electrical connections, wired connections, and / or wireless connections, etc. The use of “for example,” in this specification should be interpreted as broadly as possible and used to provide non-limiting examples of embodiments of the disclosure, and the disclosure is not limited to such examples. The use of “and” and “or” should be construed broadly (e.g., as “and / or”). For example, but not by way of limitation, the use of “and” does not necessitate that all listed elements or features are required, and the use of “or” is inclusive, unless such structure is logically inconsistent.

[0148] Although processes, systems and methods herein can be described in terms of one or more steps occurring in a particular order, it should be understood that the processes can be practiced with the steps in different orders, with some steps being performed concurrently, with additional steps being performed, and / or with some steps being omitted. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure.

[0149] All matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure can be made without departing from the disclosure.

[0150] It should be understood that the electrical control unit (e.g., ECU 16), system, and / or processor as described herein can include a conventional processing device known in the art that can be capable of executing preprogrammed instructions stored in an associated memory, all in accordance with the functionality described herein. To the extent that the methods described herein are implemented in software, the resulting software can be stored in an associated memory and can also constitute means for performing the methods. Such a system or processor can also be of the type having a ROM, a RAM, a combination of RAM and ROM, and / or a combination of non-volatile and volatile memory, such that any software can be stored and also allow for the storage and processing of dynamically generated data and / or signals.

[0151] It should further be understood that an article of manufacture according to the present disclosure can include a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having encoded thereon a computer program for implementing the logic and other functionality described herein. The computer program can include code for executing one or more methods disclosed herein. Such embodiments can be configured to be executed by one or more processors (e.g., multiple processors integrated into a single system or distributed across a communications network and connected together through the communications network), and the communications network can be wired or wireless. Code for implementing one or more of the features described in connection with one or more embodiments can, when executed by a processor, cause multiple transistors to change from a first state to a second state. The particular pattern of changes (e.g., which transistors change state and which do not) can be dictated at least in part by the logic and / or code.

Claims

1. A seat assembly, comprising: Seat, the seat having multiple areas; A seat actuator configured to adjust the seat; A sensor assembly, which is connected to the seat and configured to detect pressure applied to the seat; and An electrical control unit (ECU) is operatively connected to the seat actuator and the sensor assembly; The ECU is configured to reduce soft tissue stress in the soft tissue of the user of the seat by adjusting the seat using the seat actuator. The sensor assembly is configured to detect multiple features of the user; The ECU is configured to determine, based on the user's multiple characteristics, the expected composition of the user's soft tissues associated with the multiple areas of the seat; The ECU is configured to construct a model of the user based on information provided by the sensor components and / or information input by the user. The ECU is configured to use the model and the expected composition to identify at least partially closed one or more capillaries of the user; and The seat actuator is configured to adjust the seat to facilitate the opening of the one or more capillaries.

2. The seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the ECU is configured to reduce the soft tissue stress by actuating the seat actuator by adjusting at least one of the following: The angle of inclination defined between the seat base and the seat back of the seat; The position of at least one cushion of the seat; and The inflation level of at least one airbag in the seat.

3. The seat assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The seat actuator includes an airbag assembly, which includes a plurality of airbags; and The sensor assembly includes an airbag sensor configured to sense the internal pressure of at least one of the plurality of airbags.

4. The seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the seat has a plurality of areas; The sensor assembly includes a pressure sensor array configured to detect corresponding local pressures in the plurality of regions; and The ECU is configured to compare the local pressure of at least one of the plurality of regions with a pressure threshold.

5. The seat assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The ECU is configured to acquire / determine the pressure threshold for each of the plurality of regions.

6. The seat assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The sensor assembly includes a pressure sensor array configured to detect corresponding local pressures in the plurality of regions; The ECU is configured to compare the corresponding local pressure of the plurality of regions with corresponding pressure thresholds; and The corresponding pressure threshold corresponds to the expected composition of the soft tissue associated with the corresponding region.

7. The seat assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The seat includes a seat base and a seat back; The pressure is distributed on the seat, causing at least one surface of the seat to be subjected to multiple localized pressures; The sensor assembly includes a first pressure sensor array connected to the seat base and a second pressure sensor array connected to the seat back; The first pressure sensor array and the second pressure sensor array are configured to detect the plurality of local pressures; and The first pressure sensor array and the second pressure sensor array are integrated into the seat cover of the seat.

8. The seat assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The seat includes a first cushion and a second cushion; The seat actuator includes an airbag assembly, which includes a plurality of airbags; The plurality of airbags includes a first airbag associated with the first pad and a second airbag associated with the second pad; and Adjusting the seat using the seat actuator includes operating the seat actuator to adjust the inflation level of at least one of the first cushion airbag and the second cushion airbag to adjust the amount of lateral force applied to the user by the first cushion and / or the second cushion, thereby reducing lateral bulging of the soft tissue.

