Electrical assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical assembly. The electrical assembly includes: an electronic control unit (ECU); a track assembly electrically connected to the ECU, the track assembly including a first conductor and a second conductor; and a support assembly configured for connection with the track assembly and movement along the track assembly relative to the ECU, the support assembly comprising: a first sensor, a second sensor, and a sensor enabler electrically connected to the first sensor and the second sensor, the sensor enabler includes a first terminal, a second terminal, and at least one of a diode, a comparator, or a switch. The sensor enabler may selectively electrically connect the first sensor or the second sensor with the first terminal and the second terminal according to an output from the ECU.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 606,659, filed on December 6, 2023, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, as if fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to electrical assemblies, including electrical assemblies that include track assemblies and / or that may be used, for example, in conjunction with a vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Although the claims are not limited to specific illustrations, an understanding of the various aspects may be gained through a discussion of various examples. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and certain features may be exaggerated or hidden to better illustrate and explain the innovative aspects of the examples. In addition, the exemplary illustrations described herein are not exhaustive or otherwise limiting, and the embodiments are not limited to the precise forms and configurations shown in the drawings or disclosed in the following detailed description. The exemplary illustrations are described in detail with reference to the following drawings:

[0006] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram generally illustrating an embodiment of an electrical assembly according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0007] Figure 2 is an end view generally illustrating an embodiment of an electrical assembly in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 3 is an end view generally illustrating an embodiment of an electrical assembly in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an electronic control unit (ECU) having a first configuration in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an electronic control unit (ECU) having a second configuration in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram generally illustrating an embodiment of an electrical assembly according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram generally illustrating an embodiment of an electrical assembly according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram generally illustrating an embodiment of an electrical assembly according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram generally illustrating an embodiment of an electrical assembly according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0015] Fig. 9 is a flow chart generally illustrating an embodiment of a method of operating an electrical component according to the teachings of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0017] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the detailed description that follows, many specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments described. However, it is apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the various embodiments described may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, processes, components, circuits, and networks are not described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the embodiments.

[0018] refer to Figure 1 , an electrical assembly 20 is shown having a track assembly 22, a support assembly 24, and an electronic control unit (ECU) 26. The track assembly 22 includes a first track 40, a second track 42, a first conductor 44, and a second conductor 46. The first conductor 44 is connected to and / or at least partially disposed in the first track 40. The second conductor 46 is connected to and / or at least partially disposed in the second track 42. The ECU 26 is electrically connected to the first conductor 44, the second conductor 46, and a power source 48. The power source 48 may, for example, include a battery, such as a vehicle battery for vehicle use.

[0019] The support assembly 24 is connectable to the track assembly 22 (e.g., mechanically and electrically), movable along and relative to the track assembly 22, and / or removable from the track assembly 22. Optionally, the support assembly 24 is configured as a vehicle component (such as a seat or a console). The support assembly 24 includes a first sensor 70, a second sensor 72, and a sensor enabler 74 that move with the support assembly 24. The sensor enabler 74 includes a first terminal 80, a second terminal 82, a set of diodes 84, a set of comparators 86, and / or a set of switches 88. The sensor enabler 74 is electrically connected to the first sensor 70 and the second sensor 72. The sensor enabler 74 selectively electrically connects the first sensor 70 or the second sensor 72 to the first terminal 80 and the second terminal 82, such as according to an output from the ECU 26. For example, the set of diodes 84, the set of comparators 86, and / or the set of switches 88 can be electrically connected between the first sensor 70 and the second sensor 72 and the first terminal 80 and the second terminal 82.

[0020] The electrical assembly 20 may include a safety system 54 that may be in communication with and / or at least partially controlled by the ECU 26. The safety system 54 may include one or more of an airbag 56, a seatbelt 58, a seatbelt pretensioner 60, a display 62, or a speaker 64, etc. For some embodiments, the electrical assembly 20 may be included in a vehicle 28.

[0021] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The support assembly 24 includes a first contact 100, a second contact 102, a first anchor 104, and a second anchor 106. The first contact 100 and the second contact 102 may be Figure 2 The extended position shown in Figure 3 , and is movable (e.g., rotatable, translatable, etc.) between the retracted positions shown in Figure 2 In the extended position shown in FIG. 1 , the first contact 100 and the second contact 102 are in contact with and electrically connected to the first conductor 44 and the second conductor 46, respectively, and Figure 3 In the retracted position shown in FIG. 1 , the first contact 100 and the second contact 102 are not in contact with the first conductor 44 and the second conductor 46. In the retracted position, the first contact 100 and the second contact 102 can be arranged so that they do not hinder the vertical removal of the support assembly 24 from the track assembly 22. The anchors 104, 106 can be Figure 2 The extended position shown in Figure 3 between the retracted positions shown in Figure 2 In the extended position shown in FIG. 1 , the anchors 104, 106 are engaged with the first rail 40 and the second rail 42, respectively, and Figure 3 In the retracted position shown in FIG. 1 , the anchors 104, 106 are not engaged with the first rail 40 and the second rail 42. In the retracted position, the anchors 104, 106 can be arranged so that they do not hinder the vertical removal of the support assembly 24 from the track assembly 22.

