CN112606771A

CN112606771A - Removable component system

Info

Publication number: CN112606771A
Application number: CN202011075226.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 杰弗里·A·琼斯; 劳尔·里卡特; 安东尼·费雷·法布雷加斯
Original assignee: Lear Corp
Current assignee: Lear Corp
Priority date: 2019-10-04
Filing date: 2020-10-09
Publication date: 2021-04-06
Anticipated expiration: 2040-10-09
Also published as: DE102020125834A1; CN112606771B

Abstract

A removable component system may include: a removable component selectively connectable to the mounting surface, the removable component including a component electrical unit; an antenna; a system controller configured to communicate with the component electrical unit and the antenna; and/or a rail assembly configured to be secured to the mounting surface. The removable component may be selectively connected to the mounting surface by a track assembly. The removable component may be configured to selectively connect with, remove from, and move along the track assembly. The system controller may be configured to acquire a position of the removable component relative to the mounting surface via the antenna and the component electrical unit (e.g., via the component controller, the sensor, and/or a communication device thereof).

Description

Removable component system

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 62/910,663, filed on 4.10.2019, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to removable component systems including removable component systems that may be used in conjunction with a vehicle.

Background

This background description is set forth below for the purpose of providing a context only. Thus, any aspect described in this background is neither expressly nor implicitly admitted as prior art to the present disclosure to the extent that it is not otherwise proven prior art.

Some systems are not configured for removable components and/or are not configured for efficient and effective communication with removable components.

Accordingly, there is a need for a solution/option that minimizes or eliminates one or more challenges or disadvantages of removable component systems. The foregoing discussion is intended to be merely illustrative of examples in the art and is not a disclaimer of scope.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, a removable component system may include: a removable component selectively connectable to the mounting surface and comprising a component electrical unit; an antenna; a system controller configured to communicate with the component electrical unit and the antenna; and/or a rail assembly configured to be secured to the mounting surface. The removable component may be selectively connected to the mounting surface by a track assembly. The removable component may be configured to selectively connect with, remove from, and move (e.g., slide) along the track assembly. The system controller may be configured to acquire a position of the removable component relative to the mounting surface via the antenna and the component electrical unit (e.g., via the component controller, the sensor, and/or a communication device thereof).

In some implementations, the removable component system includes a plurality of additional removable components configured to be selectively connected to, removed from, and moved along the track assembly.

In some implementations, the system controller is configured to acquire a position and orientation of at least some of the plurality of additional removable components.

In some implementations, the system controller is configured to obtain the location of the removable component and the location of each of the plurality of additional removable components by determination of one or more received signal strength indications.

In some implementations, a component controller of the component electrical unit of the removable component and a component controller of the additional removable component are configured to (i) perform the determination of the one or more received signal strength indications, and (ii) provide information from the determination of the one or more received signal strength indications to the system controller.

In some implementations, the system controller is configured to generate an electronic map or model of the removable component and the plurality of additional removable components as a function of the position of the removable component and the positions and orientations of the plurality of additional removable components.

In some implementations, the system controller is configured to obtain the position of the removable component by determination of an angle of arrival and/or determination of a time of flight.

In some implementations, the removable component includes a security device.

In some implementations, the safety device includes an airbag and/or a seat belt pretensioner.

In some implementations, at least one of the system controller and a component controller of the component electrical unit is configured to control the safety device at least indirectly as a function of a position of the removable component.

In some implementations, the system controller is configured to generate an electronic map or model of the removable component and a plurality of additional removable components as a function of the location of the removable component and the locations of the plurality of additional removable components; and wherein the electronic map or model includes status information for the removable component and the plurality of additional removable components.

In some implementations, the removable component system includes: a plurality of additional removable components configured to connect with the mounting surface; and a plurality of additional antennas; wherein each of the additional removable components comprises a respective component electrical unit; and the system controller is configured to acquire, via the antenna, the plurality of additional antennas, and the respective component electrical units, a position of the additional removable component relative to the mounting surface.

In some implementations, the removable component and the plurality of additional removable components are configured to selectively connect with the track assembly in a plurality of configurations; the plurality of configurations includes a first configuration facing a first direction and a second configuration facing a second direction, the second direction being different from the first direction; the system controller is configured to acquire an orientation of the removable component and the plurality of additional removable components; and obtaining the orientation of the removable component and the plurality of additional removable components comprises determining in which of a plurality of configurations the removable component and the plurality of additional removable components are arranged.

In terms of embodiments, a vehicle may include a vehicle controller configured to control operation (e.g., propulsion) of the vehicle and a removable component system. The mounting surface may comprise a floor of a vehicle. The removable component may be configured as a vehicle seat. The system controller may be configured to communicate with and/or may be integrated with a vehicle controller.

