SYSTEM FOR MOVING A PASSENGER SEAT TO MINIMIZE INJURIES IN AN ACCIDENT

Abstract

A system (100) for moving a passenger seat assembly in a vehicle during an accident comprises a pair of lower seat pretensioners (102, 104) coupled to a seat section (202) of the seat assembly (200) to move the seat assembly (200) linearly into a standard position. A pair of seat back pretensioners (106, 108) coupled to a seat back (204) rotates the seat back (204) angularly into a standard angular position. Seat position sensors (206) detect the positions of the seat assembly (200) and the seat back (204) with respect to the linear standard position and the standard angular position, respectively. A control unit (208) detects the occurrence of an accident in order to selectively actuate the first belt tensioners (102, 106) or the second belt tensioners (104, 108) of the seat section (202) and the seat back (204) in order to move / rotate the seat section (202) and the seat back (204) into their respective standard positions.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the technical field of vehicle safety systems. In particular, it relates to a system for moving a passenger seating arrangement in a vehicle during an accident. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventional vehicle safety systems are designed so that, upon receiving a signal from crash sensors, the vehicle's electronic control unit (ECU) only actuates the lower section of the passenger seats to move the seating arrangement linearly from an occupied position to a safe or standard position, minimizing injuries to any occupant. During this linear movement, a rear section of the seat remains static, i.e., at the same angle as the lower section. This static position of the seat can significantly compromise occupant safety, particularly for passengers seated behind it.In the unfortunate event of a collision, the control unit activates the seat arrangement for a sudden movement of the seat from front to back, which, given the static nature of the seat back, can propel the rear section of the seat along the same trajectory, potentially leading to injuries to the occupants in the rear seat.

[0003] The aforementioned disadvantage lies in the lack of synchronization between the movement of the lower and rear sections of the seat assembly. The absence of mechanisms for dynamically adjusting the position of the rear section in synchronization with the lower section compromises occupant safety, particularly in the event of an accident.

[0004] Patent specification CN115179889A discloses a method and device for protecting vehicle occupants based on a restraint mechanism. Upon detection of an impending collision, the restraint mechanism is switched to a first state and, after confirmation of the collision, remains in this first state for a predefined period. The restraint mechanism is prevented from moving out of the first state to prevent a vehicle occupant from shifting relative to the vehicle in a specific manner. Accidental opening of the vehicle door during a collision can be effectively prevented by appropriately controlling the activation time and state of the restraint mechanism. Furthermore, more space is available to the occupants after the collision, allowing them to exit the scene more comfortably.

[0005] US11214211B2 discloses a device for restraining vehicle occupants to protect a vehicle occupant in a vehicle seat. The device comprises a plurality of restraint elements and a control unit. The control unit distinguishes between a first situation in which the vehicle seat is in a position within the range of a standard position, and a second situation in which the vehicle seat with the vehicle occupant is in a position outside the standard position.In the first situation, the control unit activates a tensioning unit to tension a seat belt of the second restraint element and an airbag of the first restraint element, and in the second situation, a third restraint element, which is integrated into and / or operatively connected to the vehicle seat, can be activated and / or connected by the control unit, so that the vehicle seat is initially moved to a position in the area of ​​the standard position via the third restraint element.

[0006] As can be seen, neither of the two documents mentioned addresses the problem of the static movement of the seat.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for improvement in the area of ​​automotive seating systems in order to close this critical gap in safety measures by developing a simple, compact, more effective and efficient system for moving a passenger seating arrangement in a vehicle in the event of an accident. SUBJECT OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[0008] A general objective of the present disclosure is to increase the safety of the occupants by overcoming the disadvantages of known vehicle safety systems.

[0009] The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a simple, compact and efficient system for moving a passenger seating arrangement in a vehicle during an accident.

[0010] Another purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a system that avoids possible injuries to occupants from the rear section of the seating arrangement.

[0011] Another objective of the present disclosure is the introduction of a bidirectional preloading device capable of rotating the seat backrest forward or backward to achieve the standard position of the seat in the event of an accident. SUMMARY

[0012] Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to safety systems for vehicles. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a simple, compact, and efficient system for moving a passenger seating arrangement in a vehicle during an accident.

[0013] According to one aspect, the proposed system for moving a passenger seat assembly in a vehicle during an accident comprises a pair of lower seat pretensioners coupled to a section of the seat assembly to move the assembly linearly into a standard position. The pair of lower seat pretensioners includes a first lower seat pretensioner to move the seat assembly forward. The pair of lower seat pretensioners additionally includes a second lower seat pretensioner to move the seat assembly backward.

