Method for open airway position after vehicle crash

Abstract

A computer-implemented method for moving an occupant (18) of a vehicle seat (14) to an open airway position after a vehicle collision event. The vehicle seat (18) has a seat cushion (14a), a backrest (14b), and a headrest (14c). The method includes detecting the occurrence of a vehicle collision event, moving at least a portion of the backrest (14b) and / or the headrest (14c) rearward, and pulling the occupant (18) of the vehicle seat rearward toward the backrest (14b) by means of a seatbelt retractor (27) via the driven retraction of the occupant's seatbelt (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for moving vehicle seat occupants to an open airway position after a vehicle collision. This disclosure also relates to a corresponding vehicle seat system. The method and system according to this disclosure can be installed or implemented in vehicles such as automobiles, trucks, buses, rail vehicles, aircraft, work vehicles, etc. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of transportation, there is a continuous need to further improve the safety of vehicle occupants. For example, safety systems and methods have been developed to avoid vehicle collisions or impacts, as well as to protect vehicle occupants in the event of an unavoidable vehicle collision or impact.

[0003] For example, document US 2011 / 221247 A1 appears to describe a vehicle seat system that, upon detecting an impending impact, first rapidly and automatically adjusts the backrest forward, and then slowly and automatically adjusts the backrest backward after the collision, in order to minimize any problems caused by the seat belt.

[0004] However, despite some activities in this area, further improvements to seating systems and related methods are still needed to ensure driver and passenger safety in vehicles. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In the event of a serious vehicle collision, a robust vehicle structure, seatbelt systems, and airbags can prevent serious injury to vehicle occupants (such as the driver). However, there is a risk that occupants may lose consciousness in a body posture that obstructs the airway, meaning the air passage between the occupant's lungs and mouth and / or nose is blocked. For example, the occupant's head may be tilted sharply forward while the torso remains relatively upright, or the occupant's head may be tilted sharply forward while the torso is tilted forward. In such cases, the airway in the larynx region may be restricted or even blocked.

[0006] Therefore, the object of this disclosure is to provide a method and system for avoiding airway obstruction for occupants after a vehicle collision. This object is achieved, at least in part, by the features of the independent claims.

[0007] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a computer-implemented method is provided for moving an occupant of a vehicle seat to an open airway position after a vehicle collision event, the vehicle seat having a seat cushion, a backrest, and a headrest, the method comprising: detecting the occurrence of a vehicle collision event; and, moving at least a portion of the backrest and / or headrest rearward, and pulling the occupant of the vehicle seat rearward toward the backrest by means of a seatbelt retractor poweredly retracting the seatbelt.

[0008] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle seat system is provided for moving an occupant of a vehicle seat to an open airway position after a vehicle collision. The vehicle seat system includes a seat having a seat cushion, a backrest, and a headrest, wherein the seat further includes one or more power actuators configured to adjust the position of the backrest and / or headrest. Furthermore, the vehicle seat system includes a seatbelt device having a seatbelt and a seatbelt retractor, wherein the seatbelt device further has a power source operatively connected to the seatbelt retractor for actuating retraction of the seatbelt. Additionally, the vehicle seat system includes an electronic control system operatively connected to the one or more power actuators of the seat and the power source of the seatbelt device. The control system is configured to: determine that a vehicle collision has occurred; and control the operation of one or more power actuators of the seat to move at least a portion of the backrest and / or headrest rearward, and control the operation of the power source of the seatbelt retractor to pull the occupant of the vehicle seat rearward toward the backrest.

[0009] In other words, in some cases, it may be desirable to change the occupant's body position to a more rearward and reclined sitting position after a vehicle impact, as this sitting position generally results in a more open airway due to the head position that is more reclined relative to the torso.

[0010] One method for moving an unconscious occupant, such as in a vehicle seat, to a position with a more open airway—that is, from a position where the head is tilted forward to a position where the head is upright or even tilted backward—is to recline the seat, i.e., to move the backrest backward. Additionally, to prevent the occupant's torso and head from remaining in a forward-leaning posture, the seatbelt can be used to pull the occupant back, so that after reclining and being belted, the occupant is in a relaxed and reclined seat position with their head against the headrest, thereby reducing the risk of breathing problems due to airway obstruction or even blockage.

[0011] Other advantages can be achieved by implementing one or more features of the dependent claims.

[0012] In some exemplary embodiments, the step of detecting a vehicle collision event is performed by: monitoring the vehicle's acceleration level and detecting the collision event when the monitored vehicle acceleration level exceeds a threshold, or monitoring or receiving information related to the deployment of airbags within the vehicle. Thus, two alternative solutions are provided for reliably detecting collision events, and they can even be combined to provide further determinism.

[0013] In some exemplary embodiments, after the step of detecting a vehicle collision event and before the step of initiating rearward movement of at least a portion of the backrest and / or headrest and pulling the vehicle seat occupant back toward the backrest, the method includes an intermediate step: waiting for a certain period of time. This allows the seatbelt devices and seat to be controlled, adjusted, and configured for optimal occupant protection during a collision event without potential interference from the open airway method.

[0014] In some exemplary embodiments, the time period is at least 3 seconds, particularly at least 5 seconds, or in the range of 3 to 30 seconds, particularly in the range of 5 to 15 seconds. These durations and ranges are considered to correspond to a time long enough for the collision event to end, while not requiring an excessively long wait in the event of obstruction or blockage of the occupant's airway.

[0015] In some exemplary embodiments, the method includes an intermediate step of acquiring information related to the occupant's airway status, and wherein, when the detected airway status indicates airway obstruction or blockage, the method proceeds to the step of moving at least a portion of the backrest and / or headrest backward and pulling the occupant of the vehicle seat backward toward the backrest. Thus, the backward movement of the backrest and the pulling of the seatbelt can be avoided if there is no need to rearrange the occupant, or if the harm caused by rearranging the occupant is considered to outweigh the benefits to improved breathing.

[0016] Alternatively, or in conjunction with the foregoing, in some exemplary embodiments, the method may include an intermediate step of acquiring information related to the occupant's level of consciousness, wherein, when a low or unconscious level of consciousness is detected (i.e., loss of consciousness), the method proceeds to the step of moving at least a portion of the backrest and / or headrest backward and pulling the occupant of the vehicle seat backward toward the backrest. Breathing problems are often associated with an occupant's unconscious state. Thus, the level of consciousness can be used to assess the need or benefit of rearranging the occupant to a more reclined seating position.

[0017] Alternatively, or in combination with the foregoing, in some exemplary embodiments, the method may include the intermediate step of obtaining information about the values ​​of one or more health parameters associated with the occupant's respiratory and / or cardiovascular systems, wherein, when the detected values ​​of the one or more health parameters are outside a predetermined range, the method proceeds to the step of moving at least a portion of the backrest and / or headrest backward and pulling the occupant of the vehicle seat backward toward the backrest. Health parameters associated with the occupant's respiratory and / or cardiovascular systems are typically relevant parameters used to assess and determine occupant breathing problems, and the detection and assessment of these health parameters can therefore be a reliable indication of the need for occupant rearrangement.

[0018] Alternatively, or in combination with the foregoing, in some exemplary embodiments, the method may include an intermediate step of acquiring information related to the occupant's body posture, wherein, when the detected body posture indicates airway obstruction, the method proceeds to the step of moving at least a portion of the backrest and / or headrest backward and pulling the occupant of the vehicle seat backward toward the backrest. For example, a stationary, immobile, forward-leaning body posture or head posture can be used as an indicator of both unconsciousness and airway obstruction.

[0019] In some exemplary embodiments, the rearward movement of at least a portion of the backrest and / or headrest continues until a predetermined reclined seating position is reached. This ensures that the occupant is adequately rearranged into a more relaxed and airway-open body position.

[0020] Alternatively, in some exemplary embodiments, the method includes monitoring the occupant's body posture during rearward movement of at least a portion of the backrest and / or headrest and during pulling the occupant of the vehicle seat back towards the backrest, and stopping the aforementioned movement and pulling when the monitored body posture corresponds to a body posture acceptable in terms of the occupant's open airway. Thus, taking into account other injuries that might result from occupant body rearrangement, unnecessary movement of the occupant's body is avoided, thereby achieving a sufficient rearrangement of the occupant to obtain the desired more relaxed and open airway body posture.

