A seat bottom 44 includes a frame 74, first 50 and second 60 thigh supports, each supported by and independently movable relative to the frame. First 110 and second 112 deployable devices are coupled to the respective thigh supports 50, 60. Each deployable device 110, 112 is formed of thermoplastic elastomer (e.g. thermoplastic olefin, polyurethane, copolyester or polyamide) and inflatable from undeployed to deployed position. The deployable devices 110, 112 may be disposed between the thigh supports 50, 60 and at least one cushion 80. Cushion 80 may be moved into a comfortable position by independently rotatable thigh supports via first 54 and second 64 actuators. Also disclosed is a vehicle restraint system, comprising a controller (144, figure 7) programmed to inflate at least one deployable device 110, 112 in response to a sensed vehicle impact. The controller (144) may receive signals indicating first 50 and second 60 thigh support positions, raising them by unequal distances to the same height, reducing the likelihood of the occupant submarining below a seat belt lap portion during a front-end collision, and reducing forward travel of the occupant chest. Disclosed control system may be pre-impact sensing, sensing an impending impact prior to the collision.
Vehicle seat bottom with independently deployable devices
2017-10-18
Patent
Electronic Resource
English
VEHICLE SEAT BOTTOM WITH INDEPENDENTLY DEPLOYABLE DEVICES
European Patent Office | 2017
|Vehicle seat bottom with independently deployable devices
European Patent Office | 2017
|Vehicle seat bottom with independently deployable devices
European Patent Office | 2017
|Vehicle seat bottom with independently deployable devices
European Patent Office | 2018
|