Abstract: A bed is provided having a base frame, a patient support assembly connected to the base frame, and a tilt frame connected between the base frame and the patient support assembly. The tilt frame is rotatable adjacent the foot end of the bed to place the patient support assembly, including the head section, seat section and foot section thereof, in a generally vertical position to allow a patient to exit the bed in a standing orientation. The bed also has a foot board assembly connected to the foot section, the foot board assembly having a foot board separately moveable about a longitudinal axis of the bed toward the head end and the foot end of the bed.

Abstract: A method for operating a motor vehicle seat system, having at least two first fluid-fillable bladders and at least one second fluid-fillable bladder connected via a supply line to a common line and to a pump via this line and are fillable with fluid via this line, each first bladder having its own discharge outlet, and the second bladder not having its own discharge outlet, and having a controller which controls the filling or emptying of the bladders, the controller being configured to empty the second bladder via a discharge outlet from one of the first bladders, the second bladder being evacuated by detecting which of the first bladders is empty or is currently not used, establishing a fluid connection between the second bladder to be evacuated and the empty first bladder, and opening the discharge outlet belonging to the empty first bladder.

Abstract: A conveyance seat capable of suppressing wrinkles or saggings from occurring on a surface of a seat main body is provided. A conveyance seat includes a seat back and a movable body which is attached inside the seat back, is disposed at an outer position in relation to a center portion of the seat back, and is operated so that a side portion of the seat back protrudes toward a seated occupant side (seat front side). The movable body is disposed on a back surface of a cushion material in the side portion. An end portion (rear end portion) on the side opposite to the seated occupant side of the movable body is disposed on the seated occupant side (seat front side) in relation to a seating surface of the center portion of the seat back.

Abstract: An endurance haptic system is disclosed herein. The endurance haptic system includes a plurality of tactors, a plurality of air bladders, a tactor driver operably coupled to the plurality of tactors and configured to send vibration commands to the plurality of tactors in response to a first signal received from an aircraft controller, and an air bladder driver operably coupled to the plurality of air bladders and configured to inflate and deflate the plurality of air bladders in response to a second signal received from the aircraft controller.

Abstract: A bed that converts into a chair is provided. The bed includes a base frame assembly, an intermediate frame assembly and a patient support deck. The patient support deck includes a head deck section, an intermediate deck section and a foot deck section.

Abstract: A comfort assembly for a vehicle seat cushion, the comfort system includes a carrier having a thermal device; a spacer layer attached to the B-side of the carrier; and an effector device attached to the spacer layer so that the spacer layer is between the effector device and the B-side of the carrier; the effector device is attached to the carrier before the comfort assembly is installed onto an A-surface of the cushion of the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A massage head unit, a vibration assembly and a smart wearable device, including: a soft rubber base plate, a plurality of vibrating members, a plurality of soft rubber massage heads, and a plurality of soft rubber pleated bodies capable of stretching and deforming in a axial direction of each massage head; the base plate, the pleat bodies and the massage heads are integrally molded by injection molding, the base plate is provided with a plurality of through holes penetrating therethrough, and the through holes, the pleated bodies and the massage heads are in one-to-one correspondence, each massage head is provided with a mounting cavity mounted with at least one vibrating member, each pleated body is connected to a bottom of the massage head and an edge of the through hole, such that each of the massage heads is floating and supported on the edge of the through hole.

Abstract: A mesh integrated seat pad assembly delivers vibration output from a massage module to the entire seat pad to prevent the vibration from being reduced by the pad. The mesh integrated seat pad assembly includes a pad provided in a seatback supporting the back of a passenger or a seat cushion supporting the hip and the thigh of the passenger to provide additional comfort to the passenger, a mesh mounted on one side surface of the pad, and a massage module installed to be in contact with the mesh.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement controls a system for a seat comfort function with at least one air cushion, at least one actuator with at least one adjusting element and at least one SMA element being movable between a first position and a second position. The circuit arrangement includes at least one driver unit with at least one driver to activate the actuator with the at least one SMA element; at least one temperature sensor; and a control unit to control the driver unit, the control unit being configured to generate a control signal to control the driver unit. The control signal is determined from a) at least one actual filling level parameter; b) a temperature signal from the temperature sensor; c) a system parameter; and d) at least one of a target filling level parameter and a target filling level change parameter. A related seat and method of controlling same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pump-valve integrated machine for a pneumatic lumbar support of an automobile seat includes: an air pump; a pump valve connection base that is provided with a one-way air outlet structure, which is opposite to and in communication with an air outlet hole of the air pump; an electromagnetic air valve lower base that is fixed onto the air pump and is provided with a mounting groove and a ventilation hole are; a normally open electromagnetic air valve that is disposed on the electromagnetic air valve lower base and has an air inlet end corresponds to the ventilation hole; an electromagnetic air valve upper cover that is provided above the normally open electromagnetic air valve and has an air outlet connector corresponds to a valve core of the normally open electromagnetic air valve; and a control circuit board.