[0021] In some exemplary embodiments, the method includes detecting the occupancy status of vehicle seats located behind the occupant seat and determining a reclining seat position based on the detected occupancy status of the vehicle seats located behind the occupant seat. Thus, the occupant is rearranged as far back as possible into a more reclined seating position without causing harm or harmful interference to another occupant of the vehicle seated behind that occupant.

[0022] In some exemplary embodiments, the step of moving at least a portion of the backrest and / or headrest backward includes performing one, two, three, or all of the following activities: folding the backrest backward around a first pivot located in the intersection area of ​​the seat cushion and backrest; moving the headrest backward; tilting the seat cushion backward; or adjusting the lumbar support or multi-contouring device of the vehicle seat to protrude (bulge) further toward the lumbar and / or back area of ​​the occupant of the vehicle seat. All these measures, individually and collectively, generally result in a rearrangement of the occupant's seating posture into a more rearward body posture, which is beneficial in improving airway opening.

[0023] In some exemplary embodiments, the backrest includes a second pivot disposed in the region between the first pivot and the headrest, and wherein the step of moving at least a portion of the backrest and / or headrest backward further includes folding the backrest backward about the second pivot. This allows for a further rearward flexion of the occupant's body posture, thereby further improving the open airway position while avoiding excessive space or intrusion on the rear side of the seat.

[0024] In some exemplary embodiments, the vehicle seat includes one or more power actuators configured to adjust the position of the backrest and / or headrest, and wherein the step of moving at least a portion of the backrest and / or headrest backward includes controlling the operation of the one or more power actuators to move at least a portion of the backrest and / or headrest backward.

[0025] In some exemplary embodiments, the seat belt associated with the vehicle seat has a first attachment point for securing the lap portion of the seat belt to the seat or vehicle chassis, and a second attachment point for securing the chest portion of the seat belt to the seat or vehicle chassis, wherein a seat belt retractor is located at the second attachment point and is configured to retract or tension the chest portion of the seat belt under power, and wherein the second attachment point is arranged: at the B-pillar of the vehicle chassis, or at the floor of the vehicle chassis, or at the inside of the roof of the vehicle chassis, or integrated into the vehicle seat, particularly in the backrest or headrest of the vehicle seat.

[0026] In some exemplary embodiments, the backrest or headrest includes a seatbelt guide configured to guide or deflect the chest portion of the seatbelt along its path toward the seatbelt retractor. This allows for a proper and effective pulling process via the seatbelt assembly, which is also largely independent of (i.e., unrelated to) the backrest tilt state and the seatbelt retractor positioning.

[0027] In some exemplary embodiments, the rearward movement of at least a portion of the backrest and / or headrest, and the pulling of the vehicle seat occupant toward the backrest by retracting the seatbelt under power, are performed simultaneously and / or continuously. Specific control strategies for rearranging the occupant to achieve a more rearward body posture can be selected depending on the specific circumstances.

[0028] In some exemplary embodiments, the step of moving at least a portion of the backrest and / or headrest backward and pulling the vehicle seat occupant towards the backrest by retracting the seatbelt under power is performed through the following sequence of movements: during the first half of the sequence, the vehicle seat occupant is pulled towards the backrest primarily by retracting the seatbelt under power, while keeping the backrest and / or headrest relatively stationary; and subsequently, during the second half of the sequence, at least a portion of the backrest and / or headrest is moved backward primarily, while ensuring that the occupant remains in close contact with or near the backrest and / or headrest. Generally, it may be advantageous to prevent the occupant's body from uncontrollably falling backward into the fully folded backrest. Thus, by keeping the occupant's body close to the backrest during the backward-folding (movement) sequence of the backrest, a more controlled (more managed) rearrangement of the occupant can be achieved.

[0029] In some exemplary embodiments, the vehicle seat has a first pivot and a second pivot, the first pivot being located in the intersection area of ​​the seat cushion and the backrest and configured to allow the backrest to be folded back, and the second pivot being arranged in the area of ​​the backrest between the first pivot and the headrest and configured to allow the upper part of the backrest between the second pivot and the headrest to be folded back.

[0030] In some exemplary embodiments, the seat belt has a first attachment point for securing the lap portion of the seat belt to a seat or vehicle chassis, and a second attachment point for securing the chest portion of the seat belt to a seat or vehicle chassis, wherein a seat belt retractor is located at the second attachment point and configured to wind or tension the chest portion of the seat belt under power, and wherein the second attachment point is arranged: at the B-pillar of the vehicle chassis, or at the floor of the vehicle chassis, or at the inside of the roof of the vehicle chassis, or integrated into the vehicle seat, particularly in the backrest or headrest of the vehicle seat.

[0031] In some exemplary embodiments, the seat includes a three-point seatbelt device, or the vehicle includes a three-point seatbelt device associated with the vehicle seat, wherein, when properly used by the occupant, the seatbelt is configured to extend from a first attachment point, across the occupant's waist to a connector latch, and also across the occupant's chest to a seatbelt retractor.

[0032] In some exemplary embodiments, the vehicle seating system also includes a vehicle acceleration sensor, wherein the control system is configured to detect the occurrence of a vehicle collision event by means of monitoring the vehicle acceleration level using the vehicle acceleration sensor, and to detect the occurrence of a vehicle collision event when the monitored vehicle acceleration level exceeds a threshold.

[0033] In some exemplary embodiments, the control system is configured to acquire information related to the occupant's airway status and to move at least a portion of the backrest and / or headrest and pull the occupant of the vehicle seat back toward the backrest when the detected airway status indicates that the airway is blocked or obstructed.

[0034] In some exemplary embodiments, the control system is configured to acquire information related to the occupant's level of consciousness, and when the detected occupant's level of consciousness is low or unconscious, to move at least a portion of the backrest and / or headrest backward and pull the occupant of the vehicle seat backward toward the backrest.

[0035] In some exemplary embodiments, the control system is configured to acquire information about the values ​​of one or more health parameters associated with the occupant's respiratory and / or cardiovascular systems, and when the detected values ​​of the one or more health parameters are outside a predetermined range, to move at least a portion of the backrest and / or headrest and pull the occupant of the vehicle seat back toward the backrest.

[0036] In some exemplary embodiments, the control system is configured to acquire information related to the occupant's body posture, and when the detected body posture indicates airway obstruction, to move at least a portion of the backrest and / or headrest backward and pull the occupant of the vehicle seat backward toward the backrest.

[0037] In some exemplary embodiments, the control system is configured to move at least a portion of the backrest and / or headrest backward until a predetermined reclined seat position is reached, or wherein the control system is configured to monitor the occupant’s body posture during the movement of at least a portion of the backrest and / or headrest backward and pull the occupant of the vehicle seat backward toward the backrest, and to stop the aforementioned movement and pulling when the monitored body posture corresponds to a body posture acceptable in terms of opening the occupant’s airway.

[0038] In some exemplary embodiments, the control system is configured to detect the occupancy status of the vehicle seats located behind the occupant seats and to determine the reclining seat position in consideration of the detected occupancy status of the vehicle seats located behind the occupant seats.

[0039] In some exemplary embodiments, the backrest or headrest includes a seatbelt guide configured to guide or deflect the chest portion of the seatbelt along its path toward the seatbelt retractor.

[0040] In some exemplary embodiments, the control system is configured to simultaneously and / or continuously move at least a portion of the backrest and / or headrest backward, and to pull the occupant of the vehicle seat backward toward the backrest by retracting the seatbelt under power.

[0041] In some exemplary embodiments, the control system is configured to move at least a portion of the backrest and / or headrest backward and pull the occupant of the vehicle seat backward toward the backrest by retracting the seatbelt under power. The control system is configured to primarily pull the occupant of the vehicle seat toward the backrest by retracting the seatbelt under power during the first half of the motion sequence, while keeping the backrest and / or headrest relatively stationary, and subsequently, during the second half of the motion sequence, primarily move at least a portion of the backrest and / or headrest backward while ensuring that the occupant remains in close contact with or near the backrest and / or headrest.

[0042] This disclosure also relates to a vehicle seat system for moving an occupant of a vehicle seat to an open airway position after a vehicle collision. The vehicle seat system includes a seat having a seat cushion, a backrest, and a headrest, wherein the seat further includes one or more power actuators configured to adjust the position of the backrest and / or headrest; a seatbelt device having a seatbelt and a seatbelt retractor, wherein the seatbelt device further includes a power source operatively connected to the seatbelt retractor for actuating retraction; and an electronic control system operatively connected to the one or more power actuators of the seat and the power source of the seatbelt device, wherein the control system is configured to perform the above-described method steps.

