Electrical system

Abstract

Electrical system (102) of a vehicle (100), comprising: a rail assembly (120) with a conductor rail (138); a support assembly (150) which is detachably and adjustably connected to the rail assembly (120), wherein the support assembly (150) includes a contact (172) which is configured to engage with the busbar (138); a sensor (174, 176); and at least one electronic control unit (104, 152) which is operatively connected to the busbar (138) and the sensor (174, 176); wherein at least one electronic control unit (104, 152) is configured to determine whether the support assembly (150) and the rail assembly (120) are properly connected and to automatically perform a corrective action if the support assembly (150) and the rail assembly (120) are not properly connected.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to an electrical system which, in conjunction with a support assembly and a rail assembly, can be used, for example, for a vehicle seat. background

[0002] This background description is included below solely for the purpose of illustrating the context. Therefore, any aspect of this background description, unless otherwise qualified as prior art, is neither expressly nor implicitly admitted as prior art in relation to the present disclosure.

[0003] Some electrical systems may be difficult to operate, inefficient, may not allow a support assembly to be removed from a rail assembly, and / or may have a limited number of available positions where a support assembly can be placed on a rail assembly.

[0004] DE 10 2019 219 335 A1 discloses a rail arrangement with retaining elements and rails that can be used in vehicles. DE 10 2020 202 161 A1 discloses a rail assembly with support elements and rails that can be used in conjunction with vehicle seats.

[0005] There is a desire for solutions / options that minimize or eliminate one or more challenges or shortcomings of electrical systems for vehicles. The preceding discussion serves only to illustrate examples of the present field and does not constitute a denial of its scope. The object of the present invention is to ensure the proper connection between two assemblies. This object is achieved by an electrical system according to claim 1 or a method for operating an electrical system according to claim 6. Overview

[0006] In embodiments, an electrical system of a vehicle comprises a rail assembly, a support assembly, a sensor, and at least one electronic control unit. The rail assembly includes a current rail. The support assembly includes a contact configured to engage with the current rail. The support assembly is detachably and adjustably connected to the rail assembly. The at least one electronic control unit is operatively connected to the current rail and the sensor. The at least one electronic control unit is configured to determine whether the support assembly and the rail assembly are properly connected and to automatically perform a corrective action if the support assembly and the rail assembly are not properly connected.

[0007] In embodiments, a method for operating a vehicle's electrical system comprises connecting a support assembly and a rail assembly. The method also includes determining, via a sensor connected to the support assembly and / or the rail assembly, whether the support assembly and the rail assembly are properly connected. Additionally, the method includes automatically executing a corrective action via an electronic control unit if the support assembly and the rail assembly are not properly connected. The method further includes determining, after the execution of the corrective action, whether the support assembly and the rail assembly are properly connected.

[0008] The foregoing and other possible aspects, features, details, benefits and / or advantages of examples / implementations of the present disclosure will become apparent from studying the following description and reviewing the accompanying drawings. Brief description of the drawings

[0009] Although the claims are not limited to any particular illustration, an understanding of various aspects can be gained through the explanation of different examples. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and certain features may be exaggerated or omitted to better illustrate and explain an innovative aspect of an example. Furthermore, the exemplary representations described herein are not exhaustive or otherwise limiting and are not restricted to the exact shape and configuration shown in the drawings or disclosed in the detailed description below. Exemplary representations are described in detail with reference to the drawings as follows: Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram that generally shows an embodiment of an electrical system according to the teachings of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 is a block diagram that generally shows another embodiment of an electrical system according to the teaching of the present disclosure. Fig. Figures 3A to 3D are front views showing generally different positions of a support assembly relative to a rail assembly of an embodiment of an electrical system according to the teaching of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 3E is an end view, generally showing a support assembly and a rail assembly of an embodiment of an electrical system according to the teaching of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 4 is a flowchart that generally shows an embodiment of a method for operating an electrical system according to the teaching of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 5 is a side view of an embodiment of an electrical system according to the teaching of the present disclosure. Detailed description

[0010] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are described here and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Although the present disclosure will be described in connection with embodiments and / or examples, it does not limit the present disclosure to these embodiments and / or examples. On the contrary, the present disclosure includes alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

[0011] In embodiments as generally found in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, an electrical system 102 can comprise at least one first control unit 104, at least one rail assembly 120, and / or at least one support assembly 150. A first control unit 104 can be connected, at least indirectly, to a mounting surface 182 and / or can be arranged separately from the support assembly 150. For example, and without limitation, a first control unit 104 can be mounted relative to the mounting surface 182. The first control unit 104 can comprise and / or be connected to an electronic control unit (ECU) 106, a power source 108, a monitoring circuit 112, a power supply circuit 114, an actuator / adjuster 180 of the support assembly, and / or a plurality of circuits, loads, wires, and other electrical and non-electrical components.In some embodiments, the electrical system 102 may not include a first control unit 104 and may instead rely exclusively on a control unit of the support assembly 150 (for example, a second control unit 152) and / or one or more other control units (for example, a remote server, a smartphone, etc.). A support assembly 150 may carry, be connected to, and / or include a component 200, which may be configured, among other things, as a seat (for example, a vehicle seat), a console, and / or a frame. A seat may, for example, include a seat frame, a seat surface, and / or a seat back. An electrical system 102 may, for example, and without limitation, be connected to and / or installed in a vehicle 100, which may include the mounting surface 182 (for example, a vehicle floor / wall, a vehicle frame, etc.).

[0012] In embodiments as generally found in Fig. As shown in Figures 3A to 3E, a rail assembly 120 can be connected to the mounting surface 182 and facilitate the selective connection of one or more support assemblies 150 to the mounting surface 182. A rail assembly 120 can also facilitate the adjustment of one or more support assemblies 150, for example, relative to the mounting surface 182 and / or within a vehicle 100. A support assembly 150 can be adjusted manually and / or via an actuator 180 (for example, an electric motor operatively connected to the support assembly 150 and / or the rail assembly 120). A rail assembly 120 can comprise one or more rails 122, stiles, and / or other structures with which a support assembly 150 can be connected and adjusted (for example, displaced).A rail assembly 120 can comprise several rail sets 124, each comprising one or more rails 122, 122', which may be configured to engage with a corresponding support assembly section 158, 158' of a support assembly 150. Several rails 122, 122' and / or rail sets 124 can be connected to a section of the mounting surface 182 (e.g., a floor, a wall, a ceiling, etc.) and arranged side by side and / or extending parallel to one another. One or more rails 122, 122' can be identical to one another and / or different in construction. The rails 122, 122' can, for example, be offset from one another in a lateral direction (e.g., in the Y-direction) so that the rails 122, 122' can generally be aligned with the respective outer faces of the support assembly 150.

