SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ELECTING SEAT VIBRATIONS

Abstract

System (10) for eliminating seat vibrations, wherein the system (10) comprises: a motor (16) in mechanical connection with a control arm (26'); a processor; and a memory (32) containing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: to receive a measurement from a first accelerometer (28), wherein the first accelerometer (28) is arranged on an upper seat plate (12) and the control arm (26') extends from the upper seat plate (12) to a base mounting plate (14); to receive a measurement from the second accelerometer (30) from a second accelerometer (30); to determine a counter-torque value based on the measurement of the first accelerometer (28) and the measurement of the second accelerometer (30); and to selectively control the motor (16) using the counter-torque value.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This disclosure relates to seats and, in particular, to systems and methods for eliminating seat vibration. BACKGROUND

[0002] Vehicles such as cars, trucks, sport utility vehicles, crossovers, light vans, ride-on industrial equipment (e.g., floor scrubbers, floor sweepers, forklifts, commercial lawn mowers, and the like), boats, airplanes, helicopters, and / or other suitable vehicles typically have a seat in which a user can sit while operating the vehicle. During operation of such a vehicle, the seated user may experience various vibrations resulting from various forces acting on the seat.

[0003] Typically, such a vehicle includes various load-reducing components designed to reduce the user's stress, which can allow the user to operate the vehicle for longer periods of time, resulting in higher productivity. The vehicle's various load-reducing components may include air bladders, mechanical shock absorbers, and the like. The vehicle's various load-reducing components may be designed to isolate the user from the various vibrations encountered during vehicle operation.

[0004] DE 10 2013 110 927 A1 discloses a vehicle seat with a suspension device comprising an upper end part and a lower end part on which an accelerometer is arranged. The end parts are operatively connected to one another via a suspension element, and an electric motor regulates the height of the vehicle seat by generating a torque. DE 10 2015 113 499 A1 teaches a method for controlling a damper in a backrest of a vehicle seat, in which data indicating a seating condition is received, a natural frequency of the seat is determined based on the seating condition, and control signals are output to control a natural frequency of the damper based on the natural frequency of the seat.US 2006 / 0 237 885 A1 describes an active suspension for a driver's seat in a vehicle, wherein an electric actuator is mounted between a vehicle floor and the driver's seat, and a controller controls the electric actuator based on measurements from at least one sensor. US 2016 / 0 129 749 A1 relates to an active suspension system for a sprung mass movable relative to an unsprung mass by means of an electromagnetic actuator, wherein a control system controls the position of the sprung mass by means of a position sensor and an acceleration sensor. US 2018 / 0 105 082 A1 discloses an active vibration isolation system for a vehicle seat with a first sensor system and a second sensor system, wherein the first sensor system comprises an accelerometer for a vertical axis and a roll sensor for a horizontal axis. SUMMARY

[0005] This disclosure generally relates to the elimination of seat vibration.

[0006] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved system for eliminating seat vibration as well as a corresponding method and a corresponding vehicle seat device.

[0007] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0008] One aspect of the disclosed embodiments includes a system for eliminating seat vibration. The system includes a motor in mechanical communication with a control arm. The system also includes a processor and memory. The memory contains instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: receive, from a first accelerometer, a first accelerometer measurement, the first accelerometer being disposed on a seat top plate, the control arm extending from the seat top plate to a base mounting plate; receive, from a second accelerometer, a second accelerometer measurement; determine a reaction torque value based on the first accelerometer measurement and the second accelerometer measurement; and selectively control the motor using the reaction torque value.

[0009] Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments includes a method for eliminating seat vibration. The method includes receiving a measurement from a first accelerometer, wherein the first accelerometer measurement corresponds to a measurement of an acceleration force acting on a seat upper plate, and a control arm extends from the seat upper plate to a base mounting plate. The method also includes receiving a measurement from a second accelerometer. The method also includes determining a reaction torque value based on the first accelerometer measurement and the second accelerometer measurement. The method also includes selectively controlling a motor using the reaction torque value.