[0014] The system also includes a pair of seat backrest tensioners. These tensioners are designed to couple to a seat back in the seating arrangement, allowing the seat back to rotate into a standard angled position. The pair consists of a first tensioner to rotate the seat back forward and a second tensioner to rotate it backward.

[0015] The system also includes a set of seat position sensors. The set of seat position sensors is configured to detect the position of the seat section relative to the standard linear position. The set of seat position sensors also detects the position of the seat back relative to the standard angular position.

[0016] In one aspect, the system includes a control unit. This control unit is configured to detect the probability of an accident occurring. Functionally, the control unit is linked to the pair of lower seat tensioners and the pair of seat backrest tensioners. Depending on the detected position of the seat and backrest sections, the system selectively activates either the lower or the lower tensioners to move the seat linearly or the backrest angularly into their respective standard positions.

[0017] In one embodiment, each pre-tensioner of the system can comprise a gas generator and a tube. The gas generator can be filled with a propellant. The tube can be used for coupling to the gas generator. The tube can contain a plurality of spheres. The gas generator can be actuated to ignite the propellant and generate a pressurized gas. The generated pressurized gas can move the plurality of spheres along the corresponding tube.

[0018] In one embodiment, the section can include a spur gear drive. The spur gear of the seat section can be mounted on a shaft of the seat section. The shaft of the seat section can be rotated in a first direction to move the seat assembly linearly forward. The shaft of the seat section can be rotated in a second direction to move the seat assembly linearly backward.

[0019] In one embodiment, the tubes of the system corresponding to the two lower seat pretensioners can be configured with the gear of the seat section. The balls of the tube corresponding to the first lower seat pretensioner can engage with the lower seat spur gear to move the seat assembly linearly forward, for example, when the gas generator of the first lower seat pretensioner is actuated. The balls from the tube corresponding to the second lower seat pretensioner can engage with the lower spur gear of the seat to move the seat assembly linearly backward, for example, when the gas generator of the second lower seat pretensioner is actuated.

[0020] In one embodiment, the seat assembly can include a spur gear drive for the seat back. The spur gear of the seat back can be attached to a seat back shaft. The seat back shaft can be rotated in a first direction to rotate the seat back of the seat assembly forward. The seat back shaft can be rotated in a second direction to rotate the seat back of the seat assembly backward.

[0021] In one embodiment, the tubes of the system corresponding to the pair of seatback tensioners can be configured with the seatback drive. The balls of the tube corresponding to the first seatback tensioner can engage with the spur gear of the seatback to rotate the seatback forward, for example, when the gas generator of the first seatback tensioner is actuated. The balls from the tube corresponding to the second seatback tensioner can engage with the spur gear of the seatback to rotate the seatback backward, for example, when the gas generator of the second seatback tensioner is activated.

[0022] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments together with the accompanying drawings, in which the same numbers represent the same components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The accompanying drawings serve to further understand the present disclosure and are an integral part of this description. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. The diagrams serve only for illustration and thus do not constitute a limitation of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 1A shows an exemplary schematic arrangement of belt tensioners in a seat arrangement for linear movement of the seat arrangement as well as for angular movement of a rear section of the seat arrangement into respective standard positions according to embodiments of the present invention. Fig. Figure 1B shows an exemplary system diagram for the proposed system for moving a passenger seat arrangement in a vehicle during an accident according to the embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 2A and Fig. Figure 2B shows an exemplary schematic arrangement of two lower seat tensioners with corresponding tubes, balls and a spur gear mounted on a shaft for linear movement of the seat arrangement in forward and reverse directions according to the embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 3A and Fig. Figure 3B shows an exemplary schematic arrangement of two seat back tensioners together with corresponding tubes, balls and a spur gear mounted on a shaft to move the seat back angularly in forward and backward directions, according to embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] A detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure illustrated in the accompanying drawings follows. The embodiments are described in sufficient detail to clearly convey the disclosure. However, the intention is not to limit foreseeable variations of embodiments with the necessary level of detail; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims.

[0025] The embodiments described here relate to the technical field of vehicle safety systems. In particular, the embodiments relate to a system for moving a passenger seating arrangement in a vehicle during an accident.

[0026] According to one aspect, a system can protect an occupant in a vehicle seat during a collision or accident. The system may include a pair of lower seat pretensioners, which can be attached to the lower part of a seating arrangement in the vehicle to move the seating arrangement linearly forward or backward into a safer position, such as a standard / predetermined position, in the event of a vehicle impact or accident. The system may also include a pair of seatback pretensioners, which can be similar to the lower seat pretensioners but are attached to the seatback / back section of the seating arrangement to tilt or swivel (also referred to here as angular movement) the seatback into a safer angle, such as a standard or default position, in the event of a vehicle impact or accident.