[0013] In embodiments such as those generally found in Fig. As shown in Figures 3A to 3E, a rail 122 can be an elongated element extending in the X direction. A rail 122 can have a base 126 and two wall sections (for example, a first wall section 128a and a second wall section 128b) projecting from the base 126 to form a generally U-shaped cross-section in a YZ plane (for example, in a plane perpendicular to an X direction). The U-shaped cross-section can define a rail receptacle 134 configured to receive and at least temporarily hold a section 158, 158' of a support assembly 150. A first lip section 132a and a second lip section 132b can project from a free end 130a, 130b of the first wall section 128a and the second wall section 128b, respectively. A rail opening 136 can be defined between the two lip sections 132a, 132b.A section 158, 158' of a support assembly 150 can be inserted into the rail receptacle 134 via the rail opening 136 and held therein.

[0014] In embodiments as generally found in Fig. As shown in Figures 3A to 3E, a rail 122 can comprise one or more electrical conductors (e.g., busbars) 138, 138a, 138b, 138c. A busbar 138 can be operatively connected to the first control unit 104 and / or a power source 108. A busbar 138 can be connected to the first wall section 128a and / or the second wall section 128b of the rail 122 and / or any other section of the rail 122. A busbar 138 can be arranged and connected to the rail 122 such that the busbar 138 is able to make contact with a corresponding electrical contact 172, 172a, 172b, 172c of a support assembly 150.

[0015] In embodiments, a busbar 138 can be arranged within the busbar receptacle 134 and connected to the first wall section 128a and / or the second wall section 128b, as is generally the case in Fig. 3A-3D representation. In other embodiments, as generally shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3E, a rail 122 can comprise a plurality of busbars 138, such as a first busbar 138a, a second busbar 138b, and / or a third busbar 138c. The first, second, and third busbars 138a, 138b, 138c can be arranged within the rail receptacle 134 and connected to the first wall section 128a and / or the second wall section 128b. However, the first, second, and third busbars 138a, 138b, 138c can be connected to any section of the rail 122 and arranged in any desired position, as long as they can be contacted by the corresponding electrical contact 172a, 172b, 172c of the support assembly 150.

[0016] In embodiments as generally found in Fig. As shown in Figures 3A to 3E, a rail assembly 120 can comprise a rail set 124 with a first rail 122 and a second rail 122'. The first rail 122 can comprise a base 126, a first wall section 128a with a free end 130a, a second wall section 128b with a free end 130b, a first rail lip 132a, a second rail lip 132b, a rail receptacle 134, a rail opening 136, and / or one or more conductor rails 138, 138a, 138b, 138c. The second rail 122' can have the same or a similar configuration as the first rail 122.For example, the second rail 122' may comprise a base 126', a first wall section 128a' with a free end 130a', a second wall section 128b' with a free end 130b', a first rail lip 132a', a second rail lip 132b', a rail receptacle 134', a rail opening 136' and / or one or more conductor rails 138', 138a', 138b', 138c', some or all of which may be arranged in the same or similar manner as corresponding features of the first rail 122.

[0017] In embodiments such as those generally found in Fig. As shown in Figures 3A to 3E, a support assembly 150 can comprise at least one second control unit 152 and one or more support sections 158, 158'. The support assembly 150 can be detachably and / or adjustably connected to a rail 122, 122' and / or a mounting surface 182 via a support section 158, 158'. The second control unit 152 can be arranged externally on the support assembly 150 and / or integrated into the support assembly 150. The second control unit 152 can comprise a control unit 154, a power source 156 (for example, a backup power source), electrical loads, wires, and other electrical and non-electrical components. Alternatively, some embodiments of a carrier assembly 150 may not include a second control unit 152 and instead rely exclusively on one or more other control units of the electrical system 102 and / or a vehicle 100 (for example, one or more first control units 104).

[0018] In embodiments as generally found in Fig. As shown in Figures 3A to 3E, a beam section 158, 158' can be configured, for example, as a base, leg, and / or beam structure. A beam section 158 can comprise a first section 160 and a second section 162. A first section 160 can project downwards from the beam assembly 150 in a Z-direction. A second section 162 can be connected to the first section 160 and / or configured to engage a rail 122. A second section 162 can project downwards from the first section 160 in the Z-direction or in any other desired direction, enabling the second section 162 to engage a rail 122. A second section 162 can be configured to engage a rail 122, for example, by being inserted through a rail opening 136 into a rail receptacle 134.

[0019] In embodiments such as those generally found in Fig. As shown in Figures 3A to 3E, a beam section 158 can include a stop section 164, which is configured to facilitate the insertion of the beam section 158 to a suitable depth into a rail 122. A stop section 164 can be a structure configured to abut a section of the rail 122 to prevent further insertion of the beam section 158 into the rail receptacle 134. A stop section 164 can, for example, be configured as a shoulder of the beam section 158. The shoulder of the beam section (for example, the stop section 164) can be formed at and / or through a transition between the first section 160 and the second section 162. Additionally and / or alternatively, the stop section 164 can be defined by a flange, projection, and / or other body connected to the beam section 158.

[0020] In embodiments as generally found in Fig. As shown in Figures 3A to 3E, a support section 158 can comprise one or more connectors 166, 166a, 166b, 166c, by means of which the support section 158 can be connected to and / or engaged with the rail 122. A connector 166 can have a base end 168 that is connected to the support section 158 (for example, the second section 162) and a distal end 170 that is located opposite the base end 168. A connector 166 can be an actuated connector that can be adjusted between a retracted position and an extended position, for example, via an actuator 180, manually and / or automatically (for example, via a lever, a linkage, a slide, etc.). In a retracted position, the distal end 170 of a connector 166 can be arranged proximal to the support section 158 and / or the second section 162 (see, for example, Figure 1). Fig. 3B and Fig. 3C). The connector 166 cannot engage with a rail 122 when it is in the retracted position, which may allow (or at least not restrict) adjustment of the support assembly 150 along the rail 122 and / or release or removal from the rail 122. Actuating a connector 166 while it is in the retracted position may cause the connector 166 to extend away from the support section 158 and / or the second section 162 towards an extended position, in which the distal end 170 is located further away from the support section 158 and may engage with and / or touch the rail 122 (see, for example, Figure 3). Fig. 3D) and / or cannot engage with and / or touch rail 122 (see, for example, Fig. 3A and Fig. 3E). Conversely, actuating a connector 166 in the extended position can cause the connector 166 to retract into the retracted position.

[0021] In embodiments such as those generally found in Fig. As shown in Figures 3A to 3E, a connector 166 can comprise one or more electrical contacts 172 configured to engage with a corresponding busbar 138, 138a, 138b, 138c of the rail 122. An electrical contact 172 can be electrically connected, at least indirectly, to the second control unit 152. Additionally and / or alternatively, an electrical contact 172 can be connected to the distal end 170 of a connector 166. In this way, when the support section 158 is properly positioned on the rail, actuation of the connector 166 can set a position of the electrical contact 172 to (i) engage and / or establish contact between the electrical contact 172 and the corresponding busbar 138 and / or (ii) disengage and / or break the contact between the electrical contact 172 and the corresponding busbar 138.The actuation of a contact can be manual (for example via a lever / slider) and / or automatic (for example mechanically automatically when arranging the support assembly 150 on a rail 122, electrically automatically via a control unit 104, 152 and / or an actuator 180).