[0010] Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments includes a vehicle seat assembly. The vehicle seat assembly includes a brushless servomotor and a controller. The brushless servomotor is mechanically connected to a control arm, and the control arm extends from a top seat plate to a base mounting plate.The controller is configured to: receive a first accelerometer measurement from a first accelerometer disposed on the upper seat plate; receive a second accelerometer measurement from a second accelerometer disposed on the base mounting plate; determine a reaction torque value based on the first accelerometer measurement and the second accelerometer measurement; and selectively control the brushless servo motor to apply a force to the upper seat plate using the control arm corresponding to the reaction torque value.

[0011] These and other aspects of the present disclosure are disclosed in the following detailed description of the embodiments, in the appended claims, and in the accompanying figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The disclosure is best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is emphasized that, in accordance with common practice, the various features in the drawings are not drawn to scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features are arbitrarily enlarged or reduced for clarity. Fig. 1 generally illustrates a vibration elimination system according to the principles of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 generally illustrates a system including a vibration cancellation controller according to the principles of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 is a flowchart generally illustrating a method for eliminating seat vibration according to the principles of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The following discussion is directed to various embodiments of the invention. Although one or more of these embodiments may be preferred, the disclosed embodiments should not be interpreted or otherwise used to limit the scope of the disclosure, including the claims. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the following description has broad application, and that the discussion of any embodiment is intended only as an example of that embodiment and is not intended to imply that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to that embodiment.

[0014] As described, vehicles such as cars, trucks, sport utility vehicles, crossovers, light vans, ride-on industrial equipment (e.g., floor scrubbers, sweepers, forklifts, commercial lawn mowers, and the like), boats, airplanes, helicopters, and / or other suitable vehicles typically include a seat upon which a user may sit while operating the vehicle. During operation of a vehicle, the user while seated may be subjected to various vibrations resulting from various forces acting on the seat. For example, engine vibrations and various forces applied to the vehicle, resulting, for example, from different characteristics of a path traveled by the vehicle, may cause various vibrations acting on the vehicle's seat.

[0015] Typically, such a vehicle includes various stress reduction components adapted to reduce the strain on the user, which can enable the user to operate the vehicle for longer periods of time, resulting in greater productive output. The various stress reduction components of a vehicle may include air bladders, mechanical shock absorbers, and the like. The vehicle's various stress reduction components may be adapted to isolate the user from the various vibrations encountered during vehicle operation. The stress reduction components can provide comfort to the user and be effective passive isolation of vibrations for the user. However, such typical stress reduction components may not provide active vibration elimination and can increase the manufacturing cost of typical vehicles.

[0016] Accordingly, systems and methods, such as those described herein, configured to provide both passive and active vibration cancellation may be desirable. The systems and methods described herein may be configured to sense ground acceleration of a portion of the vehicle floor located near or below a seat. The systems and methods described herein may be configured to determine and provide cancellation forces to a seat top panel of the seat to control movement of the seat before vibrations and other forces are applied to the seat.

[0017] In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may be configured to provide a user interface. The user interface may include a selectable switch (e.g., a three-position selector switch or other suitable selectable switch), a digital interface switch (e.g., on a vehicle display or other suitable display), or other suitable user interface. In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may be configured to receive a user preference from the user interface (e.g., based on a user selection). The user preference may indicate a preferred mode of operation. The user modes may include a comfort mode, a medium mode, a stiff mode, or another suitable mode.The systems and methods described herein may be configured to adjust the removal force applied to the upper seat plate based on user preference (e.g., to provide a user-selected ride stiffness).

[0018] In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may be configured to determine a motor position and a motor speed of a motor connected to the seat of the vehicle. The systems and methods described herein may be configured to determine an amount of torque to be applied to the seat top panel of the seat via the motor to reduce or eliminate a harsh impact with a mechanical stop. The torque may be determined based on the motor position and the motor speed. For example, the amount of torque may comprise a sum of the motor position and the motor speed such that the amount of torque is applied to the seat top panel via the motor to counteract the impact with the seat.

