Seat arrangement and method for operating a seat arrangement

Abstract

Seating arrangement that includes: a seat (30); a sensor (70) configured to detect a movement of a user of the seat (30); a bladder assembly (90, 110) connected to the seat (30); a pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) coil assembly (130) connected to the seat (30); and an electronic control unit (ECU) (60) connected to the sensor (70) and configured to control the bladder assembly (90, 110) and the PEMF coil assembly (130); wherein the ECU (60) is configured to determine via the sensor (70) whether the user is in a first state or a second state; the first state corresponds to one or more small user movements, where small user movements include movements whose magnitudes are below a certain value or threshold; the second state corresponds to one or more large user movements, where large user movements include movements whose magnitudes are above the specified value or threshold; the ECU (60) is configured to operate in a first mode when the user is in the first state to reduce a number of small user movements; and the ECU (60) is configured to operate in a second mode when the user is in the second state to reduce a number of large user movements.

Description

Technical FieldThe present disclosure relates generally to seat assemblies, including seat assemblies that may be used in conjunction with automatic sensing and mitigation of discomfort.BackgroundUS 2019 / 0 133 511 A1 describes a seat arrangement for vehicles which is intended to be able to detect signs of discomfort of the driver by means of sensors installed in the seat. US 2019 / 0 126 036 A1 describes a system which has no relation to vehicle seat arrangements, but relates to generating pulsed electromagnetic fields.Some seating arrangements may not provide sufficient functionality, may not detect various types of discomfort / discomfort, and / or may not reduce discomfort depending on the type of discomfort detected. For example, some seating assemblies may not automatically detect and reduce discomfort.There is a need for solutions / options that minimize or eliminate one or more problems or disadvantages of seat assemblies. The above discussion is intended merely to illustrate examples of the present field and is not a non-limit to the scope.OverviewThe above object is achieved by a seat arrangement having the features of claim 1 or by a method for operating a seat arrangement having the features of claim 16.In embodiments, a seat assembly may include a seat, a sensor configured to sense movement of a user of the seat, a bladder assembly connected to the seat, a pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) coil assembly connected to the seat, and / or an electronic control unit (ECU) connected to the biomedical sensor. The ECU may be configured to control the bladder assembly and the PEMF coil assembly and / or determine whether a user seated on the seat is in a first state or a second state. The first state may correspond to one or more small user movements. Small user movements may include movements whose orders of magnitude are below a certain value or threshold. The second state may correspond to one or more large user movements. Large user movements may include movements that are of orders of magnitude above the determined value or threshold. The ECU may be configured to operate in a first mode when the user is in the first state to reduce the number of user small movements (e.g., the number of future user small movements) and to operate in a second mode when the user is in the second state to reduce the number of user large movements (e.g., the number of future user large movements).In embodiments, a method of operating a seat assembly may include determining, via a sensor, whether a user of a seat is in a first state corresponding to small movements and / or a second state corresponding to large movements, operating an electronic control unit (ECU) in a first mode when the user is in the first state to reduce the small movements, and / or operating the ECU in a second mode when the user is in the second state to reduce the large movements. Operating the ECU in the first mode may include activating a bladder assembly proximate a lower portion of a seat back and / or activating a pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) coil assembly proximate the lower portion of the seat back. Operating the ECU in the second mode may include activating the bladder assembly proximate the lower portion, a middle portion, and an upper portion of the seatback and / or activating the PEMF coil assembly proximate the lower portion, the middle portion, and the upper portion of the seatback.The above and other potential aspects, features, details, benefits, and / or advantages of examples / embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from reading the following description and by reviewing the accompanying drawings.Brief Description of the DrawingsWhile the claims are not limited to a particular illustration, an understanding of various aspects may be gained by a discussion of various examples. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and certain features may be exaggerated or invisible to better illustrate and explain an innovative aspect of an example. Furthermore, the example illustrations described herein are not exhaustive or otherwise limiting, and are not limited to the precise form and configuration illustrated in the drawings or disclosed in the following detailed description. Exemplary illustrations are described in detail with reference to the drawings as follows: FIG. 1 is a side view generally illustrating an embodiment of a seat assembly in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a plan view generally illustrating an embodiment of a seat assembly in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a front view generally illustrating portions of an embodiment of a seat assembly in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram generally illustrating portions of an embodiment of a seat assembly in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a graph generally illustrating portions of an embodiment of a method of operating a seat assembly in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a flow chart generally illustrating a method of operating a seat assembly in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONReference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the present disclosure will be described in connection with embodiments and / or examples, it should be understood that they do not limit the present disclosure to these embodiments and / or examples. Rather, the present disclosure covers alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.In embodiments, as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a seat assembly 20 may include a seat 30, an electronic control unit (ECU) 60, a sensor 70, a first bladder assembly 90, a second bladder assembly 110, a pulsed electromagnetic field coil assembly (PEMF) 130, and / or a temperature control unit 150. The ECU 60 may be connected to the seat 30, the biomedical sensor 70, the first bladder assembly 90, the second bladder assembly 110, the PEMF coil assembly 130, and / or the temperature control unit 150. The ECU 60 may be configured