WO2022241015A1

WO2022241015A1 - Electroactive polymer seat

Info

Publication number: WO2022241015A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/028807
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christian Smith
Original assignee: Polestar Performance Ab; Polestar Automotive Usa Inc.
Priority date: 2021-05-12
Filing date: 2022-05-11
Publication date: 2022-11-17

Abstract

A motor vehicle seat configured to actively conform to a user, including a rigid shell configured to serve as a foundation for the vehicle seat, an electrode spine, a plurality of electroactive polymer cells configured to operably couple the electrode spine to the rigid shell, and an electronic control unit configured to selectively provide electric stimulation to the plurality of electroactive polymer cells, wherein each of the plurality of electroactive polymer cells are configured to transition from an un-energized, resting state to an energized, at least partially actuated state upon the receipt of electric stimulation via the electronic control unit, thereby actively changing a shape of the electrode spine to conform to a user.

Description

ELECTROACTIVE POLYMER SEAT

RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION This application claims the benefit of U S. Provisional Application No. 63/201,775 filed May 12, 2021, the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a seat for a motor vehicle, and more particularly to a dynamic motor vehicle seat including a conformable electrode spine configured to deliver electrical signals to a plurality of electroactive polymer cells to provide variable support to a user resting on the motor vehicle seat.

BACKGROUND

Fypical automobile seating includes various adjustment mechanisms that can include lumbar supports, adjustable bolsters, and other adjustment mechanisms configured to provide comfortable support to the posture of occupants of the vehicle. Conventional adjustment mechanisms can include actuation knobs or levers, cable to translate tension or compression from an actuation mechanism, and other parts in support of these components to move or adjust stiffness of portions of the seat surface or seatback (collectively referred to as the seat contact surface). Additionally, some conventional vehicle seats can include a chamber or bladder which can be filled with a pressure medium (e.g., compressed air), so that a contour of the seat contact surface can be changed or adjusted.

It is often desirable to make adjustments to the various adjustment mechanisms in order to accommodate passenger comfort or to address safety considerations. Manual changes take time and typically require active participation by the user. Preprogrammed options for seat adjustments are useful; however, such preprogrammed options do not address the need for quick changes that may be required for safety considerations. Moreover, although conventional 2 automobile seating may include various sensors, adjustment of the seat contact surface is adjusted in the blind without any integrated feedback regarding a fit of the seat contact surface to a user positioned on the vehicle seat. The present disclosure addresses these concerns. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a motor vehicle seat including a conformable electrode spine configured to control and coordinate the movement of a plurality of electroactive polymer cells positioned in proximity to the electrode spine and portions of the seat contact surface. The electrode spine can include multiple rigid interlocking components, like vertebrae, such that the electrode spine can be conformed to a contour of an occupant positioned in the vehicle seat via actuation of the electroactive polymer cells. In this manner, the electroactive polymer cells can act like muscles pulling the electrode spine into a desired shape. In some embodiments, the vehicle seat can further include a plurality of spinal ribs branching off from the electrode spine to provide lateral support across the seat contact surface. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure enable any occupant to achieve more optimal driving positions with desired support, according to their body shape. As the electroactive polymer cells can additionally serve as sensors configured to sense a pressure exerted by the user on the seat contact surface, enabling the vehicle seat to monitor a position of the occupant with integrated feedback regarding a fit of the seat contact surface to the user, as well as to provide haptic feedback during certain events. Moreover, as a passive benefit, with the ability of the electroactive polymer cells to actuate within milliseconds, the vehicle seat can rapidly adapt to enable better occupant positioning in the event of a crash.

One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a motor vehicle seat configured to actively conform to a user, including a rigid shell configured to serve as a foundation for the vehicle seat, an electrode spine, a plurality of electroactive polymer cells configured to operably couple the electrode spine to the rigid shell, and an electronic control unit configured to selectively provide electric stimulation to the plurality of electroactive polymer cells, wherein each of the plurality of electroactive polymer cells are configured to transition from an un energized, resting state to an energized, at least partially actuated state upon the receipt of 3 electric stimulation via the electronic control unit, thereby actively changing a shape of the electrode spine to conform to a user.