[0022] In embodiments, as generally in Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. In a 3D representation, an electrical contact 172 and a busbar 138 can form at least one section of an electrical control circuit 118 if the electrical contact 172 and the corresponding busbar 138 are in contact with each other. The electrical control circuit 118 can be a closed circuit extending from the first control unit 104 and including / passing through one or more busbars 138 of a first rail 122, the corresponding electrical contact(s) 172 of a first carrier section 158, the second control unit 152, one or more electrical contacts 172' of a second carrier section 158', the corresponding busbar(s) 138' of a second rail 122', and returning to the first control unit 104.An electric current can be passed through the electrical control circuit 118 to establish an electrical connection between the electrical contact 172 and the busbar 138, for example to supply energy to the first control unit 104, the second control unit 152 and / or connected loads.

[0023] In embodiments such as those generally found in Fig. As shown in Figures 3A to 3E, a support assembly 150 can be detachably connected to the rail assembly 120, so that the support assembly 150 can be completely separated from the rail assembly 120 and / or removed from a mounting surface 182 and / or a vehicle 100. For example, the support assembly 150 can be adjusted, pulled, lifted, etc., to remove the second section 162 of the support section 158 from the rail receptacle 134 when the connector 166 is in the retracted position. To reconnect the support assembly 150 and the rail assembly 120, the second section 162 of the support section 158 can be inserted through the rail opening 136 into the rail receptacle 134 when the connector 166 is in the retracted position, so that the support assembly 150 is positioned, set up, placed, dropped, etc. on the rail assembly 120.The support assembly 150 can be properly positioned on the rail assembly 120 if (i) the stop section 164 touches / rests against and / or adjoins the first lip 132a and / or the second lip 132b of the rail 122 and / or (ii) the stop section 164 is substantially parallel to and within a sleeper distance (for example, in a Z-direction) of the rail 122. Once the support assembly 150 is positioned on the rail assembly 120, the connector 166 can be moved into an extended position to establish an electrical connection between the rail assembly 120 (and the first control unit 104) and the support assembly 150. If the support assembly 150 is not properly positioned on the rail assembly 120 (for example, not adjacent to and / or substantially parallel to it, at an oblique angle to it, etc.), the connection cannot be established.), a connector 166 may not engage with a busbar 138 and / or may not be able to engage with it, which may prevent a proper connection of the support assembly 150 with the rail assembly 120.

[0024] In embodiments as generally found in Fig. As shown in Figures 3A to 3E, the electrical system 102 and / or the support assembly 150 can be configured to determine whether the support assembly 150 is properly connected to the rail assembly 120 (for example, mounted on it, mechanically connected to it, and / or electrically connected to it). For example, the electrical system 102 and / or the support assembly 150 can include one or more first sensors 174 and / or one or more second sensors 176, which can be configured to detect the position of one or more sections of a support assembly 150, for example, relative to a rail assembly 120.A first sensor 174 and / or a second sensor 176 can, for example, and without limitation, comprise a latching sensor, a capacitive sensor, a metal detector, a light sensor, a proximity sensor, a Hall sensor, an IR sensor, an altimeter, a common lever, a rotary switch, a reed switch, and / or any other type of sensor, mechanism, device, etc. A first sensor 174 and / or a second sensor 176 can be operatively connected to the first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 (for example, via wired and / or wireless communication with them).

[0025] In embodiments such as those generally found in Fig. As shown in Figures 3A to 3E, a support assembly 150 can comprise one or more first sensors 174, which can be connected to and / or arranged within the first section 160 of the support section 158 and / or arranged next to and / or near the stop section 164. Additionally and / or alternatively, a first sensor 174 can be connected to, integrated within, and / or be part of the rail assembly 120 and / or another section of the support assembly 150. A first sensor 174 can be configured to detect the position of the support assembly 150 relative to the rail assembly 120, for example, whether the stop section 164 is in close proximity to, in contact with, and / or in alignment with a first lip 132a and / or a second lip 132b of the rail 122.The first sensor 174 can provide a first indication (for example, an indication “properly arranged”) if the support assembly 150 is properly arranged on the rail assembly 120 (for example, if a stop section 164 touches, abuts, and / or is within a sleeper distance of a first and / or second lip 132a, 132b), as generally described in . Fig. 3C and Fig. 3D representation. The first sensor 174 can provide a second indication (for example, an indication of "not arranged / incorrectly arranged") if the support assembly 150 is not arranged on the rail assembly 120 or is not properly arranged on it (for example, if a stop section 164 does not touch and / or abut a first and / or second lip 132a, 132b), as generally described in Fig. 3A, Fig. 3B and Fig. 3E is shown.

[0026] In embodiments as generally found in Fig. As shown in Figures 3A to 3E, a support assembly 150 can include one or more second sensors 176, which can be connected to and / or arranged within the second section 162 of the support section 158 and can be located next to the connectors 166. Additionally and / or alternatively, a second sensor 176 can be connected to, integrated into, and / or be part of the rail assembly 120 and / or another section of the support assembly 150. A second sensor 176 can be configured to detect the position of one or more connectors 166. The second sensor 176 can transmit a third indication / status (for example, an indication / status of "extended") when the connector 166 is in the extended position, as generally shown in Figures 3A to 3E. Fig. 3A, Fig. 3D and Fig. 3E is shown. The second sensor 176 can transmit a fourth indication / status (for example, an indication / status "retracted") when the connector 166 is in the retracted position, as is generally shown in Fig. 3B and Fig. 3C shown.

[0027] In embodiments such as those generally found in Fig. As shown in Figures 3A to 3E, a carrier assembly 150 can comprise a first carrier section 158 and a second carrier section 158'. A first carrier section 158 can comprise a first section 160, a second section 162, a stop section 164, one or more connectors 166, 166a, 166b, 166c with a base end 168 and a distal end 170, one or more electrical contacts 172, 172a, 172b, 172c, a first sensor 174 and / or a second sensor 176. A second carrier section 158' can be configured in the same or a similar way to the first carrier section 158.For example, a second carrier section 158' may comprise a first section 160', a second section 162', a stop section 164', one or more connectors 166', 166a', 166b', 166c' with a base end 168' and a distal end 170', one or more electrical contacts 172', 172a', 172b', 172c', a first sensor 174' and / or a second sensor 176', some or all of which may be configured in the same or a similar manner as corresponding features of the first carrier section 158.