to determine whether a user is exhibiting small resting movements and / or large resting movements, for example via the sensor 70 and / or a bladder assembly 90, 110. The ECU 60 may be configured to activate the bladder assemblies 90, 110, the PEMF coil assembly 130, and / or actuate the seat 30 to reduce small uneasy and / or large uneasy movements exhibited by the user.In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the seat assembly 20 may include at least one seat 30. The seat 30 may include a seat bottom 32 and / or a seat back 34. The seat 30 may be selectively (e.g., electrically and / or mechanically) connected to the track assembly 40. The ECU 60 may be electrically connected to the seat 30 via the rail assembly 40, and / or the ECU 60 may be configured to at least partially control operation of the seat 30. The seat 30 may be connected to the rail assembly 40 via a support member 36. The support member 36 may be selectively connected to the rail assembly 40. For example, and without limitation, the support member 36 may be configured to be inserted vertically and / or horizontally into the rail assembly 40, for example, in a plurality of and / or in multiple positions. The support member 36 may be configured to be vertically and / or horizontally removed from the rail assembly 40, for example, in a plurality of and / or in multiple positions. The support member 36 may be configured to move along the rail assembly 40 (e.g., in the X direction and / or the Y direction).In embodiments, as generally illustrated in FIG. 2, a rail assembly 40 may include a first portion 42 and / or a second portion 44, which may extend generally in an X direction, for example. The rail assembly 40 may be disposed on a mounting surface 46 (e.g., a vehicle floor). The rail assembly 40 may be configured to be connected to and / or at least partially receive the seat 30 substantially in an X-direction and / or in a Z-direction. The seat 30 and / or support member 36 may be configured to be selectively inserted into and / or removed from the rail assembly 40 at one or more of a variety of positions along the rail assembly 40. The rail assembly 40 may include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, and / or configurations. The track assembly 40 may extend in the X direction and / or the Y direction (and / or in one or more other directions) such that the seat 30 may move along the track assembly 40 in the X direction and / or the Y direction. In some embodiments, a seat 30 may be directly connected to a mounting surface 46, for example, independent of / without a rail assembly(s) 40.In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4, a seat assembly 20 may include a sensor 70. The sensor 70 may be configured to acquire (e.g., measure, recognize, acquire, monitor, etc.) biometric and / or biomedical information of the user seated on the seat 30, and may be referred to herein as a biomedical sensor 70, but is not limited to a biomedical sensor. For example, and without limitation, the sensor 70 may be configured to detect a user (e.g., a seat occupant) and / or measure a heart rate, a breathing rate, a blood pressure, small discomfort movements, large discomfort movements, and / or other health related information of the user. One or more portions of the sensor 70 may be disposed in the seat bottom 32 and / or the seat back 34. One or more portions of the sensor 70 may be disposed proximate a seating surface 30A of the seat 30, for example, to increase the accuracy of acquired biomedical information. The seat bottom 30A may include an outer surface of the seat bottom 32 and / or an outer surface of the seatback 34. A sensor 70 may include, for example and without limitation, a camera / visual device, a force sensor, and / or a pressure sensor, among others.In embodiments, a sensor 70 may include, for example and without limitation, portions of and / or at least be partially integrated with the first bladder assembly 90 and / or the second bladder assembly 110. In some circumstances, the sensor 70 may include one or more pressure sensors connected to and / or integrated with the first bladder assembly 90 and / or the second bladder assembly 110. Changes in pressure in the bladder assemblies 90, 110 may indicate that a user is uncomfortable and / or feels discomfort. The amount of pressure change may be the order of magnitude of movement.In embodiments, a sensor 70 may be configured to obtain information regarding movements of a user while the user is on and / or proximate a seat 30. For example, some movements may indicate that a user feels uncomfortable. For example and without limitation, a sensor 70 may be configured to detect small movements (e.g., small resting movements) and / or large movements (e.g., large resting movements). Small movements / non-resting movements may include movements whose magnitude (e.g., moved distance, applied / removed force, pressure change, etc.) is below a threshold. Large movements / non-resting movements may include movements of an order of magnitude above the threshold. The threshold may include, for example and without limitation, a pressure threshold (e.g., the pressure may be sensed by a pressure sensor of the sensor 70), a force threshold, and / or a distance threshold (e.g., the distance may be sensed by a camera / visual device of the sensor 70), among others. Depending on the determined value or threshold, movements of orders of magnitude at or around the determined value or threshold may be small movements or large movements. Additionally or alternatively, if the magnitude of movement is approximately equal to the determined value or threshold, the ECU 60 may default to the first mode or the second mode, such as the second mode (e.g., the second mode may include some or all of the first mode operational actions).In embodiments, the ECU 60 may determine that the user is in a first state when the sensor 70 detects small movements / non-resting movements. Small resting movements may be small movements associated with short-term discomfort and / or locating discomfort / pain (e.g., which may generally be shown over shorter periods of time such as shorter travel distances). The ECU 60 may determine that the user is in a second state when the sensor 70 detects large discomfort movements. Large resting movements may be large movements associated with long term discomfort and / or more diffuse / generalized discomfort / pain (e.g., which may generally be shown over longer periods of time such as longer travel distances). The ECU 60 may be configured to reduce small resting movements and / or large resting movements, for example, by activating a first actuator 80, a second actuator 82, a first bladder assembly 90, a second bladder assembly 110, a PEMF coil assembly 130, and / or a temperature control unit 150.In embodiments, a seat assembly 20 may include a user interface 72. The user interface 72 may be electrically connected (e.g., via a wired and / or wireless connection) to the ECU 60 so that the user may manually control the seat assembly 20 at least to some extent. The user interface 72 may be configured to receive one or more of a variety of inputs (e.g., physical inputs via buttons, motion inputs via a motion sensor, audio inputs via a microphone, etc.). The user interface 72 may be