9. The seat assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The seat includes a seat base, a seat back connected to the seat base, and multiple cushions; The pressure includes multiple first partial pressures on the seat base and multiple second partial pressures on the seat back. The plurality of pads includes a first base pad, a second base pad, a first backrest pad, and a second backrest pad; the first base pad and the second base pad are connected to opposite sides of the seat base; The first backrest cushion and the second backrest cushion are connected to opposite sides of the seat back; The sensor assembly includes: (i) a first pressure sensor array connected to the seat base and configured to detect the plurality of first local pressures; and (ii) a second pressure sensor array connected to the seat back and configured to detect the plurality of second local pressures. The seat actuator includes an airbag assembly comprising a plurality of airbags, the plurality of airbags including a first base cushion airbag associated with the first base cushion, a second base cushion airbag associated with the second base cushion, a first backrest cushion airbag associated with the first backrest cushion, and a second backrest cushion airbag associated with the second backrest cushion airbag; and The ECU is configured as follows: Compare one or more of the first local pressure and the second local pressure with a pressure threshold; and The seat is adjusted and soft tissue stress is reduced by actuating the seat actuator to adjust the position of at least one of the plurality of cushions, thereby adjusting the amount of lateral force exerted on the user by the plurality of cushions and reducing lateral bulging of the soft tissue.

10. A method of operating a seat assembly, the seat assembly including a seat having a plurality of areas, a seat actuator connected to the seat, a sensor assembly connected to the seat, and an electrical control unit (ECU) operatively connected to the seat actuator and the sensor assembly, the method comprising: The sensor assembly detects the pressure applied to the seat by the user. The ECU compares the detected pressure with a pressure threshold. and If the detected pressure exceeds the pressure threshold, the seat is adjusted via the seat actuator to reduce soft tissue stress in the user's soft tissue. The method further includes: Information about the user is obtained through the occupant sensors of the sensor assembly; Based on the acquired information, a model of at least a part of the user's body is generated; Based on the model, the expected composition of the soft tissue associated with the plurality of regions of the seat is determined via the ECU; and The ECU uses the model and the expected composition to identify at least partially closed one or more capillaries of the user; Adjusting the seat via the seat actuator includes adjusting the seat to facilitate the opening of the one or more capillaries.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the pressure threshold corresponds to the pressure level at which a reduction in blood flow in the soft tissue is expected to occur.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein reducing the soft tissue stress comprises reducing the lateral bulges of the soft tissue.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: Reducing the lateral bulge of the soft tissue includes adjusting the amount of lateral force applied to the user by the first and second pads; Adjusting the seat using the seat actuator includes adjusting the position of at least one of the first cushion and the second cushion; The first cushion and the second cushion are disposed on opposite sides of the seat; The seat actuator includes an airbag assembly; The airbag assembly includes a first airbag associated with the first pad and a second airbag associated with the second pad; and Adjusting the position of at least one of the first pad and the second pad includes adjusting the respective inflation level of at least one of the first pad airbag and the second pad airbag.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein: The plurality of areas are subjected to corresponding local pressures from the pressure applied to the seat by the user; The sensor assembly includes an array of pressure sensors connected to the seat; and Detecting the pressure applied to the seat includes detecting the corresponding local pressure in the plurality of areas of the seat via the pressure sensor array.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: The ECU generates pressure distribution maps of the corresponding local pressures in the multiple regions at specific time points. and Peak pressure regions in the pressure distribution map are detected by comparing the detected pressure with the pressure threshold.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein: The pressure thresholds include multiple local pressure thresholds corresponding to the respective regions of the plurality of regions; Comparing the detected pressure with the pressure threshold includes comparing the corresponding local pressure in the plurality of regions with the corresponding local pressure threshold of the plurality of local pressure thresholds; and Reducing the soft tissue stress includes reducing the local pressure in at least one of the plurality of regions where the local pressure exceeds the local pressure threshold.

17. The method of claim 10, wherein the model includes information or data relating to the user’s bone, muscle, fat, and skin tissue.

18. The method of claim 10, wherein the pressure threshold includes a first local pressure threshold corresponding to a first region of the plurality of regions and a second local pressure threshold corresponding to a second region of the plurality of regions; and the method further includes: The first local pressure threshold is determined based on the expected composition of the soft tissue associated with the first region; and The second local pressure threshold is determined based on the expected composition of the soft tissue associated with the second region; The comparison of the detected pressure with the pressure threshold includes: (i) comparing the corresponding local pressure of the first region with the first local pressure threshold, and (ii) comparing the corresponding local pressure of the second region with the second local pressure threshold.

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