In one embodiment, the electrode spine comprises a plurality of interlocking members, the interlocking members selectively repositionable relative to one another. In one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of interlocking members is operably coupled to an adjacent interlocking member via a ball and socket joint. In one embodiment, the electrode spine is conformable along and x-and y-axis, with a substantially fixed dimension along a z-axis. In one embodiment, the electrode spine comprises a plurality of electrically conductive elements configured to electrically couple the electroactive polymer cells to the electronic control unit.

In one embodiment, the vehicle seat further includes one or more pairs of ribs extending laterally outward from the electrode spine. In one embodiment, the one or more pairs of ribs are generally curved to conform to natural contours of a human body. In one embodiment, the electrode spine is configured to provide an adjustable, rigid support structure to provide support orthogonal to a contacting surface of the vehicle seat substantially vertically along a center of the contacting surface, and the one or more pairs of ribs extending the support laterally outward from the center of the contacting surface, thereby providing a selectively adjustable, locking base for the contacting surface.

In one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of electroactive polymer cells comprises a multilayered electroactive polymer, having a structure in which a plurality of thin polymer layers are laminated on top of each other, with alternatively interposing driving electrodes having different electrical potentials positioned therebetween. In one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of electroactive polymer cells is configured to act as a pressure sensor. In one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of electroactive polymer cells is configured to provide haptic feedback to a user positioned on the vehicle seat.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a motor vehicle seat configured to actively conform to a user, including a rigid shell configured to serve as a foundation for the vehicle seat, an electrode spine, a plurality of electroactive polymer cells configured to operably couple the electrode spine to the rigid shell, and an electronic control unit configured to selectively provide electric stimulation to the plurality of electroactive polymer cells, wherein 4 each of the plurality of electroactive polymer cells are configured to serve as both an actuator configured to transition from an un-energized state to an energized, at least partially actuated state upon the receipt of electric stimulation via the electronic control unit, and a pressure sensor configured to sense a pressure exerted upon a contacting surface of the vehicle seat.

In one embodiment, the electronic control unit is configured to modify an applied voltage to each of the plurality of electroactive polymer cells until each of the plurality of electroactive polymer cells senses a desired reference pressure or close approximation thereto. In one embodiment, the electrode spine comprises a plurality of interlocking members, the interlocking members selectively repositionable relative to one another.

In one embodiment, the vehicle seat further includes one or more pairs of ribs extending laterally outward from the electrode spine. In one embodiment, the electrode spine is configured to provide an adjustable, rigid support structure to provide support orthogonal to a contacting surface of the vehicle seat substantially vertically along a center of the contacting surface, and the one or more pairs of ribs extend the support laterally outward from the center of the contacting surface, thereby providing a selectively adjustable base for the contacting surface.

In one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of electroactive polymer cells comprises a multilayered electroactive polymer, having a structure in which a plurality of thin polymer layers are laminated on top of each other, with alternatively interposing driving electrodes have different electrical potentials positioned therebetween. In one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of electroactive polymer cells is configured to provide haptic feedback to a user positioned on the vehicle seat.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a self-conforming motor vehicle seat configured to support the back of a user during extraction from a vehicle following a vehicle crash, including a rigid shell configured to serve as a foundation for the vehicle seat, an electrode spine, a plurality of electroactive polymer cells configured to operably couple the electrode spine to the rigid shell, an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to selectively provide electric stimulation to the plurality of electroactive polymer cells, and an external power supply port, wherein a power supply is selectively coupleable to the electronic control unit via the external power supply port, thereby enabling the vehicle seat to be extracted from the vehicle 5 while maintaining the plurality of electroactive polymer cells in at least a partially actuated state to provide support to the back of the user. In one embodiment, the ECU is configured to actuate the electroactive polymer cells to a desired position in the event of a detected vehicle crash.

The summary above is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. The figures and the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure can be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the disclosure, in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view depicting a dynamic vehicle seat configured to actively conform to the shape of a user, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view depicting components of a dynamic vehicle seat configured to actively conform to the shape of a user, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram depicting a system for dynamic vehicle seat control, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart depicting a set of rules for dynamic vehicle seat control, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

While embodiments of the disclosure are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof shown by way of example in the drawings will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter as defined by the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a motor vehicle seat 100 configured to rapidly conform to a shape of a user and receive feedback regarding pressure exerted by the user upon a contacting surface of 6 the vehicle seat 100 is depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the vehicle seat 100 can include a substantially rigid shell 102 configured to support the general shape of the vehicle seat 100, and to serve as a foundation or supporting surface for other components of the vehicle seat 100. For example, in some embodiments, the rigid shell 102 can be constructed out of a composite resin, plastic, metal, or other suitable material configured to withstand the forces normally associated with a motor vehicle seat.