[0028] In embodiments as generally found in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, a first control unit 104 and / or a second control unit 152 can comprise a carrier assembly position circuit 110. The first control unit 104, the second control unit 152, and / or the position circuit 110 can be configured to determine whether the carrier assembly 150 is arranged on the rail assembly 120, is properly positioned thereon, and / or is properly mechanically connected to it, for example, based on information received from a first sensor 174 and / or the second sensor 176 (e.g., indications, signals, etc.). The first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 can, for example, determine (e.g., via the carrier assembly position circuit 110) that (i) the carrier assembly 150 is properly positioned on the rail assembly 120,if the first sensor 174 provides a first indication (for example, an indication "properly positioned"), (ii) the support assembly 150 is not positioned on the rail assembly 120 and / or is not properly positioned on the rail assembly 120, if the first sensor 174 provides a second indication (for example, an indication "not positioned / incorrectly positioned"), (iii) the support assembly 150 is properly mechanically connected to the rail assembly 120, if the second sensor 176 provides a third indication (for example, an indication "extended"), and / or (iv) the support assembly 150 is not mechanically connected to the rail assembly 120 and / or is not properly mechanically connected to it, if the second sensor 176 provides a fourth indication (for example, an indication "retracted").

[0029] In embodiments as generally found in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 can include and / or be connected to a power source 108, 156 and / or be configured to supply and / or transmit current to the busbars 138 and / or the electrical contacts 172 in order to supply the support assembly 150 with power via the busbar assembly 120. The first control unit 104 and / or a second control unit 152 can include a feed-in circuit 114 and / or be configured to send, feed in, provide, transmit, and the like one or more signals (for example, a diagnostic signal) to one or more busbars 138, to a corresponding electrical contact 172, and / or via one or more electrical control circuits 118. In these examples, the diagnostic signal can be an electrical signal.The first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 may be configured to set one or more parameters of the diagnostic signal, such as the offset, amplitude, frequency, magnitude, and the like. Additionally and / or alternatively, a parameter of the diagnostic signal may relate to its shape (for example, constant, pulsed, sinusoidal, etc.). The input circuit 114 may, for example, and without limitation, comprise one or more current sources, one or more semiconductors (for example, MOSFETs), a voltage source, an oscillator, an operational amplifier circuit (op-amp circuit), a signal generator, and the like.

[0030] In embodiments such as those generally found in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 can include a monitoring circuit 112 and / or be configured to monitor one or more electrical control circuits 118. Monitoring an electrical control circuit 118 can include analyzing the diagnostic signal fed into the electrical control circuit 118 and determining and / or providing one or more properties (e.g., electrical and / or physical properties) of the electrical control circuit 118, such as impedance, capacitance, resistance, electrical contact surface resistance, voltage, current, temperature, continuity, length, and the like (e.g., at least partially according to the diagnostic signal and / or changes therein).For example, and without limitation, the monitoring circuit 112 may include one or more sensors configured to detect / determine at least one property / parameter of the electrical control circuit 118, such as, for example, and without limitation, a temperature sensor, a voltage sensor, a resistance sensor, and / or a current sensor. The monitoring circuit 112 may, for example, and without limitation, include one or more comparators, demodulators, an op-amp circuit, and the like. The monitoring circuit 112 may, for example, be arranged at or around an end of an electrical control circuit 118 into which a diagnostic signal is injected.The monitoring circuit 112 can be configured to evaluate some or all properties, define a quality of the control loop (for example, according to the properties), determine one or more actions based on the properties (as a repeat action), report a problem to another unit (for example, if features are outside the threshold values) and / or record one or more critical properties in a memory.

[0031] In embodiments such as those generally found in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, a first control unit 104 and / or a second control unit 152 can include a diagnostic circuit 116. The first control unit 104, the second control unit 152 and / or the diagnostic circuit 116 can be configured to (i) select one or more busbars 138-138c, 138'-138c', connectors 166-166c, 166'-166c' and / or electrical control circuits 118 into which the diagnostic signal is to be fed, (ii) configure the selected electrical control circuit(s) 118 and / or one or more electrical control circuits 118 comprising the selected busbars 138, 138' and / or connectors 166, 166' (for example, by making necessary electrical connections / disconnections, actuating one or more connectors 166, 166', setting one or more elements of the electrical system 102 to a standby state, and the like).and / or (iii) determine (for example, calculate, measure, and the like) an estimated electrical contact surface resistance of the electrical connection between the carrier assembly 150 and the rail assembly 120. The first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 may be configured to determine the electrical contact surface resistance of the electrical connection based on the parameters of the diagnostic signal and / or the monitored characteristics of the electrical control circuit 118 (obtained, for example, via the monitoring circuit 112). The first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 may be configured to determine whether the carrier assembly 150 is properly electrically connected to the rail assembly 120. The first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 may, for example, determinethat the support assembly 150 is not properly electrically connected to the busbar assembly 120 if the estimated electrical contact surface resistance is outside a specified range, and / or determine that the support assembly 150 is properly electrically connected to the busbar assembly 120 if the estimated electrical contact surface resistance is within the specified range. If the surface resistance is above the specified range, an electrical contact 172 may not be fully / properly connected to a corresponding busbar 138 (for example, only partially connected).

[0032] In embodiments, the first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 may be configured to determine whether the support assembly 150 and the rail assembly 120 are properly connected, for example, when the electrical system 102, the first control unit 104, and / or the second control unit 152 are switched to a diagnostic mode. The support assembly 150 and the rail assembly 120 may be properly connected if the support assembly 150 is properly arranged on the rail assembly 120, if the support assembly 150 and the rail assembly 120 are properly mechanically connected, and / or if the support assembly 150 and the rail assembly 120 are properly electrically connected.The first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 can, for example, determine that the support assembly 150 and the rail assembly 120 are properly connected to each other, as shown in . Fig. 3D is generally displayed when the first sensor 174 provides the first reading, the second sensor 176 provides the third reading, and the electrical contact surface resistance is within the specified range. The first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 can be configured to switch to a diagnostic mode at certain times (e.g., periodically) and / or upon the occurrence of certain events (e.g., when adjusting a carrier assembly 150, when starting the vehicle and / or the engine, when detecting a possible malfunction, when receiving a command from a user, etc.) and / or to determine whether the carrier assembly 150 and the rail assembly 120 are properly connected.

[0033] The first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 can determine that the support assembly 150 and the rail assembly 120 are not properly connected to each other if (i) the first sensor 174 provides the second display and the second sensor 176 provides the third display (see Fig. 3A and Fig. 3E), (ii) the first sensor 174 provides the second display and the second sensor 176 provides the fourth display (see Fig. 3B), (iii) the first sensor 174 provides the first display and the second sensor 176 provides the fourth display (see Fig. 3C), and / or (iv) the estimated electrical contact surface resistance is outside the predetermined range.