[0019] In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may be configured to receive a first accelerometer measurement from a first accelerometer. The systems and methods described herein may be configured to receive a second accelerometer measurement from a second accelerometer. The systems and methods described herein may be configured to determine a reaction torque value based on the first accelerometer measurement and the second accelerometer measurement. The systems and methods described herein may be configured to selectively control the motor using the reaction torque value.

[0020] In some embodiments of the systems and methods described herein, the motor may include a brushless servo motor or other suitable motor. In some embodiments of the systems and methods described herein, the first accelerometer is disposed on an upper seat plate. In some embodiments of the systems and methods described herein, the second accelerometer is disposed on a base mounting plate. In some embodiments of the systems and methods described herein, the control arm is configured to apply a force corresponding to the amount of reaction torque to an upper seat plate. In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may be configured to selectively adjust the amount of reaction torque based on a user preference.In some embodiments of the systems and methods described herein, the user preference corresponds to a desired driving style of a user. In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may be configured to determine an engine position of the engine. In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may be configured to determine an engine speed of the engine. In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may be configured to selectively adjust the value of the reaction torque based on the engine position and the engine speed.

[0021] Fig. 1 generally illustrates a vibration cancellation system 10 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The system 10 may be connected to a seat. The seat and / or the system 10 may be disposed in a vehicle such as those described herein. The system 10 may include an upper seat plate 12 and a base mounting plate 14. The upper seat plate 12 may be configured to engage a lower or deep portion of the seat. The base mounting plate 14 may be configured to secure the system 10 and the seat to a portion of the vehicle floor.

[0022] The system 10 may include a motor 16 disposed on the base mounting plate 14. It should be understood that the motor 16 may be disposed at any suitable location apart from the base mounting plate 14. The motor 16 may include any suitable motor. For example, the motor 16 may include a brushless servo motor or other suitable motor. The system 10 includes a controller 18. The controller 18 may be configured to selectively control the motor 16. For example, as will be described, the controller 18 may be configured to determine various torque values. The controller 18 may control the motor 16 with the determined torque values. For example, the controller 18 may command the motor 16 to rotate at a speed corresponding to a particular torque value. The motor 16 may move in response to the instructions from the controller 18.

[0023] The motor 16 may be in mechanical connection with a gearbox 20. The gearbox 20 may include any suitable gearing, such as a worm gear or other suitable transmission. When the motor 16 rotates in response to instructions from the controller 18, the gears in the gearbox 20 are actuated. The gearbox 20 may include a plurality of gears with any suitable gear ratio. The gearbox 20 may be configured to reduce the speed and increase the torque provided by the motor 16. When the gears of the gearbox 20 are actuated, a connecting arm 22, connected to the gearbox 20 via a lever arm 24, moves, which may cause the actuation of a lifting mechanism 26.

[0024] The lift mechanism 26 may include one or more control arms 26'. In some embodiments, the control arms 26' may be arranged such that the lift mechanism 26 includes a scissor lift mechanism, however, the lift mechanism 26 may include any suitable lift mechanism. As the connecting arm 22 moves, the control arms 26' of the lift mechanism 26 exert a force on the upper seat plate 12. The force exerted by the control arms 26' of the lift mechanism 26 on the upper seat plate 12 corresponds to the torque determined by the controller 18 and applied by the motor 16.

[0025] In some embodiments, the system 10 includes an accelerometer 28 disposed on the upper seat plate 12 and an accelerometer 30 disposed on the base mounting plate 14. Although only the accelerometer 28 and the accelerometer 30 are described, the system 10 may include any suitable number of accelerators, including fewer or additional accelerometers or sensors than those described herein. The accelerometer 28 and the accelerometer 30 may include any suitable accelerometer. The accelerometer 28 and the accelerometer 30 may be configured to measure acceleration forces acting on the upper seat plate 12 and the base mounting plate 14, respectively.