[0027] Furthermore, the system can include a seat position sensor that can be installed in the seat assembly on the seat cushion and backrest. These sensors can detect the position of the seat assembly and backrest relative to the standard position in order to determine, if the seat assembly and / or backrest need to be moved to a safer position in the event of an accident, and in which direction, i.e., forwards or backwards, the seat assembly and backrest should be moved.

[0028] Furthermore, the system can include a control unit coupled with one or more sensors to monitor for the possibility of a collision or accident. If such a possibility or an actual event is detected, the control unit can actuate the lower seat tensioners, the seatback tensioners, or both to move the seat assembly and seatback into appropriate safe positions. Depending on the position of the seat section and the seatback position, the control unit can automatically actuate the system to slide or tilt the respective seat assembly forward or backward as needed to protect the occupant from injury.

[0029] Referring to Fig. In Figures 1A to 3B, which disclose the proposed system for moving a passenger seat assembly of a vehicle during an accident, the system 100 may comprise a pair of lower seat pretensioners, such as a first lower seat pretensioner 102 and a second lower seat pretensioner 104. The first lower seat pretensioner 102 may move a section 202, and thus the entire seat assembly 200, linearly forward, for example, if the seat assembly 200 is behind a standard linear position, until the seat assembly 200 reaches a standard linear position.

[0030] In one embodiment, the second lower seat pretensioner 104 can move the seat section 202 of the seat arrangement 200 linearly backward or rearward, e.g., when the seat arrangement 200 is in front of the linear standard position, until the seat arrangement 200 reaches the linear standard position.

[0031] In one embodiment, the system 100 may further comprise a pair of seat backrest tensioners, such as a first seat backrest tensioner 106 and a second seat backrest tensioner 108. The first seat backrest tensioner 106 may rotate / angle / tilt a seat back 204 of the seating arrangement 200, e.g., when the seat back 204 is behind a standard angular position, in a forward direction until the seat back 204 reaches the standard angular position.

[0032] In one embodiment, the second seat backrest pretensioner 108 can rotate / angularly move / tilt a seat backrest 204 of the seating arrangement 200 in a reverse direction, e.g., when the seat backrest 204 is in front of the standard angular position, until the seat backrest 204 reaches the standard angular position.

[0033] In one embodiment, the system 100 can additionally include a set of seat position sensors 206, such that at least one seat position sensor 206 of the set of seat position sensors 206 can be operationally coupled with the seat section 202 of the seat arrangement 200 in order to detect the position of the seat section 202 with respect to the linear standard position, and at least one seat position sensor 206 of the set of seat position sensors 206 can be operationally coupled with the seat back 204 of the seat arrangement 200 in order to detect the position of the seat back 204 with respect to the standard angular position.

[0034] In one embodiment, the system 100 can include a control unit 208. The control unit 208 can be connected to one or more crash sensors of the vehicle, so that the control unit 208 can detect the probability of an accident occurring when it receives data from the one or more crash sensors.

[0035] Furthermore, the control unit 208 can be coupled with the first lower seat tensioner 102 and the second lower seat tensioner 104 of the pair of lower seat tensioners in order to actuate, depending on the determined position of the seat arrangement 200, either the first lower seat tensioner 102 for a forward movement or the second lower seat tensioner 104 for a backward movement of the seat section 202 into the linear standard position.

[0036] Furthermore, the control unit 208 can be operationally coupled with the first seat back tensioner 106 and a second seat back tensioner 108 of the pair of seat back tensioners 106, 108 in order to selectively actuate either the first seat back tensioner 106 for forward rotation or the second seat back tensioner 108 for backward rotation of the seat back (204) into the standard angle position, depending on the determined position of the seat back 204.

[0037] In one embodiment, each of the first and second lower seat pretensioners 102, 104 can contain a gas generator, such as the gas generators 102A, 104A, as shown in Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B shown. The gas generators 102A, 104A can be filled with a propellant. Each of the first and second lower seat pretensioners 102, 104 can additionally contain a tube, such as tubes 102B, 104B. The tubes 102B, 104B can be coupled to the respective gas generators 102A, 104A. Each of the lower pretensioners of the first and second seat 102, 104 can also contain a variety of spheres, such as spheres 102C, 104C. The majority of spheres 102C, 104C can be positioned within the respective tubes 102B, 104B, so that when the respective gas generator 102A, 104B is actuated to ignite the propellant to generate a pressurized gas, the generated pressurized gas can move the respective majority of spheres 102C, 104C along the corresponding tubes 102B, 104B.

