GB2546133A

GB2546133A - Adaptive element

Info

Publication number: GB2546133A
Application number: GB1618294.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jo Eunhee; James Sam; Hoggarth Marcus
Original assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Current assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2016-01-06
Filing date: 2016-01-06
Publication date: 2017-07-12
Also published as: GB2546077A; GB201600184D0; GB201618294D0; GB2546077B

Abstract

An adaptive element 109 comprising: a carbon fibre layer 129; a heating element 131 configured to heat the carbon fibre layer in one or more regions to cause the adaptive element to change in shape; and a radiant thermal barrier 137 configured to reduce the transfer of thermal energy from at least one of: the first heating element to the environment surrounding the adaptive support element by reflecting thermal energy of the first heating element towards the carbon fibre layer; and the environment surrounding the adaptive element to the carbon fibre layer by reflecting thermal energy away from the carbon fibre layer. The adaptive element may comprise a second heating element 145 spaced from the first heating element wherein the thermal barrier is configured to reflect thermal energy from the second heating element away from the carbon fibre layer. In one embodiment, the adaptive element is used within a vehicle seat to adapt the shape of the seat.

Description

Adaptive Element

This disclosure relates to an adaptive element comprising a carbon fibre layer, a heating element configured to heat the carbon fibre layer to cause the adaptive element to change shape, and a thermal barrier configured to reduce the transfer of thermal energy between the first heating element and the environment surrounding the adaptive element. The adaptive element may form a component of a vehicle, such as an article of vehicle furniture.

Introduction

An article of vehicle furniture, for example a seat, a bed or a table, can be configured in a large number of ways according to the desired purpose and category of the vehicle. For example, the vehicle may be a luxury vehicle where spacious and comfortable vehicle furniture configurations are desirable. In another example, where the vehicle is a family vehicle, it is desirable to be able to re-configure the vehicle furniture to accommodate a different number of people or provide different load space configurations depending on the desired use of the vehicle.

It is difficult therefore to configure the vehicle furniture to meet the needs of an entire spectrum of individuals that may use a single vehicle. For example, where the vehicle is a communal vehicle such as a hire car, a first individual who uses the vehicle may wish to configure the vehicle for maximum comfort, whereas a second individual may wish to maximise the number of occupants that are able to be seated in the vehicle. As a result, an automotive manufacturer may have to provide a larger number of vehicles and/or furniture configurations in order to meet the market requirements. Even within similar vehicle categories, it is desirable to configure the vehicle furniture to suit the physical characteristics of a large number of individuals. For example, the position of a vehicle seat may be adapted to suit a range of differently sized individuals.

Furthermore, especially with the advent of semi- and fully-autonomous vehicles, it is desirable to be able to change the layout of the vehicle furniture, for example during a journey, to suit the requirements of the individuals using the vehicle on that journey.

Statements of Invention

According to an arrangement of the present disclosure there is provided an adaptive element comprising: a carbon fibre layer; a heating element configured to heat the carbon fibre layer in one or more regions to cause the adaptive element to change in shape; and a thermal barrier configured to mitigate the transfer of thermal energy from at least one of: the first heating element to the environment surrounding the adaptive element; and the environment surrounding the adaptive element to the carbon fibre layer. This change in shape may, for example, comprise a change in curvature of all or part of the adaptive element.

The thermal barrier may be applied directly to one or more surfaces of the carbon fibre layer. For example, the thermal barrier may comprise a sheet of material bonded to a surface portion of the carbon fibre layer. The thermal barrier may be provided in between the first heating element and the environment surrounding the adaptive element.

The thermal barrier may be configured to reflect the thermal energy of the heating element towards the carbon fibre layer. For example, where the heating element is provided in between the carbon fibre layer and the thermal barrier, the thermal barrier may be configured to redirect any thermal energy that would have otherwise been transferred to the environment back towards the carbon fibre layer. In this manner, the efficiency of the adaptive element may be increased.

The adaptive element may comprise a second heating element spaced apart from the first heating element. The second heating element may be configured to provide thermal energy to one or more portions of the adaptive element other than the carbon fibre element. The intended function of the first and second heating elements may be mutually exclusive. The thermal barrier may be configured to reflect thermal energy, for example from the second heating element, away from the carbon fibre layer.