[0043] This disclosure also relates to a vehicle that includes the vehicle seating system described above.

[0044] This disclosure also relates to a data processing and control system, which includes a processor configured to perform various alternative implementations of the methods described above.

[0045] This disclosure also relates to a computer program that includes instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods described above.

[0046] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent when examined in light of the appended claims and the following description. Those skilled in the art will recognize that different features of this disclosure can be combined to create embodiments other than those explicitly described above and below, without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0047] The present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which...

[0048] Figure 1 A side view of a vehicle having a seating system according to this disclosure is schematically shown.

[0049] Figure 2 The illustration schematically shows a typical arrangement of a three-point seatbelt.

[0050] Figure 3 A first exemplary embodiment of a power retractor for a seatbelt device is schematically shown.

[0051] Figures 4A-4B Two operating positions of a second exemplary embodiment of a power retractor for a seatbelt device are schematically shown.

[0052] Figure 5 A first exemplary embodiment of a seating system according to this disclosure is schematically illustrated.

[0053] Figure 6 A second exemplary embodiment of a seating system according to this disclosure is schematically illustrated.

[0054] Figures 7A-7D The illustration schematically shows different body postures and corresponding seat positions in a rearrangement sequence of occupants moving to (becoming) a more rearward body posture according to this disclosure.

[0055] Figures 8A-8B The illustration schematically shows two body postures and corresponding seat positions in alternative embodiments of the seat and method for rearranging occupants according to this disclosure.

[0056] Figures 9A-9B The illustration schematically shows two body postures and corresponding seat positions in another alternative embodiment of the seat and method for rearranging occupants according to this disclosure.

[0057] Figures 10A-10B The illustration schematically shows two body postures and corresponding seat positions in another alternative embodiment of the seat and method for rearranging occupants according to this disclosure.

[0058] Figure 11A-11BThe illustration schematically shows two body postures and corresponding seat positions in another alternative embodiment of the seat and method for rearranging occupants according to this disclosure.

[0059] Figure 12 A seat with three pivots according to this disclosure is schematically shown.

[0060] Figure 13A A seat with a reclining cushion is schematically shown.

[0061] Figure 13B A seat with adjustable lumbar support is schematically shown, and

[0062] Figure 14-18 Various alternative embodiments of the main steps of the method according to this disclosure are illustrated schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0063] Various aspects of this disclosure will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in order to illustrate and not limit the disclosure, wherein similar reference numerals denote similar elements, and variations of the described aspects are not limited to the embodiments specifically shown, but are other variations that can be applied to the disclosure.

[0064] Those skilled in the art will understand that the steps, services, and functions explained herein can be implemented using separate hardware circuitry, software that functions in conjunction with a programmable microprocessor or general-purpose computer, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and / or one or more digital signal processors (DSPs). It will also be understood that, when this disclosure is described according to a method, it can also be implemented in one or more processors and one or more memories coupled to said one or more processors, wherein said one or more memories store one or more programs that, when executed by said one or more processors, perform the steps, services, and functions disclosed herein.

[0065] In order to place the methods and vehicle seating systems of this disclosure in appropriate scenarios, Figure 1 Examples of vehicles that can be equipped with the methods and seating systems according to this disclosure are shown.

[0066] Specifically, Figure 1A vehicle 1 is schematically shown, defined in a forward direction 54 and a rearward direction 55, and having a rigid vehicle chassis made, for example, of steel, aluminum, or carbon fiber, or a mixture thereof. The vehicle chassis, also known as the body-in-white, may, for example, have a front structure 2, a rear structure 3, a floor structure 4, a roof structure 5, windows 6, A-pillars 7, B-pillars 8, and C-pillars 9. Furthermore, the vehicle 1 may have front wheels 10, rear wheels 11, a propulsion source 12, and a passenger compartment 13, which includes front seats 14, rear seats 15, and a steering wheel 16. According to... Figure 1 The vehicle in the exemplary embodiment also has at least one image detector 17 in the passenger compartment, and the image detector 17 is configured to detect occupants, or to identify seats with occupants, or to detect occupant body postures after a collision event, etc.

[0067] exist Figure 1 In this configuration, occupant 18 (i.e., a person) sits in the front seat 14, and another occupant 19 sits in the rear seat 15. Each seat may be equipped with a seat cushion 14a, a backrest 14b, and a headrest 14c.

[0068] Each vehicle seat 14, 15 may be equipped with a seat belt device, such as a three-point seat belt device, or a four-point or five-point seat belt device.

[0069] Figure 2 Seat 14 is schematically shown, in which an occupant 18 is seated and fastened by a three-point seatbelt device. The seatbelt device includes a seatbelt 20 and a connector latch 25, the seatbelt 20 extending between a first attachment point 21 and a second attachment point 22, the connector latch 25 being fixed to the seatbelt 20 and configured to be disengaged to a connector 24 located at a third attachment point 23.

[0070] The seatbelt device may be partly or entirely a component of the seat 14, i.e., all or some of the first attachment points to the third attachment points 21-23 may be disposed on the seat 14. Alternatively, some or all of the first attachment points to the third attachment points 21-23 may be disposed on the vehicle chassis, thereby enabling the vehicle 1 to include a three-point seatbelt arrangement associated with the vehicle seat 14.

[0071] like Figure 2 As shown, when the occupant 18 uses the seat belt device correctly, the seat belt device is configured to extend from the first attachment point 21, across the waist of the occupant 18 to the connector tongue 25 which engages with the connector 24 located at the third position 23, and also across the chest 26 of the occupant 18, and then extend to the seat belt retractor 27 located at the second position 22.

[0072] As a result, the waist portion 28 of the seat belt 20 extends across the waist of the occupant 18 between the first attachment point 21 and the connector 24 located at the third position 23, and the chest portion 29 of the seat belt 20 extends between the connector 24 located at the third position 23 and the seat belt retractor 27 located at the second position 22.

[0073] The seatbelt retractor 27 may include a spring-loaded reel having a portion of the seatbelt 20 wound around it, and enabling the seatbelt to be manually pulled out from the retractor 27 during use, as well as to automatically retract (i.e., rewind to eliminate any slack in the seatbelt 20) when the seatbelt 20 is removed.

[0074] Unlike conventional retractors, the seatbelt retractor 27 according to this disclosure includes a powered retraction of the seatbelt. In other words, the seatbelt retractor 27 or seatbelt device has a power source 41 drivenly connected to the seatbelt retractor 27 to enable powered retraction of the seatbelt 20.

[0075] The retraction of a seatbelt under power can be achieved in various ways. For example, Figure 3 A first exemplary embodiment of a powered seatbelt retractor is schematically shown. The retractor has a spool 30 and a power source 41. The spool 30 is used to wind and hold the seatbelt 20 thereon. The power source 41 is connected to the spool 30 in the form of a motor 31 driven to enable the spool 30 to rotate inducedly. If necessary, a gearbox 32 may be induced to be arranged between the motor 31 and the spool 30. When the motor 31 is operated (runs) in the appropriate direction, the spool 30 will begin to rotate and wind the seatbelt, thereby completing the driven retraction.

[0076] Figure 4A and 4B A second exemplary embodiment of a powered seatbelt retractor is schematically shown. Figure 4A A retractor in normal operating mode is shown, having a spool 30 for winding and retaining the seatbelt 20 thereon. A power source 41 in the form of a linear actuator 33 (e.g., a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator with a fixed cylinder 35 and a movable piston 36, or a threaded electromechanical actuator (not shown)) can be driven to the spool 30, which can be linearly moved along a fixed guide 34 by means of the linear actuator 33. Figure 4B A retractor in retraction operation mode is shown, wherein the reel 30 has been displaced by means of a linear actuator 33, thereby enabling the seat belt to retract under power without the reel 30 rotating.

[0077] Therefore, the seat belt 20 associated with the vehicle seat 14 has a first attachment point 21 and a second attachment point 22. The first attachment point 21 is used to secure the lumbar portion 28 of the seat belt 20 to the seat 14 or the vehicle chassis, and the second attachment point 22 is used to secure the chest portion 29 of the seat belt 20 to the seat 14 or the vehicle chassis. A seat belt retractor 27 is located at the second attachment point 22 and configured to retract or tension the chest portion 29 of the seat belt 20 in a driven manner. The second attachment point 22 is disposed at the B-pillar 8 of the vehicle chassis, or at the floor 4 of the vehicle chassis, or at the inner side of the roof 5 of the vehicle chassis, or integrated into the vehicle seat 14, particularly into the backrest 14b or headrest 14c of the vehicle seat 14.