[0038] Similar to the first and second lower seat pretensioners 102, 104, each of the first and second seat back pretensioners 106, 108 of system 100 can include a gas generator, as shown in Fig. 3A and Fig. The gas generators 106A and 108A shown in Figure 3B are used. The gas generators 106A and 108A can be filled with a propellant. Each of the first and second seat back tensioners 106 and 108 can additionally contain a tube, e.g., tubes 106B and 108B. The tubes 106B and 108B can be coupled to the respective gas generators 106A and 108A. Each of the first and second seat back tensioners 106 and 108 can also include a variety of spheres, such as spheres 106C and 108C. The majority of spheres 106C, 108C can be positioned within their respective tubes 106B, 108B, so that when the respective gas generators 106A, 108A are activated to ignite the propellant and generate a pressurized gas, the generated pressurized gas can move the corresponding majority of spheres 106C, 108C along the corresponding tube 106B, 108B.

[0039] In one embodiment, the seat section 202 of the seat arrangement 200 comprises a lower spur gear 210, which is Fig. Figure 2B shows that the lower seat spur gear 210 can be positioned between the tube 102B of the first section of the seat pretensioner 102 and the tube 104B of the second section of the seat pretensioner 104, so that the movement of the multiple balls 102C along the tube 102B allows the balls 102C to engage with the lower seat spur gear 210 to rotate the lower seat spur gear 210 in a first direction. A seat section shaft 212 can be functionally coupled to the lower seat spur gear 210 and between the seat section 202 and the vehicle body, so that a rotation of the seat section shaft 212 in the first direction can result in a linear movement of the seat assembly 200 in the forward direction.

[0040] Furthermore, the movement of the multiple balls 104C along the tube 104B can engage the lower seat spur gear 210 and rotate the lower seat spur gear 210 in a second direction. A seat section shaft 212 can be functionally coupled to the lower seat spur gear 210 and between the seat section 202 and the vehicle body, so that a rotation of the seat section shaft 212 in a second direction can cause the seat assembly 200 to move linearly in the reverse direction.

[0041] In one embodiment, the seat back 204 of the seat arrangement 200 comprises a Fig. 3B shows the spur gear 214. The seat back spur gear 214 can be positioned between the tube 106B of the first seat back pretensioner 106 and the tube 108B of the second seat back pretensioner 108, so that the movement of the multiple balls 106C along the tube 108B can engage with the seat back spur gear 214 and rotate the seat back spur gear 214 in a first direction. A seat back shaft 212 can be functionally coupled to the seat back spur gear 210 and between the seat section 202 and the seat back 204, so that a rotation of the seat back shaft 212 in the first direction can lead to a tilting or angular movement of the seat assembly 200 in the forward direction.

[0042] Furthermore, the movement of the multiple balls 108C along the tube 108B can engage with the spur gear 214 of the seat back and rotate the spur gear 214 of the seat back in a second direction. A seat back shaft 216 can be functionally coupled to the seat back spur gear 214 and between the seat section 202 and the seat back 204, so that a rotation of the seat back shaft 216 in a second direction can lead to a tilting or angular movement of the seat assembly 200 in the reverse direction.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, the system 100 can be connected to an occupant restraint system (ORC) control unit of the vehicle, so that the system 100 can be actuated synchronously with the respective seat belts of the seating arrangement 200 and a plurality of airbags in the vehicle to prevent injuries to the occupants in the event of an accident or collision of the vehicle.

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, the lower seat shaft 212 of the seat section 202 can be coupled to a lower electric motor 218 to adjust the seat section under normal circumstances, as shown in Fig. 2B shown. However, in the event of a collision or emergency detected by the control unit 208, the system 100-1 can override the operation of the electric motor 218 in order to return the seat arrangement 200 to the standard linear position.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, the seat back shaft 216 of the seat back 204 can be coupled to an electric motor 220 to adjust the section of the seat under normal circumstances, as shown in Fig. 3B shown. However, in the event of an accident / collision or an emergency detected by the control unit 208, the system 100-2 can override the operation of the electric motor 220 in order to return the seat back 204 to the standard linear position.

[0046] Thus, the present disclosure provides an improved system with which the seat can be moved linearly and the seat back can be moved angularly into the respective standard position in order to avoid injuries to the occupants.