With additional reference to FIG. 2, an electrode spine 104 can be operably coupled to the rigid shell 102, for example via a plurality of electroactive polymer cells 106. In some embodiments, the electrode spine 104 can be comprised of a plurality of interlocking members 108, alternatively referred to herein as "vertebrae," thereby enabling the electrode spine 104 as a collection of interlocking members 108 to change in shape or otherwise conform to a wide variety of user body shapes and sizes. In some embodiments, the interlocking members 108 of the electrode spine 104 can be operably coupled together via ball and socket joints or the like. For example, in one embodiment, each of the interlocking members 108 can include a support body defining a ball bearing portion and a socket portion, with the ball bearing portion configured to be received within the socket portion of an adjacent interlocking member 108, thereby enabling adjustment of the electrode spine 104 along the x-and y-axes, with a generally fixed length of the electrode spine 104 along the z-axis; although the use of other coupling joints between the interlocking members 108 is also contemplated.

Each of the interlocking members 108 can be constructed of a rigid material, such as a composite, plastic, metal or other material configured to withstand the forces normally experienced by a motor vehicle seat 100. In some embodiments, the size of the interlocking members 108 can very according to their position along the z-axis of the electrode spine 104, with generally larger interlocking members 108 capable of withstanding larger forces positioned along a central and lower portion of the electrode spine, with generally smaller, lighter weight interlocking members 108 positioned in an upper portion and other areas of the electrode spine likely to experience relatively smaller forces during operation. Accordingly, the interlocking members 108 can collectively be manipulated to conform the electrode spine 104 to the contours of a user seated upon the vehicle seat 100. 7

With continued reference to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the vehicle seat 100 can further include a plurality of ribs 116 branching off from the electrode spine 104 to provide additional lateral support across the vehicle seat 100. Accordingly, as the electrode spine 104 provides an adjustable, rigid support structure configured to generally provide support orthogonal to a contacting surface 118 of the vehicle seat 100 (e ., presenting opposing force along the x-axis) along a center of the vehicle seat 100, the plurality of ribs 116 can extend the support laterally outward from the center of the vehicle seat 100 (e.g., along the y-axis), thereby providing a selectively adjustable, locking base for the contacting surface 118.

As depicted in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the plurality of ribs 116 can be curved to generally conform to the natural contours of a human body (e ., the posterior aspect of the torso, buttocks region, etc.) positioned against the contacting surface 118. For example, in some embodiments, the plurality of ribs 116 can be constructed of a rigid material, such as a composite, plastic, metal or other material configured to withstand the forces normally experienced by the motor vehicle seat 100. In some embodiments, the plurality of ribs 116 can be constructed of a plurality of adjustable interlocking members (not depicted), thereby enabling each of the plurality of ribs 116 to generally change in shape in order to conform to contours of a user positioned on the vehicle seat 100. In other embodiments, each of the plurality of ribs 116, while generally rigid, can have resilient characteristics, enabling the plurality of electroactive polymer cells 106 to generally bend or otherwise deform the plurality of ribs 116 in order to conform to contours of the user positioned on the vehicle seat 100. Other rib 116 configurations are also contemplated.

In embodiments, the electrode spine 104 and plurality of ribs 116 can be operably coupled to the rigid shell 102 via the plurality of electroactive polymer cells 106. For example, in some embodiments, a layer of electroactive polymer cells 106 can be positioned between the electrode spine 104/plurality of ribs 116 and the rigid shell 102, such that the electrode spine 104 and the plurality of ribs 116 are not fixedly coupled to the rigid shell 102. In other embodiments, at least one part of the electrode spine 104 can be anchored to the rigid shell 102, with the majority of the electrode spine 104 and plurality of ribs 116 being supported by the electroactive polymer cells 106. Accordingly, the electroactive polymer cells 106 can act like muscles 8 configured to pull the electrode spine 104 and plurality of ribs 116 into a desired shape. Further, in some embodiments, a second layer of electroactive polymer cells 106 can be positioned between the electrode spine 104/the plurality of ribs 116 and the contacting surface 118, thereby effectively sandwiching the electrode spine 104/the plurality of ribs 116 between layers of electroactive polymer cells 106.