The thermal barrier may comprise a radiant barrier. The thermal barrier may comprise a conductive barrier. The thermal barrier may comprise a convective barrier. The thermal barrier may comprises a surface coating applied to at least a portion of the adaptive element. For example, the thermal barrier may be applied to at least one of the carbon fibre layer, the first heating element and the second heating element.

According to another arrangement of the present disclosure there is provided an article of vehicle furniture having one or more adaptive elements each comprising: a carbon fibre layer; and at least one first heating element configured to heat the carbon fibre layer in one or more regions to cause the adaptive element to change shape. This change in shape may, for example, comprise a change in curvature of all or part of the adaptive element.

In the context of the present disclosure, the term “vehicle furniture” is understood to mean any appropriate furniture that can be used to make the interior and/or exterior of the vehicle suitable for being occupied/used by one or more individuals. The vehicle furniture may, for example, be a seat, a bench, a headrest, an armrest, a footrest, a table, and/or a desk. The adaptive element may be configured to support a part of the body of an occupant of the vehicle.

The article of vehicle furniture may comprise at least two adaptive elements arranged adjacent to one another. The article of vehicle furniture may comprise at least two elements spaced apart from each another.

The adaptive element may be elongate. For example, the adaptive element may comprise a discrete strip. A plurality of these strips may be connected together to form a portion of an article of vehicle furniture. For example, a plurality of the strips may be connected together to form a seat base, a seat back, a bed, a footrest, a headrest, an armrest and/or a table.

The adaptive element may comprise a body portion having a longitudinal axis. The adaptive element may be configured to change in shape along the longitudinal axis of the body portion.

The article of vehicle furniture may have a first adaptive element configured to change in shape by a first amount. The article of vehicle furniture may have a second adaptive element configured to change in shape by a second amount. The shapes of the first adaptive element and the second adaptive element may define an overall shape of the article of vehicle furniture, for example the shape may comprise a curvature with at least a component in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body portion.

The article of vehicle furniture may comprise one or more intermediate elements. The intermediate element may be provided next to at least one adaptive element and/or in between a plurality of adaptive elements. The adaptive elements and the intermediate elements may be arranged in an alternating manner. The intermediate elements may be configured to follow the shape of the adaptive elements. The intermediate elements may be passive, for example the intermediate elements may be configured to follow the shape of the adaptive elements simply by virtue of being coupled to adaptive elements.

The adaptive element may have a dimension in the range of approximately 20 to 100 mm in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body portion. The adaptive element may have a dimension of 60 mm in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body portion.

The adaptive element may be provided in a lumbar region of a vehicular seat. The adaptive element may be configured to change the radius of curvature of the lumbar region within a range of approximately 180 to 300 mm.

The adaptive element may extend at least partially across the article of vehicle furniture, i.e. laterally. The adaptive element may extend at least partially along the article of vehicle furniture, i.e. longitudinally.

The adaptive element may comprise a thermal barrier configured to reduce the transfer of thermal energy, for example from the first heating element to the environment surrounding the adaptive element and/or from the environment surrounding the adaptive element to the carbon fibre layer.

The thermal barrier may be provided in between the carbon fibre layer and an individual using the furniture. The thermal barrier may be configured to reduce the transfer of thermal energy from the first heating element to the individual. The thermal barrier may be configured to reduce the transfer of thermal energy from the individual to the carbon fibre layer.

The adaptive element may comprise a second heating element configured to heat the article of vehicle furniture, for example a supporting surface of the adaptive element. The second heating element may be a heating element of a heated seat. The thermal barrier may be configured to reduce the transfer of thermal energy from the second heating element to the carbon fibre layer. The thermal barrier may comprise a radiant barrier. The radiant barrier may be configured to reflect the thermal energy of the first heating element towards the carbon fibre layer. The thermal barrier may comprise a heat barrier, which reduces the transfer of heat between the first heating element and a supporting surface of the adaptive element. The thermal barrier may comprise a surface coating, for example a thermal barrier coating, applied to the carbon fibre layer.

The adaptive element may comprise a position sensor configured to detect the shape of the carbon fibre layer. The adaptive element may comprise a pressure sensor configured to detect the pressure distribution along the adaptive element. The adaptive element may comprise a temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of the adaptive element, for example a support surface and/or an occupant-contacting surface of the adaptive element.