[0026] As described, the system 10 includes the controller 18. The controller 18 may include any suitable controller or processor, such as those described herein. The controller 18 may be configured to execute instructions stored in a memory, such as memory 32, as generally described in Fig. 2. Memory 32 may consist of a single disk or multiple disks (e.g., hard drives) and includes a memory management module that manages one or more partitions within memory 32. In some embodiments, memory 32 may include flash memory, semiconductor (solid-state) memory, or the like. Memory 32 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), or a combination thereof.

[0027] The instructions stored in memory 32, when executed by controller 18, cause controller 18 to at least control or eliminate the user's perception of vibrations acting on the vehicle seat. For example, controller 18 receives a first accelerometer measurement from accelerometer 28 and a second accelerometer measurement from accelerometer 30. The acceleration measurements represent forces currently acting on upper seat plate 12 and base mounting plate 14, respectively. Controller 18 may be configured to determine a reaction torque value based on the first accelerometer measurement and the second accelerometer measurement.The counter torque value corresponds to a torque value that, when the controller 18 controls the motor 16 using the counter torque value, produces a force that is opposite and of equal or substantially equal magnitude to the vibrations acting on the upper seat plate 12.

[0028] As described, the control unit 18 controls the motor 16 according to the reaction torque value. When the motor 16 rotates according to the reaction torque value, the gears of the transmission 20 move, causing the link arm 22 to move. The control arms 26' move or actuate in response to the movement of the link arm 22, causing the lifting mechanism 26 to exert a force that opposes the vibrations acting on the upper seat plate 12, which can reduce or eliminate the user's perception of the vibrations acting on the upper seat plate 12.

[0029] In some embodiments, the controller 18 may determine the value of the counter torque according to the following algorithm: where X is an input variable, such as an acceleration measurement, for each mathematical formula in the algorithm, and K is a unique, calibratable tuning constant defined for the mathematical formula in the algorithm. In the above example, each variable can be tunable and / or weighted. Controller 18 can determine the value of the reaction torque based on a sum of the first accelerometer measurement and the second accelerometer measurement.

[0030] In some embodiments, controller 18 may be in communication with a user interface 34. User interface 34 may include any suitable interface. For example, user interface 34 may include a selector switch (e.g., a three-position selector switch or other suitable selector switch), a digital interface switch (e.g., on a vehicle display, on a mobile device display, or other suitable display), or other suitable user interface. Controller 18 may be configured to receive a user preference from user interface 34. The user preference may indicate a preferred mode of operation. For example, the user of the vehicle may select a preferred or desired mode of operation via user interface 34.The user modes may include a comfort mode, a medium mode, a stiff mode, or another suitable mode. The controller 18 may selectively adjust the amount of reaction torque based on user preference. For example, the controller 18 may increase or decrease the amount of reaction torque to provide more or less vibration cancellation depending on user preference (e.g., to provide a driving experience that matches the user's preference by eliminating vibration).

[0031] In some embodiments, the controller 18 may be configured to selectively adjust the value of the reaction torque based on a motor position and a motor speed of the motor 16 to control or eliminate a harsh impact with a mechanical end stop on the seat (e.g., via the upper seat plate 12). For example, the controller 18 may determine a motor position of the motor 16. The controller 18 may receive a motor position from a position sensor or other suitable sensor disposed proximate the motor 16 and configured to determine a motor position of the motor 16. The controller 18 may determine a motor speed of the motor 16. For example, the controller 18 may receive a motor speed from a speed sensor or other suitable sensor disposed proximate the motor 16 and configured to determine a motor speed of the motor 16.

[0032] In some embodiments, controller 18 converts the motor position into a normalized seat displacement value corresponding to a displacement of the seat range from -100% to +100%. Controller 18 determines a sum of the motor position and the motor speed. Controller 18 determines a torque value and / or selectively adjusts the reaction torque value based on the sum of the motor position and the motor speed. Controller 18 controls motor 16 using the determined torque value or the adjusted reaction torque value to reduce or eliminate a harsh impact against a mechanical end stop on upper seat plate 12.