[0034] An embodiment of a method 400 for operating an electrical system 102 is generally described in Fig. Figure 4 shows that in block 402, a support assembly 150 can be arranged and / or adjusted on the rail assembly 120 in a desired position of the support assembly (for example, installing the support assembly 150 in the desired position of the support assembly, moving the support assembly 150 to the desired position of the support assembly via a support assembly actuator / adjuster 180), which may include engaging a support section 158 with a rail 122.Engaging a support section 158 with the rail 122 can involve actuating and / or adjusting the connector 166 into the retracted position and / or inserting a second section 162 of a support section 158 through a rail opening 136 and into a rail receptacle 134 until a stop section 164 of the support section 158 rests against a first and / or second lip 132a, 132b of the rail 122, for example, while the connector 166 is in the retracted position. A first sensor 174 can then detect whether the support assembly 150 has been properly arranged and / or positioned on the rail assembly 120 and provide / transmit the corresponding indication / status (for example, a first indication, a second indication).

[0035] In embodiments, the first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 can switch to a diagnostic mode in block 404 and / or determine whether the support assembly 150 is arranged on the rail assembly 120 and / or has been properly arranged thereon. If the first sensor 174 provides an initial indication (for example, an indication of "properly arranged"), the first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 can determine that the support assembly 150 is properly arranged on the rail assembly 120 and proceed to block 408.If the first sensor 174 provides a second indication (for example, an indication of "not installed / incorrectly installed"), the first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 may determine that the support assembly 150 is not installed on the rail assembly 120, that the support assembly 150 is not properly installed on the rail assembly 120, and / or that the support assembly 150 and the rail assembly 120 have not been properly connected. In such a situation, procedure 400 may proceed with block 406, and the first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 may send appropriate information (for example, a signal, an alarm, a notification, etc.) to a user, to another vehicle system (for example, an entertainment system, an alarm system), to a user's mobile device, a remote computer / location, etc.Additionally and / or alternatively, the procedure 400 can proceed from block 406 (or directly from block 404) to block 416 if the first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 determines that the support assembly 150 is not mounted on the rail assembly 120 and / or is not properly mounted on the rail assembly 120.

[0036] In embodiments, the first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 in block 408 can engage the support assembly 150 and the rail assembly 120 with each other. Engaging the support assembly 150 and the rail assembly 120 can include mechanically and / or electrically connecting them. This mechanical and / or electrical connection can also include actuating and / or adjusting the connector 166 from the retracted position to the extended position via the first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152. Adjusting the connector 166 from the retracted position to the extended position may involve engaging the connector 166 with the rail 122 and / or engaging an electrical contact 172 of the connector 166 with a busbar 138 of the rail 122.The engagement of the support assembly 150 and the rail assembly 120 can additionally and / or alternatively include the formation of an electrical control circuit 118 (for example, a closed circuit) extending through the support assembly 150 and the rail assembly 120, such as by engaging a connector 166 and / or an electrical contact 172 with a rail 122 and / or a busbar 138. The engagement of the support assembly 150 and the rail assembly 120 can include supplying energy to an electrical control circuit 118 via one or more power sources 108, 156. Providing energy to the electrical control circuit 118 can include transmitting and / or flowing energy (for example, as an electric current) from a connector 166 to a busbar 138 and / or from a busbar 138 to a connector 166.Additionally and / or alternatively, engaging a connector 166 with the rail 122 can involve connecting one or more physical assemblies to restrict the longitudinal movement (e.g., movement in the X-direction) and / or the vertical movement (e.g., movement in the Z-direction, disengagement, etc.) of the support assembly 150 relative to the rail assembly 120. For example, and without restriction, a connector 166e, 166e' can rotate in engagement with an inner rail 122a, 122a'. A connector 166e, 166e' can be configured, among other things, as a latch, a plug or socket connector, and / or a pin. A second sensor 176 can then detect the position of the connector 166 and provide / transmit the corresponding display / status (e.g., a third display, a fourth display).

[0037] In embodiments, the first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 can determine in block 410 whether the support assembly 150 and the rail assembly 120 have been properly mechanically connected. If the second sensor 176 provides the third indication (for example, an "extended" indication), the first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 can determine that the support assembly 150 and the rail assembly 120 are properly mechanically connected and proceed to block 412. If the second sensor 176 provides the fourth indication (for example, an "retracted" indication), the first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 can determine that the support assembly 150 is not properly mechanically connected to the rail assembly 120 and proceed to block 416.

[0038] In embodiments, the first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 in block 412 can determine whether the support assembly 150 has been properly electrically connected to the rail assembly 120, such as via a power supply circuit 114, a monitoring circuit 112 and / or a diagnostic circuit 116 of the first control unit 104 (see Fig. 1) and / or the second control unit 152 (see Fig. 2) Determining whether the carrier assembly 150 is properly electrically connected to the rail assembly 120 may involve the first control unit 104, the second control unit 152 and / or the diagnostic circuit 116 selecting one or more busbars 138, 138', connectors 166, 166' and / or electrical control circuits 118 for testing. The first control unit 104, the second control unit 152 and / or the diagnostic circuit 116 can then set up the selected electrical control circuit(s) 118 and / or one or more electrical control circuits 118 including the selected busbars 138, 138' and / or connectors 166, 166' (for example, by making the necessary electrical connections / disconnections, actuating one or more connectors 166, 166', setting one or more elements of the electrical system 102 to an idle state and the like).

[0039] In embodiments, determining whether the carrier assembly 150 has been properly electrically connected to the rail assembly 120 may involve the first control unit 104, the second control unit 152 and / or the feed-in circuit 114 providing, feeding in, sending and the like a signal (for example, a diagnostic signal) with controlled parameters via one or more electrical control circuits 118 via one or more busbars 138, 138' and / or connectors 166, 166' (for example, the selected busbars 138, 138' and / or the selected connectors 166, 166').Determining whether the carrier assembly 150 has been properly electrically connected to the rail assembly 120 may involve monitoring one or more electrical control circuits 118 (for example, the electrical control circuits 118 into which the diagnostic signal has been fed) by the first control unit 104, the second control unit 152, and / or the monitoring circuit 112. Monitoring an electrical control circuit 118 may involve analyzing the diagnostic signal fed into the electrical control circuit 118 (and any changes thereto) and determining and / or providing one or more properties (for example, electrical and / or physical properties) of the electrical control circuit 118, such as impedance, capacitance, resistance, electrical contact surface resistance, voltage, current, temperature, continuity, length, and the like.

[0040] In embodiments, determining whether the support assembly 150 has been properly electrically connected to the rail assembly 120 may involve determining (e.g., calculating, measuring, etc.) an estimated electrical surface contact resistance of the electrical connection between the support assembly 150 and the rail assembly 120 by the first control unit 104, the second control unit 152, and / or the diagnostic circuit 116. The first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 may determine the estimated electrical surface contact resistance of the electrical connection based on the controlled parameters of the diagnostic signal and / or the monitored characteristic of the electrical control circuit 118.Determining whether the support assembly 150 has been properly electrically connected to the rail assembly 120 may also involve comparing the determined / measured electrical surface contact resistance with a predetermined electrical surface contact resistance range via the first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152. If the estimated electrical surface contact resistance is within the predetermined electrical surface contact resistance range, the first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 may determine that the support assembly 150 and the rail assembly 120 have been properly electrically connected, and thus determine that the support assembly 150 and the rail assembly 120 are properly connected to each other. Procedure 400 may then proceed to block 414.If the estimated electrical surface contact resistance is outside the predetermined electrical surface contact resistance range, the first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 may determine that the support assembly 150 and the rail assembly 120 have not been properly electrically connected, and / or may proceed to block 416.