Abstract: A cushion has at least one fluid chamber and at least one cushion conduit to enable fluid to be added to or removed from the at least one fluid chamber of the cushion. A management system for the cushion has a pressure sensor to measure a pressure of fluid in the at least one fluid chamber of the cushion and to transmit a sensor report with the measured pressure, a tube having a first end connecting to the cushion conduit, a second end leading to the pressure sensor, and a valve to enable fluid to be added to or removed from the at least one fluid chamber of the cushion through the cushion conduit and a processor to receive the sensor report, determine a pressure value of the at least one fluid chamber of the cushion based on the measured pressure in the sensor report, and generate a status indicative of the pressure value of the fluid chamber of the cushion.

Abstract: An airflow sensing seat, having a seat body, an airbag, a sensing assembly, and a micro control unit. The airbag is in the seat body. A deformable support structure is in the airbag. The support structure is used to maintain an appropriate amount of gas in the airbag. A transmission mechanism is provided between the airbag and the sensing assembly. The transmission mechanism transmits gas disturbance in the airbag to the sensing assembly. The sensing assembly generates a corresponding analog electrical signal according to the gas disturbance. The sensing assembly is electrically connected to the micro control unit. The sensing assembly transmits the analog electrical signal to the micro control unit. The micro control unit performs analysis and computation on the analog electrical signal so as to acquire a biological signal of a user.

Abstract: An assembly includes a seat bottom, a rear bladder, a front bladder, and a check valve. The seat bottom includes a rear seat cushion and a front seat cushion in a seat-forward direction from the rear seat cushion. At least one of the rear seat cushion or the front seat cushion is vertically movable relative to the other one of the rear seat cushion or the front seat cushion. The rear bladder supports the rear seat cushion. The front bladder supports the front seat cushion. The check valve fluidly connects the front bladder and the rear bladder. The check valve is oriented to permit fluid to pass from the rear bladder to the front bladder and block fluid from passing from the front bladder to the rear bladder.

Abstract: A support device has a main support surface for a person's body, including an auxiliary device influencing the main support surface shape. The auxiliary device includes: a group of supports supporting the main support surface, positioned on the side of the main support surface facing away from the body-supporting side, the supports each including a sub-support surface; an adjuster for each sub-support surface influencing the height of each sub-support surface. The device also includes a monitor for each sub-support surface monitoring the height of the respective sub-support surface; and a programmable control unit controlling the adjuster. The supports include an elastically bendable plate connected to the adjuster. The bending plate is connected to the sub-support surface to influence its height depending on the extent of bending imposed by the adjuster. The adjuster includes an electromotor on the concave side of the bending plate.

Abstract: A method of supporting a body part (16), comprising providing a device (100) comprising: a first portion (105) configured to support a body part, wherein, in use, the body part applies a first pressure to the first portion in a first direction; means for detecting the first pressure; and a second portion (115) having means (212) for applying a second pressure to the body part in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction; detecting the first pressure; determining the second pressure based on a user parameter; and applying the second pressure to the body part in the second direction at a pre-determined ratio relative to the first pressure using said means for applying the second pressure.

Abstract: A method for operating a seat system, where the seat system includes a vehicle seat having a plurality of controllable moveable elements integrated into a seat cushion that forms a seat surface and/or into a seat back, includes prompting, during an activated muscle training program, a user on the vehicle seat to exert a pressure with a specific body region of the user on a predetermined region of the vehicle seat in which at least one of the plurality of controllable moveable element is arranged and determining a local and a temporal deviation between a pressure exerted by the user as an input signal and a specification as an output signal.