In some implementations, the removable component system includes a vehicle safety device disposed in a fixed manner relative to the vehicle; and the system controller is configured to control the vehicle safety device based at least in part on the position and/or orientation of the removable component.

In terms of an embodiment, a vehicle comprises: a vehicle controller configured to control operation of the vehicle; and the removable component system described above; wherein the mounting surface is a floor of the vehicle; the removable component comprises a security device; the removable component is a vehicle seat; and the system controller is in communication with and/or integrated with the vehicle controller.

In some implementations, at least one of the plurality of additional removable components includes an additional security device; and the removable component system includes a vehicle safety device disposed in a fixed manner relative to the vehicle.

In some implementations, the system controller is configured to obtain collision information and provide the collision information to a component controller of the component electrical unit of the removable component; and the component controller is configured to control the safety device in dependence on the collision information, the position of the removable component and the positions of the plurality of additional removable components.

In some implementations, the system controller is configured to control the vehicle safety device as a function of the collision information, the position of the removable component, and the position and orientation of the plurality of additional removable components.

For an embodiment, a method of operating the removable component system described above, the method comprising: acquiring a position and orientation of the removable component; obtaining information about any child seats in the removable component system; creating a virtual system model of the removable component system, the system model including models of the removable component, one or more security devices, and the mounting surface; acquiring collision information from one or more collision sensors; and controlling the one or more safety devices in dependence on the position of the removable component, the orientation of the removable component, the crash information and the information about any child seat.

In an embodiment, a method of operating a removable component system may include: acquiring a position and orientation of a removable component; obtaining information about any child seat in a removable component system; creating a system model of the removable component system; acquiring collision information; and/or controlling one or more safety devices based on the position of the removable component, the orientation of the removable component, crash information, and information about any child seat. The system model may include a model of the removable component, the one or more safety devices, and/or the mounting surface.

The foregoing and other potential aspects, features, details, utilities, and/or advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from reading the following description and reviewing the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of Drawings

While the claims are not limited to the specific illustrations, an appreciation of various aspects can be gained through a discussion of various examples. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated or hidden to better illustrate and explain an innovative aspect of an example. Furthermore, the illustrative examples described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting and are not limited to the precise forms and configurations shown in the drawings or disclosed in the following detailed description. Illustrative examples are described in detail with reference to the following drawings:

1A-1D are top views generally illustrating an embodiment of a removable component system according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2A-2D are top views generally illustrating an embodiment of a removable component system according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 is a side view generally illustrating an embodiment of a removable component system according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3A is an end view generally illustrating an embodiment of a track assembly and removable components of an electrical system according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram generally illustrating an embodiment of a removable component system according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5A-5D are top views generally illustrating an embodiment of a removable component system according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 is a top view generally illustrating an embodiment of a removable component system according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a representation of an embodiment of a display showing a model of a removable component system according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart generally illustrating an embodiment of a method of operating a removable component system according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the disclosure will be described in conjunction with the embodiments and/or examples, they are not intended to limit the disclosure to these embodiments and/or examples. On the contrary, the present disclosure covers alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

In an embodiment, such as generally illustrated in fig. 1A-6, the removable component system 20 may include a system electrical unit 22 and/or one or more removable components 24 (e.g., removable components 24)₁-24₉) The one or more removable components 24 may be selectively connected to the mounting surface 26. The mounting surface 26 may, for example and without limitation, include one or more portions of a vehicle 28, such as a floor and/or interior surfaces (which may include a truck bed).

For example, the system electrical unit 22 may include one or more of a variety of configurations. For example, and as generally illustrated in fig. 4, the system electrical unit 22 may include a system controller 30, a communication device 32, one or moreAntenna 34 (e.g., antenna 34)₁-34₄) And/or a power supply 36. The system controller 30 may be configured to control operation of and/or communicate (e.g., via the communication device 32) with one or more portions of the removable component system 20 (e.g., the removable component 24, the