The article of vehicle furniture may comprise a controller configured to adjust the shape of the carbon fibre layer, for example the controller may be configured to adjust the input to the first heating element to control the shape of the carbon fibre layer. The controller may be configured to receive one or more signals from at least one of the pressure sensor, the temperature sensor and the position sensor. The controller may be configured to adjust the shape of the carbon fibre layer in response to a signal from at least one of the position sensor, the pressure sensor and the temperature sensor.

According to another arrangement, there is provided a vehicle comprising at least one of the above mentioned articles of vehicle furniture.

According to another arrangement, there is provided method of adapting the shape of an article of vehicle furniture, the article of vehicle furniture having one or more adaptive elements each comprising: a carbon fibre layer; and at least one heating element configured to heat the carbon fibre layer in one or more regions, the method comprising: heating the carbon fibre layer to cause the adaptive elements to change shape. This change in shape may, for example, comprise a change in curvature of all or part of the adaptive element.

The method may comprise determining the pressure distribution applied to the adaptive element using one or more pressure sensors. The method may comprise changing the shape of the adaptive element in response to the pressure distribution.

The method may comprise determining the temperature distribution along the adaptive element using one or more temperature sensors. The method may comprise changing the shape of the adaptive element in response to the temperature distribution.

In the context of the present disclosure, the term “carbon fibre” is used to mean carbon fibre-reinforced polymer, i.e. a composite material having carbon fibre strands bound in a thermoset resin, such as epoxy.

To avoid unnecessary duplication of effort and repetition of text in the specification, certain features are described in relation to only one or several aspects or arrangements of the disclosure. However, it is to be understood that, where it is technically possible, features described in relation to any aspect or arrangement of the disclosure may also be used with any other aspect or arrangement of the disclosure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the present disclosure, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1A to 1C each show an article of vehicle furniture having an adaptive element; Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the adaptive element; and

Figure 3 shows the article of vehicle furniture having adapted to the shape of a vehicle driver’s back.

Detailed Description

Figures 1A to 1C each show the interior of a vehicle 101 that is provided with articles of vehicle furniture 103. In the arrangements shown in figures 1A to 1C, the vehicle 101 is a car having a front seat 105 and a rear seat 107. However, the vehicle 101 may be any appropriate type of vehicle, such as a van, a truck, a lorry, a motorcycle, an aircraft, or a water-borne vehicle. The vehicle furniture 103 may be any appropriate type of furniture and may be configured to be installed to the interior of the vehicle 101. For example, the articles of vehicle furniture 103 may be any appropriate articles that can be used to make the interior of the vehicle 101 suitable for being occupied by one or more individuals, such as seats, headrests, armrests, footrests, tables, and/or desks. Additionally or alternatively, the vehicle furniture 103 may be installed to the exterior of the vehicle 103, for example the vehicle furniture 103 may be a motorcycle seat, or a bench seat installed on the deck of a vessel.

Figures 1A to 1C show three different configurations of the vehicle furniture 103 comprising a plurality of adaptive elements in the form of adaptive support elements 109 for forming a vehicle seat. It is understood, however, that the present disclosure is not limited to those configurations shown in figures 1A to 1C and that the articles of vehicle furniture 103 may be configured in any appropriate manner according to the configuration of the vehicle 101 to which the vehicle furniture 103 is installed.

Figure 1A shows a first configuration of the vehicle furniture 103 in which the front seat 105 is configured to seat two occupants, for example a driver 111 and a passenger 113, in a forward-facing position. The rear seat 107 is configured in a similar manner to the front seat 105 such that any passengers that occupy the rear seat 107 are also in a forward-facing position.