Abstract: Provided is to stabilize a fixed state of each bag body provided at a vehicle seat and configured to expand to push a corresponding one of the shoulders of a seated passenger. Of a seat back provided at the vehicle seat, each shoulder support configured to support a corresponding one of the shoulders of the seated passenger includes an air cell configured to expand by injection of air. The air cell includes protrusions extending in a predetermined direction and provided at respective end portions of the air bag in the extending direction thereof. The air cell is attached to the inside of the seat back in such a manner that each of the protrusions provided at respective end portions in the extending direction is fixed to a corresponding one of fixing positions separated from each other in the width direction of the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A seat system for a vehicle including a flexible seatback structure and an adjustment device coupled thereto. The adjustment device is configured to alter a contour of a seating surface of the seatback structure by causing at least a portion of the seatback structure to move toward or away from the occupant of the seat system. The adjustment device includes at least one actuating element connected to a side portion of the seatback structure and an actuator.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement to control at least one valve includes at least one actuator with at least one positioning element adjustable between at least one first position and a second position. At least one driver unit activates the actuator and a control unit operates the driver unit. At least one air mass measuring device measures an air mass flowing through the valve. The control unit processes an output signal of the air mass measuring device. Valves, valve arrangements, seat comfort systems, and methods all use such circuit arrangements.

Abstract: An inflatable lumbar support cushion for seats including a seat cushion assembly connected with an air bladder that has a hollow body and is covered by a lumbar support that is hollow. The air bladder is inflated by a pump unit assembly which includes a pump unit that blows air to the air bladder by an air hose adapting the size of the lumbar support as required and defining a lumbar support portion which provides comfort to a user. The air bladder configured as a cushion for a sofa. The pump unit can be electronic or manual. The seat cushion can be adapted to different seats by an attaching base located to a bottom surface thereof and the lumbar support may be attached to a backrest by a strap allowing to fasten the inflatable lumbar support cushion to any suitable seat.

Abstract: A seat control device for a vehicle seat of a vehicle is disclosed. The seat control device comprises a first control element which controls an electric adjustment motor for electrically adjusting the vehicle seat and/or an electric heating device for electrically heating the vehicle seat, a fluid valve which controls a fluid flow for the pneumatic adjustment of the vehicle seat, a second control element which controls an operating state of the fluid valve, and a fluid pump which is fluidically connected to the fluid valve, wherein the first control element, the second control element, the fluid valve and the fluid pump are arranged on a common circuit board.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an air bag includes forming a bag portion surrounded by a welded portion extending in an annular shape by pressing at least one welding mold against two sheet materials arranged to be stacked from a stacking direction of the sheet materials. The welding mold is pressed against the sheet materials to form the welded portion including a welding bead portion protruding to an inside of the bag portion between the sheet materials. A pressing surface of the welding mold against the sheet materials is provided with a slope portion facing in the stacking direction of the sheet materials and in a direction of the inside of the bag portion at a position further on an outside of the bag portion than a position at which the welding bead portion is formed.

Abstract: A motor vehicle seat having a backrest and a seat part and an adjustable sidewall arranged on the backrest and/or the seat part, which sidewall comprises an adjustment mechanism having a stationary portion and a lever portion pivotable about a pivot axis, and having at least one fluid-fillable bladder arranged between the stationary portion and the lever portion for adjusting the relative angular position thereof, wherein the lever portion comprises two wing portions which are arranged on either side of the pivot axis, and the bladder is arranged between a first wing portion and the stationary portion, wherein a preload torsion spring engages by a first spring portion on the stationary portion, and engages by a second spring portion on the second wing portion, of the lever portion, such that it exerts a preload force which pushes the first spring portion in the direction of the stationary portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for a vehicle seat for mobilizing at least one region of a spinal column of a seat occupant sitting in the seat may have a plurality of expandable elements, which may be each filled or fillable with a medium. The expandable elements are drivable sequentially. A method for sequentially driving the apparatus and and a vehicle seat are also provided.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to a seat cushion (1) including a compressible member (15) and at least one insert (16). The insert (16) has one or more inflatable bladders (17-n). The at least one insert (16) is at least partially encapsulated within the compressible member (15). Further aspects of the present invention relate to a method of forming a seat cushion (1); a seat assembly (2) and a vehicle (V).

Abstract: A vehicle seat including a seat assembly and an insert assembly. The seat assembly having a seat base portion, a backrest portion. The insert assembly includes upper inserts, lower inserts, and a lumbar cushion. The upper inserts are filled with a combination of a silicone anti-freezing solution and small extruded polystyrene packing balls. The lower inserts are filled with jelly. The upper and lower inserts are mounted within the seat base portion and backrest portion. The lumbar cushion is mounted inside the backrest portion. The conjunction of the lower insert, upper insert and lumbar cushion are configured to bring maximum comfort to a user. The upper inserts, lower inserts and lumbar cushion are configured to bring a user an exceptional stability and support without pressure applied to a tailbone.