security devices

56, 80, etc.). One or more antennas 34 may, for example and without limitation, be configured to provide Low Frequency (LF) signals and/or may include a first antenna 34₁And/or more additional antennas, e.g. second antenna 34₂A third antenna 34₃And/or fourth antenna 34₄(or more or fewer antennas) as generally illustrated in fig. 4-6. The antenna 34 may be disposed in one or more locations relative to the mounting surface 26. Such as, but not limited to, antenna 34₁May be disposed adjacent the front 26A of the mounting surface 26, an antenna 34₂May be disposed adjacent the rear portion 26B of the mounting surface 26, an antenna 34₃May be disposed adjacent the right side 26C of the mounting surface 26, and/or the antenna 34₄May be disposed near the left side 26D of the mounting surface 26 (see, e.g., fig. 4). Additionally or alternatively, antenna 34₁May be disposed adjacent the front 26A and right side 26C of the mounting surface 26, an antenna 34₂May be disposed adjacent the front 26A and left side 26D of the mounting surface 26, an antenna 34₃May be disposed near the rear 26B and right side 26C of the mounting surface 26, and/or the antenna 34₄May be disposed adjacent the rear 26B and left side 26D of the mounting surface 26 (see, e.g., fig. 5A-6). System controller 30 may be configured to control the operation of antenna 34. In an example, the system controller 30 can be connected to the vehicle controller 90, in communication with the vehicle controller 90 and/or included in the vehicle controller 90, and the vehicle controller 90 can be configured to at least partially control operation (e.g., propulsion, steering, braking, etc.) of the vehicle 28.

By way of example, as generally illustrated in fig. 1A-6, the removable component 24 may, for example and without limitation, include one or more components/elements that may include, for example, a vehicle seatOf (e.g., see removable component 24)₁-24₆) Console (see, e.g., removable component 24 in fig. 2D)₈) Table (see, e.g., removable section 24 in fig. 2B and 2D)₇) And/or appliances such as refrigerators (see, e.g., removable component 24 in fig. 2D)₉) And the like. The removable component system 20 may include one or more of a variety of combinations of removable components 24. For example, but not limiting of, the removable component system 20 may include six seats 24₁-24₆(see, e.g., fig. 1A, 1C, and 2A) and/or may include four seats 24₁、24₂、24₃、24₅Table 24₇ Console 24₈And/or implement 24₉(see, e.g., FIG. 2D). The removable component system 20 can include a first removable component (e.g., the removable component 24)₁) And/or one or more additional removable components 24.

For embodiments, such as generally illustrated in fig. 1A-1D, one or more removable components 24 may be selectively connected directly to the mounting surface 26 and/or removed from the mounting surface 26, e.g., without the need for additional or external tools. Additionally or alternatively, such as generally illustrated in fig. 2A-2D, one or more removable components 24 may be selectively connected to the mounting surface 26, removed from the mounting surface 26, moved along and relative to the mounting surface 26, and/or reconfigurable relative to the mounting surface 26 by way of the track assembly 40, e.g., without additional or external tools (e.g., may be selectively secured to and removed from the track assembly 40 at a plurality of positions/orientations along the track assembly 40). The components 24 may, for example, but are not limited to, include: one or more latches/anchors 44, the latches/anchors 44 may be configured to selectively engage and/or contact the rail assembly 40 to limit or prevent movement of the removable component 24 in one or more directions (e.g., in the X-direction and/or Z-direction of the rail assembly 40); and/or one or more electrical contacts 46 that may be configured to selectively contact conductors 48 of the track assembly 40 to provide power from the power source 36 to the removable component 24 (see, e.g., fig. 3A). The one or more latches/anchors 44 and/or one or more electrical contacts 46 can be actuated (e.g., rotated) between the engaged/connected and disengaged/disconnected positions in one or more of a variety of ways (e.g., mechanically (via levers/rails/cables, manually, etc.) and/or electrically (via an electric actuator/motor)). The one or more latches/anchors 44 and/or one or more electrical contacts 46 can restrict insertion/removal of the removable member 24 when the removable member 24 is in the engaged/connected position, and/or can not restrict insertion/removal of the member 24 when the removable member 24 is in the disengaged/disconnected position.

For example, as generally illustrated in fig. 3, for an embodiment, the removable component 24 may include a component electrical unit 50, which component electrical unit 50 may include and/or be connected to one or more of a component controller 52, a communication device 54, a Safety Device (SD)56, an actuator 58 (e.g., an electric motor), a sensor 60, and/or a power source 62 (e.g., a backup power source), among others. The sensors 60 may, for example, but not limited to, include occupancy sensors 60A and/or seat belt sensors 60B, and the like. The communication device 54 may be configured to communicate with the system controller 30 and/or one or more antennas 34, and may, for example, include a receiver, transmitter, and/or transceiver. The safety device 56 may, for example, but not limited to, include an airbag and/or a seatbelt pretensioner, etc.