[0022] refer to Figure 4AIn a first configuration, the ECU 26 includes a controller 120, a plurality of switches 122 (e.g., "ECU switches"), a first ECU terminal 124, and a second ECU terminal 126. The plurality of switches 122 may optionally include one or more of a transistor, a field effect transistor (FET), a metal oxide field effect transistor (MOSFET), a relay, or a contactor, etc. The plurality of switches 122 include a first switch 140, a second switch 142, a third switch 144, and a fourth switch 146. The first switch 140 and the third switch 144 are electrically connected to a first voltage source 160 and a second voltage source 162, respectively, which may be connected to or included in the power supply 48. The first switch 140 is electrically connected to the second switch 142 and the first ECU terminal 124. The third switch 144 is electrically connected to the fourth switch 146 and the second ECU terminal 126. The second switch 142 and the fourth switch 146 are electrically connected to the first ECU terminal 124 and the second ECU terminal 126, respectively, and to ground 128.

[0023] The controller 120 may operate the plurality of switches 122 to selectively connect the first voltage source to the first ECU terminal 124 and the second ECU terminal 126 to the ground 128, or to connect the first ECU terminal 124 to the ground 128 and the second ECU terminal 126 to the second voltage source 162. For example, the controller 120 may operate the first switch 140 to a closed configuration and the second switch 142 to an open configuration to connect the first ECU terminal 124 to the first voltage source 160. The controller 120 may operate the third switch 144 to an open configuration and the fourth switch 146 to a closed configuration to connect the second ECU terminal 126 to the ground 128. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 120 may operate the first switch 140 to an open configuration and the second switch 142 to a closed configuration to connect the first ECU terminal 124 to the ground 128. The controller 120 may operate the third switch 144 to a closed configuration and the fourth switch 146 to an open configuration to connect the second ECU terminal 126 to the second voltage source 162. In some embodiments, resistors 148, 150 (e.g., pull-up resistors) may be connected between the first and second voltage sources 160, 162 and the first and third switches 140, 144, respectively.

[0024] refer to Figure 4B, another configuration of the ECU 26 is shown. The first switch 140 is connected to and selectively electrically connects the third voltage source 164 and the first conductor 44. The second switch 142 is connected to and selectively electrically connects the fourth voltage source 166 and the first conductor 44. The third switch 144 is connected to and selectively electrically connects the fifth voltage source 168 and the third conductor 50 of the track assembly 22. The fourth switch 146 is connected to and selectively electrically connects the sixth voltage source 170 and the third conductor 50. The voltage sources 164 to 170 can each provide a different voltage. The ECU 26 can close the first switch 140 and the second switch 142 to provide the first conductor 44 with the corresponding first voltage and the second voltage. The second conductor 46 can be connected to the ground 128. The ECU 26 can close the third switch 144 and the fourth switch 146 to provide the third conductor 50 with the corresponding third voltage and the fourth voltage. The fourth conductor 52 of the track assembly 22 can be connected to the ground 128. The third conductor 50 and the fourth conductor 52 may be disposed in the first track 40, the second track 42, a combination of the first track 40 and the second track 42, or in other tracks of the track assembly 22 (see, e.g., Figure 7 tracks 1040, 1042, 2040, 2042).

[0025] refer to Figure 5, the sensor enabler 74 of the support assembly 24 includes a set of comparators 86, the set of comparators 86 including a first comparator 180 and a second comparator 182, a first switch 190, a second switch 192, a third switch 194, and a fourth switch 196. The first comparator 180 and the second comparator 182 are connected to the first terminal 80 and the second terminal 82. The first comparator 180 is connected to control the first switch 190 and the second switch 192. The second comparator 182 is connected to control the third switch 194 and the fourth switch 196. The first switch 190 is connected between the first terminal 80 and the first sensor 70, and selectively electrically connects the first terminal 80 to the first sensor 70. The second switch 192 is connected between the second terminal 82 and the first sensor 70, and selectively electrically connects the second terminal 82 to the first sensor 70. The third switch 194 is connected between the first terminal 80 and the second sensor 72, and selectively electrically connects the first terminal 80 and the second sensor 72. The fourth switch 196 is connected between the second terminal 82 and the second sensor 72, and selectively electrically connects the second terminal 82 to the second sensor 72. Optionally, the first comparator 180 and the second comparator 182 include window comparators, and include low reference inputs 200, 202 and high reference inputs 204, 206 that define the corresponding first and second windows of the first and second comparators 180, 182. The first window and the second window can be different and non-overlapping. The first comparator 180 and the second comparator 182 can operate to selectively electrically connect the first sensor 70 or the second sensor 72 to the first terminal 80 and the second terminal 82. For example, if the voltage across the first terminal 80 and the second terminal 82 is within the first window of the first comparator 180, the first comparator 180 provides an output to close the first switch 190 and the second switch 192, which connects the first sensor 70 to the first terminal 80 and the second terminal 82 and the first contact 100 and the second contact 102. If the voltage across the first terminal 80 and the second terminal 82 is within the second window of the second comparator 182, the second comparator 182 provides an output to close the third switch 194 and the fourth switch 196, which connects the second sensor 72 to the first terminal 80 and the second terminal 82. For some configurations, the ECU 26 can control the voltage across the first terminal 80 and the second terminal 82 to selectively connect to the first sensor 70 or the second sensor 72. For example, the ECU 26 may include Figure 4B Additionally or alternatively, the first sensor 70 and the second sensor 72 may have variable resistance / impedance corresponding to the respective sensed values ​​or parameters, and the ECU 26 may utilize the resistance / impedance of the sensors 70, 72 (e.g., the voltage drop across the sensors 70, 72) to obtain the sensed values ​​or parameters from the sensors 70, 72.