Figure 1B shows an arrangement in which the vehicle furniture 103 has adapted from the first configuration shown in figure 1A to a second configuration. In figure 1B, the front seat 105 is configured to seat a first occupant, for example the driver 111, in a forward-facing position, and a second occupant, for example the passenger 113, in a rear-facing position. The rear seat 107 of figure 1B is configured in a similar manner to the rear seat of figure 1A such that any passengers that occupy the rear seat 107 are in a forward-facing position. In this manner, the passenger 113 in the rear-facing portion of the front seat 105 is able to sit facing the passengers in the rear seat 107. A change between the first configuration of figure 1A and the second configuration of figure 1B is brought about by a change in curvature of the adaptive support elements 109 that form an upper portion 115, for example a back portion, of the front seat 105. In the arrangement shown in figure 1A, the adaptive support elements 109 have a curvature that provides two discrete recessed portions 117A, 117B of the back portion 115, that are configured to provide a seating location for the driver 111 and the passenger 113, respectively. In the arrangement shown in figure 1B, the adaptive support elements 109 have changed in curvature such that the configuration of the recessed portion 117B has changed to seat the passenger 113 in the opposite direction to that shown in figure 1A. In other words, the adaptive support elements 109 have changed in curvature to redefine how the interior of the vehicle 101 may be used. In doing so, the orientation of the passenger seat of the front seat 105 has changed from a forward-facing position to a rear-facing position.

Figure 1C shows an arrangement in which the vehicle furniture 103 has adapted from the second configuration shown in figure 1B to a third configuration. In figure 1C, the front seat 105 is configured to seat a first occupant, for example the driver 111, in a forward-facing position, and a second occupant, for example the passenger 113 (not shown), in a rear-facing position. The rear seat 107 is configured to seat another passenger in a position facing the passenger 113 in the front seat 105, and to provide a supporting surface, for example a table 119, next to the other passenger on which items may be placed. However, it is understood that the configuration of the vehicle furniture 103 may change in any appropriate sequence and/or by any appropriate amount from those arrangements shown in figures 1A to 1C. For example, the vehicle furniture 103 may change directly between the configuration shown in figure 1A and the configuration shown in figure 1C, and/or between one or more further arrangements depending upon the desired use of the vehicle interior. A change between the second configuration of figure 1B and the third configuration of figure 1C is brought about by a change in curvature of the adaptive support elements 109 that form a lower portion 121, for example a seat portion, of the rear seat 107. In the arrangement shown in figure 1B, the adaptive support elements 109 have a curvature that provides two discrete recessed portions that are each configured to provide a seating location for a passenger 113. In the arrangement shown in figure 1C, the adaptive support elements 109 of the lower portion 121 have changed in curvature such that the curvature of one of the recessed portions is in the opposite direction to that shown in figure 1B. In other words, the adaptive support elements 109 have changed in curvature from a form that provides two recessed portions, to a form that provides a single recessed portion 123A configured to seat a passenger 113, and a projected portion 123B configured to provide a supporting surface, which in the case of figure 1C is a table.

Whilst it is not shown in figures 1A to 1C, it is understood that the lower portion of the front seat 105 may comprise one or more of the adaptive support elements 109. Similarly, the upper portion of the rear seat 107 may comprise one or more of the adaptive support elements 109. Indeed, any appropriate portion of the vehicle furniture 103 may comprise one or more of the adaptive support elements 109. For example, a headrest 125 attached to the upper portions 115 of the front and rear seats 105, 107 and/or an armrest 127 may comprise one or more of the adaptive support elements 109.

In order to effect the change in form of the vehicle furniture 103, in a first arrangement each of the adaptive support elements 109 comprises a carbon fibre layer 129 and a first heating element 131, as shown in figure 2. The first heating element 131 is configured to heat the carbon fibre layer 129 in one or more regions to cause the adaptive support element 109 to change in curvature. For example, the heating element 131 may be provided in one or more discrete regions on and/or in the carbon fibre layer 129 such that the heating element 131 is able to apply thermal energy to the carbon fibre layer 129. In this manner, discrete regions of the carbon fibre layer 129 may be heated to cause the carbon fibre layer 129 to bend in those regions to which thermal energy is applied.

As shown in figure 2, the adaptive support element 109 may be a laminate structure comprising at least the carbon fibre layer 129 and the first heating element 131. In this arrangement, the carbon fibre layer 129 is an elongate strip and the first heating element 131 is positioned against a front face 133 of the carbon fibre layer 129. The carbon fibre layer 129 may however have any appropriate configuration and the first heating element 131 may be positioned against one or more appropriate faces of the carbon fibre layer 129.