In an embodiment, the track/rail assembly 40 may include one or more tracks/rails 42, and the one or more tracks/rails 42 may be connected (e.g., fixed) to the mounting surface 26. The one or more rails/guides 42 may, for example and without limitation, extend generally in a longitudinal direction (e.g., X-direction) of the mounting surface 26, may be disposed parallel to one another, and/or may be offset from one another, such as in a transverse direction (e.g., Y-direction). The power source 36 may be connected to the track/rail assembly 40 and/or may provide power to one or more tracks/rails 42 in the track/rail assembly 40 (see, e.g., fig. 3), and the track/rail assembly 40 may provide power to one or more removable components 24. For example, one or more removable components 24 may be connected to a respective pair of rails/tracks 42, and the rails/tracks 42 may provide electrical power to the component electrical units 50 of the removable components 24 and/or elements thereof.

In an example, it may be desirable to provide information from the removable component 24 and/or information about the removable component 24 to the system controller 30, and/or to provide commands from the system controller 30 to the component 24. For example, and without limitation, it may be desirable to provide occupancy and/or seat belt status information of one or more components 24 to the system controller 30. For some embodiments, one or more components 24 and system controller 30 may be configured for wireless communication, such as through

respective communication devices

32, 54.

By way of example, for example, as generally illustrated in fig. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, and 6, the removable component system 20 may be configured to determine a position (e.g., an X-Y position) and/or an orientation of one or more removable components 24 relative to the mounting surface 26. For example, but not limiting of, a plurality of antennas 34 may be connected to the system controller 30. The antenna 34 may be connected to the communication device 32 and/or included in the communication device 32. The system controller 30 may be configured to control the antenna 34 to transmit a signal (e.g., an LF signal, an ultra-wideband (UWB) signal, etc.) into proximity with the one or more removable components 24. The communication device 54 of the removable component 24 may be configured to receive signals from the antenna 34. The communication device 54, the component controller 52, and/or the system controller 30 may be configured to determine the location and/or orientation of the removable component 24 from the received signals, for example, through determination of one or more Received Signal Strength Indicators (RSSI). Examples of RSSI systems are generally described in us patent 7,042,342 and us patent 7,388,466, both hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Additionally or alternatively, the component electrical unit 50 may be configured to provide information (e.g., signal strength information) from the communication device 54 to the system controller 30, and the system controller 30 may determine the position and/or orientation of the removable component 24 at least in part by the information from the component electrical unit 50.

In embodiments, the orientation of the removable component 24 may include, for example, pointing/facing forward, pointing/facing rearward, being disposed at an angle (e.g., in an X-Y plane) relative to the mounting surface 26, e.g., at an oblique or right angle relative to the X-direction of the mounting surface 26 if the removable component 24 is not facing forward or rearward.

For an embodiment, the removable component system 20 may be configured to determine the location and/or orientation of the removable component 24 by one or more methods in addition to or instead of RSSI. For example, and without limitation, the removable component system 20 may be configured to utilize a Global Positioning System (GPS) device 70, time-of-flight (e.g., via the communication devices 32, 54), determination of angle of arrival(s) associated with one or more removable components 24), e.g., via the communication devices 32, 54), encoding features 72 (e.g., metal configurations, colors, barcodes, etc.) and corresponding encoder sensors 74 of the track assembly 40, orientation sensors 76 (e.g., gyroscopes, accelerometers, magnetometers, etc.), and/or different voltages provided to the track assembly 40 (e.g., by the power supply 36), among other methods.

For an embodiment, the removable component 24 may be configured to selectively connect (e.g., electrically and/or mechanically connect) with the mounting surface 26 in a plurality of orientations/configurations. The plurality of configurations may include a first configuration facing a first direction (e.g., see the removable component 24 of FIG. 1A)₄-24₆) And/or a second configuration facing a second direction different from the first direction (see, e.g., removable component 24 of FIG. 1A)₁-24₃). The first direction may, for example, be toward a front 26A of the mounting surface 26 and/or the second direction may, for example, be toward a rear 26B of the mounting surface 26. Acquiring the orientation of the removable component 24 may include determining which of a plurality of configurations the removable component 24 is disposed in.

In an embodiment, the removable component system 20 may include one or more child seats 96 (e.g., child car seats), and the child seats 96 may be configured or connected to the removable components 24. The system controller 30 and/or the component controller 52 may be configured to determine the position and/or orientation of the child seat 96, such as via the sensor 60, the antenna 34, and the communication device 54 (e.g., as described above) in the removable component 24 or the child seat 96, which may be included in the removable component 24 or the child seat 96, and/or via the mounting surface 26 and/or the sensor 98 in the vehicle 28. The sensor 98 may, for example and without limitation, comprise a camera, which may include one or more of a variety of image and/or video capture devices.