[0026] According to the first voltage provided by the ECU 26 outside the first window and outside the second window (e.g., zero voltage, between the reference voltages 204 and 202, or above the reference voltage 206), the first sensor 70 and the second sensor 72 are not electrically connected to the first terminal 80 and the second terminal 82. According to the second voltage provided by the ECU 26 within the first window (e.g., from Figure 4B In the case where the ECU 26 provides a second voltage outside the second window, the second comparator 182 does not close the third switch 194 and the fourth switch 196, disconnecting the second sensor 72 from the first terminal 80 and the second terminal 82. In accordance with the third voltage provided by the ECU 26 within the second window (e.g., from Figure 4B The ECU 26 may provide a third voltage source 166 in the first window, the second comparator 182 closes the third switch 194 and the fourth switch 196 to connect the second sensor 72 to the first terminal 80 and the second terminal 82. When the ECU 26 provides a third voltage outside the first window, the first comparator 180 does not close the first switch 190 and the second switch 192, thereby disconnecting the first sensor 70 from the first terminal 80 and the second terminal 82. The ECU 26 may provide the second voltage to obtain information from the first sensor 70, and may provide the third voltage to obtain information from the second sensor 72.

[0027] The sensor enabler 74 may include a set of switches 88 (e.g., switches 190 to 196) and a set of comparators 86 (e.g., comparators 180, 182) connected to the set of switches 88. The support assembly 24 may include a set of sensors (e.g., a first sensor 70 and a second sensor 72). The set of comparators 86 is connected to (i) a first terminal 80, (ii) a second terminal 82, and (iii) a corresponding pair of switches in the set of switches 88. Each corresponding pair of switches may be connected to (i) a first terminal 80, (ii) a second terminal 82, and (iii) a corresponding sensor in the set of sensors. The comparators in the set of comparators 86 may each include a different window that does not overlap with other windows.

[0028] refer to Figure 6, the support assembly 24 may include a polarity adapter 210 having at least one of a polarity adapter switch 212 or a polarity adapter diode 214. The polarity adapter 210 is located between (i) the first contact 100 and the second contact 102 and (ii) the switches 190 to 196, the first comparator 180 and the second comparator 182. The support assembly 24 may be configured in a first configuration ( Figure 1 ) or a second configuration (e.g., a reverse configuration). In the first configuration, the first contact 100 can be in contact with the first conductor 44 and the second contact 102 can be in contact with the second conductor 46. In the second configuration, the first contact 100 can be in contact with the second conductor 46 and the second contact 102 can be in contact with the first conductor 44. The polarity adapter 210 can be configured to connect the first switch 190 and the third switch 194 to the first conductor 44 and connect the second switch 192 and the fourth switch 196 to the second conductor 46 when the support assembly 24 is connected to the track assembly 22 in the first configuration or the second configuration (e.g., regardless of which of the first and second contacts 100, 102 are in contact with the first and second conductors 44, 46). Examples of polarity adapters are described in U.S. Pat. No. 11,807,142, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein.

[0029] refer to Figure 7, an electrical assembly 20 having a plurality of support assemblies, including a support assembly 24, a second support assembly 1024, a third support assembly 2024, and / or a fourth support assembly 3024, is shown. Additionally or alternatively, the track assembly 22 may include a plurality of pairs of tracks, including a first track 40 and a second track 42, a third track 1040 and a fourth track 1042, and a fifth track 2040 and a sixth track 2042. The support assemblies 24, 1024, 2024 may be connected to any of the plurality of pairs of tracks 40, 42, 1040, 1042, 2040, 2042. For example, the support assembly 24 and the fourth support assembly 3024 may be connected to the first track 40 and the second track 42, the second support assembly 1024 may be connected to the third track 1040 and the fourth track 1042, and the third support assembly 2024 may be connected to the fifth track 2040 and the sixth track 2042. The support assembly 24 is shown connected to the first rail 40 and the second rail 42 in a first configuration, and the fourth support assembly 3024 is shown connected to the first rail 40 and the second rail 42 in a second configuration. The support assemblies 1024, 2024, 3024 may include a configuration similar to the support assembly 24, such as having corresponding sensors 1070, 1072, 2070, 2072, 3070, 3072 and sensor enablers 1074, 2074, 3074. The sensors 70, 72, 1070, 1072, 2070, 2072, 3070, 3072 may, for example, each provide a different resistance / impedance value or range of values, which may allow the ECU 26 to identify the corresponding support assembly 24, 1024, 2024, 3024.