The adaptive support element 109 may comprise at least one further layer and/or further components depending on its intended use. For example, where the adaptive support element 109 forms a portion of a seat, the adaptive support element 109 may have a padding layer to increase the comfort of the seat. Additionally or alternatively, where the adaptive support element 109 is configured for outdoor use, the adaptive support element 109 may have a protective layer configured to protect the adaptive support element 109 against exposure to the environment.

In the arrangement shown in figure 2, the adaptive support element 109 comprises a backing layer 135, a thermal barrier 137 and a padding layer 139. The backing layer 135 may for example comprise a layer of polymeric material and may be used to protect one or more portions of the adaptive support element 109. For example, the backing layer 135 may be used to protect one or more electrical connections of the adaptive support element 109. The adaptive support element 109 may also comprise a position sensor 141 configured to determine the amount of curvature of the adaptive support element 109. In figure 2, the position sensor 141 is configured to engage a rear face 143 of the carbon fibre layer 129, however, the position sensor 141 may have any appropriate configuration. For example, the position sensor 141 may be integrated into the carbon fibre layer 129 during its manufacture, for example by over moulding the position sensor 141 when a polymeric resin is added to the carbon fibre material to form the carbon fibre layer 129.

In the arrangement shown in figure 2, the thermal barrier 137 is provided against the front face 133 of the carbon fibre layer 129 such that it is located in between the carbon fibre layer 129 and the padding layer 139. In this manner, the thermal barrier 137 is located in between the first heating element 131 and an occupant of the vehicle furniture 103 when using the vehicle furniture 103. However, the thermal barrier 137 may be provided at any appropriate portion of the carbon fibre layer 129 to mitigate the transfer of thermal energy.

The thermal barrier 137 may be any appropriate type of barrier that reduces the transfer of thermal energy from a portion of the adaptive support element 109. For example, the thermal barrier 137 may be a barrier configured to reduce the transfer of energy by thermal radiation, conduction and/or convection. In figure 2, the thermal barrier 137 comprises a reflective insulator configured to minimise the transfer of thermal energy from the first heating element 131 to the environment surrounding the adaptive support element 109. This is advantageous as it reduces the amount by which the environment surrounding the adaptive support element 109 is heated as a result of the operation of the first heating element 131 when heating the carbon fibre layer 129 to effect a curvature change of the vehicle furniture 103. For example, the thermal barrier 137 may help to prevent the first heating element 131 acting to heat an occupant of the vehicle furniture 103, an item placed on the vehicle furniture 103 and/or one or more other components of the adaptive support element 109.

The thermal barrier 137 may be configured to reflect the thermal energy released from the first heating element towards the carbon fibre layer 129. For example, the thermal barrier shown in figure 2 has a reflective insulator configured to redirect thermal energy released from the first heating element back towards the carbon fibre layer 129. In this manner, the efficiency of the first heating element 131 is increased as the thermal barrier 137 reduces the amount of heat lost to the environment. This is beneficial as it may cause the carbon fibre layer 129 to change in curvature at a faster rate and/or by a greater amount compared to an arrangement without the thermal barrier 137.

The thermal barrier 137 may be configured to reduce the transfer of thermal energy from the environment surrounding the adaptive support element 109 to the carbon fibre layer 129. For example, where the vehicle furniture 103 is occupied by a passenger, the thermal barrier 137 may be configured to reduce the amount of thermal energy from the passenger’s body that is transferred to the carbon fibre layer 129. In this manner, the thermal barrier 137 can help prevent an inadvertent change in curvature of the carbon fibre layer 129 as a result of an occupant of the vehicle furniture 103 heating the carbon fibre layer 129.

The adaptive support element 109 may comprise a second heating element 145 configured to heat the vehicle furniture 103 and, as a result, an occupant of the furniture 103. For example, the second heating element 145 may be the heating element of a heated seat for a vehicle. Where the adaptive support element 109 comprises the second heating element 145, the thermal barrier may be configured to mitigate the transfer of thermal energy from the second heating element 145 to the carbon fibre layer 129. For example, the thermal barrier 137 may be configured to reduce the amount of thermal energy from the second heating element 145 that is transferred to the carbon fibre layer 129 when the second heating element 145 is active (or has recently been active). In this manner, the thermal barrier 137 can help prevent an inadvertent change in curvature of the carbon fibre layer 129 as a result of thermal energy released from the second heating element 145.