[0047] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention can be developed without deviating from the fundamental scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the following claims. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, variants, or examples that enable a person with normal technical knowledge to manufacture and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to that person. ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0048] The present invention increases the safety of the occupants by overcoming the disadvantages of known vehicle safety systems.

[0049] The present invention provides a simple, compact and efficient system for moving a passenger seating arrangement in a vehicle during an accident.

[0050] The present invention provides a system that prevents possible injuries to the occupants from the rear section of the seating arrangement.

[0051] The present invention provides a device for bidirectional preloading which is capable of rotating the seat back forwards or backwards to achieve the standard position of the seat during an accident. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CN 115179889A

[0004] US 11214211B2

[0005]

Claims

[1] System for moving a passenger seating arrangement in a vehicle during an accident, wherein the system (100) comprises: a pair of lower seat pretensioners (102, 104) coupled to a seat section (202) of the seat assembly (200) to move the seat assembly (200) linearly into a standard position, wherein the pair of lower seat pretensioners (102, 104) comprises a first lower seat pretensioner (102) to move the seat assembly (200) in a forward direction and a second lower seat pretensioner (104) to move the seat assembly (200) in a backward direction; a pair of seat back tensioners (106, 108) coupled to a seat back (204) of the seat arrangement (200) to angularly rotate the seat back (204) into a standard angular position, wherein the pair of seat back tensioners (106, 108) comprises a first seat back tensioner (106) to rotate the seat back (204) in a forward direction and a second seat back tensioner (108) to rotate the seat back (204) in a backward direction; a set of seat position sensors (206) for detecting the position of the seat section (202) in relation to the linear standard position and the position of the seat backrest (204) in relation to the standard angular position; and a control unit (208) configured to detect the probability of an accident occurring, and functionally coupled to the pair of lower seat pretensioners (102, 104) and the pair of seat back pretensioners (106, 108) to selectively actuate, depending on the determined position of the seat section (102) and the seat back (104), the first pretensioners (102, 106) or the second pretensioners (104, 108) belonging to the seat section (202) and the seat back (204) in order to move / rotate the seat section (202) and the seat back (204) into their respective standard positions. [2] System (100) according to claim 1, wherein each of the pretensioners (102, 104, 106, 108) comprises a gas generator (102A, 104A, 106A, 108A) filled with a propellant and a tube (102B, 104B, 106B, 108B) coupled to the gas generator (102A, 104A, 106A, 108A), wherein the tube (102B, 104B, 106B, 108B) has a plurality of spheres (102C, 104C, 106C, 108C) such that when the gas generator (102A, 104A, 106A, 108A) is actuated to ignite the propellant to generate a pressurized gas, The pressurized gas generated moves the multitude of spheres (102C, 104C, 106C, 108C) along the corresponding tube (102B, 104B, 106B, 108B). [3] System (100) according to claim 2, wherein the seat section (202) comprises a lower seat spur gear (210) mounted on a seat section shaft (212), such that a rotation of the seat section shaft (212) in a first direction results in a linear movement of the seat arrangement (200) in a forward direction and a rotation of the shaft (212) in a second direction results in a linear movement of the seat arrangement (200) in a reverse direction. [4] System (100) according to claim 3, wherein the tubes (102B, 104B) corresponding to the pair of lower seat pretensioners (102, 104) are configured with the lower seat spur gear (210) such that when the gas generator (102A) of the first lower seat pretensioner (102) is actuated, the balls (102C) from the corresponding tube (102B) engage in the lower seat spur gear (210) to move the seat assembly (200) linearly in the forward direction, and when the gas generator (104A) of the second lower seat pretensioner (104) is actuated, the balls (104C) from the corresponding tube (104B) engage in the lower seat spur gear (210) to move the seat assembly (200) to move linearly in the reverse direction. [5] System (100) according to claim 2, wherein the seat back (204) comprises a spur gear transmission (214) attached to a seat back shaft (216) such that a rotation of the seat back shaft (216) in a first direction causes the seat back (204) to rotate in the forward direction, and a rotation of the seat back shaft (216) in a second direction causes the seat back (204) to rotate in the reverse direction. [6] System (100) according to claim 5, wherein the tubes (106B, 108B) corresponding to the pair of seat back tensioners (106, 108) are configured with the seat back spur gear (214) such that when the gas generator (106A) of the first seat back tensioner (106) is actuated, the balls (106C) from the corresponding tube (106B) engage in the seat back spur gear (214) to rotate the seat back (204) in the forward direction, and when the gas generator (108A) of the second seat back tensioner (108) is actuated, the balls (108C) from the corresponding tube (108B) engage in the seat back spur gear (214) to rotate the seat back (204) in the reverse direction.

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