[0030] Alternatively, the conductor of the track, such as the first conductor 44 of the first track 40, may include a plurality of separate portions, such as a first conductor first portion 230 and a first conductor second portion 232. The first conductor first portion 230 may extend along a first portion (e.g., a front portion) of the first track 40, and the first conductor second portion 232 may extend along a second portion (e.g., a rear portion) of the first track 40. The ECU 26 may be individually connected to the portions 230, 232. The conductor portions 230, 232 may extend along and / or define respective regions of the pair of tracks 40, 42. The support assembly 24, 1024, 2024, 3024 may be connected to each region.

[0031] The electrical assembly 20 optionally includes a regional controller 250 electrically connected to the ECU 26 and / or the power source 48. In some embodiments, the regional controller 250 is integrated with the ECU 26, or vice versa. The regional controller 250 can be used in a regional architecture, such as instead of a domain-based architecture or as a supplement to a domain-based architecture.

[0032] refer to Figure 8 , another sensor enabler 1074 is shown, which is included in the support assembly 1024 and connected to the first sensor 1070 and the second sensor 1072. The sensor enabler 1074 includes a set of diodes 1084, a first terminal 1080, a second terminal 1082, a third terminal 1090, a fourth terminal 1092, a fifth terminal 1094, and a sixth terminal 1096. When the support assembly 1024 is connected in a first configuration, the first terminal 1080 is connected to the first electrical contact 1100 of the support assembly 1024, and the second terminal 1082 is connected to the second electrical contact 1102 of the support assembly 1024. The third terminal 1090 and the fourth terminal 1092 are connected to the first sensor 1070. The fifth terminal 1094 and the sixth terminal 1096 are connected to the second sensor 1072. The second terminal 1082 is connected to the fourth terminal 1092 and the sixth terminal 1096. The sensor enabler 1074 can be connected to a device having Figure 4A The ECU 26 of the configuration shown in is used in combination.

[0033] The set of diodes 1084 includes a first diode 1110 and a second diode 1112. The first diode 1110 is connected to the first terminal 1080 and the third terminal 1090 to allow current to flow from the first terminal 1080 to the third terminal 1090 and to prevent current from flowing from the third terminal 1090 to the first terminal 1080. The second diode 1112 is connected to the first terminal 1080 and the fifth terminal 1094 to allow current to flow from the fifth terminal 1094 to the first terminal 1080 and to prevent current from flowing from the first terminal 1080 to the fifth terminal 1094. When the ECU 26 provides a positive voltage to the first terminal 1080 and connects the second terminal 1082 to the ground 128 (e.g., by closing the first switch 140 and the fourth switch 146), current flows through the first diode 1110 to the third terminal 1090, from the third terminal 1090 to the fourth terminal 1092 through the first sensor 1070, and from the fourth terminal 1092 to the second terminal 1082. The ECU 26 may then sense the resistance, impedance, and / or voltage drop across the first terminal 1080 and the second terminal 1082 to obtain information from the first sensor 1070. When the ECU 26 provides a positive voltage to the second terminal 1082 and connects the first terminal 1080 to the ground 128 (e.g., by closing the second switch 142 and the third switch 144), current flows through the sixth terminal 1096 to the second sensor 1072, flows through the second sensor 1072 to the fifth terminal 1094, and flows from the fifth terminal 1094 to the first terminal 1080 through the second diode 1112. The ECU 26 may then sense the resistance, impedance, and / or voltage drop across the first terminal 1080 and the second terminal 1082 to obtain information from the second sensor 1072.

[0034] The first sensor 1070 is shown as having a first resistor 260 and a first sensor switch 264 and a second resistor 262 connected in parallel with the first resistor 260. The first resistor 260 is connected to (e.g., across) the third terminal 1090 and the fourth terminal 1092. The second resistor 262 and the first sensor switch 264 are connected in series with each other and connected in parallel with the first resistor 260 (e.g., across the third terminal 1090 and the fourth terminal 1092). When the first sensor switch 264 is open, the resistance and impedance of the first sensor 1070 correspond only to the first resistor 260. When the first sensor switch 264 is closed, the resistance and impedance of the first sensor 1070 correspond to the first resistor 260 and the second resistor 262 connected in parallel. The first resistor 260 and the second resistor 262 may or may not have the same resistance / impedance.

