GB2541377A

GB2541377A - A seat

Info

Publication number: GB2541377A
Application number: GB1514368.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Keeling Alexander
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-08-13
Filing date: 2015-08-13
Publication date: 2017-02-22
Also published as: GB201514368D0

Abstract

A seat 10 including a headrest 13, backrest 11, 12 and a base seat portion 14 which are capable of reconfiguration (i.e. angular 17 or directional 18 adjustments) without input from the user. Seat reconfiguration is automatic with constant and/or continual succession of adjustments over time suitable for modifying its proportions relative to a user's body and thereby providing therapeutic exercise to muscles of the user. Once a user has set a reference position, activation of the system will send a continual pre-programmed or dynamically generated sequence of movement instructions to servos operating silently. Movement may be imperceptible to the user and by around 5 degrees of inclination, 5-10 mm of movement, or less. Installed in a vehicle it may reduce fatigue and may improve alertness and concentration on long journeys. Electric motors may provide movement. The application may be to other seating scenarios such as wheelchairs, aircraft, construction equipment, office chairs or domestic sofas. The steering column C may also have automatic adjustment.

Description

A SEAT

The present invention relates to a seat and, particularly, an electronic seat management and control system which can be installed with and alongside existing in-vehicle seat positioning systems. However, the osteopathic and therapeutic benefits of the seat are potentially applicable to all areas of seating.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Vehicle seats are commonly provided with a wide range of functions and features such as heating, massaging, manual seat position alteration, camber and corner compensation; which all potentially involve distracting the driver from the primary task of safely operating a vehicle. In general, the effect of the features make a driver aware that they are operating and therefore are distracting by definition. Furthermore, few drivers will engage any given feature, e.g. a seat massaging system, for the entire duration of a journey.

Automatic adjustments are known, such as a seat which will recall position information based on pre-programmed preferences, height, weight etc. However, it is believed that no automatic systems are in use which actively improve the well-being of the user and/or are undetectable during use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to provide a seat which is able to provide benefits to the wellbeing of a user and as a result can reduce journey fatigue, improve concentration and focus etc. Specific aspects of the invention are defined by the appended claims.

In a broad aspect of the invention a seat is provided that includes a means capable of effecting at least one dimensional adjustment automatically over a continuous period. In the context of the invention, dimensional adjustment, which effectively modifies the proportions and configuration of the seat relative to a user's body, is performed continually without manual intervention and, preferably, is imperceptible to the user by incorporating slight/gradual/subtle movements. "Continually" is not intended to be limited to interpretation as a constant movement but that there could be a continual succession of small movements overtime.

In a preferred form of the invention there will be multiple adjustment points built into the seat that are moveable automatically and dynamically in respective planes of the various seat surfaces. The seat may have a non-subliminal mode so that the seat functions can be demonstrated and perceptible to a user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a seat according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 illustrates, schematically, a vehicle seat 10 where a driver D sits at a steering wheel S. It is generally known that a driver will manually activate seat adjustments when in position behind a steering wheel until comfortable. The invention is implemented to complement existing seat adjustment mechanisms which, particularly in luxury vehicles, are typically electronically controlled by the use of servo motors or hydraulic/pneumatic devices. The driver D in Figure 1 will have adjusted the seat to a comfortable position based on conventional features. A seat fitted with the invention is intended to provide well-being benefits to the driver D by gently stretching and manipulating the entire body of a driver and/or passengers through the entire duration of a journey. The seat is either continually or periodically in motion through the entire journey and the body of a user is taken through a practically infinite combination of minutely/marginally different posture planes so that all key muscle groups are subliminally, fully and continually exercised. It is expected that a position change could be effected every minute or at lesser intervals dependent on the results of testing to optimise an embodiment of the invention. The invention functions while ensuring that a good driving or operating position is maintained with reference to the base seat position determined by the user.

It is intended that, through the subliminal exercise routine experienced by the driver and passengers, that all vehicle occupants will arrive at their destination with less fatigue than is otherwise possible with known, fixed seat positions.

Figure 1 illustrates multiple planes that comprise the seat back 11, 12 and headrest 13, along with the seat base portion 14 itself. There may also be a leg contacting portion 15 and footrest 16 dependent on the configuration of the vehicle. The footrest denoted numeral 16 may be an adjustable/pivoting plate in the floor pan or foot well to exercise muscles in the lower leg and feet in accordance with the principles of the invention or could represent an accelerator, brake or clutch pedal as is well known. A number of encircled angular adjustment positions are shown, designated by reference numeral 17, which are intended to cycle through movements of approximately ± 5° or less. It will be appreciated that the exact degree of movement can be determined through testing of the invention relative to perceptibility and benefits. The actual degree of movement could be any number of measurable degrees and fractions thereof (e.g. 4.5° or even up to 10° if this were deemed appropriate).

In addition to angular movement 17, directional movement 18 may be utilised in relation to all moveable parts of the seat of ± 5mm. Again, the extent of movement can be determined by testing and should not be considered limited to exactly 5mm. The directional arrows 18 in Figure 1 illustrate the freedom of movement for the seat and steering column C.

As already mentioned, seat positions are usually selected either via a memory function or by a driver manipulating a seat position using a set of seat mounted buttons. Once a driver or passenger or seated equipment operator has set a reference seat position in the vehicle, activation of a system according to the invention can be selected or deselected by the driver or passenger or seated equipment operator via the driver or passenger seat console. Once selected the system will send a continual (pre-programmed or dynamically generated) sequence of movement instructions to all of the servos operating within the seat architecture. By the use of modern seat installed servos operating silently the system makes no perceptible noise and the movements themselves are marginal so that the driver remains undisturbed and undistracted by the fact that the seat is continually being reconfigured in-order to exercise and stretch the body's muscle sets. As mentioned, angular movement is set at low single digits in terms of degrees of movement and horizontal and vertical movements would be set at less than 5mm.