[0033] In some embodiments, the controller 18 further monitors acceleration measurements, motor position, and / or motor speed to continuously reduce or eliminate the user's perception of vibrations applied to the seat via the upper seat plate 12.

[0034] In some embodiments, the controller 18 may perform the methods described herein. However, the methods described herein as performed by the controller 18 are not intended to be limiting, and any type of software executing on a controller may perform the methods described herein without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, a controller 18, such as a processor executing software in a computing device, may perform the methods described herein.

[0035] Fig.3 is a flowchart generally illustrating a vibration cancellation method 300 according to the principles of the present disclosure. At 302, method 300 receives a first accelerometer measurement. For example, controller 18 may receive the first accelerometer measurement from one of accelerometers 28 and 30. At 304, method 300 receives a second accelerometer measurement. For example, controller 18 may receive the second accelerometer measurement from the other of accelerometers 28 and 30. At 306, method 300 determines a reaction torque value. For example, controller 18 may determine the reaction torque value based on the first accelerometer measurement and the second accelerometer measurement.In some embodiments, controller 18 determines the reaction torque value based on the motor position and motor speed of motor 16. In some embodiments, controller 18 may determine a reaction torque value based on the first accelerometer measurement and the second accelerometer measurement and adjust the reaction torque value based on the motor position and motor speed. In some embodiments, controller 18 receives the user preference as described. Controller 18 may adjust the reaction torque value or any determined torque value based on the user preference. At 308, method 300 controls motor 16 using the reaction torque value. For example, controller 18 controls motor 16 using the reaction torque value.When the motor 16 rotates in response to the reaction torque value, the gears of the gearbox 20 are actuated, driving the lever arm 24 and moving the link arm 22. The movement of the link arm 22 drives the lifting mechanism 26, which applies a force equal to the reaction torque value to the upper seat plate 12. The force applied to the upper seat plate 12 can reduce or eliminate the user's perception of vibrations acting on the seat.

[0036] In some embodiments, a seat vibration cancellation system includes a motor 16 mechanically connected to a control arm 26'. The system also includes a processor and a memory 32. The memory 32 contains instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: receive, from a first accelerometer 28, a measurement of the first accelerometer 28; receive, from a second accelerometer 30, a measurement of the second accelerometer 30; determine a reaction torque value based on the measurement of the first accelerometer 28 and the second accelerometer 30; and selectively control the motor 16 using the reaction torque value.

[0037] In some embodiments, the motor 16 includes a brushless servo motor. In some embodiments, the first accelerometer 28 is disposed on an upper seat plate 12. In some embodiments, the second accelerometer 30 is disposed on a base mounting plate 14. In some embodiments, the control arm 26' is adapted to exert a force on an upper seat plate 12 that corresponds to the value of the reaction torque. In some embodiments, the instructions further cause the processor to selectively adjust the value of the reaction torque based on a user preference. In some embodiments, the user preference corresponds to a desired riding style of the user.In some embodiments, the instructions further cause the processor to determine a motor position and a motor speed of the motor 16 and to selectively adjust the value of the reaction torque based on the motor position and the motor speed.

[0038] In some embodiments, a method for eliminating seat vibration includes receiving a measurement of the first accelerometer 28. The method also includes receiving a measurement of the second accelerometer 30. The method also includes determining a reaction torque value based on the measurement of the first accelerometer 28 and the measurement of the second accelerometer 30. The method also includes selectively controlling a motor using the reaction torque value.

[0039] In some embodiments, the motor 16 includes a brushless servo motor. In some embodiments, the measurement of the first accelerometer 28 corresponds to an upper seat plate 12. In some embodiments, the measurement of the second accelerometer 30 corresponds to a base mounting plate 14. In some embodiments, the method also includes applying a force corresponding to the value of the reaction torque to an upper seat plate 12. In some embodiments, the method also includes selectively adjusting the reaction torque value based on a user preference. In some embodiments, the user preference corresponds to a desired driving style of the user. In some embodiments, the method also includes determining a motor position and a motor speed of the motor 16 and selectively adjusting the reaction torque value based on the motor position and the motor speed.