[0035] The second sensor 1072 is configured in a similar manner to the first sensor 1070. For example, the second sensor 1072 may include a third resistor 270, a fourth resistor 272, and a second sensor switch 274. The third resistor 270 is connected to (e.g., across) the fifth terminal 1094 and the sixth terminal 1096. The fourth resistor 272 and the second sensor switch 274 are connected in series with each other and are connected in parallel with the third resistor 270 (e.g., across the fifth terminal 1094 and the sixth terminal 1096). When the second sensor switch 274 is open, the resistance and impedance of the second sensor 1072 correspond only to the third resistor 270. When the second sensor switch 274 is closed, the resistance and impedance of the second sensor 1072 correspond to the third resistor 270 and the fourth resistor 272 connected in parallel. The third resistor 270 and the fourth resistor 272 may or may not have the same resistance / impedance. The first resistor 260 and the second resistor 262 may have a different resistance / impedance than the third resistor 270 and the fourth resistor 272 connected in series and in parallel.

[0036] For some embodiments, the sensors 70, 72, 1070, 1072, 2070, 2072, 3070, 3072 may include a seat belt sensor and an occupancy sensor, respectively. For example, a buckled seat belt 58 may close the first sensor switch 264, and an occupant sitting on the support assembly 24 may close the second sensor switch 274. The ECU 26 may provide a positive voltage to the first terminal 1080 to obtain seat belt information (e.g., engaged or disengaged) from the first sensor 1070. For example, if the first sensor 1070 has a resistance / impedance corresponding to only the first resistor 260, the ECU 26 may determine that the seat belt 58 is disengaged / unfastened. If the first sensor 1070 has a resistance / impedance corresponding to the first resistor 260 and the second resistor 262 in parallel, the ECU 26 may determine that the seat belt 58 is engaged / fastened. The ECU 26 may provide a positive voltage to the second terminal 1082 to obtain occupancy information (e.g., occupied or unoccupied) from the second sensor 1072. For example, if the second sensor 1072 has a resistance / impedance corresponding only to the third resistor 270, the ECU 26 can determine that the support assembly 1024 is not occupied. If the second sensor 1072 has a resistance / impedance corresponding to the third resistor 270 and the fourth resistor 272 in parallel, the ECU 26 can determine that the support assembly 24 is occupied.

[0037] refer to Fig. 9, a method 400 of operating the electrical assembly 20 is shown. The method 400 includes connecting a support assembly (e.g., the support assembly 24) to the rail assembly 22 (box 402), which may include electrically connecting the electrical contacts 100, 102 to the first conductor 44 and the second conductor 46 and / or mechanically connecting the anchors 104, 106 to the first rail 40 and the second rail 42. The method 400 includes the ECU 26 operating the sensor enabler 74 to enable one of the first sensor 70 or the second sensor 72 (box 404), and obtaining information from the enabled sensor (box 406). The method 400 includes the ECU 26 operating the sensor enabler 74 to enable the other of the first sensor 70 or the second sensor 72 (box 408), and obtaining information from the enabled sensor (box 410). The method 400 may include controlling the safety system 54 based on the information from the first sensor 70 and the second sensor 72 (box 412). Controlling the safety system 54 may, for example, include actuating the seatbelt pretensioner 60 if the first sensor 70 indicates that the seatbelt 58 is buckled and / or include deploying the airbag 56 if the second sensor 72 indicates that the support assembly 24 is occupied and the ECU 26 determines or receives information that a collision is about to occur or has occurred. Additionally or alternatively, controlling the safety system 54 may include providing an alert, such as a visual alert, an audible alert, or both. For example, if the first sensor 70 and the second sensor 72 indicate that the support assembly 24 is occupied but the seatbelt 58 is not buckled, the safety system 54 may provide a visual and audible seatbelt reminder alert via the display 62 and the speaker 64. Although the method 400 is described in conjunction with the support assembly 24, some or all portions of the method 400 may additionally or alternatively be performed using one or more of the support assemblies 1024, 2024, 3024.

[0038] In some examples, the support assembly 24 may include more than two sensors 70, 72. The sensor enabler 74 may be scaled for the additional sensors. For example, the sensor enabler 74 may include additional diodes, switches, and / or comparators.

[0039] In some examples, the sensor enabler 74 can be independent of the comparator, using switches 190 to 196 to selectively electrically connect the sensors 70, 72 to the first contact 100 and the second contact 102. For example, the switch-on parameters (e.g., voltage) of the switches 190, 192 can be different from the switch-on parameters of the switches 194, 196, and the ECU 26 can provide control signals corresponding to the different switch-on parameters. With this configuration, the control inputs of the switches 190-196 can be connected to the contacts 100, 102.

[0040] Embodiments of the electrical assembly 20 can facilitate communication between the ECU 26 and the support assembly 24, such as communication between the first sensor 70 and the second sensor 72 and the ECU 26 via the first conductor 44 and the second conductor 46. Communication with two or more sensors via the same conductor can allow for fewer conductors (e.g., instead of two conductors for each sensor), which may be desirable in situations where the total number of conductors that can be added to the track is limited due to size / space and weight constraints (e.g., where adding a conductor for each sensor may not be feasible). Additionally or alternatively, the sensor enabler 74, 1074 can be a passive component (e.g., without a processor, controller, encoder / decoder, etc.), which can reduce power consumption and assembly complexity. Embodiments of the electrical assembly 20 can be easily scalable, such as for additional support assemblies, without significant changes.