In an example, the removable component system 20 may be configured to control one or more devices in the removable component system 20. For example, and without limitation, the system controller 30 and/or the component controller 52 may be configured to control one or more safety devices, such as the safety device 56 of the removable component 24 and/or a safety device 80 associated with the mounting surface 26 and/or the vehicle 28 (e.g., a vehicle safety device), and/or may be configured to control the actuator 58 of the removable component 24. Controlling the

security devices

56, 80 may include determining whether to activate the security devices based at least in part on the position, orientation, and/or occupancy status of the removable component 24. For example, and without limitation, the system controller 30 and/or the component controller 52 may not activate the security device 56 of the removable component 24 if the removable component 24 is unoccupied (e.g., as determined by the occupancy sensor 60A), and/or may not activate the security device 80 if the occupied removable component 24 is not disposed proximate to the security device 80, such as to limit waste (e.g., some security devices may only be used once before replacement is needed). The mounting surface 26 and/or the safety device 80 of the vehicle 28 may, for example and without limitation, include an airbag, such as a curtain airbag, and/or may be disposed in a fixed manner relative to the mounting surface 26 (e.g., may be fixed to the vehicle 28).

In embodiments, the system controller 30 and/or the component controller 52 may each comprise a single controller (e.g., that performs all functions), or may comprise multiple controllers, each of which may perform at least some of the different functions. For example, but not limiting of, the system controller 30 may include a first controller 30A that may monitor, determine, and/or control the position and/or orientation of one or more removable components 24 (see, e.g., fig. 4). Additionally or alternatively, the system controller 30 may include a second controller 30B, which second controller 30B may monitor and/or control one or

more safety devices

56, 80.

For example, the removable component system 20 may be configured to determine which

safety device

56, 80 to activate in the event of a collision or imminent collision. For example, the vehicle controller 90 may acquire impact information, e.g., from one or more impact sensors 82 (e.g., accelerometers, other vehicle sensors, GPS sensors, etc.), and may provide the impact information to the system controller 30, and the system controller 30 may provide the impact information or related information (e.g., trigger signals) to one or more component electrical units 50 and/or component controllers 52 thereof. The system controller 30 and/or the component controller 52 may be configured to activate the

safety devices

56, 80 of certain removable components 24 or

safety devices

56, 80 near the removable components 24. For example, the system controller 30 may activate a safety device 80 of the vehicle 28 proximate to the removable component 24 (the removable component 24 including an occupied seat) (and/or the respective component controller 52 may activate one or more respective safety devices 56 of the removable component 24.

In an embodiment, the system controller 30 and/or the component controller 52 may acquire and/or include information regarding the size and/or shape of the activated

security devices

56, 80. The system controller 30 and/or the component controller 52 can use such information and/or collision information (e.g., impact direction) to determine whether the activated

safety devices

56, 80 are sufficiently close to the occupant 100, so activating the

safety devices

56, 80 during a collision will improve the safety of the occupant 100 (e.g., help limit movement). For example, if the activated safety device is expected to overlap with the current position of the occupant 100 or the expected movement of the occupant 100 during the collision, the system controller 30 and/or the component controller 52 may activate the

safety device

56, 80. Additionally or alternatively, the system controller 30 and/or the component controller 52 may determine whether the removable component 24 and/or the occupant 100 thereof is too close to the

security devices

56, 80 such that the

security devices

56, 80 cannot deploy in a secure manner, and may not activate the

security devices

56, 80 if the removable component 24 or the occupant 100 is too close.

In an embodiment, the system controller 30 and/or the component controller 52 may be configured to determine whether to activate one or more security devices 56, wherein the security devices 56 may be connected to the removable component 24 and/or included in the removable component 24. The system controller 30 and/or the component controller 52 may be configured to activate some or all of the security devices 56 of the removable component 24 if the removable component 24 is a seat and is occupied by the user/occupant 100 (e.g., as determined by the occupancy sensor 60A). Additionally or alternatively, the component controller 52 and/or the system controller 30 may determine whether activation of one or more safety devices 56 of the removable component 24 may affect other removable components 24, such as a removable component 24 that is adjacent or nearby. For example, if the system controller 30 and/or the component controller 52 determines that the security device 56 of the removable component 24 is expected to contact another removable component 24 or its occupant 100 when activated (e.g., by determining the location of the other removable component 24 and information about the security device 56), the component controller 52 and/or the system controller 30 may determine whether the security device 56, when activated, would be too close to the other removable component 24 or the child seat 96 or the occupant 100 associated therewith. If the security device 56 is too close to another removable component 24 or the child seat 96 or an occupant 100 associated therewith when activated, the system controller 30 and/or the component controller 52 may not activate the security device 56.