The term "electroactive polymer" generally refers to polymers whose shape can be modified by electric stimulation; however, in a broad sense the term can refer to any polymer whose shape can be modified by chemical or thermal stimulation, in addition to electrical stimulation. Electroactive polymers can be divided into various classes of material, including ionic polymer metal composites, dielectric elastomers, conducting polymers, polymer gel, polyvinylidene fluoride resins, carbon nanotubes, shape memory polymers, etc.

The electroactive polymer cells 106 can actuate or otherwise deform (e.g., change in dimension) along at least one axis. For example, actuation of the electroactive polymer cells 106 can cause a change in dimension along at least one axis by at least 5% of its total length along the respective at least one axis. Accordingly, even relatively small sized electroactive polymer cells 106 can provide a relatively large displacement (e.g., as compared with ceramic piezoelectric actuators having a maximum strain of approximately 0.2%). In embodiments, each of the electroactive polymer cells 106 can be actuated or deformed to any degree along its full actuation spectrum by applying the appropriate electrical stimulation. For example, the electroactive polymer cells 106 can be deformed by a fraction of a percent by applying an electric field of between about 20V/pm and about 150 V/mih, whereas larger displacements (e.g., between about 3% and about 7%) can be affected by applying larger driving voltages.

For improved electrical efficiency, in some embodiments, the electroactive polymer cells 106 can be comprised of a multilayered electroactive polymer, having a structure in which a plurality of thin polymer layers are laminated on top of each other, with alternatively interposing driving electrodes that have different electrical potentials positioned therebetween. That is, in some embodiments, the multilayered electroactive polymer cells 106 can have a plurality of unit layers, each unit layer including a polymer layer formed of electroactive polymer with an active 9 electrode (e.g., formed of another type of conductive polymer) formed on the polymer layer. Other configurations of the electroactive polymer cells 106 are also contemplated.

Accordingly, in a similar way in which a spinal cord of a human body controls and coordinates its movement and activities of the body, the electrode spine 104 controls and coordinates individual electroactive polymer cells 106. Such control and coordination is made possible by sending electrical stimulation signals from an ECU 120 within the base of the vehicle seat 100 to the electrode terminals 114 within the electrode spine 104, in turn controlling movement of the electroactive polymer cells 106. The ribs 106, which branch from the electrode spine 104 (e.g., like the ribs of a human) enable further branching of the electrode terminals. This additional branching enables finer control of the electroactive polymer cells 106, as well as easy in identifying faults within the system 100 in the event of a partial failure.

With an applied electrical stimulation, the electroactive polymer cells 106 can enable the contacting surface 118 of the vehicle seat 100 to change shape, thereby enabling a user to achieve a desired driving position with improved support, according to their body shape. In addition to functioning as a plurality of individual actuators, the electroactive polymer cells 106 can additionally serve as sensors configured to sense a pressure exerted by the user on the seat contacting surface 118, thereby enabling vehicle seat 100 to monitor a position of the user with integrated feedback regarding a fit of the contacting surface 118 to the user, as well as to provide haptic feedback during certain events. In embodiments, electrical stimulation of the electroactive polymer cells 106 and receipt and analysis of sensed pressure data (as well as subsequent action) can be performed by ECU 120.

With reference to FIG. 3, a block diagram of an ECU 120 and other components of a dynamic motor vehicle seat 100 are depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the ECU 120 is operably coupled to the electrode spine 104 and/or ribs 116 to provide electric stimulation to the plurality of electroactive polymer cells 106. For example, in some embodiments, one or more electrically conductive elements 114 (e.g., electrode terminals, wires, etc.) (as depicted in FIG. 2) can pass through the electrode spine 104 and/or ribs 116 from the ECU 120 to each of the electroactive polymer cells 106. Accordingly, in some embodiments, at least one of the electrode spine 104 and/or ribs 116 can act as the wiring 10 harness for the plurality of electroactive polymer cells 106. In other embodiments, the connection between the ECU 120 and the plurality of electroactive polymer cells 106 can be positioned external to the electrode spine 104 and/or ribs 116.

