Manipulable lumbar support utilizing active material actuation

a technology of active material and lumbar support, which is applied in the field of lumbar support, can solve the problems of occupants of variable size and preference, and the type of lumbar support has achieved minimal application and use, and achieves the effects of improving occupant kinematics, ergonomics, and comfor

Active Publication Date: 2009-09-10
GM GLOBAL TECH OPERATIONS LLC
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]The present invention addresses these concerns, and recites a manipulable lumbar support that utilizes active material actuation. The invention is useful for improving occupant kinematics, ergonomics, and comfort by providing a seat upright that is adjustable according to the size or preference of the occupant. In a preferred embodiment, the inventive lumbar support presents a massaging functionality. Finally, in an automotive setting, this invention further provides a means for changing the distribution of the forces acting on and thus the kinematics of belted occupants during impact events.

Problems solved by technology

Though flexible, conventional lumbar supports typically present one-size-fits-all configurations that may cause concerns for occupants of variable size and preference.
As a result, manipulable lumbar supports have been developed in the art; however, these types of lumbar supports have achieved minimal application and use due in part to the employment of complex mechanical, electro-mechanical (e.g., motors, solenoids, etc.), pneumatic / hydraulic (e.g., bladders, air-cylinders, etc.), and manual actuators.

Method used

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Examples

Experimental program
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Effect test

first embodiment

[0050]More particularly, in a first embodiment, the structure 20 includes at least one set of lateral stirrups 22 presenting a longitudinally overlapping area in a first cooperative configuration. As shown in FIGS. 2-2b, the actuator 18 is drivenly coupled to the stirrups 22 and configured to cause them to inwardly translate to a second cooperative configuration, wherein the area is increased. The stirrups 22 are preferably bowed (FIG. 2b), so as to present a spring bias towards the outward configuration, and may be stationary or vertically translatable. Moreover, it is appreciated that first and second sets of stirrups 22 may be orthogonally oriented, and drivenly coupled to separate actuators 18, so as to present four-way adjustability.

[0051]In another embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the structure 20 includes first and second sliding blocks 24 entrained by a lateral member 26 of the upright frame 28, shown curved. The blocks 24 define a spacing, and a floater pad 30 is positioned inte...

second embodiment

[0052]In a second embodiment, the actuator 18 includes first and second sliders 34 (FIGS. 4-4c) entraining at least one flexible member 36, such as a normally bowed wire frame as shown. The sliders 34 may be drivenly coupled to at least one shape memory wire 14, such that the sliders 34 are caused to relatively translate, when the wire 14 is activated. The member 36 is enabled to achieve a second more bowed configuration as a result of an inward translation. As shown in FIGS. 4b,c, the sliders 34 may be drivenly coupled to a plurality of separately activated shape memory wires 14, so as to cooperatively present a plurality of support positions. Here, the sliders 34 are preferably able to be separately caused to translate. FIG. 4c shows three wire actuators 14 (wherein the middle is connected to both sliders 34) being entrained by a single post 38, such that four positions are achievable, wherein one is presented by all three wires 14 being in a deactivated or relaxed state.

[0053]Sim...

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PUM

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Abstract

A manipulable lumbar support adapted for use with a seat upright defining a first surface condition, includes a structure disposed within the upright and presenting a first configuration, and an actuator employing an active material element configured to cause the structure to achieve a second configuration when activated.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This patent application claims priority to, and benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 035,005, entitled “LUMBAR ACTUATION THROUGH ACTIVE MATERIALS,” filed on Mar. 9, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present disclosure generally relates to a lumbar support adapted for use with a seat upright, and more particularly, to a manipulable lumbar support having an active material based actuator operable to change a condition of the seat upright.[0004]2. Discussion of Prior Art[0005]Lumbar supports are incorporated within seat uprights to provide structural capacity and support to an occupant. In an automotive setting, for example, lumbar supports typically include a plurality of spring-tensioned cross-members that straddle the lateral upright rails of the seat frame. Though flexible, conventional lumbar supports typically present one-size-fits-...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): B60N2/02
CPCB60N2/0224B60N2/66B60N2/42745B60N2/4228B60N2/667B60N2/6671
Inventor LAWALL, JENNIFER P.MCQUEEN, DIANE K.MORRIS, STEVEN E.JOHNSON, NANCY L.BROWNE, ALAN L.ALEXANDER, PAUL W.JONES, GARY L.MANKAME, NILESH D.
Owner GM GLOBAL TECH OPERATIONS LLC
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