[0041] In embodiments, the first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 in block 414 can continue to monitor the support assembly 150 and the rail assembly 120. Monitoring the support assembly 150 and the rail assembly 120 in block 414 can involve periodic, random, and / or substantially continuous repetition of the operation(s) of block 404 and / or block 410. The first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 can continue this monitoring operation until a user changes the desired position of the support assembly 150 and / or until a user separates and / or removes the support assembly 150 from the rail assembly 120, at which point the procedure 400 can end and / or begin again.

[0042] In embodiments, the first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 in block 416 can automatically attempt to repair, rectify, and / or resolve the improper / unsuccessful connection between the support assembly 150 and the rail assembly 120 (for example, an improper arrangement of the support assembly 150 on the rail assembly 120, an improper mechanical and / or electrical connection between the support assembly 150 and the rail assembly 120), for example, by initiating a corrective action. The corrective action can comprise one or more actions initiated by the support assembly 150,the rail assembly 120 and / or another connected assembly. The corrective action may include, for example, but is not limited to, the following: (i) disengaging the connector 166 from the rail 122 (e.g., retracting the connector 166 from the extended position towards and / or into the retracted position) and re-engaging the connector 166 and the rail 122 (e.g., extending the connector 166 back into the extended position), (ii) adjusting the support assembly 150 from an initial / desired position of the support assembly to a secondary position of the support assembly and adjusting the support assembly 150 from the secondary position of the support assembly back to the initial / desired position, and / or (iii) attempting to remove an obstruction / dirt (e.g., dust, dirt, food crumbs / residue / spills, waste, corrosive byproducts, and the like).to move and / or remove contaminants that may interfere with or prevent the proper arrangement of the support assembly 150 and / or the establishment of a proper mechanical and / or electrical connection. Additionally and / or alternatively, the corrective action (e.g., moving and / or removing contaminants) may include cleaning the rail assembly 120 (e.g., the rail 122) and / or the support assembly 150 (e.g., the connector 166, the electrical contact 172, etc.), such as by generating mechanical friction (e.g., by brushing the contacts), local heating (e.g., by applying increased voltage and / or current to the electrical control circuit 118), and the like.

[0043] In embodiments, moving / removing dirt and / or cleaning the assemblies 120, 150 may, for example, involve moving the support assembly 150 back and forth along the rail 122 within a range of an initial / desired position of the support assembly. While the support assembly 150 is being moved back and forth, the connector 166 may be in and / or near the extended position, so that the connector 166 is in contact with and / or close to the rail 122. In this way, the connector 166 may be able to touch, move, and / or remove deposits that prevent the support assembly 150 from being properly positioned on the rail assembly 120, mechanically connected to it, and / or electrically connected to it.For example, the connector 166 can be pushed, pulled, scraped, etc., across one or more surfaces of the rail 122 (e.g., a busbar 138) and / or contaminants present on it, so that mechanical friction can be generated when the support assembly 150 is moved back and forth along the rail 122. This can further facilitate the removal of contaminants adhering to the rail 122 (e.g., a busbar 138) and / or the connector 166 (e.g., the electrical contact 172), thereby cleaning the assemblies 120 and 150. After the corrective action has been carried out, the support assembly 150 can be set, returned, positioned, etc., in its original / desired position, for example, via the first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152, which controls an actuator 180., and / or the first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 can perform one or more of the operations / actions of blocks 402 and 408.

[0044] In embodiments, the first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 in block 418 can determine whether the corrective action of block 416 has resolved, rectified, addressed, or otherwise resolved the improper connection. To determine whether the corrective action of block 416 has resolved, rectified, addressed, or otherwise resolved the improper connection, the first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 can determine whether the support assembly 150 and the rail assembly 120 have been properly connected as described above, such as by performing one or more of the operations / activities of block 404 and / or block 410.If the first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 determine(s) that the corrective action was effective and / or that the support assembly 150 and the rail assembly 120 have been properly connected (for example, the support assembly 150 is properly positioned on the rail assembly 120, and the support assembly 150 and the rail assembly 120 are properly mechanically and electrically connected), the procedure 400 can proceed with block 414.If the first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 determine(s) that the support assembly 150 and the rail assembly 120 have not been properly connected to each other (for example, the support assembly 150 is not properly arranged on the rail assembly 120, the support assembly 150 and the rail assembly 120 are not properly mechanically connected and / or the support assembly 150 and the rail assembly 120 are not properly electrically connected), the procedure 400 can proceed with block 420.

[0045] In embodiments, the first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 in block 420 can determine whether another corrective action (for example, repeating a previously performed corrective action and / or performing a different, previously unperformed corrective action) could potentially rectify the improper connection between the support assembly 150 and the rail assembly 120. If the first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 determine that another corrective action could potentially rectify the improper connection, the method 400 can return to block 416 and perform another corrective action.If the first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 determine(s) that further corrective action would probably not rectify the faulty connection and / or that a maximum number of corrective actions have been performed, procedure 400 may proceed to block 422.

[0046] In embodiments, the first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 in block 422 can determine that the support assembly 150 and the rail assembly 120 cannot be properly connected at the desired position of the support assembly, whereupon it can store the desired position of the support assembly in a memory 184, 186 (for example, an electronic memory). The memory 184, 186 can be part of and / or connected to the first control unit 104, the second control unit 152, and / or another connected system. The desired position of the support assembly can, for example, be added to a list of unavailable positions of the support assembly stored in the memory 184, 186, which may include one or more positions of the support assemblies where an improper connection has occurred and could not be corrected by the corrective action.A user (for example, a repair technician) can access the list of unavailable positions of the carrier assembly to facilitate the identification of the location of defects, obstructions and / or other sources of problems during maintenance.Additionally or alternatively, the first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 can check the memory 184, 186 to confirm whether a user-selected / entered desired position of the support assembly is stored in the list of unavailable positions of the support assembly in memory 184, 186, and / or can prevent a user from setting the support assembly 150 to a position included in the list of unavailable positions of the support assembly (for example, stopping it there and / or finally setting it there) (for example, the first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 can set the support assembly 150 to a position that lies on one side or the other of the desired position).

[0047] In embodiments, the first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 can determine in block 424 whether a limit value for position adjustment has been reached, as described in more detail below. In block 426, the first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 can adjust the carrier assembly 150 to an alternative position of the carrier assembly near and / or adjacent to the desired position of the carrier assembly, wherein the first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 can perform one or more of the operations / actions of block 408.