[0041] While various examples are described in conjunction with the ECU 26, which provides different voltage levels to the sensors that enable particular sensors, the ECU may additionally or alternatively provide other versions of excitation / enabling signals (such as via different current levels and / or signals having different frequencies) to enable particular sensors.

[0042] The present disclosure includes the following non-limiting examples:

[0043] An electrical component includes: an electronic control unit (ECU); a track component electrically connected to the ECU, the track component including a first conductor and a second conductor; and a support component configured to be connected to the track component and move relative to the ECU along the track component, the support component including: a first sensor, a second sensor, and a sensor enabler electrically connected to the first sensor and the second sensor, the sensor enabler including a first terminal, a second terminal, and at least one of a diode, a comparator, or a switch; wherein the sensor enabler selectively electrically connects the first sensor or the second sensor to the first terminal and the second terminal according to an output from the ECU.

[0044] The electrical assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sensor enabler comprises a comparator and a second comparator.

[0045] The electrical assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sensor enabler comprises: a first switch connected between the first terminal and the first sensor, and a second switch connected between the second terminal and the first sensor.

[0046] The electrical component according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the output of the comparator is connected to the first switch and the second switch.

[0047] The electrical assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sensor enabler comprises: a third switch connected between the first terminal and the second sensor; and a fourth switch connected between the second terminal and the second sensor.

[0048] The electrical component according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the output of the second comparator is connected to the third switch and the fourth switch.

[0049] The electrical component according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the comparator comprises a first window comparator having a first window, and the second comparator comprises a second window comparator having a second window different from the first window.

[0050] An electrical component according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the support component includes a first electrical contact, a second electrical contact and a polarity adapter, the polarity adapter is connected between (i) the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact and (ii) the first switch, the second switch, the third switch and the fourth switch, the comparator and the second comparator; and the polarity adapter includes at least one of a polarity adapter switch or a polarity adapter diode.

[0051] An electrical component according to any one of the aforementioned embodiments, wherein the comparator and the second comparator are configured such that: according to a first voltage provided by the ECU outside the first window and the second window, the first sensor and the second sensor are not electrically connected to the first terminal and the second terminal; according to a second voltage provided by the ECU within the first window, the comparator closes the first switch and the second switch to connect the first sensor to the first terminal and the second terminal; and according to a third voltage provided by the ECU within the second window, the second comparator closes the third switch and the fourth switch to connect the second sensor to the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0052] The electrical assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein in the connection configuration of the support assembly to the track assembly, the first terminal is electrically connected to the first conductor and the second terminal is electrically connected to the second conductor.

[0053] The electrical assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the ECU is configured to provide the second voltage to obtain information from the first sensor, and to provide the third voltage to obtain information from the second sensor.

[0054] The electrical assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sensor enabler comprises a diode and a second diode; the diode is connected between the first terminal and the first sensor; and the second diode is connected between the first terminal and the second sensor.

[0055] The electrical assembly of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the diode allows current to flow in a first direction from the first terminal to the first sensor; and wherein the second diode allows current to flow in a second direction from the second sensor to the first terminal.

[0056] The electrical assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first sensor comprises a first resistor connected in parallel with the second resistor and the first sensor switch.

[0057] The electrical assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the second sensor comprises a third resistor connected in parallel with the fourth resistor and the second sensor switch.

[0058] The electrical assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the ECU is configured to provide current to the first conductor in a first direction to obtain information from the first sensor, and to provide current to the second conductor in a second direction to obtain information from the second sensor.

[0059] An electrical component according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sensor enabler comprises a set of switches and a set of comparators connected to the set of switches, the set of comparators comprising comparators; and the support component comprises a set of sensors, the set of sensors comprising a first sensor and a second sensor.

[0060] An electrical assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein a comparator in the set of comparators is connected to (i) the first terminal, (ii) the second terminal, (iii) a respective pair of switches in the set of switches.

[0061] An electrical assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein each respective pair of switches is connected to (i) the first terminal, (ii) the second terminal, and (iii) a respective sensor of the set of sensors.

[0062] The electrical component according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the comparators in the set of comparators each include a different window that does not overlap with other windows.

[0063] An electrical assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the support assembly comprises a seat or a console.

[0064] A vehicle comprises an electrical component according to any one of the preceding embodiments.

[0065] A seat assembly comprises an electrical assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments.

[0066] A method for operating an electrical component according to any of the preceding embodiments, the method comprising: connecting a support member to a track assembly; enabling a first sensor; obtaining information from the first sensor; enabling a second sensor; obtaining information from the second sensor; and controlling a safety system based on information from the first sensor and / or information from the second sensor.

[0067] An electronic controller is configured to implement the method according to any one of the preceding embodiments.

[0068] A vehicle comprises an electronic controller according to any one of the preceding embodiments.