The invention can be installed into a vehicle with a number of variants or options. It can be programmed to operate continually, at timed or random intervals or when a driver decides to engage the system at the press of a button. The choice, and the control, remain in the hands of the driver. Voice activation is also possible in models where this is available for the operation of other vehicle features.

The invention is intended to provide sustained driver "well-being" whereas existing in-seat features such as heating, massaging and manual seat position alteration, camber and corner compensation potentially distract the driver from the primary task of safely operating the vehicle. The seat of the invention is free of any such issues because continual fractional changes in seat position enhance alertness which can only make for a safer and more effective driver. The seat can potentially improve physiological health and well-being of a driver or any occupant/user.

The primary driver benefits can be considered to be: • Reduced journey and post-journey fatigue • More relaxed and focused driver or passenger • Increased alertness and greater comfort • Suppler user muscle sets • Compensates for installed in-vehicle devices that reduce driver movement, effort and overall driver input such as cruise control, power assisted steering and automatic gearboxes, auto parking technology, steering wheel mounted switching and in-vehicle cameras • Reduced post journey stiffness and numbness • Reduced accident risk • Arriving "event ready" and remaining "event ready" during travel

Manufacturer benefits include: • Marginal incremental cost of installation • The system is able to use existing and installed seat technologies, although the extent of implementation will depend on the number of servos in the existing seat/s and steering column/joysticks • No increased space requirement and no material increase in vehicle weight • High perceived value in terms of a selling point to potential customers vs. low cost of implementation • Strong PR message about driver (and passenger) "well-being"

Preferably, a seating system according to the invention is capable of managing power consumption, e.g. so not all motors are activated at once, both in single seat and across multiple seats. In this way power drain on the available vehicle electrical system is minimised.

It will be apparent that the general principles of the seat described above can be applied to any seating situation, i.e. not limited to a vehicle application only. A dynamic seat which moves to provide subliminal exercise could be implemented in wheelchairs, aircraft, construction equipment, ships, office chairs and domestic use as a component of a sofa.

Furthermore, the concept of a piece of furniture having continually moving planes could be applied to beds (where a user lies primarily on their back) or any human or animal support device/mechanism. In one particular case, a hospital bed is known to have adjustments to raise a patient for eating etc. The planar adjustment could be automated in accordance with the principles of the invention and/or additional planes of movement incorporated, including a headrest portion that is independently moveable.

Devices that implement the invention can be built with available materials and technologies and, as mentioned, can utilise seat adjustment means that are already installed in vehicles. In this case, the invention can be implemented by software modifications to the vehicle's control system without, necessarily, the need for dedicated hardware.

It may be possible, in future embodiments, to utilise new materials that are able to be configured for continual movement by some mechanism other than electric motors etc. Materials are known that will change shape by other types of electrical or chemical stimulation.

Claims

Claims:

1. A seat with a means capable of effecting at least one dimensional adjustment automatically in order to modify the proportions of the seat relative to a user's body without manual intervention.

2. The seat of claim 1 wherein the at least one dimensional adjustment is a directional adjustment.

3. The seat of claim 1 or 2 wherein the seat includes a plurality of planes and the at least one dimensional adjustment is a relative angular adjustment between two planes.

4. The seat of claim 3 wherein the planes are defined by a seat portion, backrest and headrest.

5. The seat of claim 3 wherein the backrest includes more than one plane.

6. The seat of any preceding claim wherein the at least one dimensional adjustment is effected by an actuator.

7. The seat of claim 6 wherein the actuator is a servomotor, pneumatic/hydraulic ram or rack and pinion arrangement.

8. The seat of any preceding claim wherein the at least one dimensional adjustment is substantially imperceptible to a user.

9. The seat of any preceding claim wherein the means capable of effecting adjustment is a controller either incorporated into or external to the seat.

10. The seat of claim 9 wherein the controller is programmed to activate adjustment of the seat constantly, with a continual succession of movement, at timed/random intervals and/or upon user activation and any combination thereof.

11. The seat of claim 10 wherein the controller has a further optional mode to demonstrate operation of the seat, wherein the dimensional adjustment is perceptible to a user.

12. A vehicle incorporating a seat according to claim 9,10 or 11.

13. The vehicle of claim 12, further including a steering column also adapted for automatic adjustment, preferably imperceptible to a user, in response to signals from the controller.

14. A support device comprised of a plurality of planes that are capable of reconfiguration without input from the user, wherein the reconfiguration is automatic with a constant and/or a continual succession of adjustments overtime suitable for modifying the proportions of the support device relative to a user's body and thereby providing exercise to muscles of the user.

15. The support device of claim 14 wherein the relative reconfiguration of the planes is by up to ± 5° and/or ± 5mm.

16. A method of improving user well-being in a seat, bed or equivalent support surface including providing multiple planes that support a user's body and continually reconfiguring the planes relative to one another in order to exercise muscles of the user.

17. The method of claim 16 implemented in a vehicle with one or more seats.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the vehicle utilises a controller that controls seat reconfiguration relative to a user defined base position.

19. The method of any of claims 16 to 18 wherein the reconfiguration, by gradual movements, is substantially imperceptible to a user during normal use.

20. A seat substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

21. A method of improving user well-being in a seat, bed or equivalent support surface substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawing.