A multi-function lever actuation system includes a control lever having a neutral position and configured to be actuated in a clockwise direction and in a counterclockwise direction. The system further includes a bell crank coupled to the control lever and configured to rotate in an opposite direction from the control lever and to actuate a first controlled component in response to a first rotation of the control lever in a first direction corresponding to the clockwise direction or the counterclockwise direction. The system further includes a first cable coupled to the control lever and configured to actuate a second controlled component in response to a rotation of the control lever in a second direction corresponding to the other of the clockwise direction or the counterclockwise direction.

A vehicle seat can be configured to selectively provide support to a vehicle occupant in conditions when lateral acceleration is experienced. An actuator can be located within the vehicle seat. When activated, the actuator cause a portion of the seat to morph into an activated configuration. The actuator can be activated based on vehicle speed, steering angle, and/or lateral acceleration. The actuator can include end members connected by a shape memory material connecting member. Actuator blocks with sliding surfaces can be located between the end members. The actuator can be configured such that, in response to an activation input, the shape memory material connecting member contracts, which draws the end members toward each other and causes corresponding sliding surfaces of the plurality of actuator blocks to engage and slide relative to each other. In this way, the actuator morphs into an activated configuration in which its overall height increases.

A vehicle seat actuator includes an electric motor and a gear set that connects the drive motor to the seat and transmits the output of the motor to the vehicle seat. The drive motor and gear set are each disposed in an individual, dedicated housing component. The individual housing components are then assembled together to provide the actuator. The housing components are maintained in the assembled configuration using snap fit mechanical fasteners. Each snap-fit fastener includes a receiving portion provided on one housing component and a retaining portion provided on the other housing component. The receiving portion may be a blind hole formed in the drive motor housing that is partially obstructed by an elastic member, while the retaining component is a latch that protrudes from an outer surface of the gear housing and forms a snap-fit engagement with the elastic member.

A release mechanism generates a force on a cable to operate an adjustment mechanism or the like in a seat or other device. The release mechanism includes a rotor, a housing, a spring, and a cover that attaches to the housing. The spring generates a torque, and the spring also axially biases the rotor into engagement with the cover to prevent rattling.

A vehicle seat can be configured to selectively provide support to a vehicle occupant in conditions when lateral acceleration is experienced. An actuator can be located within the vehicle seat. When activated, the actuator cause a portion of the seat to morph into an activated configuration. The actuator can be activated based on vehicle speed, steering angle, and/or lateral acceleration. The actuator can include a main body member, a first end member pivotably connected to a first end region of the main body member, and a second end member pivotably connected to a second end region of the main body member. The actuator can include shape memory material connecting members. The actuator can be configured such that, in response to an activation input, the shape memory material connecting members contract, causing the first and second end members pivot, which causes the actuator to morph into an activated configuration.

An actuator for a vehicle seat comprises an electric motor in which the rotor rotates first and second output shafts of the electric motor; a first reduction gear rotated by the first output shaft, the first reduction gear having a first gear ratio, and driving a first notched shaft having a first notch pitch; a second reduction gear rotated by the second output shaft, the second gear having a second gear ratio, and driving a second notched having with a second notch pitch.

Embodiments of the invention provide a valve-control assembly for a vehicle seat that includes a pneumatic control valve configured to control at least one seat adjustment function. A control switch is configured to operate the pneumatic control valve, and a cover structure is arranged to one or more of at least partly cover the pneumatic control valve or at least partly surround the control switch. The control switch includes a first tab, and the cover structure includes a second tab. The first tab is configured to engage the second tab, when the control switch is actuated by a predetermined amount, to secure the control switch against movement and thereby secure the pneumatic control valve in an open configuration.

A release mechanism generates a force on a cable to operate an adjustment mechanism or the like in a seat or other device. The release mechanism includes a rotor, a housing, a spring, and a cover that attaches to the housing. The spring generates a torque, and the spring also axially biases the rotor into engagement with the cover to prevent rattling.

A vehicle seat assembly is provided with a seat bottom that is adapted to be mounted to a vehicle floor. A seatback is adapted to be pivotally mounted adjacent to the seat bottom. An actuator is in cooperation with the seat bottom or the seatback. A controller is in electrical communication with the actuator and programmed to receive input indicative of a potential vehicle impact. In response to receiving the input indicative of the potential vehicle impact, the controller outputs a signal to the actuator to tilt the seatback, or to tilt the seat bottom.

This actuator comprises a frame, a motor, an output shaft, and a drive train for driving the output shaft via the motor. The drive train comprises an upstream element, a downstream element, and a device for coupling the upstream element to the downstream element. Said coupling device has a first configuration for transmitting all of the torque exerted by one of the upstream and downstream elements on the coupling device to the other of the upstream and downstream elements when said torque is below a threshold torque, and a second configuration for diverting at least part of said torque exerted by one of the upstream and downstream elements on the coupling device to the frame when said torque is at least equal to the threshold torque.