[0048] In embodiments, the first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 in block 428 can determine whether the support assembly 150 and the rail assembly 120 have been properly connected at the alternative position of the support assembly, such as by one or more operations described above with respect to block 404 and / or block 410. If the first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 determine that the support assembly 150 and the rail assembly 120 have been properly connected at the alternative position of the support assembly, method 400 can proceed to block 414.If the first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 determine(s) that the support assembly 150 and the rail assembly 120 have not been properly connected to each other at the alternative position of the support assembly, the procedure 400 can return to block 416 in a control loop and blocks 416 to 428 can be repeated with respect to the alternative position of the support assembly.

[0049] In some embodiments, there may be no positions of the support assemblies near and / or adjacent to the desired position of the support assembly where the support assembly 150 and the rail assembly 120 can be properly connected, and / or a disturbance may occur that prevents proper connection in any position. Method 400 can use a position setting limit and / or a threshold value so that the support assembly 150 can only be set to a specific number of different positions for each desired position of the support assembly and / or per support assembly 150.For example, the first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 in block 424 can determine the number of adjustments of the carrier assembly 150 to an alternative position of the carrier assembly (for example, the number of attempted alternative positions) and compare this number with the limit value for position adjustment to determine whether the position adjustment limit has been reached. If the position adjustment limit has not been reached, procedure 400 can continue from block 424 to block 426. If the position adjustment limit has been reached, procedure 400 can continue from block 424 to block 430.

[0050] In embodiments, the first control unit 104 and / or the second control unit 152 in block 430 can send information (for example, a signal, an alarm, a notification, etc.) to the user and / or another system, and the procedure 400 can be terminated. This information can notify a user and / or another system that a connection error has occurred, notify the user and / or another system that the electrical system 102 requires maintenance, and / or prevent the vehicle 100 from being operated (for example, from being switched to driving mode).

[0051] In embodiments such as those generally found in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, an electrical system 102 can comprise a first support assembly 150 and / or a second support assembly 1502, which can be configured for selective connection with, movement along / relative to, and / or distance from one or more rails 122 of a rail assembly 120. For example, the first support assembly 150 and the second support assembly 1502 can be connected to the same rail assembly 120 simultaneously.

[0052] In embodiments, such as generally in Fig.As shown in Figure 5, a support assembly (for example, the first support assembly 150) can comprise a first sensor 174, which can comprise a plurality of sections 174a, 174b, 174c, and / or a rail assembly 120 can comprise a first sensor 1742, which can comprise a plurality of sections 174a2, 174b2, 174c2, which can be spaced apart in a longitudinal direction (for example, an X-direction) in order to detect the relative positions of the support assembly 150, 1502 and the rail assembly 120 at several points along the support assembly 150 and / or along the rail assembly 120. The first sensor 174, 1742 can be configured to provide the first indication (for example, the indication / status "properly arranged") when all sections 174a, 174b, 174c, 174a2, 174b2, 174c2 of the first sensor 174, 1742 detect that the support assembly 150, 1502 is adjacent to the rail assembly 120.If any section of the first sensor 174, 1742 determines that a support assembly 150, 1502 is not adjacent to the rail assembly 120, the first sensor 174, 1742 can provide the second indication (for example, the indication / status "not arranged / incorrectly arranged").

[0053] In embodiments, a first sensor 174, 1742 can be configured to provide a different display (for example, a "detected" display instead of the first display) when a support assembly 150, 1502 is detected and is not near a rail assembly 120 (for example, when the support assembly 150, 1502 is more than one sleeper distance from the rail assembly 120 but is still detected, for example, when it is not intended to be connected to the rail assembly 120).

[0054] In examples, a control unit (for example, control units 104, 152) and / or an ECU (for example, ECUs 106, 154) may comprise an electronic control unit and / or an electronic processor, such as a programmable microprocessor and / or microcontroller. In embodiments, an ECU may, for example, comprise an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). An ECU and / or a control unit may comprise a central processing unit (CPU), memory (for example, non-transient, computer-readable storage medium), and / or an input / output (I / O) interface. An ECU and / or a control unit may be configured to perform various functions, including those described in more detail herein, using appropriate programming instructions and / or code implemented in software, hardware, and / or another medium.In some embodiments, an ECU and / or a control unit may comprise a plurality of control units. In other embodiments, an ECU and / or a control unit may be connected to a display device, such as a touchscreen display device.

[0055] Various examples / implementations for different devices, systems, and / or processes are described here. Numerous specific details are provided to enable a comprehensive understanding of the overall design, function, manufacture, and use of the examples / implementations explained in the description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the examples / implementations can also be implemented without such specific details. In other cases, known processes, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the examples / implementations described in the description.Experts will understand that the examples / designs described and presented here are not limiting examples, therefore it is understandable that the specific constructive and functional details disclosed here may be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the designs.

[0056] References throughout the description to "examples," "in examples," "with examples," "different embodiments," "with embodiments," "in embodiments," or "one embodiment," or similar terms, mean that a particular feature, design, or property described in connection with the example / embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, the expressions "examples," "in examples," "with examples," "in different embodiments," "with embodiments," "in embodiments," or "one embodiment," or similar terms, appearing at various points in the description, do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, designs, or properties in one or more examples / embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner.Thus, the special features, designs, or properties presented or described in connection with an embodiment / example may be combined, in whole or in part, without restriction with the features, designs, functions, and / or properties of one or more other embodiments / examples, provided that such a combination is not illogical or non-functional. Furthermore, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teaching of the present disclosure without departing from its scope.

[0057] It is understood that references to a single element are not necessarily limited in this way and may include one or more such elements. Any directional indications (for example, plus, minus, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, above, below, over, under, vertical, horizontal, clockwise and counterclockwise) are used only for identification purposes to facilitate the reader's understanding of the present disclosure and do not constitute any limitations, in particular not with regard to the position, orientation, or use of examples / executions.

[0058] References to a connection (for example, attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be interpreted broadly and may include intermediate links between a connection of elements and a relative movement between elements. Therefore, references to a connection do not necessarily mean that two elements are directly connected / coupled and in a fixed relationship to each other. The use of "for example" in the description is to be interpreted broadly and serves to provide non-restrictive examples of embodiments of the disclosure, the disclosure being not limited to such examples. Uses of "and" and "or" are to be interpreted broadly (for example, to be treated as "and / or"). For example, and without limitation, the use of "and" does not necessarily require all the listed elements or features, whereas the use of "or" is comprehensive unless such a construction would be illogical.

[0059] Although processes, systems and procedures can be described here in connection with one or more steps in a specific sequence, it is understood that such procedures can be carried out in practice with the steps in a different sequence, with certain steps executed simultaneously, with additional steps and / or by omitting certain described steps.

[0060] Everything contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be understood as illustrative only and not as limiting. Changes in detail or in the design may be made without deviating from the present disclosure.