configured to manually control the first actuator 80, the second actuator 82, the first bladder assembly 90, the second bladder assembly 110, the PEMF coil assembly 130, and / or the temperature control unit 150 directly and / or via the ECU 60.In embodiments, as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, a seat assembly 20 may include a first actuator 80 (e.g., a first electric motor) that may be connected to the seat bottom 32 and / or may include a second actuator 82 (e.g., a second electric motor) that may be connected to the seatback 34. The first actuator 80 and / or the second actuator 82 may be connected to and / or disposed within the seat 30 and / or the support member 36. The first actuator 80 may be configured to actuate (e.g., rotate, translate, tilt, raise, lower, etc.) the seat bottom 32, for example, in a first direction (e.g., backward / clockwise in FIG. 1 ) and / or a second direction (e.g., forward / counter-clockwise in FIG. 1 ). The first actuator 80 may be configured to rotate the seat bottom 32 by 90 degrees or more or less, for example and without limitation. The second actuator 82 may be configured to actuate (e.g., tilt, rotate, translate, tilt, raise, lower, etc.) the seatback 34, for example, in a first direction (e.g., in a clockwise direction) and / or a second direction (e.g., in a counter-clockwise direction). The second actuator 82 may rotate the seat back 34 180 degrees or more or less, for example and without limitation. The ECU 60 may be configured to control the first actuator 80 and / or the second actuator 82. For example, and without limitation, the first actuator 80 and / or the second actuator 82 may be electrically connected (e.g., via a wired and / or wireless connection) to the ECU 60. The first actuator 80 and / or the second actuator 82 may be manually controlled by the user via the user interface 72 and / or may be automatically controlled by the ECU 60 (e.g., to automatically reduce small movements / uneasiness movements and / or large movements / uneasiness movements). In some circumstances, the ECU 60 may automatically operate the first actuator 80 and / or the second actuator 82 in relatively small steps (e.g., a few degrees of less rotation), whereby the user may be moved to a relatively small extent, but may facilitate a reduction in small movements / unrubing movements and / or large movements / unrubing movements.In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4, a first bladder assembly 90 may include any number of bladders. For example, and without limitation, the first bladder assembly 90 may include a first bladder 92, a second bladder 94, a third bladder 96, a fourth bladder 98, and / or a fifth bladder 100. The first bladder assembly 90 may be disposed at least partially within the seat bottom 32 and / or cheeks 32C, 32D thereof. The first bladder 92 and / or the second bladder 94 may be disposed proximate a rear side 32A of the seat bottom 32. The third bladder 98, the fourth bladder 98, and / or the fifth bladder 100 may be disposed proximate a front side 32B of the seat bottom 32. The rear side 32A of the seat bottom 32 may be opposite the front side 32B of the seat bottom 32.In embodiments, the ECU 60 may be configured to control the first bladder assembly 90. For example, and without limitation, the ECU 60 may be electrically connected (e.g., via a wired and / or wireless connection) to the first bladder assembly 90 and / or a fluid source 74, which may be in fluid communication with the first bladder assembly 90, such as via one or more fluid lines 76. the fluid source 74 may include, for example and without limitation, a fluid pump, a blower, a fluid reservoir, and / or one or more control valves, among other components, that may be configured to selectively provide a fluid (e.g., air) to and / or remove a fluid from the first bladder assembly 90 and / or the second bladder assembly 100. For example, and without limitation, the fluid source 74 may be in fluid communication with the bladder assemblies 90, 110 via one or more fluid conduits 76 (e.g., pipes, hoses, conduits, etc.). The ECU 60 may control the fluid source 74 to control the bladder assemblies 90, 110.In embodiments, the ECU 60 may be configured to independently control operation of the first bladder 92, the second bladder 94, the third bladder 96, the fourth bladder 98, and / or the fifth bladder 100. The ECU 60 may be configured to inflate and / or deflate the bladders 92- 100 of the first bladder assembly 90 to adjust, for example, a position and / or a pressure / force applied to the user while on and / or proximate the seat 30. Inflation and deflation of the bladders 92- 100 may reduce, at least to some extent, small resting movements and / or large resting movements exhibited by the user. For example and without limitation, if the ECU 60 determines via the sensor 70 that a left leg of the user is exhibiting small resting movements and / or large resting movements, the ECU 60 may inflate the second bladder 94, the fourth bladder 98, and / or the fifth bladder 100 to reduce resting movements. Similarly, if the ECU 60 determines that a right leg of the user is exhibiting small resting movements and / or large resting movements, the ECU 60 may inflate the first bladder 92, the third bladder 96, and / or the fourth bladder 98 to reduce resting movements. The ECU 60 may inflate the bladders 92- 100 of the first bladder assembly 90 to a first stage to reduce small resting movements and / or the ECU 60 may inflate the bladders 92- 100 to a second stage to reduce large resting movements. The second inflation stage may be higher than the first inflation stage.In embodiments, the ECU 60 may be configured to automatically activate the first bladder assembly 90 when small uneasy movements and / or large uneasy movements are detected. For example, and without limitation, the ECU 60 may detect, via the sensor 70, whether the user is in a first state (e.g., small resting movements) and / or a second state (e.g., large resting movements), and / or the ECU 60 may automatically inflate the first bladder assembly 90 to the first stage and / or the second stage, respectively. Additionally or alternatively, the user may manually activate the bladders 92- 100 of the first bladder assembly 90, for example, via a user interface 72 that may be connected to the ECU 60 and / or the first bladder assembly 90. For example, the user may manually select individual bladders 92- 100 of the first bladder assembly 90 for inflation and / or deflation.In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4, a second bladder assembly 110 may include one or more massage bladders 112- 122. For example, and without limitation, the second bladder assembly 110 may include a first massage bladder 112, a second massage bladder 114, a third massage bladder 116, a fourth massage bladder 118, a fifth massage bladder 120, and / or a sixth massage bladder 122. The first massage bladder 112, the third massage bladder 116, and / or the fifth massage bladder 120 may be disposed proximate a first side 34A (e.g., the left side in FIG. 2 ) of the seatback 34 and / or cheeks 34C, 34D thereof. The second massage bladder 114, the fourth massage bladder 118, and / or the sixth massage bladder 122 may be disposed proximate a second side 34B (e.g., the right side in FIG. 2 ) of the seatback 34. The first side 34A of the seatback 34 may be opposite the second side 34B of the seatback 34.In embodiments, the ECU 60 may control and / or electrically connect (e.g., directly and / or wirelessly) to operation of the second bladder assembly 110 and / or the massage bladders 112- 122. For example, and without limitation, the ECU 60 may be configured to independently control operation of the first massage bladder 112, the second massage bladder 114, the third massage bladder 116, the fourth massage bladder 118, the fifth massage bladder 120, and / or the sixth massage bladder 122. The ECU 60 may inflate and / or deflate the second bladder assembly 110 to provide a massage effect to the user's back, for example. The ECU 60 may be configured to inflate the massage bladders 112- 122 to one / more of a variety of pressures or volumes (e.g., which may be associated with a variety of massage pressure intensities, for example, from light massage to depth tissue therapy). Additionally or alternatively, the ECU 60 may activate the second bladder assembly 110 in a first mode to reduce small user discomfort when the user is in the first state and / or the ECU 60 may activate the second bladder assembly 110 in a second mode to reduce large user discomfort when the user is in the second state. For example, and without limitation, operating the second bladder assembly 110 in the first mode may include inflating and / or deflate the fifth massage bladder 120 and / or the sixth massage bladder 122, which may apply (e.g., massage) pressure / force to a lumbar region of the user (e.g., proximate a lower portion 34G of the seatback 34). Operating the second bladder assembly 110 in the second mode may include inflating and / or deflate the first massage bladder 112, the second massage bladder 114, the third massage bladder 116, the fourth massage bladder 118, the fifth massage bladder 120, and / or the sixth massage bladder 122, which may massage a shoulder area, a chest area, and / or a lumbar area of the user (e.g., respectively near an upper portion 34G, a middle portion 34F, and a lower portion 34E of the seatback 34).In embodiments, the ECU 60 may be configured to automatically activate the second bladder assembly 110 when small uneasy movements and / or large uneasy movements are detected. For example, and without limitation, the ECU 60 may detect whether the user is exhibiting small resting movements and / or large resting movements via the sensor 70, and / or the ECU 60 may automatically activate the second bladder assembly 110 in the first mode (e.g., when the user is in the first state) and / or in the second mode (e.g., when the user is in the second state). Additionally or alternatively, the user may manually activate the massage bladders 112- 120 of the second bladder assembly 110, for example, via a user interface 72 that may be connected to the ECU 60 and / or the second bladder assembly 110.In embodiments, in the first mode and / or the second mode, the ECU 60 may activate the second bladder assembly 110 proximate a bottom portion 34E, a middle portion 34F, and / or the bottom portion 34G of the seatback 34.In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4, for example, the seat assembly 20 may include a pulsed electromagnetic field coil assembly (PEMF) 130. The PEMF coil assembly 130 may include one or more PEMF coils 132- 142. For example, and without limitation, the PEMF coil assembly 130 may include a first coil 132, a second coil 134, a third coil 136, a fourth coil 138, a fifth coil 140, and / or a sixth coil 142. The coils 132- 142 may be disposed at least partially within the seatback 34. In some embodiments, the coils 132- 142 may be at least partially disposed in the second bladder assembly 110. For example, and without limitation, the coils 132- 142 may be disposed in the respective massage bladders 112- 122 - the first coil 132 may be disposed in the first massage bladder 112, the second coil 134 may be disposed in the second massage bladder 114, the third coil 136 may be disposed in the third massage bladder 116, the fourth coil 138 may be disposed in the fourth massage bladder 118, the fifth coil 140 may be disposed in the fifth massage bladder 120, and / or the sixth coil 142 may be disposed in the sixth massage bladder 122. For example, at least partially disposing a coil 132- 142 within a massage bladder 112- 122 may reduce the amount of space utilized by the second bladder assembly 110 and the PEMF coil assembly 130, and / or may facilitate alignment of the second bladder assembly 110 and the PEMF coil assembly 130 with appropriate portions of a user (e.g., a bladder and a coil may both be aligned to be centered on the same portion of a user). In other embodiments, some or all of the coils 132- 142 may not be disposed in respective massage bladders 112- 122. The PEMF coil assembly 130 may be electrically connected (e.g., via a wired and / or wireless connection) to the ECU 60, and / or the ECU 60 may activate and / or deactivate the PEMF coil assembly 130. For example, and without limitation, in the first mode and / or the second mode, the ECU 60 may activate the PEMF coil assembly 130 proximate a bottom portion 34E, a middle portion 34F, and / or the bottom portion 34G of the seatback 34.In embodiments, activating the PEMF coil assembly 130 may reduce discomfort (e.g., small discomfort movements and / or large discomfort movements), such as discomfort that may be associated with osteo-articular pain and / or inflammation. The ECU 60 may independently control operation of the coils 132- 142 such that the ECU 60 may apply PEMF therapy to specific areas of the user. For example, and without limitation, the ECU 60 may operate the PEMF coil assembly 130 in a first mode to reduce small resting movements (e.g., when the user is in the first state) and / or in a second mode to reduce large resting movements (e.g., when the user is in the second state). When the PEMF coil assembly 130 is in the first mode, the ECU 60 may activate the fifth coil 140 and / or the sixth coil 142. For example, operating the PEMF coil assembly 130 in the first mode may provide PEMF therapy in the lumbar region of the user (e.g., proximate the lower portion 34E of the seatback 34) that may reduce small resting movements. For example, operating the PEMF coil assembly 130 in the second mode may provide PEMF therapy for a portion or substantially the entire back of the user (e.g., a shoulder region, a chest region, and / or a lumbar region proximate the portions 34G, 34F, 34E) that may reduce large discomfort movements. When the PEMF coil assembly 130 is in the second mode, the ECU 60 may supply power (e.g., from a power source such as a battery) to the first coil 132, the second coil 134, the third coil 136, the fourth coil 138, the fifth coil 140, and / or the sixth coil 142.In embodiments, the ECU 60 may be configured to automatically activate the PEMF coil assembly 130 when the user is detected to be in the first and / or second states. For example, and without limitation, the ECU 60 may detect whether the user is exhibiting small resting movements and / or large resting movements via the sensor 70, and / or the ECU 60 may automatically activate the PEMF coil assembly 130 in the first mode (e.g., when small resting movements are detected) and / or in the second mode (e.g., when large resting movements are detected). Additionally or alternatively, the user may manually activate the coils 132- 142 of the PEMF coil assembly 130, for example, via a user interface 72 that may be connected to the ECU 60 and / or the PEMF coil assembly 130.In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4, a seat assembly 20 may include a temperature control unit 150. The temperature control unit 150 may be at least partially disposed within the seat 30, for example, at least partially disposed within the seat bottom 32 and / or the seat back 34. the temperature control unit 150 may be, for example, at least partially disposed within a central portion 34F of the seat back 34, for example, such that it is generally centered in a Y-direction and / or a Z-direction with respect to a user's back.In embodiments, a temperature control unit 150 may include one or more zones 150A, 150B, 150C (see, e.g., FIG. 3 ). The first zone 150A may correspond to a lumbar region of the user and / or may be at least partially aligned with or disposed within a lower portion 34E of the seatback 34. The second zone 150A may correspond to a lower chest region of the user and / or may be at least partially aligned with or disposed within a central portion 34F of the seatback 34. The third zone 150A may correspond to and / or be at least partially aligned with or disposed within an upper portion 34G of the seatback 34. Zones 150A, 150B, 150C may be independently controlled by temperature controller 150 and / or ECU 60. The first zone 150A may be at least partially disposed below the second zone 150B, which may be at least partially disposed below the third zone 150C.In embodiments, at least a portion of the temperature control unit 150 may be disposed proximate a seating surface 30A of the seatback 34, for example, to facilitate a user in sensing the effects (e.g., heating, cooling, venting, etc.) of the temperature of the temperature control unit 150. The ECU 60 may control and / or electrically connect (e.g., via a wired and / or wireless connection) to operation of the temperature control unit 150. The ECU 60 may activate the temperature control unit 150 to reduce small resting movements and / or large resting movements shown by the user. For example, and without limitation, the ECU 60 may control the temperature control unit 150 to provide cooling, venting, and / or heating / heating, which may facilitate reducing small resting movements and / or large resting movements. A temperature control unit 150 may include, for example and without limitation, an air conditioner, a blower / air mover, and / or a heater.In embodiments, an ECU 60 may determine whether to activate the temperature control unit 150 and / or a target temperature at least in part with respect to one or more temperatures near the seat 30. The one or more temperatures may include, for example and without limitation, an ambient temperature (e.g., an interior or cabin temperature) and / or an exterior / exterior temperature (e.g., exterior to a vehicle cabin). For example, and without limitation, when an internal temperature and / or an external temperature is above a first temperature threshold (e.g., relatively warm / hot, such as above about 75 degrees Fahrenheit), the ECU 60 may operate the temperature control unit 150 in a cooling and / or venting mode, which may reduce a temperature near the seat 30 and / or at or around the seat surface 30A. For example, in a cooling mode, the temperature control unit 150 may provide cooled air proximate the seat 30 and / or the seat bottom 30A. A temperature of the cooled air may be at or below the first temperature threshold, for example.In embodiments, when an internal temperature and / or the external temperature is below a second temperature threshold (e.g., is relatively cool / cold, such as below about 55 degrees Fahrenheit), the ECU 60 operates the temperature control unit 150 in a heating mode. In the heating mode, the temperature control unit 150 may activate an electric heater and / or may provide heated air near the seat 30 and / or the seat bottom 30A. A temperature of the heater and / or the heated air may be higher than the second temperature threshold. Activating the temperature control unit 150 in a cooling mode, a ventilation mode and / or a heating mode may reduce user discomfort when the user is in the first state and / or the second state. The ECU 60 may be configured to automatically activate the temperature control unit 150 when it is determined (e.g., via the sensor 70) that the user is making small movements / uneasiness movements and / or large movements / uneasiness movements. Automatically activating the temperature controller 150 may reduce small discomfort and / or large discomfort before the user recognizes that he is feeling discomfort or discomfort. Additionally or alternatively, the user may manually activate the temperature control unit 150, for example, via a user interface 72 that may be connected to the ECU 60 and / or the temperature control unit 150. A user may activate the temperature control unit 150 and / or may set the temperature control unit 150 to a desired temperature via the user interface 72.In embodiments, the ECU 60 may be configured to record and / or predict operation of the seat assembly 20. For example, and without limitation, the ECU 60 may predict when the user is likely to exhibit small resting movements and / or large resting movements based on a prior use of the seat assembly 20, and / or the ECU 60 may be configured to predict a preferred temperature of the temperature control unit 150. The ECU 60 may be machine learning configured to automatically activate the seat assembly 20 as appropriate (e.g., according to determined / learned and / or obtained preferences of the user) to reduce and / or prevent discomfort from the user seated on the seat 30.In embodiments, as generally illustrated in FIG. 6, a method 180 of operating a seat assembly 20 may include providing a seat 30, a sensor 70, a first actuator 80, a second actuator 82, massage a first bladder assembly 90, a second bladder assembly 110, a PEMF coil assembly 130, and / or a temperature control unit 150 (step 182). The seat assembly 20 may include an ECU 60 connected to the sensor 70, the first actuator 80, the second actuator 82, the first bladder assembly 90, the second bladder assembly 110, the PEMF coil assembly 130, and / or the temperature control unit 150. The method 180 may include sensing biomedical information of a user seated on the seat 30 via the sensor 70 (step 184) and / or determining whether the user is making small movements / uneasiness movements and / or large movements / uneasiness movements (step 186). When the user shows small resting movements and / or large resting movements, the ECU 60 may selectively activate the first actuator 80, the second actuator 82, the first bladder assembly 90, the second bladder assembly 110, the PEMF coil assembly 130, and / or the temperature control unit 150 to reduce small resting movements and / or large resting movements (see, e.g., example diagrams of activations in FIG. 5 ). If the ECU 60 determines that the seat 30 (e.g., the seat bottom 32 and / or the seat back 34) should not be