Vehicular control method to avoid collisions in which a smartphone is coupled to the vehicle while in a vehicular compartment. Data is generated from vehicle-resident sensors about operation of the vehicle and transferred from the vehicle to the smartphone while the smartphone is coupled to the vehicle. A communications network with another vehicle is established using the smartphone and the data transferred from the vehicle to the smartphone and data from sensors on the smartphone is transmitted via the smartphone and established communications network to other vehicle, the data including data about location and movement of the vehicle. Then, while the smartphone is coupled to the vehicle, a vehicular operational function is controlled based in part on data transmitted using the smartphone and established communications network to cause movement of the vehicle to change in order to avoid a collision with the other vehicle.

Techniques are described for component configuration based on sensor data. Sensor data is collected by sensors in, or proximal to, a system under diagnosis (e.g., a vehicle), the sensor data describing the use of component(s) of the system by individual(s). The sensor data is analyzed (e.g., in real time) to determine an updated configuration for component(s) (e.g., an adjustment to the seat back, lumbar support of a car seat, etc.). The updated configuration may be communicated to the individual as a recommended configuration. In some implementations, the updated configuration may be communicated directly to the component which, on receiving and processing the configuration update, sends signals to various actuators to move the subcomponents of the component into the updated configuration. In some implementations, the sensor data is used to train, through machine learning, a model that provides configuration update(s) for component(s) based on the input sensor data.

Techniques are described for component design based on sensor data. Sensor data is collected by sensors in, or proximal to, a system under diagnosis (e.g., a vehicle), the sensor data describing use of one or more components of the system by one or more individuals. The sensor data from various instances of the component may be aggregated and analyzed to determine update(s) to the design of the component. For example, the aggregate sensor data may be analyzed to identify portions of the component frequently associated with movements by users (e.g., fidgeting, adjustments). The identified portion(s) can be presented graphically in a design view used to specify design modification(s) for the component. In some implementations, the aggregate sensor data is provided as input to a model that is trained, using machine learning, to output design modification(s) for the component based on the input aggregate sensor data.

The present disclosure provides an inflatable air cushion system of a vehicle seat. The inflatable air cushion system includes an inflatable air cushion positioned within a side supporting portion of the seat and configured to expand away from a middle supporting portion of a cushion substantially in a widthwise direction, an inflator connecting to the inflatable air cushion, and a controller for controlling the inflator to inflate the inflatable air cushion in response to a passenger occupancy signal.

An electronic control system for vehicle seatbacks is provided. The electronic control system can detect an obstruction or a motor stall by comparing the energy consumed by a seatback motor with an obstruction threshold and a stall threshold, the threshold being selected based upon the position of the seatback. The electronic control system can additionally control the synchronous folding of two or more adjacent powered seatbacks. The electronic control system causes the motor for the lagging seatback to receive a maximum driving voltage and causes the motor for the leading seatback to receive a partial driving voltage. Once the seatbacks are in alignment, a normal driving voltage is provided to both motors.

A seat assembly includes one or more adjustable components disposed in a seat portion or a seatback of the seat assembly and are actively operable between stowed and deployed positions based on real-time occupant position information. A controller is operably coupled to the adjustable components and configured to adjust the adjustable components towards the deployed position when a pressure force is detected by one or more sensors disposed in either the seat portion or the seatback, or both. The pressure forces are applied by the vehicle occupant as the vehicle occupant applies pressure to portions of the vehicle seat during movement of the vehicle. The adjustable components are moveable to a degree that is calculated as a function of the pressure value sensed by the sensors in the seat assembly.

A seat assembly includes one or more adjustable components disposed in a seat portion or a seatback of the seat assembly. The adjustable components are operable between stowed and deployed positions. A controller is operably coupled to the adjustable components and configured to adjust the adjustable components towards the deployed position when a seat occupant is seated in the seat assembly. The controller moves one or more of the adjustable components towards the deployed position until a pressure force is detected by one or more sensors disposed in either the seat portion or the seatback, or both. The pressure forces are detected by the sensors as one or more of the adjustable components contacts a vehicle occupant. Movement of the adjustable components may cease immediately when a pressure value is detected and may also continue until a threshold pressure value is reached.

A method for actively adjusting an adjustable component in a vehicle seat includes the steps of: (1) providing a seat assembly having a seat portion with first and second side bolsters disposed on opposite sides of the seat portion, first and second adjustable components and first and second sensors disposed in the first and second side bolsters, and a controller operably coupled to both the first and second adjustable components and the first and second sensors; (2) detecting a pressure value using one of the first and second sensors; (3) determining if the pressure value exceeds a threshold value; and moving an articulating support plate of the adjustable component associated with the sensor detecting the pressure value towards an extended position from a retracted position to a degree commensurate with pressure value detected.

A method for adjusting an adjustable component in a seat assembly includes the steps of: (1) providing a seat assembly having an adjustable support plate and a sensor; (2) supporting a seat occupant on the seat assembly; (3) moving the support plate into contact with the seat occupant; (4) sensing a pressure value applied to the support plate using the sensor as the support plate contacts the seat occupant; and (5) retaining the support plate in a deployed position. The movement of the support plate is configured to cease when the pressure value is initially detected or when the pressure value exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Various seating arrangements for a vehicle are described. Generally, the vehicle includes an electromagnetic array featured on a floor of the vehicle. The chair includes base having a plurality of magnets featured thereon. The vehicle generates signals for the electromagnetic array to generate a wave and impart a force on the chair in a determined direction via the plurality of magnets.