[0069] A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having encoded thereon a computer program for implementing the method according to any one of the preceding embodiments.

[0070] A vehicle comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to any one of the preceding embodiments.

[0071] In an example, a controller or ECU (e.g., ECU 26) may include an electronic controller and / or include an electronic processor, such as a programmable microprocessor and / or a microcontroller. In an embodiment, the controller may include, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and / or an embedded controller. The controller may include a central processing unit (CPU), a memory (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable storage medium), and / or an input / output (I / O) interface. The controller may be configured to perform various functions, including those described in more detail herein, using appropriate programming instructions and / or codes embodied in software, hardware, and / or other media. In an embodiment, the controller may include multiple controllers. In an embodiment, the controller may be connected to a display, such as a touch screen display.

[0072] Various examples / embodiments for various devices, systems, and / or methods are described herein. Many specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the examples / embodiments described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that these examples / embodiments can be put into practice without such specific details. In other examples, well-known operations, parts, and elements are not described in detail so as not to obscure the examples / embodiments described in this specification. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the examples / embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and it will therefore be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and may not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0073] References to "examples", "in examples", "according to examples", "in the illustrated examples", "various embodiments", "according to embodiments", "in embodiments", "embodiments", "according to some configurations", "in some configurations", etc. throughout the specification mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with the examples / embodiments is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, the appearance of the phrases "examples", "in examples", "according to examples", "in the illustrated examples", "in various embodiments", "according to embodiments", "in embodiments", "embodiments", "according to some configurations", "in some configurations", etc. throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, particular features, structures, and / or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples / embodiments. Therefore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics shown or described in conjunction with one embodiment / example may be combined in whole or in part with the features, structures, functions, and / or characteristics of one or more other embodiments / examples without restriction, as long as such combination is not illogical or non-functional. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "as a non-limiting example".

[0074] It should be understood that references to a single element are not necessarily so limited, and may include one or more of such elements unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Any directional references (e.g., positive, negative, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are used only for identification purposes to help the reader understand the present disclosure and do not create limitations, particularly with respect to the position, orientation, or use of the examples / embodiments.

[0075] "One or more" includes a function performed by one element, a function performed by more than one element (e.g., in a distributed manner), several functions performed by one element, several functions performed by several elements, or any combination of the above. The term "at least one" in the context of, for example, "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" includes only A, only B, only C, or any combination or subset of A, B, and C, including any combination or subset of one or more A, one or more B, and one or more C. A set of elements may include any number of one or more elements.

[0076] Although the terms first, second, etc., in some cases, are used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, a first element can be called a second element, and similarly, a second element can be called a first element without departing from the scope of the various embodiments described. Both the first element and the second element are elements, but they are not the same element.

[0077] The terms used in the description of the various embodiments described herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limited. As used in the description of the various described embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to also include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term "and / or" used herein refers to and includes any and all possible combinations of one or more of the items listed in the relevant list. The use of "and" and "or" should be interpreted broadly (e.g., regarded as "and / or"). For example and without limitation, the use of "and" does not necessarily require all listed elements or features, and the use of "or" is inclusive, unless such a construction is originally illogical. When used in this specification, the terms "includes", "including", "comprises" and / or "comprising" specify the presence of the features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or their groups.

[0078] References to engagement (e.g., attachment, connection, connection, etc.) should be interpreted broadly and may include intermediate members between the connection of elements, relative movement between elements, direct connection, indirect connection, fixed connection, removable connection, operational connection, indirect contact and / or direct contact. Therefore, reference to engagement does not necessarily mean that two elements are directly connected / coupled and are in a fixed relationship with each other. The connection of electrical components (if any) may include mechanical connections, electrical connections, wired connections and / or wireless connections, etc. The use of "for example" and "such as" in this specification should be interpreted broadly and used to provide non-limiting examples of embodiments of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to such examples.

[0079] Although processes, systems, and methods may be described herein in conjunction with one or more steps in a particular sequence, these methods may be practiced with steps in a different order, by performing certain steps simultaneously, with additional steps, and / or by omitting certain described steps.

[0080] As used herein, the term "if" is optionally interpreted to mean "when..." or "upon..." or "in response to determining..." or "in response to detecting...", as the context requires. Similarly, the phrases "if it is determined" or "if [the condition or event] is detected" are optionally interpreted to mean "upon determining..." or "in response to determining..." or "upon detecting [the condition or event]" or "in response to detecting [the condition or event]", as the context requires.

[0081] References to a vehicle may include one or more of a variety of vehicles, including, but not limited to, a passenger car (e.g., a sedan, pickup truck, sport utility vehicle, crossover, etc.), a truck, a bus, a recreational vehicle, an airplane, or a boat, among others.

[0082] It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes may be made in detail or structure without departing from the disclosure.