In one embodiment, the ECU 120 or components thereof can comprise or include various modules or engines, each of which is constructed, programmed, configured, or otherwise adapted to autonomously carry out a function or set of functions. The term “engine” as used herein is defined as a real-world device, component, or arrangement of components implemented using hardware, such as by an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or field programmable gate array (FPGA), for example, or as a combination of hardware and software, such as by a microprocessor system and a set of program instructions that adapt the engine to implement the particular functionality, which (while being executed) transform the microprocessor system into a special-purpose device. An engine can also be implemented as a combination of the two, with certain functions facilitated by hardware alone, and other functions facilitated by a combination of hardware and software. In certain implementations, at least a portion, and in some cases, all, of an engine can be executed on the processor(s) of one or more computing platforms that are made up of hardware (e g., one or more processors, data storage devices such as memory or drive storage, input/output facilities such as network interface devices, video devices, keyboard, mouse or touchscreen devices, etc.) that execute an operating system, system programs, and application programs, while also implementing the engine using multitasking, multithreading, distributed (e.g., cluster, peer-peer, cloud, etc ) processing where appropriate, or other such techniques. Accordingly, each engine can be realized in a variety of physically realizable configurations, and should generally not be limited to any particular implementation exemplified herein, unless such limitations are expressly called out. In addition, an engine can itself be composed of more than one sub-engines, each of which can be regarded as an engine in its own right. Moreover, in the embodiments described herein, each of the various engines corresponds to a defined autonomous functionality; however, it should be understood that in other contemplated embodiments, each functionality can be distributed to more than one engine. Likewise, in other contemplated embodiments, multiple defined functionalities may be implemented by a single engine that 11 performs those multiple functions, possibly alongside other functions, or distributed differently among a set of engines than specifically illustrated in the examples herein.

In some embodiments, ECU 120 can include a processor 122, memory 124, a control engine 126, sensing circuitry 128, and a power source 130. Optionally, in embodiments, ECU 120 can further include a communications engine 132.

Processor 122 can include fixed function circuitry and/or programmable processing circuitry. Processor 122 can include any one or more of a microprocessor, a controller, a DSP, an ASIC, an FPGA, or equivalent discrete or analog logic circuitry. In some examples, processor 122 can include multiple components, such as any combination of one or more microprocessors, one or more controllers, one or more DSPs, one or more ASICs, or one or more FPGAs, as well as other discrete or integrated logic circuitry. The functions attributed to processor 122 herein may be embodied as software, firmware, hardware or any combination thereof.

Memory 124 can include computer-readable instructions that, when executed by processor 122 cause ECU 120 to perform various functions. Memory 124 can include can volatile, non-volatile, magnetic, optical, or electrical media, such as a random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), electrically-erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, or any other digital media.

Control engine 126 can include instructions to control the components of ECU 120 and instructions to selectively control voltage to electrode spine 104. For example, based on conditions detected by sensing circuitry 128 or the vehicle (e.g. other vehicle ECUs), control engine 126 can command electrode spine 104 to various states.

In embodiments, sensing circuitry 128 can be configured to sense one or more signals related to the seat under control. Accordingly, sensing circuitry 128 can include or can be operable with one or more sensors (e.g., electroactive polymer cells 106). For example, sensing circuitry 128 can include a pressure sensor to determine whether an occupant is positioned in the seat. In embodiments, sensing circuitry 128 can additionally or alternatively include one or more optical sensors, accelerometers or other motion sensors, temperature sensors, chemical sensors, light sensors, and acoustic sensors, in some examples. In embodiments, sensing circuitry 128 can 12 include one or more filters and amplifiers for filtering and amplifying signals received from one or more sensors.

Power source 130 is configured to deliver operating power to the components of ECU 120. Power source 130 can include a battery and a power generation circuit to produce the operating power. In some examples, the battery is rechargeable to allow extended operation. Power source 130 can include any one or more of a plurality of different battery types, such as nickel cadmium batteries and lithium ion batteries. In some embodiments, the vehicle seat 100 can further include an external power supply port 134.