[0040] In some embodiments, a vehicle seating apparatus includes a brushless servo motor and a controller 18. The brushless servo motor is in mechanical communication with a control arm 26' extending from a top seat plate 12 to a base mounting plate 14. The controller 18 is configured to: receive a measurement of the first accelerometer 28 from a first accelerometer 28 disposed on the top seat plate 12; receive a measurement of the second accelerometer 30 from a second accelerometer 30 disposed on the base mounting plate 14; determine a reaction torque value based on the measurement of the first accelerometer 28 and the measurement of the second accelerometer 30; and selectively control the brushless servo motor to apply a force corresponding to the reaction torque value to the top seat plate 12 using the control arm 26'.

[0041] In some embodiments, controller 18 is further configured to selectively adjust the value of the reaction torque based on a user preference. In some embodiments, the user preference corresponds to a desired driving style of the user. In some embodiments, controller 18 is further configured to determine a motor position and a motor speed of the brushless servo motor and selectively adjust the value of the reaction torque based on the motor position and the motor speed.

[0042] The foregoing discussion is intended to illustrate the principles and various embodiments of the present invention. Numerous variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the foregoing disclosure is fully appreciated. It is intended that the following claims be interpreted to encompass all such variations and modifications.

[0043] The word "example" is used herein to serve as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as an "example" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, the use of the word "example" is intended to illustrate concepts in a concrete manner. As used in this application, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or." That is, unless otherwise stated or clear from the context, "X includes A or B" means one of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X includes A; X includes B; or X includes both A and B, then "X includes A or B" is satisfied in each of the foregoing cases.Furthermore, as used in this application and the appended claims, the articles "a / an / an" are generally to be interpreted to mean "one or more," unless otherwise indicated or the context is clear that they are directed to a singular form. Furthermore, the consistent use of the term "an implementation" or "an implementation" should not be construed to mean the same embodiment or implementation unless described as such.

[0044] Implementations of the systems, algorithms, methods, instructions, etc. described herein may be realized in hardware, software, or any combination thereof. The hardware may include, for example, computers, intellectual property (IP) cores, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic arrays, optical processors, programmable logic controllers, microcode, microcontrollers, servers, microprocessors, digital signal processors, or any other suitable circuitry. In the claims, the term "processor" is to be understood to include any of the aforementioned hardware components, either individually or in combination. The terms "signal" and "data" are used interchangeably.

[0045] As used herein, the term module can include a packaged functional hardware unit designed for use with other components, a set of instructions executable by a control device (e.g., a processor executing software or firmware), processing circuitry configured to perform a specific function, and a self-contained hardware or software component that interfaces with a larger system. For example, a module can include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a circuit, a digital logic circuit, an analog circuit, a combination of discrete circuits, gates, and other types of hardware, or a combination thereof.In other embodiments, a module may include memory that stores instructions executable by a controller to implement a feature of the module.

[0046] Furthermore, in one aspect, for example, systems described herein may be implemented using a general-purpose computer or general-purpose processor having a computer program that, when executed, performs any of the methods, algorithms, and / or instructions described herein. Additionally or alternatively, for example, a special-purpose computer / processor may be used, which may include other hardware for performing the methods, algorithms, or instructions described herein.

[0047] Furthermore, all or part of the implementations of the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product, e.g., accessible from a computer-usable or computer-readable medium. A computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be any device that can tangibly contain, store, communicate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with a processor. The medium may, e.g., be an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, or semiconductor device. Other suitable media are also available.