actuated (e.g., if actuation of the seat bottom 32 and / or the seat back 34 would cause contact with another seat, cargo, and / or other user), the ECU 60 may not activate the actuators 80, 82 and may activate one or more other functions, such as the first bladder assembly 90 and / or the second bladder assembly 110, to at least temporarily move the user at least to a certain extent.In embodiments, as generally illustrated in the example activation graphics 160 of FIG. 5, the ECU 60 may utilize a plurality of seat assembly functions simultaneously and / or in alternating patterns to reduce a user's movements / uneasy movements. For example, if the ECU 60 detects that the user is in the first state (e.g., shows small resting movements), the ECU 60 may automatically activate the first actuator 80 and / or the second actuator 82 (step 188), such as generally illustrated in actuator diagrams 162, 164. Activating the first actuator 80 may include rotating the seat bottom 32 from a first position to a second position, which may be separated by an angle β, in a first direction (e.g., upward) for a first time period t 1. For example, and without limitation, the angle β may be about 1 degree, and / or the first time period t 1 may be about seven seconds (see, e.g., the first actuator activation plot 162). The ECU 60 may maintain the seat bottom 32 in the second position for a second time period t 2 which may be, for example and without limitation, about five seconds. The ECU 60 may rotate the seat bottom 32 from the second position back to the first position (e.g., the angle β) for a third time period t 3, which may be about seven seconds and / or substantially equal to the first time period t 1 for example and without limitation.In embodiments, activating the second actuator 82 may include rotating (e.g., rearward) the seatback 34 from a first position to a second position, which may be separated by an angle α, in a first direction for a fourth period of time. For example, and without limitation, the angle α may be about 1.5 degrees, and / or the fourth time period t 4 may be about seven seconds, and / or substantially equal (and / or coincident) to the first time period t 1 (see, e.g., the second actuator activation plot 164). The ECU 60 may maintain the seat back 34 in the second position for a fifth time period t 5, which may be, for example and without limitation, about five seconds and / or substantially equal (and / or coincident) with the second time period t 2. The ECU 60 may rotate the seatback 34 from the second position back to the first position (e.g., the angle α) over a sixth time period t 6, which may be, for example and without limitation, about seven seconds and / or substantially equal (and / or coincident) with the third time period t 3. Adjusting the seat bottom 32 and / or the seat back 34 may tend to shift the seat orientation / position of a user at least to some extent, which may help reduce discomfort / discomfort of the user.In embodiments, if the ECU 60 determines that the user is making small movements / non-resting movements, the ECU 60 may automatically activate the first bladder assembly 90, for example, at a first stage and / or while the first actuator 80 and the second actuator 82 are activated (see, e.g., the first bladder assembly and the second bladder assembly diagram 166) (step 190). Activating the first bladder assembly 90 may include periodically inflating and deploying the bladders 92- 100. Additionally or alternatively, the ECU 60 may automatically activate the massage bladders 112- 122 of the second bladder assembly 110, for example, in a first mode (step 192). The ECU 60 may activate the fifth massage bladder 120 and / or the sixth massage bladder 122, for example, to reduce small resting movements detected by the sensor 70. Activating the second bladder assembly 110 may include periodically inflating and deflate the massage bladders 112- 122 (e.g., as generally shown in FIG. 5 ). The method 180 may include activating / operating the PEMF coil assembly 130 (step 194), such as in a first mode, to reduce small resting movements (see, e.g., the PEMF coil assembly diagram 168). For example, the ECU 60 and / or the PEMF coil assembly 130 may activate the fifth coil 140 and / or the sixth coil 142 when the PEMF coil assembly 130 is operated in the first mode. Operating the PEMF coil assembly 130 in the first mode may include periodically supplying current to the coils 132- 142, for example, while the first bladder assembly 90 and / or the second bladder assembly 110 are activated. Additionally or alternatively, to reduce small non-resting movements, the ECU 60 may activate a temperature control unit 150 (step 196), for example, while the first actuator 80, the second actuator 82, the first bladder assembly 90, the second bladder assembly 110, and / or the PEMF coil assembly 130 are activated (see, e.g., the temperature control unit plot 170).In embodiments, when the ECU 60 detects via the sensor 70 that the user is making large movements / non-resting movements, the ECU 60 may automatically activate the first actuator 80 and / or the second actuator 82. The ECU 60 may activate the first actuator 80 and / or the second actuator 82 in a substantially similar manner to reduce large resting movements, such as reduce small resting movements. When the ECU 60 detects that the user is in the second state, the ECU 60 may operate / activate the first bladder assembly 90, for example, at a second stage and / or while the first actuator 80 and / or the second actuator 82 are activated. Activating the first bladder assembly 90 may include periodically inflating and deploying the bladders 92- 100 (e.g., as generally shown in FIG. 5 ). Additionally or alternatively, the ECU 60 may automatically activate the massage bladders 112- 122 of the second bladder assembly 110, for example, in a second mode. The ECU 60 may activate the massage bladders 112- 122 of the second bladder assembly 110 to reduce large discomfort movements. Activating the second bladder assembly 110 may include periodically inflating and deflate the massage bladders 112- 122 (e.g., as generally shown in FIG. 5 ).In embodiments, the method 180 may include activating / operating a PEMF coil assembly 130, for example, in a second mode to reduce large resting movements. The ECU 60 and / or the PEMF coil assembly 130 may activate the first coil 132, the second coil 134, the third coil 136, the fourth coil 138, the fifth coil 140, and / or the sixth coil 142 when the PEMF coil assembly 130 is operated in the second mode. Operating the PEMF coil assembly 130 in the second mode may include periodically supplying current to the coils 132- 142, for example, while the first bladder assembly 90 and / or the second bladder assembly 110 are activated (e.g., as generally shown in FIG. 5 ). Additionally or alternatively, the method 180 of reducing large non-resting movements may include activating the temperature control unit 150 while the first actuator 80, the second actuator 82, the first bladder assembly 90, the second bladder assembly 110, and / or the PEMF coil assembly 130 are activated.In embodiments, the ECU 60 may operate in a first mode, for example, to reduce the number of small movements / uneasy movements of a user, and / or in a second mode, for example, to