Abstract: Provide are a device for adjusting softness of a vehicle seat, a device for adjusting comfort of a seat, and a vehicle seat. The device for adjusting softness of a vehicle seat has at least one soft inflatable bag that can be integrated in the seat. The soft inflatable bag is connected with at least one air path. The soft inflatable bag is filled with a flexible filler. Gas is charged into or discharged from the soft inflatable bag through the air path to adjust the softness of the surface of the seat. The soft inflatable bag is provided therein with a height limiting structure configured to limit the partial expansion height of the soft inflatable bag when inflated.

Abstract: Air cushion assembly for a seat, such as a vehicle seat, comprising at least an air cushion and an air supply system for variably pressurizing the air cushions of the air cushion assembly with air. A respective supply line comprising a shut-off valve leads from the air supply system to each air cushion, where a pulsation module is provided and configured to act upon each air cushion with a pulsation. The pulsation module comprises a pneumatic element which is connected in a pressure-equalized manner to at least one supply line, and an actuating element for transmitting a mechanical motion to the pneumatic element for changing the volume of the pneumatic element in order to generate a pulsation.

Abstract: Systems and methods define a stimulation pattern for a juvenile product utilizing a mobile device that executes a mobile application that is linked to the juvenile product. The method comprises the step of recognizing, by the mobile device when executing the mobile app, the user-defined stimulation pattern for the juvenile product. The stimulation pattern can be a vibration pattern or a motion pattern, and can be detected in a number of different ways by the mobile device. The method further comprises the step of determining control signals for the actuator(s) of the juvenile product based on the user-defined stimulation pattern that is recognized by the mobile device. The method further comprises the step of, in response to receiving a command to execute the user-defined stimulation pattern, controlling the actuator(s) of the juvenile product based on the stored control signals for the user-defined stimulation pattern.

Abstract: To provide a moving device that can be used as a mobility device to transport objects and can be improved in portability. The moving device that is movable with rotation of wheels includes a body unit inflated by injection of fluid and deflated by discharge of the fluid, a support body provided on a predetermined surface of the body unit, and the wheels provided in the support body, wherein the interior of a predetermined portion of the body unit that receives a load from an object contacting the body unit is formed with a drop-stitch structure, and the drop-stitch structure after injection of the fluid has tensile forces in directions approximately perpendicular to the direction of the load applied to the predetermined portion by the object.

Abstract: An air bag includes a bag portion formed by bonding two sheet members together. The bag portion includes an expansion portion including an annular joining portion extending in an annular shape, and a passage portion including a pair of parallel linear joining portions and connected to the expansion portion. Air filled in the bag portion flows through an internal space of the expansion portion surrounded by the annular joining portion and a passage sandwiched between the linear joining portions defining the passage portion. At a connection portion between the expansion portion and the passage portion, the linear joining portions extend in parallel, or the linear joining portions extend so as to expand toward a deep side of the passage from an opening position of the passage with respect to the internal space of the expansion portion.

Abstract: To provide a seat adjustment device capable of flexibly changing a shape of a seat. A seat adjustment device for adjusting a shape of a seat includes a pad including an elastomer, and airbags disposed on a front surface and a rear surface of the pad. The airbags are adjustable in amount of air therein. The airbags include a first airbag disposed on one of the front and rear surfaces and of the pad, and a second airbag disposed on the other. The first airbag is longer than the second airbag in a direction substantially perpendicular to the front and rear surfaces of the pad. The second airbag is longer than the first airbag in a direction substantially parallel to the front and rear surfaces of the pad.

Abstract: A seat that includes an upper surface, a lower surface, one or more pressure sensors communicatively coupled to a controller, and a plurality of artificial muscles disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface. Each of the plurality of artificial muscles is communicatively coupled to the controller. Each of the plurality of artificial muscles includes a housing having an electrode region and an expandable fluid region, a dielectric fluid housed within the housing, and an electrode pair positioned in the electrode region of the housing. The electrode pair is actuatable between a non-actuated state and an actuated state such that actuation from the non-actuated state to the actuated state directs the dielectric fluid into the expandable fluid region, expanding the expandable fluid region.