[0078] The following reference Figure 5 A first exemplary embodiment of a vehicle seat system for moving a vehicle seat occupant to an open airway position after a vehicle collision is described. The vehicle seat system includes a seat 14 having a seat cushion 14a, a backrest 14b, and a headrest 14c, wherein the seat 14 further includes one or more power actuators 40 configured to adjust the position of the backrest 14b and / or the headrest 14c. The vehicle seat system also includes a seatbelt assembly having a seatbelt 20 and a seatbelt retractor 27, wherein the seatbelt assembly further includes a power source 41 operatively connected to the seatbelt retractor 27 for actuated retraction of the seatbelt. Furthermore, the vehicle seat system includes an electronic control system 42 operably connected to the one or more power actuators 40 of the seat and the power source 41 of the seatbelt assembly. The control system 42 is configured to: determine that a vehicle collision event has occurred; and control the operation of one or more power actuators 40 of the seat 14 to move at least a portion of the backrest 14b and / or headrest 14c backward, and control the operation of the power source 41 of the seat belt retractor 27 to pull the occupant of the vehicle seat 14 backward toward the backrest 14b.

[0079] Therefore, in the event of a vehicle collision, the occupant 18 of the vehicle seat 14 can be moved to an open airway position.

[0080] One or more power actuators 40 configured to adjust the position of the backrest 14b and / or headrest 14c for moving the backrest 14b and / or headrest 14c rearward may be, for example, motors or linear actuators disposed within the seat 14 and driven to the backrest and / or headrest via a suitable transmission mechanism.

[0081] refer to Figure 7AThe vehicle seat 14 may include, for example, a first pivot 43 located in the intersection area of ​​the seat cushion 14a and the backrest 14b, and configured, for example by means of a motor (not shown) driven and connected to an adjustment mechanism coupled to the first pivot 43 and / or the backrest 14b, to enable the backrest 14b to be folded backward, thereby controlling the folding position of the backrest 14b. The first pivot 43 generally extends horizontally to enable the backrest 14b to be folded backward.

[0082] In addition, refer to Figure 12 The vehicle seat 14 may also include a driven movement of the headrest 14c for rearward movement. For example, this rearward movement can be achieved by pivoting the headrest rearward and / or sliding the headrest 14c rearward. The rearward movement of both the backrest 14b and the headrest 14c generally allows the occupant's body to be rearranged into a position that is even better in terms of airway opening, due to a head position that is more rearward relative to the occupant's torso.

[0083] exist Figure 12 In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle seat 14 includes an upper pivot 44 located in the intersection region of the backrest 14b and the headrest 14c, and is configured, for example, by means of a motor (not shown) drivably connected to an adjustment mechanism coupled to the upper pivot 44 and / or the headrest 14c, to enable the headrest 14c to be folded rearward to control the folding position of the headrest 14c. However, the upper pivot 44 may alternatively be arranged within the backrest 14b. Alternatively, the vehicle seat 14 may include a substantially horizontally oriented slide rail for enabling the headrest 14c to slide rearward, for example by means of a motor drivably connected to the headrest 14c.

[0084] In addition, refer to Figure 11A The vehicle seat 14 may include a first pivot and a second pivot 45. The first pivot is located in the intersection area of ​​the seat cushion 14a and the backrest 14b and is configured to allow the backrest 14b to be folded rearward. The second pivot 45 is disposed in the area of ​​the backrest 14b between the first pivot 43 and the headrest 14c and is configured to allow the upper portion 46 of the backrest 14b located between the second pivot 45 and the headrest 14c to be folded rearward. The second pivot 45 generally extends horizontally to allow the upper portion 46 of the backrest 14b to be folded rearward relative to the lower portion 47 of the backrest 14b.

[0085] By dividing the backrest into a lower part 47 and an upper part 46 that can pivotally connect to each other so that the upper part 46 can move backward relative to the lower part 47, the occupant's body can generally be rearranged in a better position in terms of opening the airway, since the torso is tilted more backward relative to the occupant's abdominal area and the head position may also be tilted more backward relative to the occupant's body.

[0086] In addition, such as Figure 1 and 11B As schematically shown, dividing the backrest into a lower portion 47 and an upper portion 46 at the second pivot 45 also allows the seat 14 to be folded back while preventing the backrest 14b from encroaching excessively into the area of ​​other occupants 19 sitting behind the seat 14 (e.g., in the rear seat 15). Therefore, the second pivot 45 can help reduce the risk of the legs of another occupant 19 sitting behind occupant 18 being trapped by the backrest 14b.

[0087] In addition, refer to Figure 13A The seat 14 may additionally be provided with a power seat cushion 14a capable of tilting backward, which can be controlled to tilt backward in association with the tilting of the backrest 14b. For example, the seat cushion 14a may tilt about a first pivot 43 or another axis located in the area where the seat cushion 14a intersects with the backrest 14b.

[0088] The reclining seat cushion 14a helps maintain the occupant's body in a higher position relative to the seat 14, allowing the occupant's head to recline better along with the reclining headrest 14c, and thus reducing the risk of the occupant's body sliding downward relative to the seat 14 when the backrest 14b is folded back. A more reclined head relative to the occupant's torso generally improves airway opening for the occupant 18.

[0089] The seat cushion 14a may have a separate power function, such as a motor or linear actuator, for achieving the desired driven reclining movement of the seat cushion 14a. Alternatively, the seat cushion 14a and the backrest 14b may form a unit that can recline like a cradle by means of a shared power function.

[0090] In addition, refer to Figure 13B The vehicle seat 14 may include a lumbar support device 48 or a multi-contour device to further improve the rearrangement of the occupant's body into a better position in terms of airway opening by tilting the torso more backward relative to the occupant's abdominal region. Power can be provided using dedicated power functions such as motors, linear actuators, air cushions with associated air pumps and air valves for controlling the air pressure therein by adjusting the lumbar support device or multi-contour device of the vehicle seat to protrude more towards the occupant's lumbar region and / or back region.

[0091] Therefore, the seat 14 may be provided with various means for enabling dynamic control (driven control) of the seat position, thereby enabling dynamic control of the body posture of the occupant sitting in the seat, and any combination of the means of the seat 14 described above can be combined with each other in any way. Thus, by way of example only, the seat 14 may be provided with a first pivot 43; and / or a second pivot 45; and / or an upper pivot 44 or a sliding device; and / or a lumbar support device 48 or a multi-contour device; and / or a tiltable seat cushion 14a; or any combination of the foregoing means.

[0092] References will be made below Figures 7A-7D and Figure 14 A first exemplary embodiment of a computer-implemented method for moving a vehicle seat occupant to an open airway position after a vehicle collision, according to the present disclosure, will be described. Figures 7A-7D The diagram shows occupant 18 at four different time points before and after the vehicle collision, along with their associated seat positions and seatbelt status. Figure 14 The main steps of the method are illustrated schematically.

[0093] Figure 7A The diagram schematically illustrates the body posture of the occupant 18, the position of the seat 14, and the seatbelt assembly during normal driving, i.e., prior to a vehicle collision event. In this exemplary embodiment, a first attachment point 21 is located at the floor 4 of the vehicle chassis, and a second attachment point is disposed at the lower portion of the B-pillar 8 of the vehicle chassis. A seatbelt guide 49, configured to guide or deflect the seatbelt 20, is attached to the upper portion of the B-pillar 8, thereby guiding the seatbelt from the seatbelt retractor 27 to the occupant 18 via the seatbelt guide 49.

[0094] The method includes a first step S10 of detecting the occurrence of a vehicle collision event. This can be performed, for example, by detecting the occurrence of a vehicle collision event when the vehicle acceleration level is monitored and the monitored vehicle acceleration level exceeds a threshold. Specifically, the seat system may include an acceleration sensor or multiple acceleration sensors mounted to be sensitive to acceleration levels in different directions, wherein the control system 42 is configured to detect the occurrence of a vehicle collision event by monitoring the vehicle acceleration level using the vehicle acceleration sensors, and to detect the occurrence of a vehicle collision event when the monitored vehicle acceleration level exceeds a threshold.

[0095] Alternatively, the step of detecting a vehicle collision event can be performed by monitoring or receiving information related to the deployment of airbags within the vehicle. Vehicle airbags typically have internal acceleration sensors, and the deployment of airbags can be a relatively reliable indication that a vehicle collision event has occurred.