reduce the number of large movements / uneasy movements of a user. Operating the ECU 60 in a first mode may include operating a first bladder assembly 90, a second bladder assembly 110, and / or a PEMF coil assembly 130 in respective first modes. Operating the ECU 60 in a second mode may include operating a first bladder assembly 90, a second bladder assembly 110, and / or a PEMF coil assembly 130 in respective second modes.In embodiments, the ECU 60 may operate some or all of a first actuator 80, a second actuator 82, a first bladder assembly 90, a second bladder assembly 110, a PEMF coil assembly 130, and / or a temperature control unit 150 simultaneously, at least in some cases (e.g., at overlapping activation times).While embodiments having bladder assemblies 90, 110 including bladders 92- 100 and 112- 122 are described herein, embodiments of seat assemblies 20 may utilize other actuators in addition to or in place of bladders, such as, but not limited to, motors and / or linear actuators / cylinders.In examples, an ECU (e.g., an ECU 60) may include an electronic control device and / or may include an electronic processor such as a programmable microprocessor and / or microcontroller. In embodiments, an ECU may include, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). An ECU may include a central processing unit (CPU), memory (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable storage medium), and / or an input / output (I / O) interface. An ECU may be configured to perform various functions, including those described in more detail herein, with suitable programming instructions and / or code embodied in software, hardware, and / or other medium. In embodiments, an ECU may include a plurality of control devices. In embodiments, an ECU 60 may be connected to a display such as a touch screen display.Various examples / embodiments for various devices, systems, and / or methods are described herein. Numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the structure, function, fabrication, and use of the overall examples / embodiments described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the art that the examples / embodiments may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail in order not to obscure the examples / embodiments described in the specification. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the examples / embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it will be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments.Throughout the specification, reference to "examples," "in examples," "in examples," "in examples," "various embodiments," "in embodiments," "in embodiments," or "an embodiment," or the like, means that a particular feature(s) described in connection with the example / embodiment is(are) included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases "examples," "in examples," "in examples," "in various embodiments," "in embodiments," "in embodiments," or "an embodiment," or the like, in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the respective features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one / more examples / embodiments. In this way, the respective features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with an embodiment / example may be combined, without limitation, in whole or in part with the features, structures, functions, and / or characteristics of one / more other embodiments / examples, provided that such combination is not illogical or non-functional. Moreover, numerous modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope thereof.It should be understood that references to a single element are not necessarily so limited and may include one or more of such an element. Any directional references (e.g., plus, minus, upper(r,s), lower(r,s), up, down, left(r,s), right(r,s), left, right, up, down, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counter-clockwise) are used merely for labeling purposes to assist the reader in understanding the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly with respect to the position, orientation, or use of examples / embodiments.Connection references (e.g., attached, attached, connected, and the like) are to be broadly construed and may include intermediate members between a connection of members and relative movement between members. As such, connecting references do not imply that two elements are directly connected / attached and are in fixed relationship to each other. The use of "e.g." is to be broadly construed in the specification and is used to provide non-limiting examples of embodiments of the disclosure, and the disclosure is not limited to such examples. Uses of "and" and "or" are to be broadly construed (e.g., treated as "and / or"). For example, and without limitation, uses of "and" do not necessarily require all listed elements or features, and uses of "or" are inclusive unless such an embodiment would be illogical.Although processes, systems, and methods may have been described herein in connection with one or more steps in a particular sequence, it should be understood that such methods may be performed with the steps in a different order, with particular steps performed simultaneously, with additional steps, and / or omitting particular steps.All matter contained in the above description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings is intended to be illustrative only and not restrictive. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the present disclosure.It should be appreciated that an electronic control unit (ECU), system and / or processor as described herein may include a conventional processing device of the prior art that may be capable of executing preprogrammed instructions stored in associated memory, all of which operate according to the functionality described herein. Inasmuch as the methods described herein are embodied in software, the resulting software may be stored in associated memory and may further form a means for performing such methods. Such a system or processor may further be of the type comprising a ROM, a RAM, a RAM and a ROM and / or a combination of non-volatile and volatile memory, such that any software may be stored and yet enable storing and processing of dynamically generated data and / or signals.Furthermore, it should be appreciated that an article of manufacture in accordance with this disclosure may include a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having encoded therein a computer program to implement logic and other functionality described herein. The computer program may include code for performing one or more of the methods disclosed herein. Such embodiments may be configured to be executed over one or more processors, such as multiple processors integrated into a single system or distributed over or interconnected by a communication network, and the network may be wired and / or wireless. Code for implementing one or more of the features described in connection with one or more embodiments, when executed by a processor, may cause a plurality of transistors to transition from a first state to a second state. A specific switching pattern (e.g., which transistors are switching state and which transistors are not doing so) may be determined, at least in part, by the logic and / or code.