[0048] The above-described embodiments, implementations, and aspects have been described to facilitate a simple understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Rather, the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements falling within the scope of the appended claims, which scope should be accorded the broadest interpretation to cover all such modifications and equivalent arrangements permitted by law. List of reference symbols 10 systems 12 upper seat plate 14 Base mounting plate 16 Engine 18 Control unit 20 gearboxes 22 Connecting arm 24 lever arm 26 Lifting mechanism 26' control arms 28 first accelerometer 30 second accelerometer 32 memory 34 User interface 300 procedures 302-308 Procedural steps

Claims

[1] System (10) for eliminating seat vibrations, the system (10) comprising: a motor (16) in mechanical connection with a control arm (26'); a processor; and a memory (32) containing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: to receive a measurement of the first accelerometer (28) from a first accelerometer (28), the first accelerometer (28) being arranged on an upper seat plate (12) and the control arm (26') extending from the upper seat plate (12) to a base mounting plate (14); receive from a second accelerometer (30) a measurement of the second accelerometer (30); to determine a counter torque value based on the measurement of the first accelerometer (28) and the measurement of the second accelerometer (30); and to selectively control the motor (16) using the counter torque value. [2] The system (10) of claim 1, wherein the motor (16) includes a brushless servo motor. [3] The system (10) of claim 1, wherein the second accelerometer (30) is disposed on the base mounting plate (14). [4] The system (10) of claim 1, wherein the control arm (26') is configured to exert a force on the upper seat plate (12) equal to the value of the counter torque. [5] The system (10) of claim 1, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to selectively adjust the value of the reaction torque based on a user preference. [6] The system (10) of claim 5, wherein the user preference corresponds to a desired driving style of a user. [7] The system (10) of claim 1, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to: to determine an engine position and an engine speed of the engine (16); and to selectively adjust the counter torque value based on the motor position and motor speed. [8] A method (300) for eliminating seat vibrations, the method (300) comprising: Receiving a measurement of a first accelerometer (28), wherein the measurement of the first accelerometer (28) corresponds to a measurement of an acceleration force acting on an upper seat plate (12) and a control arm (26') extends from the upper seat plate (12) to a base mounting plate (14); Receiving a measurement from a second accelerometer (30); Determining a counter torque value based on the measurement of the first accelerometer (28) and the measurement of the second accelerometer (30); and selectively controlling a motor (16) using the counter torque value. [9] The method (300) of claim 8, wherein the motor (16) comprises a brushless servo motor. [10] The method (300) of claim 8, wherein the measurement of the second accelerometer (30) corresponds to a measurement of an acceleration force acting on the base mounting plate (14). [11] The method (300) of claim 8, further comprising applying a force to the upper seat plate (12) equal to the value of the counter torque. [12] The method (300) of claim 8, further comprising selectively adjusting the reaction torque value based on a user preference. [13] The method (300) of claim 12, wherein the user preference corresponds to a desired driving style of a user. [14] The method (300) of claim 8, further comprising: Determining an engine position and an engine speed of the engine (16); and Selectively adjusting the counter torque value based on the engine position and engine speed. [15] Vehicle seat device, comprising: a brushless servo motor in mechanical connection with a control arm (26'), the control arm (26') extending from an upper seat plate (12) to a base mounting plate (14); a control device (18) configured to: receive a measurement of the first accelerometer (28) from a first accelerometer (28) arranged on the upper seat plate (12); receive a measurement of the second accelerometer (30) from a second accelerometer (30) disposed on the base mounting plate (14); to determine a counter torque value based on the measurement of the first accelerometer (28) and the measurement of the second accelerometer (30); and to selectively control the brushless servo motor to apply a force corresponding to the counter torque value to the upper seat plate (12) by means of the control arm (26'). [16] The vehicle seat apparatus of claim 15, wherein the controller (18) is further configured to selectively adjust the counter torque value based on a user preference. [17] The vehicle seat apparatus of claim 16, wherein the user preference corresponds to a desired driving style of a user. [18] The vehicle seat device of claim 15, wherein the controller (18) is further configured to: to determine a motor position and a motor speed of the brushless servo motor; and to selectively adjust the counter torque value based on the engine position and engine speed.

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