[0096] Therefore, the first step S10 of detecting the occurrence of a vehicle collision event corresponds to detecting the occurrence of a real vehicle collision event, that is, detecting an ongoing vehicle collision event. In other words, detecting the occurrence of a vehicle collision event does not simply correspond to determining an impending vehicle collision event, that is, determining a future vehicle collision event that has not yet started but is estimated to occur in the very near future, such as within the next five seconds or less.

[0097] As a result of a vehicle collision, occupants may lose consciousness in a body posture that leads to airway obstruction (i.e., obstruction of the airway between the occupant's lungs and mouth and / or nose). For example, the occupant's head may be tilted sharply forward while the torso remains relatively upright, or the occupant's head may be tilted sharply forward while the torso is tilted forward, such as... Figure 7B As illustrated schematically. In this sitting position, the airway in the occupant's throat region may be restricted or even blocked.

[0098] Therefore, refer to again Figure 14 The method includes a second step S20, moving at least a portion of the backrest and / or headrest backward, and pulling the occupant of the vehicle seat backward toward the backrest by means of a seatbelt retractor through the occupant’s powered retraction of the seatbelt.

[0099] Therefore, as Figure 7D As illustrated, the vehicle seat occupant can be moved to an open airway position, that is, a position in which the airway passage is more likely to be open than the position before the occupant moves backward with the aid of the seat and seat belt devices.

[0100] The second step S20, which involves moving at least a portion of the backrest and / or headrest backward and pulling the occupant of the vehicle seat backward toward the backrest by means of a seatbelt retractor and the occupant's seatbelt retracting under power, begins after the first step S10, which detects the occurrence of a vehicle collision event, has been performed.

[0101] The step of moving at least a portion of the backrest 14b and / or headrest 14c backward preferably includes moving at least a portion of the backrest 14b backward, or both the backrest 14b and headrest 14c backward. Moving only the headrest 14c may seem insufficient in most cases, but depending on the circumstances, this may be sufficient in certain implementations and situations. Figures 7B-7D In the exemplary embodiment shown, only the backrest 14b moves backward, while the headrest 14c remains stationary relative to the backrest 14b. Specifically, the backrest 14b folds backward about a first pivot 43 located in the intersection area of ​​the seat cushion 14 and the backrest 14b.

[0102] The rearward movement of the headrest 14c should be interpreted here as a movement relative to the backrest 14b, or a movement relative to a portion of the backrest. Therefore, the rearward movement of the headrest 14c caused solely by the folding of the backrest 14b is not considered a movement of the headrest 14c relative to the backrest 14b. In other words, the rearward movement of at least a portion of the backrest 14b and the headrest 14c involves two separate (independent) movements that can be performed simultaneously or consecutively.

[0103] Furthermore, moving at least a portion of the backrest and / or headrest backward can be performed by means of one or more power actuators 40 configured to adjust the position of the backrest 14b and / or headrest 14c, as referenced above. Figure 5 As stated above.

[0104] In some cases, tilting the seat 14 backward (i.e., moving the backrest backward by folding back the backrest 14b) or tilting the entire seat 14, including the seat cushion 14a, backrest 14b, and headrest 14c, backward is sufficient to allow the occupant to change their body posture to a more reclined and supine position. However, in some cases, simply moving the backrest 14b backward is insufficient to move an unconscious passenger, such as in vehicle seat 14, to a more open airway position.

[0105] Therefore, to prevent the occupant's torso and head from remaining in a forward-leaning posture, the seatbelt can be used to pull the occupant backward. Therefore, as... Figure 7D As shown, it may be necessary to combine the actions of tilting the seat back 14b with the driven retraction of the seat belt 29 to pull the occupant back toward the seat back 14b, so that the occupant moves backward and sits in a more relaxed and reclined seating position with their head against the headrest, in order to reduce the risk of breathing problems caused by airway obstruction or even blockage.

[0106] Reference Figures 7B to 7D It can be seen from Figure 7A The beginning position to Figure 7D The method involves simultaneously and / or continuously performing the steps of moving at least a portion of the backrest 14B and / or headrest 14C rearward and pulling the occupant 18 of the vehicle seat 14 backward toward the backrest 14B via the driven retraction of the seatbelt 29. In other words, the backrest 14b and / or headrest 14c can move rearward while the occupant 18 is pulled backward toward the backrest 14b via the driven retraction of the seatbelt 29. Alternatively, the method may include a first stage and a second stage, in which the backrest 14b and / or headrest 14c move rearward while the seatbelt retractor 27 remains inactive, and in a second stage, the backrest 14b and / or headrest 14c remain stationary while the seatbelt retractor 27 actively retracts the seatbelt 29.

[0107] The control system 42 may have a predetermined operating program stored in a data memory for controlling the power source 41 of the seatbelt retractor 27 and one or more power actuators 40 for adjusting the position of the backrest 14b and / or headrest 14c. For example, the step of moving at least a portion of the backrest and / or headrest backward and pulling the occupant of the vehicle seat backward toward the backrest by retracting the seatbelt under power may be performed in such a way that, during the first half of the movement sequence, the occupant 18 of the vehicle seat 14 is pulled backward toward the backrest 14b primarily by the driven retraction of the seatbelt 29, while keeping the backrest 14b and / or headrest 14c relatively stationary, and then, during the second half of the movement sequence, at least a portion of the backrest 14b and / or headrest 14c is moved backward primarily, while ensuring that the occupant remains in close contact with or near the backrest 14b and / or headrest 14c.

[0108] In the implementation where the seatbelt retractor is secured to the vehicle chassis, when the backrest 14b is folded back or moved, a certain degree of retraction (i.e., pulling in) of the seatbelt 29 is necessary to ensure that the occupant remains in close contact with or near the backrest 14b and / or headrest 14c. However, in the implementation where the seatbelt retractor is secured to the backrest 14b or headrest 14c, once the occupant is already in close contact with or near the backrest 14b and / or headrest 14c, further retraction of the seatbelt 29 is not required.

[0109] The control system 42 may store one or more predetermined operating routines for controlling the power source 41 of the seatbelt retractor 27 and one or more power actuators 40 for adjusting the position of the backrest 14b and / or headrest 14c. If multiple predetermined operating routines are available, the control system 42 may select the appropriate operating routine based on the specific circumstances. In other words, the control system 42 may acquire some type of data input reflecting a particular environment and subsequently select the appropriate operating routine based on said data input.

[0110] For example, the control system can acquire data input from body posture sensors (such as image detector 17, ultrasonic transducer, laser scanner, etc.) arranged in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Furthermore, the control system 42 may also include dynamic operating routines that continuously adjust their operation based on dynamic input data provided by the body posture sensors and on data input reflecting the position of the backrest 14b and / or headrest 14c.

[0111] If the seatbelt device associated with the seat includes multiple seatbelt retractors, such as a four-point or five-point seatbelt with a seatbelt retractor on each upper side of the seat, then the control system 42 can be configured to control each seatbelt retractor individually according to one or more predetermined operating routines, or by applying dynamic operating routines that continuously adjust their operation based on acquired dynamic input data.

[0112] The overall purpose is to operate and control the power source 41 of the seat belt retractor 27 and one or more power source actuators 40 for adjusting the position of the backrest 14b and / or headrest 14c, thereby moving the occupant back to a more relaxed and reclined sitting position, with the head resting on the headrest in a smooth and relatively slow manner, without exerting excessive pressure on the occupant's chest through the seat belt 29, and at the same time preventing the occupant from falling backward uncontrollably.

[0113] Figure 8A and Figure 8B The body postures of the occupant 18 in intermediate and final positions, as well as the position of the seat 14 and the seat belt device, are schematically shown in another exemplary embodiment regarding the seat and seat belt device. In this exemplary embodiment, the backrest is foldable about a first pivot 43. A first attachment point 21 is located at the floor 4 of the vehicle chassis, and a second attachment point 22 is arranged at the lower part of the B-pillar 8 of the vehicle chassis.

[0114] The backrest 14b includes a seatbelt guide 49 configured to guide or deflect the chest portion of the seatbelt 29 along its path toward the seatbelt retractor 27. As a result, the seatbelt 29 can exert an effective pull-back effect on the occupant regardless of the backrest's folded position, thereby enabling better control of the occupant's body posture while the backrest 14b is moved backward.