Claims

A seating arrangement comprising: a seat (30); a sensor (70) configured to sense movement of a user of the seat (30); a bladder assembly (90, 110) connected to the seat (30); a pulsed electromagnetic field coil assembly (PEMF) (130) connected to the seat (30); and an electronic control unit (ECU) (60) connected to the sensor (70) and configured to control the bladder assembly (90, 110) and the PEMF coil assembly (130); wherein the ECU (60) is configured to determine, via the sensor (70), whether the user is in a first state or a second state; the first state corresponds to one or more small user movements, wherein small user movements include movements having orders of magnitude below a particular value or threshold; the second state corresponds to one or more large user movements, wherein large user movements include movements having orders of magnitude above the determined value or threshold; the ECU (60) is configured to operate in a first mode when the user is in the first state to reduce a number of the small user movements; and the ECU (60) is configured to operate in a second mode when the user is in the second state to reduce a number of the large user movements.The seat assembly of claim 1, wherein when the ECU (60) is operating in the first mode, the ECU (60) is configured to activate the bladder assembly (90, 110) proximate a bottom portion (34E) of a backrest (34) of the seat (30) to reduce the number of small user movements.The seat assembly of claim 1, wherein when the ECU (60) is operating in the first mode, the ECU (60) is configured to activate the PEMF coil assembly (130) proximate a bottom portion (34E) of a seatback (34) of the seat (30) to reduce the number of small user movements.The seat assembly of claim 1, wherein when the ECU (60) is operating in the second mode, the ECU (60) is configured to activate the bladder assembly (90, 110) proximate a bottom portion (34E), a middle portion (34F), and a top portion (34G) of a backrest (34) of the seat (30) to reduce the number of large user movements.The seat assembly of claim 1, wherein when the ECU (60) is operating in the second mode, the ECU (60) is configured to activate the PEMF coil assembly (130) proximate a bottom portion (34E), a middle portion (34F), and a top portion (34G) of a backrest (34) of the seat (30) to reduce the number of large user movements.The seat assembly of claim 1, including: a first actuator (80) connected to a seat bottom (32) of the seat (30); and a second actuator (82) connected to a backrest (34) of the seat (30); wherein the ECU (60) is configured to actuate the seat bottom (32) via the first actuator (80) and the backrest (34) via the second actuator (82); and when the user is in the first state and / or the second state, the ECU (60) is configured to automatically actuate the backrest (34) from a first position to a second position, maintain the second position of the backrest (34) for a first period of time (t 1) and return the backrest (34) to the first position after the first period of time (t1).The seat assembly of claim 6, wherein a first angle (α) between the first position and the second position of the seat back is 1.5 degrees.The seat assembly of claim 7, wherein the ECU (60) is configured to actuate the seat back (34) from the first position to the second position over a second period of time (t2).The seat assembly of claim 8, wherein the second time period (t 2) is longer than the first time period (t 1).The seat assembly of claim 8, wherein the second time period (t 2) is seven seconds and the first time period (t 1) is five seconds.The seat assembly of claim 6, wherein the ECU (60), when the user is in the first state and / or the second state, is configured to automatically actuate the seat bottom (32) from a first base position to a second base position; and a second angle (β) between the first base position and the second base position is 1 degree.The seat assembly of claim 11, wherein the ECU (60) is configured to actuate the seat bottom (32) from the first base position to the second base position for a first period of time (t1); the ECU (60) is configured to maintain the seat bottom (32) in the second position for a second period of time (t 2); and the ECU (60) is configured to return the seat bottom (32) to the first position after the second period of time (t 2).The seat assembly of claim 12, wherein the first time period (t 1) is longer than the second time period (t2).The seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the ECU (60) is configured to inflate and deflate the bladder assembly (90, 110) when the ECU (60) is in the first mode and / or the second mode to reduce the number of small user movements and / or the number of large user movements.The seat assembly of claim 1, including a temperature control unit (150) configured to control a temperature near the seat (30); wherein the temperature control unit (150) is connected to the ECU (60); and the ECU (60) is configured to provide heating and / or cooling to reduce the number of small user movements and / or large user movements.A method of operating a seat assembly, the method comprising: determining, via a sensor (70), whether a user of a seat (30) is in a first state corresponding to small user movements or a second state corresponding to large user movements; operating an electronic control unit (ECU) (60) in a first mode when the user is in the first state to reduce the small user movements; and operating the ECU (60) in a second mode when the user is in the second state to reduce the large user movements; wherein operating the ECU (60) in the first mode comprises: activating a bladder assembly (90, 110) proximate a bottom portion (34E) of a backrest (34) of the seat; and activating a pulsed electromagnetic field coil assembly (PEMF) (130) proximate the bottom portion (34E) of the seatback (34); and wherein operating the ECU (60) in the second mode includes: activating the bladder assembly (90, 110) proximate the bottom portion (34E), a middle portion (34F), and an upper portion (34G) of the seatback (34); and activating the PEMF coil assembly (130) proximate the bottom portion (34E), the middle portion (34F), and the upper portion (34G) of the seatback (34).The method of claim 16, wherein operating the ECU (60) in the first mode and / or operating the ECU (60) in the second mode includes: automatically actuating the seatback (34) from a first position to a second position for a first period of time (t 1) ; maintaining the second position of the seatback (34) from the second position to the first position for a second period of time (t 2); and automatically actuating the seatback (34) from the second position to the first position after the second period of time (t 2).The method of claim 17, wherein operating the ECU (60) in the first mode and / or operating the ECU (60) in the second mode comprises: automatically actuating a seat bottom (32) of the seat (30) from a first base position to a second base position over the first period of time (t 1) ; maintaining the second base position of the seat bottom (32) from the second position to the first position over the second period of time (t 2); and automatically actuating the seat bottom (32) from the second position to the first position after the second period of time (t 2).The method of claim 18, wherein the first time period (t 1) is longer than the second time period (t 2).The method of claim 16, wherein operating the ECU (60) in the first mode includes providing heating and / or cooling via a temperature control unit (150) disposed in the seat back (34) to reduce small user movements.

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