In an embodiment, power source 130 can deliver operating power to the components of ECU 120 during vehicle operation. In another embodiment, power source 114 is utilized to deliver operating power to the components of ECU 120 when the vehicle is not operating, such as post-crash. Accordingly, power source 130 can be activated or otherwise operably coupled to ECU 120 prior to disconnecting from vehicle power. Power source 130 can be mechanically coupled or otherwise attached to electrode spine 104 or a corresponding seat shell.

Optionally, communications engine 132 can include any suitable hardware, firmware, software, or any combination thereof for communicating with other components of the vehicle and/or external devices. Under the control of processor 122, communication engine 132 can receive downlink telemetry from, as well as send uplink telemetry to one or more external devices using an internal or external antenna. In addition, communication engine 132 can facilitate communication with a networked computing device and/or a computer network.

For example, communications engine 132 can receive updates to instructions for control engine 126 from one or more components of the vehicle (other vehicle ECUs) or one or more external devices. In another example, communications engine 132 can transmit data regarding the state of system 100 to one or more components of the vehicle or one or more external devices. In embodiments, the ECU 120 can send electrical signals to and receive electrical signals from the electroactive polymer cells 106 via the electrode spine 104 and/or ribs 116. In turn, the electroactive polymer cells 106 can be responsive to the ECU 120-sent electrical signals to selectively actuate, thereby creating a desired shape of the electrode spine 104 and/or ribs 116. 13

In some embodiments, the electrical signals can be sent according to programmed set of rules, logic or algorithm. With reference to FIG. 4, a flowchart depicting a set of rules 200 for dynamic vehicle seat control is depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. At S202, the set of rules 200 can begin with the electroactive polymer cells 106 in an un-energized or fluid state. At S204, the vehicle can be unlocked, for example by a user, which at S206 can initiate the ECU 120 such that the electrode spine 104 is configured to await activation. At S208, a user can position themselves within the vehicle seat 100. At S210, the vehicle seat 100 can be activated, thereby causing the ECU 120 to send electrical signals to the electroactive polymer cells 106. Prior to activation, at S210, the plurality of electroactive polymer cells 106 can remain in an un-energized or fluid state.

At S212, electrical stimulation, for example in the form of an applied voltage through the electrode spine 104, can be applied to the electroactive polymer cells 106, thereby causing the electroactive polymer cells 106 to transition from an un-energized or fluid state to an energized, at least partially actuated or solid-state. At S214, the electrical stimulation can be continued to be supplied to the electroactive polymer cells 106 while the vehicle is moving and at S216 while the vehicle is stationary. As desired, at S218, a user may selectively deactivate the vehicle seat 100, thereby causing the ECU 120, at S220, to cease sending electrical signals to the electroactive polymer cells 106, upon which the plurality of electroactive polymer cells 106 can transition from the at least partially actuated or solid-state to the un-energized or fluid state.

At S222, the user can exit the vehicle seat 100. At S224, the ECU 120 can remain active (e.g., similar to S206), such that the electrode spine 104, while unenergized, is awaiting activation. At S226, the vehicle can be locked, thereby causing the ECU 122 shutdown at S228. At S230, the set of rules 200 can terminate with the electroactive polymer cells 106 in the un- energized or fluid state.

Accordingly, the application of this technology enables a user to obtain a desired driving position, thereby reducing unwanted muscular tension and enabling better control of the vehicle, regardless of the body shape of the user. When un-powered by the ECU 120, the electroactive polymer cells 106 remain in a fluid state. Fixation of the electroactive polymer cells 106 to the electrode spine 104 and ribs 116, aid in maintaining a generically shaped contacting surface 118 14 of the vehicle seat 100 in this configuration. Once activated, the ECU 120 controls a voltage applied to the electrode spine 104, thereby causing the electroactive polymer cells to transition from the fluid state to an activated, solid-state. The solid-state of the electroactive polymer cells is maintained by the vehicle while in operation.