For an embodiment, the system controller 30 and/or the component controller 52 may determine whether the security devices 56 of the other removable components 24 are sufficiently close to a certain removable component 24 such that the security devices 56 of the other removable components 24 may be activated to increase the security of the occupant 100 of the certain removable component 24, which may be in addition to the security devices 56 of the certain removable component 24 (if any). The system controller 30 and/or the component controller 52 may activate this safety device 56 of the other removable component 24 in the event of a collision or imminent collision, for example if this activation does not reduce the safety of the occupant 100 of the other removable component 24.

By way of example, the removable component system 20 may be configured to determine a position/orientation of the plurality of removable components 24 relative to the mounting surface 26. The removable component system 20 may be configured to control movement of the removable component 24 based at least in part on the current position/orientation of the removable component 24 and the current positions/orientations of other removable components 24. For example, and without limitation, the system controller 30 may be configured to control movement of the removable components 24 such that the removable components 24 do not contact and/or damage each other, and/or do not substantially interfere with movement of other removable components 24. Controlling movement of the removable component 24 may include controlling one or more actuators 58 (e.g., electric motors) of the removable component 24.

In an example, such as that generally illustrated in fig. 7, the system controller 30 may be configured to create an electronic/virtual system map or model 120 of the system 20. The system map/model 120 may include an electronic/virtual model of various elements that may be part of the removable component system 20, such as a model 126 of the mounting surface 26, a model 124 of one or more removable components 24 (e.g., the removable components 24)₁、24₂、24₃、24₅、24₇、24₈、24₉ Model 124 of₁、124₂、124₃、124₅、124₇、124₈、124₉) A model 140 of the track assembly 40, and/or a model 196 of one or more child seats 96. A model may be provided in the system map/model 120 based on the determined position/orientation of the removable component 24 and/or the child seat 96. Creating the system map/model 120 may include: communicating with the removable component 24 to identify the removable component 24; selecting a model 124 to represent the identified removable part 24 (which may include identifying dimensions of the removable part 24); determining the position/orientation of the removable component 24; and/or assigning the model 124 of each identified removable component 24 to a location in the model 126 of the mounting surface 26 and/or the model 128 of the vehicle 28. System controlThe controller 30 may be configured to associate relevant information (e.g., status information) received from or about the removable component 24 with a model 124 of that removable component 24 in the system map/model 120. The system controller 30 may be configured to transmit the system map/model 120 to the vehicle controller 90 and/or the remote server 92. The remote server 92 may be, for example, but not limited to, connected to and/or incorporated into a ride-share or transport system.

By way of example, if the system controller 30 detects a change in the system 20, the system controller 30 may be configured to update the map/model 120 and/or create a new map/model 120. For example, but not limiting of, if the system controller 30 receives information from the removable component 24 indicating that the occupancy state or the seatbelt status of the removable component 24 has changed, and/or if the system controller 30 determines that the position/orientation of the removable component 24 has changed, the system controller 30 may update the system map/model 120 accordingly. The system controller 30 may be configured to automatically check for system updates, such as at particular time intervals and/or as particular events occur (e.g., the user 100 actuates the actuator 58 of the removable component 24, the vehicle 28 is turned on or off, a seat belt is buckled, etc.).

In embodiments, the map/model 120 may include

models

156, 180 of the mounting surface 26 and/or the

safety devices

56, 80 of the vehicle 28 and/or the removable component 24. The

models

156, 180 of the

security devices

56, 80 may include an inactive state and an active state, which may include a larger size and/or a different location than the inactive state. The system controller 30 and/or the component controller 52 may utilize the

models

156, 180 of the

safeties

56, 80 to determine which

safeties

56, 80 to activate in the event of a collision or imminent collision.

For some embodiments, such as generally illustrated in fig. 7, the system controller 30 may be configured to display at least portions of the system map/model 120 on an electronic display 94, which electronic display 94 may be associated with the mounting surface 26 and/or the vehicle 28.

An embodiment of a method 200 of operating the removable component system 20 is generally shown in FIG. 8. The method 200 may include determining a position and/or orientation of one or more removable components 24 relative to the mounting surface 26 and/or the vehicle 28 (block 202). Determining the position and/or orientation of the removable component 24 may, for example, include determination of one or more received signal strength indications, such as by one or more antennas 34 (the antennas 34 may be included in the communication device 32 of the system controller 30) and/or by the communication device 54 of the removable component 24. The method 200 may include obtaining information (e.g., position, orientation, etc.) about any child seats 96 in the system 20 (block 204). Acquiring information about any child seat 96 (block 204) may be performed in a similar manner as acquiring information about the removable component 24. Method 200 may include creating system model 120 (block 206). The system model 120 may include a model 126 of the mounting surface 26, a model 124 of the removable component 24,