In another arrangement, the thermal barrier may be a surface treatment, for example a thermal barrier coating that is applied to one or more portions of the adaptive support element 109. For example, the surface treatment may be applied to one or more portions of the carbon fibre layer 129, such as a surface of the carbon fibre layer 129 to which the first heating element 131 has already been applied. Alternatively or additionally, the surface treatment may be applied directly to the first heating element 131.

The adaptive support element 109 may comprise one or more pressure sensors configured to determine the pressure distribution along the adaptive support element 109, for example when a passenger is seated on the vehicle furniture 103. The adaptive support element 109 may comprise a controller (not shown) that is configured to adjust the curvature of one or more of the adaptive support elements 109 in response to a signal from the pressure senor. In this manner, the present disclosure provides a feedback method to adjust the curvature of the vehicle furniture 103 automatically depending on the pressure distribution along the adaptive support element. Such a method may be advantageous in providing improved support to a body portion of an occupant, for example improved lumbar support to the driver 111 of the vehicle 101 when seated.

Figure 3 shows a cross sectional view of the front seat 105 and a side view of the driver 111 of the vehicle when seated in the front seat 105. Figure 3 also shows a lumbar support region 147 of the front seat 105, which has a radius of curvature R and a distance D from the lower portion 121 of the front seat 105. It is understood that the radius of curvature R and the distance D will be different values depending on the physical characteristics of the driver 111. For example, a lumbar support region 147 for a small person will be positioned closer to the lower portion 121 of the front seat 105 and will have a smaller radius of curvature R, when compared to a larger person. As a result, it is desirable to be able to adjust the position D and the curvature R of the lumbar support region 147.

In figure 3, each of the adaptive support elements 109 are arranged adjacent to one another. For example, where the vehicle furniture 103 is the rear seat 107 as shown in figures 1A to 1C, the adaptive support elements 109 are arranged laterally across the rear seat 107, extending in an uninterrupted row along the depth of the lower portion 121 of the seat 107 and along the height of the back portion 115 of the seat 107. In this manner, the adaptive support elements 109 are arranged such that the form of the vehicle furniture 103 is changeable across the full extent of its usable surface.

However, in other arrangements, the adaptive support elements 109 may be provided in one or more discrete regions of the vehicle furniture 103. For example, where the vehicle furniture 103 comprises a bed, the adaptive support elements 103 may be provided in head-support region of the bed so that the occupant of the bed is able to set a desired support profile.

In other arrangements, at least one intermediate element may be provided in between two adjacent adaptive support elements 109. The intermediate element may be configured to follow, for example passively adapt to, the form of the adaptive support elements 109 which it is adjacent to. For example, the vehicle furniture 103 may be configured such that the adaptive support elements 109 and the intermediate elements are arranged in an alternating manner.

In the arrangement shown in figure 3, each of the adaptive support elements 109 are independently changeable in curvature along their longitudinal axis A-A. In other words, a first adaptive support element 109A may have a different curvature along its longitudinal axis A-A compared to a second adaptive support element 109B. As a result, the overall curvature and form of the vehicle furniture 103 may be determined by the curvatures of respective adaptive support elements 109. For example, the radius of curvature R of the lumbar region 147 may be adjusted within a range of approximately 180 to 300 mm depending on the physical characteristics of the driver 111. The distance D of the centre of the radius of curvature from the lower portion 121 may be adjusted in a corresponding manner.

The width of a supporting surface of the adaptive support element 109, for example in a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal axis A-A, may be selected depending upon the magnitude of the range of curvature to which the vehicle furniture 103 is configured to adapt. For example, where the vehicle furniture 103 is configured to adapt to a curvature range of 180 to 300 mm corresponding to the lumbar support region 147 of a seat, the width of the supporting surface may be approximately 60 mm. In this manner, the vehicle furniture 103 is configured such that the adaptive support elements 109 are arranged to provide the necessary resolution to adapt to the required curvature range, which in this case is determined by data regarding the curvature of the human spine. It is understood, however, that the adaptive support elements 109 may have any appropriate dimension and/or be arranged in any appropriate manner so that they are able to adapt over a required range of curvature. For example, where the vehicle furniture 103 is the headrest 125, the adaptive support elements 109 may have a smaller width, for example 10 mm, so that, when combined with one another, the adaptive support elements 109 are able to provide a higher curvature resolution in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of each individual adaptive support element 109.