As a plurality of electroactive polymer cells 106 are used in the construction of the vehicle seat, individual cell 106 stiffness can be altered dependent upon the voltage applied. Individual control of the plurality of electroactive polymer cells 106 enables the shape of the electrode spine 104 and ribs 116 to be adjusted with a high degree of precision to provide the desired degree of user support during operation. The individual control further enables passive manipulation of the individual cells 106 dependent upon the user's movements, ensuring that the user is encouraged to remain in a safe driving position. Moreover, as a passive benefit, with the ability of the electroactive polymer cells 106 to actuate within milliseconds, the vehicle seat can rapidly adapt to enable better occupant positioning in the event of a crash. Further, unlike conventional adjustment mechanisms, actuation of the electroactive polymer cells 106 is silent, thereby enabling vehicle seat adjustment without a noisy distraction.

Feedback from the electroactive polymer cells 106 (e g., via the sensing circuitry 128) can be used to detect pressure exerted by the user on each of the electroactive polymer cells 106. In addition to determining how the user is positioned (e.g., to encourage a safe driving position, provide haptic feedback, etc.) the pressure sensed by the cells 106 can be used to determine each of the cells 106 desired degree of stiffness or activation. For example, in some embodiments, the ECU 120 can seek to achieve a desired pressure (e g., reference pressure or range of reference pressures) for each electroactive polymer cell 106 based on a user's weight, as determined to create an optimal fit of the vehicle seat 100. Thereafter, an applied voltage to each of the cells 106 can be adjusted until each of the cells 106 achieves its desired reference pressure or a close approximation thereto (e g , curve fit) across the network of cells 106.

When the vehicle is turned off (e.g., locked), the electroactive polymer cells 106 will normally be in the un-energized, fluid state. However, in certain circumstances, an external power supplied can be used to maintain the cells 106 in a solid state, even after a power source from the vehicle has been disconnected. For example, in a post-crash scenario, where the user is 15 thought to have experienced a potential back injury, an external power supply can be attached to the seat 100 via an external power supply port 134 before disconnecting the power source 130. With an external power supply, the electroactive polymer cells 106 can be maintained in a solid state during extraction, such that the vehicle seat 100 can be extracted from the vehicle without repositioning of the user positioned within the seat 100.

It should be understood that the individual steps used in the methods of the present teachings may be performed in any order and/or simultaneously, as long as the teaching remains operable. Furthermore, it should be understood that the apparatus and methods of the present teachings can include any number, or all, of the described embodiments, as long as the teaching remains operable.

Various embodiments of systems, devices, and methods have been described herein. These embodiments are given only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed inventions. It should be appreciated, moreover, that the various features of the embodiments that have been described may be combined in various ways to produce numerous additional embodiments. Moreover, while various materials, dimensions, shapes, configurations and locations, etc. have been described for use with disclosed embodiments, others besides those disclosed may be utilized without exceeding the scope of the claimed inventions.

Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the subject matter hereof may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual embodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features of the subject matter hereof may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the various embodiments can comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, elements described with respect to one embodiment can be implemented in other embodiments even when not described in such embodiments unless otherwise noted.

Although a dependent claim may refer in the claims to a specific combination with one or more other claims, other embodiments can also include a combination of the dependent claim with the subject matter of each other dependent claim or a combination of one or more features 16 with other dependent or independent claims. Such combinations are proposed herein unless it is stated that a specific combination is not intended.

Any incorporation by reference of documents above is limited such that no subject matter is incorporated that is contrary to the explicit disclosure herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is further limited such that no claims included in the documents are incorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is yet further limited such that any definitions provided in the documents are not incorporated by reference herein unless expressly included herein.

For purposes of interpreting the claims, it is expressly intended that the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for” or “step for” are recited in a claim.

Claims

17 CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A motor vehicle seat configured to actively conform to a user, the vehicle seat comprising: a rigid shell configured to serve as a foundation for the vehicle seat; an electrode spine; a plurality of electroactive polymer cells configured to operably couple the electrode spine to the rigid shell; and an electronic control unit configured to selectively provide electric stimulation to the plurality of electroactive polymer cells, wherein each of the plurality of electroactive polymer cells are configured to transition from an un-energized, resting state to an energized, at least partially actuated state upon the receipt of electric stimulation via the electronic control unit, thereby actively changing a shape of the electrode spine to conform to a user.

2. The motor vehicle seat of claim 1, wherein the electrode spine comprises a plurality of interlocking members, the interlocking members selectively repositionable relative to one another.

3. The motor vehicle seat of claim 2, wherein at least one of the plurality of interlocking members is operably coupled to an adjacent interlocking member via a ball and socket joint.