models

156, 180 of the

safety devices

56, 80, and/or a model 196 of the child seat 96. The method 200 may include controlling movement and/or placement (e.g., attachment position) of the removable component 24 and/or the child seat 96 (block 208). The method 200 may include acquiring collision information (block 210), which may include the collision sensor 82 and/or the vehicle controller 90 providing the collision information to the system controller 30 and/or the one or more component controllers 52. The method 200 may include controlling the safety devices 56, 80 (block 212), for example, based on the crash information and the acquired position and/or orientation of the removable component 24, the

safety devices

56, 80, and/or the child seat 96.

Although some exemplary embodiments are shown with the track assembly 40 in the drawings for illustrative purposes, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to configurations with the track assembly 40. Although some exemplary embodiments of the track assembly 40 are shown in the figures as extending in the X-direction for purposes of illustration, embodiments of the removable component system 20 may include tracks extending in other directions (e.g., Y-direction, Z-direction, etc.) and/or include a matrix-type configuration that allows for a wide range of motion.

In an example, the controller (e.g., system controller 30, component controller 52) may include an electronic controller and/or include an electronic processor, such as a programmable microprocessor and/or microcontroller. In an embodiment, the controller may comprise, for example, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). The controller may include a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a memory (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium), and/or an input/output (I/O) interface. The controller may be configured to perform various functions, including those described in greater detail herein, using appropriate programming instructions and/or code embodied in software, hardware, and/or other media. In an embodiment, the controller may comprise a plurality of controllers. In an embodiment, the controller may be connected to a display, such as a touch screen display.

Various examples/embodiments are described herein for various devices, systems, and/or methods. Numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the examples/embodiments described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the examples/embodiments may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the examples/embodiments described in the specification. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the examples/embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus, it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments.

Reference throughout the specification to "an example," "in an example," "for an example," "various embodiments," "for an embodiment," "in an embodiment," or "an embodiment," or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example/embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases "example," "in an example," "by example," "in various embodiments," "by an embodiment," "in an embodiment," or "embodiment," or the like, in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples/embodiments. Thus, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic shown or described in connection with one embodiment/example may be combined, in whole or in part, with features, structures, functions, and/or characteristics of one or more other embodiments/examples without limitation, as long as such combination is not illogical or functional. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the scope thereof.

It should be understood that reference to a single element is not necessarily so limited, and may include one or more such elements. Any directional references (e.g., positive, negative, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the use of examples/embodiments.

Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between connected elements and relative movement between elements. Thus, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected/coupled and in fixed relation to each other. The use of "for example" in this specification is to be construed broadly and used to provide non-limiting examples of embodiments of the disclosure, and the disclosure is not limited to such examples. The use of "and" or "should be interpreted broadly (e.g., as" and/or "). For example and without limitation, the use of "and" does not necessarily require all of the elements or features listed, and the use of "or" is inclusive, unless such structure is illogical.

Although processes, systems, and methods may be described herein in connection with one or more steps in a particular sequence, it should be understood that the methods may be practiced with steps in a different order, with certain steps being performed, with additional steps, and/or with certain described steps being omitted.

It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the disclosure.

It should be understood that the controllers (e.g., system controller 30, component controller 52), systems, and/or processors as described herein may comprise conventional processing devices known in the art that may execute preprogrammed instructions stored in an associated memory, all performed in accordance with the functions described herein. To the extent that the methods described herein are implemented in software, the resulting software can be stored in an associated memory and can also constitute means for performing the methods. Such a system or processor may also be of the type having ROM, RAM and ROM, and/or a combination of non-volatile and volatile memory, such that any software may be stored and still allow dynamically generated data and/or signals to be stored and processed.

It should be further understood that an article of manufacture in accordance with the present disclosure may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having encoded thereon a computer program for implementing the logic and other functionality described herein. The computer program may comprise code for performing one or more of the methods disclosed herein. Such embodiments may be configured to be performed by one or more processors (e.g., multiple processors integrated into a single system or distributed over and connected together by a communication network, and the communication network may be wired or wireless). Code to implement one or more of the features described in connection with one or more embodiments may, when executed by a processor, cause a plurality of transistors to change from a first state to a second state. The particular mode of change (e.g., which transistors change state and which transistors do not) may be dictated, at least in part, by logic and/or code.