Abstract: A fluid bladder valve for a pneumatic vehicle seat adjustment device is disclosed. The valve comprises a first chamber configured to be connected to a fluid source, a second chamber configured to be connected to the fluid bladder, a third chamber configured to be connected to an environment, a fourth chamber connected to the first chamber via a first fluid passage, connected to the second chamber via a second fluid passage, and connected to the third chamber via a third fluid passage; and an actuator comprising a membrane disposed in the fourth chamber and an actuator element disposed in the third chamber and coupled to the membrane and configured to move the membrane between a first position wherein the first fluid passage is opened and the third fluid passage is closed, and a second position wherein the first fluid passage is closed and the third fluid passage is opened.

Abstract: A valve configuration parts kit for providing at least two valve configurations, including: a first plate-shaped main body, a plurality of wall-type webs attached to the plate-shaped main body which, conjointly with the plate-shaped main body, at least in part define fluid paths, and a second main body attached to the first main body, or a third main body attached to the first main body. The second main body contacts a first sub-quantity of the plurality of webs such that the first main body, the second main body, and the first sub-quantity define a first fluid path system for providing a first valve configuration. The third main body contacts a second sub-quantity of the plurality of webs such that the first main body, the third main body, and the second sub-quantity define a second fluid path system for providing a second valve configuration.

Abstract: An articulation assembly for a vehicle seat includes a planar engagement surface. An inflatable member is operably coupled to the planar engagement surface. The inflatable member includes a plurality of polyhedral bodies that are configured to be formed via additive manufacturing. Each of the polyhedral bodies has a foldable portion that defines crease lines. A plurality of elastomeric members are disposed on each crease line. A planar base includes a port fluidly coupled to the polyhedral bodies. A manifold is fluidly coupled to the port of the planar base and is configured to translate fluid through the port to the polyhedral bodies.

Abstract: A softness adjusting device for a vehicle seat is arranged under the seat cover of the vehicle seat and includes a soft inflatable bag and a valve component arranged outside the soft inflatable bag. The valve component includes a throttle valve and a one-way check valve. The throttle valve is configured to block or communicate a gas in the soft inflatable bag from or with an external air source. The one-way check valve provides a flow direction from outside to inside and is configured to fill the soft inflatable bag with the external air source when the pressure of the external air source is greater than air pressure in the cavity of the soft inflatable bag. The soft inflatable bag is filled with at least one flexible filler.

Abstract: A valve device for controlling a fluid flow, in particular an air flow, having at least one inlet and at least two outlets, at least one of the outlets being fluidically connectable in each case to the inlet via a through-channel of at least one manipulable guide means. The through-channel of the guide means can be changed at least indirectly via a control fluid flow either with regard to at least a section of its internal cross section or can be rotated at least to a limited extent with regard to its orientation with respect to the outlets and the inlet can be rotated at least to a limited extent.

Abstract: A seat adjuster may include a support member and a fluid bladder. The support member may have a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end may be connectable to a seat frame such that the support member is disposed at least partially below a suspension portion of said seat frame. The fluid bladder may be disposed at least partially between the support member and said suspension portion. The fluid bladder may be configured to support said suspension portion. A change or adjustment of a volume of the fluid bladder may change or adjust the support provided to said suspension portion.

Abstract: An orthopedic lounge chair includes a substantially flat support surface that has a length, a width, a front side, and a back side and defines a back support section, a seat section foldably joined to the back support section at a first fold junction, and a leg support section foldably joined to the seat section at a second fold junction, a first bolster support coupled to and rising away from the front side of the back support section, the first bolster support extending longitudinally at least a majority of the width of the support surface, a second bolster support coupled to and rising away from the front side of the seat support section, the second bolster support extending longitudinally at least a majority of the width of the support surface, and a third bolster support coupled to and rising away from the front side of the leg support section, the third bolster support extending longitudinally a majority of the width of the support surface, wherein the first bolster, the second bolster, and the third bo

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a pneumatic adjusting device for adjusting a side wing of a vehicle seat from a default position to an actuation position, the adjusting device comprising: a two-armed lever having an outer lever arm for adjusting the side wing and an inner lever arm, an inflatable balloon device, e.g. balloon, for adjusting the inner for adjusting the arm, and mechanical spring means for adjusting the inner for adjusting the arm. Hereby, it is provided that, in the default position of the adjusting device, the balloon device is inflated, in the default position, the spring means is tensioned and biases the inner lever arm into the actuation position, and in the actuation position, the spring means compresses the balloon.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat cushion configured to support the buttocks of an occupant, a seat back configured to support the back of the occupant, an elastic force adjustment unit configured to adjust elastic force of a lumbar spine support of the seat back configured to support the lumbar spine of the occupant, in a longitudinal direction, and a controller configured to operate the elastic force adjustment unit. The controller is configured to make the elastic force larger in the case where oscillation of the vehicle is large, than that in the case where oscillation of the vehicle is small.