[0061] It is understood that an electronic control unit (ECU), a control unit, a system, and / or a processor as described herein may comprise a conventional processing device known in the art, capable of executing pre-programmed instructions stored in associated memory, and performing all of this in accordance with the functionality described herein. To the extent that the procedures described herein are implemented in software, the resulting software may be stored in associated memory and may also constitute a device for executing such procedures.Such a system or processor may further be of the type comprising ROM, RAM, RAM and ROM, and / or a combination of non-volatile and volatile memory, so that any software can be stored and yet the storage and processing of dynamically generated data and / or signals is possible. As described here, a circuit (for example, a monitoring circuit 112, a power supply circuit 114, a diagnostic circuit 116) may or may not be configured as a complete circuit.

[0062] It is further understood that an article of manufacture according to this disclosure may comprise a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium with a computer program encoded thereon for executing the logic and other functionality described herein. The computer program may include code to perform one or more of the methods disclosed herein. Such embodiments may be configured to be executed by one or more processors, for example, multiple processors integrated into a single system or distributed and interconnected via a communication network, which may be wired and / or wireless.Code for executing one or more of the features described in connection with one or more embodiments, when executed by a processor, can cause a plurality of transistors to change from a first state to a second state. A specific pattern of change (for example, which transistors change their state and which do not) can be specified, at least partially, by the logic and / or the code.

Claims

[1] Electrical system (102) of a vehicle (100), comprising: a rail assembly (120) with a conductor rail (138); a support assembly (150) which is detachably and adjustably connected to the rail assembly (120), wherein the support assembly (150) includes a contact (172) which is configured to engage with the busbar (138); a sensor (174, 176); and at least one electronic control unit (104, 152) which is operatively connected to the busbar (138) and the sensor (174, 176); wherein at least one electronic control unit (104, 152) is configured to determine whether the support assembly (150) and the rail assembly (120) are properly connected and to automatically perform a corrective action if the support assembly (150) and the rail assembly (120) are not properly connected. [2] Electrical system according to claim 1, wherein determining whether the support assembly (150) and the rail assembly (120) are properly connected comprises: (i) Providing a signal with controlled parameters for the contact (172); (ii) Monitoring, via the sensor (174, 176), at least one property of an electrical control circuit (118) which is at least partially formed by the contact (172) and the busbar (138); and (iii) Determine whether the support assembly (150) and the rail assembly (120) are properly electrically connected to each other, based on the signal and / or at least one characteristic. [3] Electrical system according to claim 2, wherein: comprising at least one electronic control unit (104, 152), a first electronic control unit (104) and a second electronic control unit (152); the first electronic control unit (104) is arranged separately from the carrier assembly (150); the second electronic control unit (152) is integrated into the carrier assembly (150) and is configured to move with it; and the first electronic control unit (104) and the second electronic control unit (152) are functionally connected to each other. [4] Electrical system according to claim 3, wherein the at least one electronic control unit (104, 152) is configured to: to determine the position of the support assembly (150) relative to the rail assembly (120) via the sensor (174, 176). [5] Electrical system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein performing the correction activity comprises controlling an actuator (180) to move the support assembly (150) from an original position to a secondary position and from the secondary position to the original position. [6] Method for operating an electrical system (102) of a vehicle (100), comprising: Connecting a support assembly (150) and a rail assembly (120) together; Determine, via a sensor (174, 176) associated with the support assembly (150) and / or the rail assembly (120), whether the support assembly (150) and the rail assembly (120) are properly connected; Automatic execution of a corrective action via an electronic control unit (104, 152) if the support assembly (150) and the rail assembly (120) are not properly connected; and After performing the correction activity, determine whether the support assembly (150) and the rail assembly (120) are properly connected. [7] Method according to claim 6, wherein performing the corrective activity includes an automatic attempt to remove dirt from the support assembly (150) and / or the rail assembly (120). [8] Method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein performing the correction activity comprises adjusting the support assembly (150) from a desired position of the support assembly (150) to a secondary position of the support assembly (150) via an actuator (180) and adjusting the support assembly (150) from the secondary position of the support assembly (150) back to the desired position of the support assembly (150) via the actuator (180). [9] Method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein performing the correction activity comprises adjusting the support assembly (150) forwards and backwards along the rail assembly (120) in a region of the desired position of the support assembly (150) in order to remove an obstruction that prevents the support assembly (150) and the rail assembly (120) from connecting properly. [10] Method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein: Connecting the support assembly (150) and the rail assembly (120) includes engaging a connector (166) of the support assembly (150) with the rail assembly (120); and Performing the corrective action includes removing dirt from the rail assembly (120) by pulling the connector (166) across a surface of the rail assembly (120). [11] The method of claim 10, comprising: The connector (166) may detach from the rail assembly (120) if the support assembly (150) and the rail assembly (120) are not properly connected; and Engaging the connector (166) with the rail assembly (120) after performing the correction activity; the correction activity is carried out while the connector (166) is disconnected. [12] The method of claim 11, wherein: Engaging the connector (166) with the rail assembly (120) includes engaging the connector (166) with the rail assembly (120) when the support assembly (150) is in the desired position; and The engagement of the connector (166) with the rail assembly (120) after performing the correction activity includes engaging the connector (166) with the rail assembly (120) in the desired position of the support assembly (150). [13] Method according to claim 12, comprising storing the desired position of the support assembly (150) in a memory (184, 186) of the electronic control unit (104, 152) when the electronic control unit (104, 152) determines that the support assembly (150) and the rail assembly (120) are not properly connected after execution of the correction activity. [14] Method according to claim 13, wherein storing the desired position of the support assembly (150) in the memory (184, 186) comprises adding the desired position of the support assembly (150) to a list of unavailable positions of the support assembly (150) stored in the memory (184, 186). [15] Method according to claim 14, comprising preventing a final setting of the carrier assembly (150) to a list of unavailable positions of the carrier assembly (150) stored in the memory (184, 186). [16] Method according to any one of claims 6 to 15, wherein connecting the support assembly (150) and the rail assembly (120) comprises forming an electrical control circuit (118) by establishing an electrical connection between the support assembly (150) and the rail assembly (120). [17] Method according to claim 16, wherein determining whether the support assembly (150) and the rail assembly (120) are properly connected comprises monitoring at least one property of the electrical control circuit (118). [18] Method according to claim 17, wherein the at least one property of the electrical control circuit (118) comprises impedance and / or capacitance. [19] Method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein determining whether the support assembly (150) and the rail assembly (120) are properly connected comprises providing a signal with controlled parameters to the electrical control circuit (118). [20] Method according to claim 19, wherein determining whether the support assembly (150) and the rail assembly (120) are properly connected comprises: Monitoring a property of the electrical control circuit (118); Determining an estimated electrical contact surface resistance of the electrical connection based on the controlled parameters of the signal and the monitored property of the electrical control circuit (118); and Determine that the support assembly (150) and the rail assembly (120) are not properly connected if the estimated electrical contact surface resistance is outside a predetermined range.

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