4. The motor vehicle seat of claim 1, wherein the electrode spine is conformable along and x-and y-axis, with a substantially fixed dimension along a z-axis.

5. The motor vehicle seat of claim 1, wherein the electrode spine comprises a plurality of electrically conductive elements configured to electrically couple the electroactive polymer cells to the electronic control unit. 18

6. The motor vehicle seat of claim 1, further comprising one or more pairs of ribs extending laterally outward from the electrode spine.

7. The motor vehicle seat of claim 6, wherein the one or more pairs of ribs are generally curved to conform to natural contours of a human body.

8. The motor vehicle seat of claim 6, wherein the electrode spine is configured to provide an adjustable, rigid support structure to provide support orthogonal to a contacting surface of the vehicle seat substantially vertically along a center of the contacting surface, and the one or more pairs of ribs extend the support laterally outward from the center of the contacting surface, thereby providing a selectively adjustable, locking base for the contacting surface.

9. The motor vehicle seat of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of electroactive polymer cells comprises a multilayered electroactive polymer, having a structure in which a plurality of thin polymer layers are laminated on top of each other, with alternatively interposing driving electrodes have different electrical potentials positioned therebetween.

10. The motor vehicle seat of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of electroactive polymer cells is configured to act as a pressure sensor.

11. The motor vehicle seat of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of electroactive polymer cells is configured to provide haptic feedback to a user positioned on the vehicle seat.

12. A motor vehicle seat configured to actively conform to a user, the vehicle seat comprising: a rigid shell configured to serve as a foundation for the vehicle seat; an electrode spine; 19 a plurality of electroactive polymer cells configured to operably couple the electrode spine to the rigid shell; and an electronic control unit configured to selectively provide electric stimulation to the plurality of electroactive polymer cells, wherein each of the plurality of electroactive polymer cells are configured to serve as both an actuator configured to transition from un-energized, resting state to an energized, at least partially actuated state upon the receipt of electric stimulation via the electronic control unit, and a pressure sensor configured to sense a pressure exerted upon a contacting surface of the vehicle seat.

13. The motor vehicle seat of claim 12, wherein the ECU is configured to modify an applied voltage to each of the plurality of electroactive polymer cells until each of the plurality of electroactive polymer cells senses a desired reference pressure or close approximation thereto.

14. The motor vehicle seat of claim 12, wherein the electrode spine comprises a plurality of interlocking members, the interlocking members selectively repositionable relative to one another.

15. The motor vehicle seat of claim 12, further comprising one or more pairs of ribs extending laterally outward from the electrode spine.

16. The motor vehicle seat of claim 15, wherein the electrode spine is configured to provide an adjustable, rigid support structure to provide support orthogonal to a contacting surface of the vehicle seat substantially vertically along a center of the contacting surface, and the one or more pairs of ribs extend the support laterally outward from the center of the contacting surface, thereby providing a selectively adjustable, locking base for the contacting surface.

17. The motor vehicle seat of claim 12, wherein at least one of the plurality of electroactive polymer cells comprises a multilayered electroactive polymer, having a structure in which a 20 plurality of thin polymer layers are laminated on top of each other, with alternatively interposing driving electrodes have different electrical potentials positioned therebetween.

18. The motor vehicle seat of claim 15, wherein at least one of the plurality of electroactive polymer cells is configured to provide haptic feedback to a user positioned on the vehicle seat.

19. A self-conforming motor vehicle seat configured to support the back of a user during extraction from a vehicle following a vehicle crash, the vehicle seat comprising: a rigid shell configured to serve as a foundation for the vehicle seat; an electrode spine; a plurality of electroactive polymer cells configured to operably couple the electrode spine to the rigid shell; an electronic control unit configured to selectively provide electric stimulation to the plurality of electroactive polymer cells; and an external power supply port, wherein a power supply is selectively coupleable to the electronic control unit via the external power supply port, thereby enabling the vehicle seat to be extracted from the vehicle while maintaining the plurality of electroactive polymer cells in at least a partially actuated state to provide support to the back of the user.

20. The motor vehicle seat of claim 19, wherein the ECU is configured to actuate the electroactive polymer cells to a desired position in the event of a detected vehicle crash.