Claims

1. A removable component system, comprising:

a removable component selectively connectable to a mounting surface, the removable component including a component electrical unit;

an antenna;

a system controller configured to communicate with the component electrical unit and the antenna; and

a rail assembly configured to be secured to the mounting surface;

wherein the removable component is selectively connectable to the mounting surface by the track assembly;

the removable component is configured to selectively connect with, remove from, and move along the track assembly; and is

The system controller is configured to acquire, via the antenna and the component electrical unit, a position of the removable component relative to the mounting surface.

2. The removable component system of claim 1, comprising a plurality of additional removable components configured to be selectively connected to, removed from, and moved along the track assembly.

3. The removable component system of claim 2, wherein the system controller is configured to obtain a position and orientation of at least some of the plurality of additional removable components.

4. The removable component system of claim 3, wherein the system controller is configured to obtain the location of the removable component and the location of each of the plurality of additional removable components by determination of one or more received signal strength indications.

5. The removable component system of claim 4, wherein a component controller of the component electrical unit of the removable component and a component controller of the additional removable component are configured to (i) perform the determination of the one or more received signal strength indications, and (ii) provide information from the determination of the one or more received signal strength indications to the system controller.

6. The removable component system of claim 3, wherein the system controller is configured to generate an electronic map or model of the removable component and the plurality of additional removable components as a function of the position of the removable component and the position and orientation of the plurality of additional removable components.

7. The removable component system of claim 1, wherein the system controller is configured to obtain the location of the removable component by determination of an angle of arrival and/or determination of a time of flight.

8. The removable component system of claim 1, wherein the removable component comprises a security device.

9. The removable component system of claim 8, wherein the safety device comprises an airbag and/or a seat belt pretensioner.

10. The removable component system of claim 9, wherein at least one of the system controller and a component controller of the component electrical unit is configured to at least indirectly control the safety device as a function of a position of the removable component.

11. The removable component system of claim 1, wherein the system controller is configured to generate an electronic map or model of the removable component and a plurality of additional removable components as a function of a location of the removable component and a location of the plurality of additional removable components; and is

Wherein the electronic map or model includes status information for the removable component and the plurality of additional removable components.

12. The removable component system of claim 1, comprising: a plurality of additional removable components configured to connect with the mounting surface; and

a plurality of additional antennas;

wherein each of the additional removable components comprises a respective component electrical unit; and is

The system controller is configured to acquire, via the antenna, the plurality of additional antennas, and the respective component electrical units, a position of the additional removable component relative to the mounting surface.

13. The removable component system of claim 12, wherein the removable component and the plurality of additional removable components are configured to be selectively connected with the track assembly in a plurality of configurations;

the plurality of configurations includes a first configuration facing a first direction and a second configuration facing a second direction, the second direction being different from the first direction;

the system controller is configured to acquire an orientation of the removable component and the plurality of additional removable components; and is

Obtaining the orientation of the removable component and the plurality of additional removable components includes determining in which of a plurality of configurations the removable component and the plurality of additional removable components are arranged.

14. A vehicle, comprising:

a vehicle controller configured to control operation of the vehicle;

the removable component system of claim 1;

wherein the mounting surface is a floor of the vehicle;

the removable component is a vehicle seat; and is

The system controller is in communication with and/or integrated with the vehicle controller.

15. The vehicle of claim 14, wherein the removable component system comprises a vehicle safety device disposed in a fixed manner relative to the vehicle; and is

The system controller is configured to control the vehicle safety device based at least in part on a position and/or orientation of the removable component.

16. A vehicle, comprising:

a vehicle controller configured to control operation of the vehicle; and

the removable component system of claim 3;

wherein the mounting surface is a floor of the vehicle;

the removable component comprises a security device;

the removable component is a vehicle seat; and is

17. The vehicle of claim 16, wherein at least one of the plurality of additional removable components comprises an additional safety device; and is

The removable component system includes a vehicle safety device disposed in a fixed manner relative to the vehicle.

18. The vehicle of claim 17, wherein the system controller is configured to acquire collision information and provide the collision information to a component controller of the component electrical unit of the removable component; and is

The component controller is configured to control the safety device in accordance with the collision information, the position of the removable component, and the positions of the plurality of additional removable components.

19. The vehicle of claim 18, wherein the system controller is configured to control the vehicle safety device as a function of the collision information, the position of the removable component, and the position and orientation of the plurality of additional removable components.

20. A method of operating the removable component system of claim 1, the method comprising:

acquiring a position and orientation of the removable component;

obtaining information about any child seats in the removable component system;

creating a virtual system model of the removable component system, the system model including models of the removable component, one or more security devices, and the mounting surface;

acquiring collision information from one or more collision sensors; and

controlling the one or more safety devices as a function of the position of the removable component, the orientation of the removable component, the crash information, and the information about any child seats.