[0115] Figure 9A and Figure 9B The diagram schematically illustrates the body postures of an occupant 18 in intermediate and final positions, as well as the position of the seat 14 and the seatbelt device, in another exemplary embodiment concerning the seat and seatbelt device. In this exemplary embodiment, the backrest is foldable about a first pivot 43, and the first attachment point 21 is located at the floor 4 of the vehicle chassis. However, in this exemplary embodiment, a second attachment point 22 is arranged on the inside of the roof 5 of the vehicle chassis. For example, providing the second attachment point 22 at the roof 5 is advantageous for the central position of the rear seats, etc., of the vehicle, because there are no B-pillars or C-pillars of the chassis nearby at this position.

[0116] Figure 10A and Figure 10BThe diagram schematically illustrates the body postures of an occupant 18 in a starting and final position, as well as the position of the seat 14 and the seatbelt device, in another exemplary embodiment of the seat and seatbelt device. In this exemplary embodiment, the backrest is foldable about a first pivot 43. Furthermore, a second attachment point 22 is arranged to be integrated into the vehicle seat, particularly into the backrest 14b of the vehicle seat 14. Providing the second attachment point 22 on the backrest 14b is advantageous because the seatbelt 29 can exert an effective pull-back effect on the occupant regardless of the backrest's folded position, thereby enabling better control of the occupant's body posture while moving the backrest 14b backward, and also eliminating the need for... Figure 8A The seatbelt guide 49 shown is required. Furthermore, this arrangement of the second attachment point 22 is also beneficial for convertibles or other types of vehicles lacking a B-pillar or C-pillar available for use near the second attachment point 22.

[0117] Figure 11A and Figure 11B The body postures of an occupant 18 in a starting position and a final position, as well as the position of the seat 14 and the seat belt device, are schematically illustrated in another exemplary embodiment regarding the seat and seat belt device. In this exemplary embodiment, the backrest 14b is foldable about a first pivot 43. The backrest also includes a second pivot 45 disposed in the region between the first pivot 43 and the headrest 14c, wherein the step of moving at least a portion of the backrest 14b and / or the headrest 14c backward further includes folding the backrest 14b backward about the second pivot 45.

[0118] By providing an additional folding mechanism to divide the backrest 14b into a lower portion 47 and an upper portion 46, the occupant's torso and head can recline further without having to fold the lower portion 47 of the backrest 14b as much as a backrest without the additional folding mechanism. As a result, more legroom 50 is available for another occupant 19 sitting in the rear seat of the vehicle 1. In other words, the additional folding mechanism, namely the second pivot 45, enables a more reclined torso and head position, and thus increases the possibility of achieving a situation where the occupant's head actually rests on the headrest 14c in its final position, and the airway is more open due to the more backward bending of the occupant's upper body.

[0119] Figure 12 Another exemplary embodiment of the seating system is shown, wherein the body posture of the occupant 18, the position of the seat 14, and the seatbelt device are in their final positions, similar to... Figure 11BThe embodiment includes, but also includes, an upper pivot 44 located in the intersection area of ​​the backrest 14b and the headrest 14c, and the upper pivot 44 is configured to allow the headrest 14c to be folded back. In general, a head position that is more rearward relative to the occupant's body, compared to a non-reclined head position, can improve airway opening and reduce the risk of breathing problems.

[0120] Furthermore, by providing a headrest 14c that can fold back or move back, the occupant's head can be tilted back more, without having to fold the upper part 46 of the backrest 14b as much as the upper part 46 of the backrest without the upper pivot 44. As a result, more legroom 50 can be provided for another occupant 19 sitting in the rear seat of the vehicle 1. In other words, the upper pivot 44 enables a more tilted head position and thus increases the possibility of achieving a situation where the occupant's head actually rests on the headrest 14c in its final position and the airway is more open due to the more backward bending of the occupant's upper body.

[0121] According to another alternative embodiment, a headrest 14c that can be folded or moved backward, for example by means of an upper pivot 44, can be combined with a non-segmented (undivided) backrest 14c (i.e., a backrest 14b without an additional folding device (e.g., by means of a second pivot 45)).

[0122] Therefore, the step of moving at least a portion of the backrest and / or headrest backward may include performing one, two, three, or all of the following activities: folding the backrest backward around a first pivot located in the intersection area of ​​the seat cushion and backrest, moving the headrest 14c backward, tilting the seat cushion 14a backward, and adjusting the lumbar support device 48 or multiple contouring devices of the vehicle seat to extend further toward the lumbar and / or back area of ​​the occupant of the vehicle seat.

[0123] Preferably, after a vehicle collision, i.e., immediately after the collision event, the second step S20, which involves moving the backrest 14b backward and pulling the occupant backward, is performed first. In other words, the second step S20 is preferably performed immediately after the vehicle has come to a stop following the collision event, and does not interfere with the position or control of the seat and / or seatbelt devices during the collision event. Therefore, referring to... Figure 15 After the first step S10 of detecting a vehicle collision event, and before the second step S20 of moving at least a portion of the backrest and / or headrest backward and pulling the occupant of the vehicle seat backward toward the backrest, the method may include an intermediate step S11 of waiting for a certain period of time.

[0124] The intermediate step S11, which waits for a certain period of time, may include, for example, a delay of at least 3 seconds, specifically, a delay of at least 5 seconds. Alternatively, the delay duration may be in the range of 3 to 30 seconds, specifically in the range of 5 to 15 seconds.

[0125] Furthermore, according to some exemplary embodiments, before performing the second step S20 of moving at least a portion of the backrest and / or headrest backward and pulling the occupant of the vehicle seat backward toward the backrest, it may be desirable to perform some type of check process to assess the need for a change in the occupant's body posture. In other words, it may be desirable to avoid automatic backward movement of at least a portion of the backrest and / or headrest, and automatic pulling of the occupant of the vehicle seat backward toward the backrest, when such a change in body posture is not needed or even desired. This is, for example, when the occupant is not unconscious or their breathing is not obstructed or blocked.

[0126] Therefore, refer to Figure 16 The method may include a first intermediate step S14 of acquiring information related to the occupant's airway status, and a second step S20 of moving at least a portion of the backrest and / or headrest and pulling the occupant of the vehicle seat back towards the backrest when the detected airway status indicates that the occupant's airway is blocked or obstructed. Therefore, in those cases where the acquired information related to the airway status indicates a non-blocked or non-obstructed airway, the method does not proceed to the second step S20.

[0127] For example, airway status-related information that can be used to provide an indication of airway obstruction or blockage can correspond to, for example, monitoring of body respiratory movements using an image detector 17, an ultrasonic transducer, a laser scanner, etc., or monitoring of occupant respiratory activity using audio detection via a microphone 51, such as according to Figure 6 As schematically shown in the system.

[0128] Alternatively, for example, the airway status-related information that could be used to provide an indication of airway obstruction or blockage in a passenger could correspond to a voice command given by the passenger in response to a question generated by the control system 42 and posed by a speaker 53 within the passenger cabin system (the voice command being detected by a microphone 51). In other words, the control system 42 could inquire about the occupant's health and breathing status and record the occupant's voice response, thereby deducing whether the occupant's response indicates airway obstruction or blockage.

[0129] Alternatively, or in combination with the first intermediate step S14, the method may include a second intermediate step S15, acquiring information related to the occupant's level of consciousness, and, when the detected occupant's level of consciousness is low or unconscious (i.e., an unconscious occupant), proceeding to the second step S20, which involves moving at least a portion of the backrest and / or headrest backward and pulling the occupant of the vehicle seat backward toward the backrest. Therefore, if the acquired information related to the occupant's level of consciousness indicates a high or at least moderate level of consciousness, the method does not proceed to the second step S20.

[0130] For example, the information relating to an occupant's level of consciousness could correspond, for instance, to a voice response detected by microphone 51 and given by the passenger in response to a question generated by control system 42 and posed by speaker 53 within the passenger cabin system. In other words, control system 42 can inquire about the occupant's health condition and level of consciousness, and record the occupant's voice response, thereby obtaining the occupant's level of consciousness.

[0131] Alternatively, for example, information relating to the occupant's level of consciousness can correspond to the level of the occupant's physical activity or movement detected by means of image detector 17, ultrasonic transducer, laser scanner, etc. The occupant's physical activity or movement can be used as a conscious indication of the occupant.

[0132] Alternatively, or in combination with any of the first and second intermediate steps S14 and S15, the method may include a third intermediate step S16, acquiring information about the values ​​of one or more health parameters associated with the occupant's respiratory and / or cardiovascular systems, and when the detected values ​​of the one or more health parameters are outside a predetermined range, proceeding to the second step S20, moving at least a portion of the backrest and / or headrest backward and pulling the occupant of the vehicle seat backward toward the backrest. Therefore, in those cases where the acquired information about the values ​​of one or more health parameters is within an acceptable numerical range, the method does not proceed to the second step S20.