The present disclosure therefore provides an article of vehicle furniture 103 and an associated method of configuring the form of the article of vehicle furniture 103 depending on the physical characteristics of the driver 111 and/or one or more passengers 113. One advantage of the present disclosure is that the article of vehicle furniture 103 need not comprise any mechanical linkages or articulated components in order to adapt the form of the vehicle furniture 103. Indeed, the change in form of the vehicle furniture is brought about by the controlled application of thermal energy to the carbon fibre layer 129 of respective adaptive support elements 109. Furthermore, where the adaptive support elements 109 comprise one or more pressure sensors, the controller may be configured to adjust the curvature of each of the adaptive support elements 109 in order to reposition and/or change the radius of curvature R of the lumbar support region 147 in response to the output from the pressure sensors. However, it is understood that the method may comprise adjusting the curvature and/or form of any appropriate region of the vehicle furniture 103 in addition to or instead of the lumbar region 147.

Additional Statements of Invention

Statement 1. An adaptive element comprising: a carbon fibre layer; a heating element configured to heat the carbon fibre layer in one or more regions to cause the adaptive element to change shape; and a thermal barrier configured to reduce the transfer of thermal energy from at least one of: the first heating element to the environment surrounding the adaptive support element; and the environment surrounding the adaptive support element to the carbon fibre layer.

Statement 2. An adaptive element according to statement 1, wherein the thermal barrier is applied directly to one or more surfaces of the carbon fibre layer.

Statements. An adaptive element according to statement 1 or 2, wherein the thermal barrier comprises a radiant barrier configured to reflect the thermal energy of the heating element towards the carbon fibre layer.

Statement 4. An adaptive element according to any of the preceding statements, wherein the adaptive element comprises a second heating element spaced apart from the first heating element.

Statement 5. An adaptive element according to statement 4, wherein the thermal barrier is configured to reflect the thermal energy from the second heating element away from the carbon fibre layer.

Statements. An adaptive element according to any of the preceding statements, wherein the thermal barrier comprises a radiant barrier.

Statement 7. An adaptive element according to any of the preceding statements, wherein the thermal barrier comprises a conductive barrier.

Statement 8. An adaptive element according to any of the preceding statements, wherein the thermal barrier comprises a convective barrier.

Statement 9. An adaptive element according to any of the preceding statements, wherein the thermal barrier comprises a surface coating applied to the carbon fibre layer.

Statement 10. An adaptive element according to any of the preceding statements, wherein the thermal barrier is provided in between the first heating element and the environment surrounding the adaptive support element.

Statement 11. A vehicle incorporating an adaptive element as claimed in any preceding statement.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that although the disclosure has been described by way of example with reference to one or more arrangements, it is not limited to the disclosed arrangements and that alternative arrangements could be constructed without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An adaptive element comprising: a carbon fibre layer; a heating element configured to heat the carbon fibre layer in one or more regions to cause the adaptive element to change shape; and a thermal barrier comprising a radiant barrier, the thermal barrier being configured to reduce the transfer of thermal energy from at least one of: the first heating element to the environment surrounding the adaptive support element by reflecting thermal energy of the first heating element towards the carbon fibre layer; and the environment surrounding the adaptive element to the carbon fibre layer by reflecting thermal energy away from the carbon fibre layer.

2. An adaptive element according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the adaptive element comprises a second heating element spaced apart from the first heating element.

3. An adaptive element according to claim 2, wherein the thermal barrier is configured to reflect the thermal energy from the second heating element away from the carbon fibre layer.

4. An adaptive element according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the thermal barrier comprises a conductive barrier.

5. An adaptive element according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the thermal barrier comprises a convective barrier.

6. An adaptive element according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the thermal barrier comprises a surface coating applied to the carbon fibre layer.

7. An adaptive element according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the thermal barrier is provided in between the first heating element and the environment surrounding the adaptive element.

8. A vehicle incorporating an adaptive element as claimed in any preceding claim.

9. An adaptive element as described herein, with reference to, and as shown in the accompanying drawings.