[0083] A controller, electronic control unit (ECU), system and / or processor as described herein may include conventional processing means known in the art capable of executing pre-programmed instructions stored in an associated memory, all in accordance with the functionality described herein. To the extent that the methods described herein are embodied in software, the resulting software may be stored in an associated memory and may also constitute a means for performing these methods. Such a system or processor may also be of a type having a combination of ROM, RAM, RAM and ROM, and / or non-volatile memory and volatile memory, so that any software may be stored and also allows for the storage and processing of dynamically generated data and / or signals.

[0084] According to the manufacturing article of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be included, on which a computer program is encoded, for implementing the logic and other functions described herein. The computer program may include a code for executing one or more methods disclosed herein. Such an embodiment may be constructed to be executed via one or more processors (e.g., multiple processors), which are integrated into a single system or distributed on a communication network and connected together through a communication network, and the communication network may be wired and / or wireless. The code for implementing one or more of the features described in conjunction with one or more embodiments can cause multiple transistors to change from a first state to a second state when executed by a processor. A specific change mode (e.g., which transistors change state and which transistors do not change state) may be determined at least in part by logic and / or code.

Claims

1. An electrical component comprising: Electronic Control Unit ECU; a track assembly electrically connected to the ECU, the track assembly comprising a first conductor and a second conductor; and A support assembly, the support assembly being configured to be connected to the track assembly and to move relative to the ECU along the track assembly, the support assembly comprising: First sensor, a second sensor, and a sensor enabler electrically connected to the first sensor and the second sensor, the sensor enabler comprising a first terminal, a second terminal, and at least one of a diode, a comparator, or a switch; The sensor enabler selectively electrically connects the first sensor or the second sensor to the first terminal and the second terminal according to an output from the ECU.

2. The electrical assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The sensor enabler includes the comparator and a second comparator.

3. The electrical assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The sensor enabler comprises: a first switch connected between the first terminal and the first sensor, and A second switch is connected between the second terminal and the first sensor.

4. The electrical assembly according to claim 3, wherein: An output terminal of the comparator is connected to the first switch and the second switch.

5. The electrical assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The sensor enabler comprises: a third switch connected between the first terminal and the second sensor, and A fourth switch is connected between the second terminal and the second sensor.

6. The electrical assembly according to claim 5, wherein: An output terminal of the second comparator is connected to the third switch and the fourth switch.

7. The electrical assembly of claim 6, wherein: The comparator includes a first window comparator having a first window, and the second comparator includes a second window comparator having a second window different from the first window.

8. The electrical assembly of claim 7, wherein: The support assembly includes a first electrical contact, a second electrical contact, and a polarity adapter connected between (i) the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact and (ii) the first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fourth switch, the comparator, and the second comparator; and The polarity adapter includes at least one of a polarity adapter switch or a polarity adapter diode.

9. The electrical assembly of claim 7, wherein: The comparator and the second comparator are configured such that: According to the ECU providing a first voltage outside the first window and the second window, the first sensor and the second sensor are not electrically connected to the first terminal and the second terminal; According to the second voltage provided by the ECU within the first window, the comparator closes the first switch and the second switch to connect the first sensor to the first terminal and the second terminal; and In response to the ECU providing a third voltage within the second window, the second comparator closes the third switch and the fourth switch to connect the second sensor to the first terminal and the second terminal.

10. The electrical assembly of claim 9, wherein: In a connected configuration of the support assembly and the track assembly, the first terminal is electrically connected to the first conductor, and the second terminal is electrically connected to the second conductor.

11. The electrical assembly of claim 9, wherein: The ECU is configured to provide the second voltage to obtain information from the first sensor, and to provide the third voltage to obtain information from the second sensor.

12. The electrical assembly of claim 1, wherein: The sensor enabler includes the diode and a second diode; The diode is connected between the first terminal and the first sensor; and The second diode is connected between the first terminal and the second sensor.

13. The electrical assembly of claim 12, wherein the diode allows current to flow in a first direction from the first terminal to the first sensor; and The second diode allows current to flow from the second sensor to the first terminal in a second direction.

14. The electrical assembly of claim 13, wherein: The first sensor includes a first resistor connected in parallel with a second resistor and a first sensor switch.

15. The electrical assembly of claim 14, wherein: The second sensor includes a third resistor connected in parallel with a fourth resistor and a second sensor switch.

16. The electrical assembly of claim 15, wherein: The ECU is configured to provide current to the first conductor in the first direction to obtain information from the first sensor, and to provide current to the second conductor in the second direction to obtain information from the second sensor.

17. The electrical assembly of claim 1, wherein: The sensor enabler includes a set of switches and a set of comparators connected to the set of switches, the set of comparators including the comparator; and The support assembly includes a set of sensors including the first sensor and the second sensor.

18. The electrical assembly of claim 17, wherein: The comparators in the set of comparators are connected to (i) the first terminal, (ii) the second terminal, and (iii) a corresponding pair of switches in the set of switches.

19. The electrical assembly of claim 18, wherein: Each respective pair of switches is connected to (i) the first terminal, (ii) the second terminal, and (iii) a respective sensor in the set of sensors.

20. The electrical assembly of claim 19, wherein: The comparators in the set of comparators each include a different window that does not overlap with other windows.

Images