[0133] refer to Figure 6 One or more health parameters associated with the occupant's respiratory and / or cardiovascular systems may be, for example, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) measured using a pulse oximeter 52a, which may be incorporated into a smartwatch. Low oxygen saturation can be used as an indication of airway obstruction or blockage.

[0134] Alternatively, one or more health parameters associated with the occupant's respiratory and / or cardiovascular systems may be, for example, an electrocardiogram (ECG) or similar cardiac activity monitoring parameters, such as those measured using electrode 52b, which may be incorporated into the smartwatch. Cardiac activity outside of normal activity can be used as an indication of airway obstruction or blockage.

[0135] Alternatively, one or more health parameters associated with the occupant's respiratory and / or cardiovascular systems could be, for example, heart rate per minute (BPM), or similar cardiac activity monitoring parameters, such as those measured using an optical sensor 52c, which could be incorporated into the smartwatch. Heart rates other than normal can be used as an indication of airway obstruction or blockage.

[0136] Alternatively, one or more health parameters associated with the occupant's respiratory and / or cardiovascular systems could be, for example, blood pressure (BP), or similar cardiac activity monitoring parameters, such as those measured using an optical sensor 52d, which could be incorporated into the smartwatch. Blood pressure outside the normal range can be used as an indication of airway obstruction or blockage.

[0137] Alternatively, or in combination with any of the first, second, and third intermediate steps S14-S16, the method may include a fourth intermediate step S17, acquiring information related to the occupant's body posture, and, when the detected body posture indicates airway obstruction, proceeding to the second step S20, which involves moving at least a portion of the backrest and / or headrest backward and pulling the occupant of the vehicle seat backward toward the backrest. Therefore, if the acquired information related to the body posture indicates a non-obstructed or unblocked airway, the method does not proceed to the second step S20. The body posture may be detected, for example, by means of an image detector 17, an ultrasonic transducer, a laser scanner, etc.

[0138] It is clear that, despite Figure 16 While not explicitly stated, only one of the first to fourth intermediate steps S14-S17 may be performed in isolation from the other steps to provide an indication of an obstructed or blocked airway for the occupant. Furthermore, two, three, or all of the first to fourth intermediate steps S14-S17 may be combined in any order to provide a more reliable indication of an obstructed or blocked airway for the occupant.

[0139] In addition, as referenced above Figure 16As described, any data and / or information acquired by appropriate sensors that relates to the occupant's airway status, occupant's level of consciousness, values ​​of one or more health parameters associated with the occupant's respiratory and / or cardiovascular systems, and / or the occupant's body posture may be automatically forwarded to emergency call centers and / or paramedics to enable emergency call centers and / or paramedics to make better decisions about the urgency level and / or to make better preparations before reaching the collision site.

[0140] Furthermore, occupant information relating to airway status, level of consciousness, values ​​of one or more health parameters, and / or body posture can also be obtained after the second step S20, which involves moving at least a portion of the backrest 14b and / or headrest 14c backward and pulling the occupant of the vehicle seat 14 back toward the backrest 14b, and is then automatically forwarded to the emergency call center and / or paramedics. Therefore, the emergency call center and / or paramedics can assess whether the seat movements used to reposition the occupant to a more open airway position are actually effective and make better decisions based on this assessment.

[0141] Regarding the second step S20, which involves moving at least a portion of the backrest and / or headrest backward, at least a portion of the backrest and / or headrest may be moved backward continuously until a predetermined reclining seat position is reached.

[0142] Alternatively, such as Figure 17 As schematically illustrated, the second step S20 may include a first sub-step S20a, continuously or periodically monitoring the occupant's body posture during rearward movement of at least a portion of the backrest and / or headrest, and a second sub-step S20b, comparing the detected body posture with a body posture acceptable in terms of occupant airway opening. When the detected body posture is sufficiently close to an acceptable body posture (yes), the method includes stopping the rearward movement of the backrest and / or headrest, and when the detected body posture is not sufficiently close to an acceptable body posture (no), the method continues the rearward movement of the backrest and / or headrest.

[0143] Additionally, refer to Figure 18 The second step S20 can be alternatively, or together with Figure 17The method steps, in combination, include a first sub-step S20a*, detecting the occupancy status of the vehicle seat 15 located behind the seat 14 of occupant 18, and determining a reclining seat position taking into account the occupancy status of the vehicle seat 15 located behind the seat 14 of occupant 18. The second step S20 may then include a second sub-step S20b*, moving at least a portion of the backrest and / or headrest backward until a reclining seat position is reached, taking into account the detected occupancy status of the vehicle seat 15 located behind the seat 14 of occupant 18. This reduces the risk of the legs of another occupant 19 sitting behind occupant 18 being trapped by the backrest 14b, while still allowing the use of the space behind seat 14 even when another occupant 19 is not present. The occupancy status of the vehicle seat 15 located behind seat 14 can be detected, for example, by means of an image detector 17, an ultrasonic transducer, a laser scanner, etc., or by means of a seat occupancy status sensor such as a weight sensor or a deflection sensor disposed within seat 15.

[0144] The present disclosure has been presented above with reference to specific embodiments. However, within the scope of this disclosure, other embodiments besides those described above are also possible. Method steps, performed by hardware or software, different from the steps described above, may be provided within the scope of this disclosure.

[0145] The processors associated with control system 42 may be any number of hardware components, or include them, for performing data or signal processing or for executing computer code stored in memory. The system may have associated memory, and the memory may be one or more means for storing data and / or computer code to perform or facilitate the various methods described herein. The memory may include volatile or non-volatile memory. The memory may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities described herein. According to exemplary embodiments, any distributed or local memory device may be used with the systems and methods described herein. According to exemplary embodiments, the memory may be communicatively connected to the processor (e.g., via circuitry or any other wired, wireless, or network connection) and includes computer code for performing one or more processes described herein.

[0146] Therefore, the control system 42 may include a processor configured to execute references Figures 14 to 18 The steps of any of the described methods can be provided. Similarly, a computer program may be provided that includes instructions, which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps described in the reference method. Figures 14 to 18 The steps of the method described by any of them.

[0147] It should be understood that the above description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure or its application or use. Although specific examples have been described in the specification and illustrated in the drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted for their elements without departing from the scope of this disclosure as defined in the claims. Reference numerals used in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the subject matter protected by the claims; their sole purpose is to facilitate the understanding of the claims.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for moving an occupant (18) of a vehicle seat (14) to an open airway position after a vehicle crash event, the vehicle seat (14) having a seat cushion (14a), a seat back (14b) and a headrest (14c), the method comprising: detecting the occurrence of a vehicle crash event; and moving at least a portion of the seat back (14b) and / or the headrest (14c) rearward and pulling the occupant (18) of the vehicle seat rearward toward the seat back (14b) by retracting a seat belt (20) of the occupant (18) driven by means of a seat belt retractor (27).

2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein, The method comprises the intermediate step of waiting for a period of time after the step of detecting the occurrence of a vehicle crash event and before the step of moving at least a portion of the seat back (14b) and / or the headrest (14c) rearward and pulling the occupant (18) of the vehicle seat rearward toward the seat back (14b).

3. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1, wherein, The method comprises the intermediate step of acquiring information about the airway status of the occupant (18), and wherein the method proceeds to the step of moving at least a portion of the seat back (14b) and / or the headrest (14c) rearward and pulling the occupant (18) of the vehicle seat rearward toward the seat back (14b) when the detected airway status indicates an airway obstruction or compromise; and / or wherein the method comprises the intermediate step of acquiring information about the level of consciousness of the occupant (18), and wherein the method proceeds to the step of moving at least a portion of the seat back (14b) and / or the headrest (14c) rearward and pulling the occupant (18) of the vehicle seat rearward toward the seat back (14b) when the detected level of consciousness of the occupant (18) is low or non-existent; and / or wherein the method comprises the intermediate step of acquiring information about the value of one or more health parameters associated with the respiratory and / or cardiovascular system of the occupant (18), and wherein the method proceeds to the step of moving at least a portion of the seat back (14b) and / or the headrest (14c) rearward and pulling the occupant (18) of the vehicle seat rearward toward the seat back (14b) when the detected value of the one or more health parameters is outside a predetermined range; and / or wherein the method comprises the intermediate step of acquiring information about the body posture of the occupant (18), and wherein the method proceeds to the step of moving at least a portion of the seat back (14b) and / or the headrest (14c) rearward and pulling the occupant (18) of the vehicle seat rearward toward the seat back (14b) when the detected body posture indicates an airway obstruction.

4. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1, wherein the backward movement of at least one of the backrest (14b) and / or the headrest (14c) is continued until a predetermined reclined seat position is reached; or wherein the method comprises monitoring the body posture of the occupant (18) during the backward movement of at least one of the backrest (14b) and / or the headrest (14c) and pulling the occupant (18) of the vehicle seat backward toward the backrest (14b), and stopping the movement and pulling operations when the monitored body posture corresponds to an acceptable body posture in terms of open airway of the occupant (18).

5. The computer-implemented method of claim 4, wherein, The method comprises detecting an occupancy status of a vehicle seat located behind the seat of the occupant (18), and determining the reclined seat position in consideration of the detected occupancy status of the vehicle seat located behind the seat of the occupant (18).

6. The computer- implemented method of claim 1, wherein, The step of moving backward at least one of the backrest (14b) and / or the headrest (14c) comprises performing one, two, three or all of the following activities: - folding backward the backrest (14b) about a first pivot located in an intersection region of the seat cushion (14a) and the backrest (14b); - moving backward the headrest (14c); - tilting backward the seat cushion (14a); - adjusting a lumbar support device (48) or a multi-contoured device of the vehicle seat so as to make it more protruding toward the lumbar region and / or the back region of the occupant (18) of the vehicle seat.

7. The computer- implemented method of claim 6, wherein, The backrest (14b) comprises a second pivot arranged in a region between the first pivot (43) and the headrest (14c), and wherein the step of moving backward at least one of the backrest (14b) and / or the headrest (14c) further comprises folding backward the backrest (14b) about the second pivot (45).

8. The computer- implemented method of claim 1, wherein, The vehicle seat comprises one or more powered actuators (40) configured for adjusting the position of the backrest (14b) and / or the headrest (14c), and wherein the step of moving backward at least one of the backrest (14b) and / or the headrest (14c) comprises controlling the operation of the one or more powered actuators (40) for moving backward at least one of the backrest (14b) and / or the headrest (14c).

9. The computer-implemented method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein, A safety belt (20) associated with the vehicle seat has a first attachment point (21) for fastening a lumbar portion of the safety belt (20) to the seat or vehicle chassis, and a second attachment point (22) for fastening a thoracic portion of the safety belt (20) to the seat or vehicle chassis, wherein the safety belt retractor (27) is located at the second attachment point (22) and is configured for retracting or tensioning the thoracic portion of the safety belt (20) under power, and wherein the second attachment point is arranged: - at a B-pillar (8) of the vehicle chassis; or - at a floor (4) of the vehicle chassis; or - at a seat backrest (14b) of the vehicle seat; or - at a headrest (14c) of the vehicle seat. - on the inner side of the roof (5) of the vehicle chassis; or - integrated in the vehicle seat.

10. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, wherein, The second attachment point is arranged to be integrated in a backrest (14b) or a headrest (14c) of the vehicle seat.

11. The computer- implemented method of claim 10, wherein, The backrest (14b) or the headrest (14c) comprises a seat belt guide (49) configured for guiding or deflecting the chest portion of the seat belt (20) along its path towards the seat belt retractor (27).

12. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 1-8, wherein, The step of moving at least a portion of the backrest (14b) and / or the headrest (14c) rearward and pulling the occupant (18) of the vehicle seat rearward towards the backrest (14b) by driven retraction of the seat belt (20) is achieved by a motion sequence during a first half of which the occupant (18) of the vehicle seat is pulled rearward towards the backrest (14b) mainly by retracting the seat belt (20) under power while keeping the backrest (14b) and / or headrest (14c) relatively stationary, followed by a second half of the motion sequence during which at least a portion of the backrest (14b) and / or headrest (14c) is mainly moved rearward while ensuring that the occupant (18) remains in close contact with or adjacent to the backrest (14b) and / or headrest (14c).

13. A vehicle seat system for moving an occupant (18) of a vehicle seat to an open airway position after a vehicle crash event, the vehicle seat system comprising: a seat having a seat cushion (14a), a backrest (14b) and a headrest (14c), wherein the seat further has one or more powered actuators configured for adjusting a position of movement of the backrest (14b) and / or the headrest (14c); a seat belt arrangement having a seat belt (20) and a seat belt retractor (27), wherein the seat belt arrangement further has a power source drivingly connected to the seat belt retractor (27) to enable driven retraction; and an electronic control system (42) operably connected to the one or more powered actuators of the seat and to the power source of the seat belt arrangement; wherein the control system is configured to: determine occurrence of a vehicle crash event; and control operation of the one or more powered actuators of the seat to move at least a portion of the backrest (14b) and / or the headrest (14c) rearward and control operation of the power source of the seat belt retractor (27) for pulling the occupant (18) of the vehicle seat rearward towards the backrest (14b), the step of moving at least a part of the backrest (14b) and / or the headrest (14c) rearward and controlling operation of the power source of the seat belt retractor (27) for pulling the occupant (18) of the vehicle seat rearward towards the backrest (14b) is first performed immediately after the vehicle has come to a standstill after a crash event.

14. The vehicle seating system of claim 13, wherein, The vehicle seat has: a first pivot (43) located in an intersection region of the seat cushion (14a) and the backrest (14b) and configured for enabling folding back of the backrest (14b); and a second pivot (45) arranged in a region of the backrest (14b) between the first pivot and the headrest (14c) and configured for enabling folding back of an upper part (46) of the backrest (14b) between the second pivot and the headrest (14c).

15. The vehicle seating system of claim 13, wherein, The seat belt (20) has a first attachment point (21) for fastening a waist portion of the seat belt (20) to the seat or vehicle chassis and a second attachment point (22) for fastening a chest portion of the seat belt (20) to the seat or the vehicle chassis, wherein the seat belt retractor (27) is located at the second attachment point (22) and configured for winding up or tensioning the chest portion of the seat belt (20) under power, and wherein the second attachment point is arranged: - at a B-pillar (8) of the vehicle chassis; or - at a floor (4) of the vehicle chassis; or - at an inner side of a roof (5) of the vehicle chassis; or - integrated in the vehicle seat.

16. The vehicle seating system of the preceding claim 15, wherein, The second attachment point is arranged integrated in a backrest (14b) or a headrest (14c) of the vehicle seat.

17. Vehicle seat system according to any of the preceding claims 13-16, wherein the control system (42) is configured for acquiring information about an airway status of the occupant (18) and for controlling a rearward movement of at least a part of the backrest (14b) and / or headrest (14c) and for controlling pulling the occupant (18) of the vehicle seat rearward towards the backrest (14b) when the detected airway status indicates an airway obstruction or blockage; and / or wherein the control system (42) is configured for acquiring information about a level of consciousness of the occupant (18) and for controlling a rearward movement of at least a part of the backrest (14b) and / or headrest (14c) and for controlling pulling the occupant (18) of the vehicle seat rearward towards the backrest (14b) when the detected level of consciousness of the occupant (18) is low or non-existent; and / or wherein the control system (42) is configured to obtain information about values of one or more health parameters associated with the respiratory system and / or cardiovascular system of the occupant (18) and to control at least a portion of the backrest (14b) and / or the headrest (14c) to move rearward and to control the occupant (18) of the vehicle seat to be pulled rearward toward the backrest (14b) when the detected values of the one or more health parameters are outside a predetermined range; and / or wherein the control system is configured to obtain information about a body posture of the occupant (18) and to control at least a portion of the backrest (14b) and / or the headrest (14c) to move rearward and to control the occupant (18) of the vehicle seat to be pulled rearward toward the backrest (14b) when the detected body posture indicates an airway obstruction.

18. A vehicle seat system for moving an occupant (18) of a vehicle seat to an open airway position after a vehicle crash event, the vehicle seat system comprising: a seat having a seat cushion (14a), a backrest (14b) and a headrest (14c), wherein the seat further has one or more powered actuators configured to adjust a position of movement of the backrest (14b) and / or the headrest (14c); a seat belt arrangement having a seat belt (20) and a seat belt retractor (27), wherein the seat belt arrangement further has a power source drivingly connected to the seat belt retractor (27) for effecting a driven retraction; and an electronic control system (42) operably connected to the one or more powered actuators of the seat and to the power source of the seat belt arrangement, wherein the control system is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 12.

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