Abstract: Proposed is a lumbar support assembly having an air bladder and components for operating the air bladder and facilitating the assembly and maintenance thereof. The lumbar support assembly includes: a suspension mat having a first hole formed at the inner side thereof, and having a second hole formed at one edge thereof; an air bladder having a first clip hole, which is formed at one edge thereof and overlaps with the first hole; a pouch including a pump and having a second clip hole, which is formed at one edge thereof and overlaps with the second hole; a fixing clip that can be mounted in the first clip hole or the second clip hole; and an electronic valve which has a first tube connected to the air bladder and a second tube connected to the pump and which is coupled to the rear surface of the suspension mat.

Abstract: A clutch unit includes a lever-side clutch section configured to control transmission and interruption of rotational torque input by a rotation of an operation lever, and a brake-side clutch section configured to transmit the rotational torque from the lever-side clutch section to an output side and interrupt rotational torque that is reversely input from the output side. The lever-side clutch section includes a side plate to which the operation lever is fixed and an outer ring member that fits with the side plate. The brake-side clutch section includes a cover whose rotation is restricted. An angle regulating part configured to regulate a rotation angle of the operation lever is disposed radially inside of outer peripheral edges of the outer ring member and the cover and includes a claw of the outer ring member and a through hole of the cover.

Abstract: A pump and valve combination for bladder adjustment is revealed and including a fluid supply member, a valve member and a bypass line. The fluid supply member includes a head end and a tail end. A bottom cover is disposed on the tail end and the fluid supply member provides fluid to the bottom cover through the tail end. The valve member is arranged at the head end and communicating with bladders. The valve member includes a valve cap fixed on the head end, a solenoid operated directional control valve, and an air supply tube. Two ends of the bypass line are connected to the bottom cover and an air input end of the air supply tube, respectively. An input portion and an output portion of the solenoid operated directional control valve are connected to an air output end of the air supply tube and the bladder respectively.

Abstract: A first seat device includes a first pressure sensor attached to a seatback to detect pressure, a second pressure sensor attached to the seatback at a position below the first pressure sensor to detect pressure, and a control unit configured to control the angle of the seatback based on a value of the first pressure sensor and a value of the second pressure sensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a reconfigurable soft robotics-based vehicle interior is provided. The soft-robotics based vehicle interior comprises a child seat portion disposed in a vehicle seat, the child seat portion comprising a child seat constructed of highly compliant materials and mechanisms. When required, the highly compliant materials and mechanisms may be manipulated such that the child seat portion is moved from a retracted state to an engaged state. The child seat may also manipulate the highly complaint materials and mechanisms based on an anatomy of a child to provide customizable support for the child.

Abstract: An extensively reconfigurable seat design can include a vehicle seat system including: a vehicle seat defining a vehicle occupant accommodating space, the vehicle seat including a seat cushion portion including multiple individually adjustable bladders, where each of the multiple individually adjustable bladders has a connected valve that controls fluid communication with an internal space of the individually adjustable bladder to adjust a pressure level within the internal space of the individually adjustable bladder, and an associated sensor configured to detect the pressure level within the internal space of the individually adjustable bladder. A computer can actively sense and control the pressure levels within the bladders, using the sensors and valves, to provide customization, adaptive, ride-active and intelligent control over a reconfigurable cushion for a vehicle.

Abstract: An airbag system for repositioning a seat occupant in a moving vehicle during a crash event includes: a first inflatable airbag disposed proximate to a front portion of a seat pan; a second inflatable airbag disposed proximate to a rear portion of the seat pan; and inflation control device controlling deployment of the first and second inflatable airbags. The inflation control device includes a programmable controller controlling inflation parameters of the first and second inflatable airbags to achieve a desired lift, subject to monument constraints.

Abstract: A seat assembly is provided with a seat frame for a seat back or a seat bottom. At least two side bolster regions are spaced apart laterally on the seat frame. At least two bolster support assemblies are provided, each bolster support assembly comprising an air bladder mounted to the seat frame along each of the side bolster regions. An actuator inflates each air bladder between a deflated position and at least one inflated support position. An accelerometer is mounted to the seat frame. A controller is in electrical communication with the accelerometer and the actuator. The controller is programmed to receive data from the accelerometer indicative of a lateral acceleration. If the lateral acceleration is above a threshold, the controller commands the actuator to inflate one of the air bladders to the inflated support position.