A seat suspension system that includes a seat base that enables movement of the seat horizontally; and a lateral attenuation system that when activated, dampens movement of the seat horizontally. The seat base can move along first and second horizontal axes that are orthogonal. The seat base can include a carrier casting moveable along the first horizontal axis relative to a reservoir casting, and a seat casting moveable along the second horizontal axis relative to the carrier casting. The castings can move on rails. The lateral attenuation system can include an actuation mechanism, a stopper, and a connector that couples the actuation mechanism and stopper to the seat base. When the actuation mechanism is activated, the stopper can connect the reservoir and seat castings. The lateral attenuation system can be configured to stop movement of the seat along the first and second horizontal axes at any desired position.

Various embodiments of the present technology may comprise a method and apparatus for a space-saving suspension system. In various embodiments, the apparatus may comprise a fine suspension device, a coarse suspension device, and a mechanical assembly. In various embodiments, the fine suspension device is arranged at an angle greater than zero degrees from the z-axis. In various embodiments, the mechanical assembly is coupled to the fine suspension device and a payload, such that when a force is exerted on the mechanical assembly by the payload, an applied force is transmitted to the fine suspension device.

A vehicle seat can be configured to provide support to a vehicle occupant in conditions when lateral acceleration is experienced. Shape memory material members can be operatively positioned with respect to a seat portion of the vehicle seat. The shape memory material members can be selectively activated by an activation input. When activated, the shape memory material members can engage a seat pan so as to cause the seat pan to tilt in a respective lateral direction. As a result, a seat cushion supported by the seat pan can also tilt in the respective lateral direction. The seat cushion can be tilted in a lateral direction that is opposite to the direction of the lateral acceleration. Thus, the effects of lateral acceleration felt by a seat occupant can be reduced. The shape memory material members can be selectively activated based on vehicle speed, steering angle, and/or lateral acceleration.

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.

An adjustable suspended seat apparatus having a tuned frequency-tailored damping through stratified seat structure is described. The damping seat structure includes: a first material of a plurality of materials having a first characteristic to provide a first damping effect in a first layer. A second material of the plurality of materials based on a second characteristic to provide a second damping effect in a second layer, the first material or the second material having an adjustable damping characteristic. The suspended seat apparatus includes a seat base configured to have the seat coupled thereto; a suspension system coupled to the seat base, the suspension system comprising: an adjustment feature configured to adjust operation of the suspension system; and a chassis mount coupled to the suspension system, the chassis mount configured to be coupled to a vehicle.

An electrical assembly includes a track assembly, a control circuit, and a support assembly. The track assembly may include a first bus bar, and/or the first bus bar may be configured for connection with a first terminal of a power source. The track assembly may include a second track that may have a second bus bar, and/or the second bus bar may be configured for connection with a second terminal of said power source. The support assembly may be configured for connection with the track in a first orientation and/or in a second orientation. The support assembly may include a positive terminal and/or a negative terminal.

An active suspension system comprises at least one biasing device configured to support a body from a structure, and at least one motor. A magnetorheological (MR) fluid clutch apparatus(es) is coupled to the at least one motor to receive torque from the motor, the MR fluid clutch apparatus controllable to transmit a variable amount of torque. A mechanism is between the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus and the body to convert the torque received from the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus into a force on the body. Sensor(s) provide information indicative of a state of the body or structure. A controller receives the information indicative of the state of the body or structure and for outputting a signal to control the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus in exerting a desired force on the body to control movement of the body according to a desired movement behavior.

Active vibration isolation (AVI) systems are becoming more available in various markets, one such market being vehicle operator seating. Unfamiliarity with the performance of such systems may cause users initial perceptions of system performance to be unfavorable. AVI systems can include a demonstration system capable of providing simulations too users of various types of vibration isolation systems under various input conditions, so that users can be introduced to the system benefits over other systems before using an AVI equipped product in its intended application.

The invention relates to a vehicle seat comprising a backrest portion and a seating surface portion, each of which is arranged to be connected with a seat base portion, wherein the backrest portion is resiliently arranged and supported to be able to swivel with respect to the seat base portion, and wherein the seating surface portion is arranged to be able to move in at least a longitudinal direction of the seat frontwards and rearwards with respect to the seat base portion, wherein the backrest portion and the seating surface portion are operatively connected together via a first lever arrangement in such a way that the seating surface portion is able to move rearwards in the longitudinal direction of the seat when the backrest portion makes a suspending movement with respect to the seat base portion in a direction away from the seating surface portion.

A vehicle seating assembly includes a frame and an articulating flexmat assembly operably coupled with the frame. The articulating flexmat assembly includes an upper flexmat extending from a first side of the frame to a second side of the frame and a lower flexmat extending from the first side of the frame to the second side of the frame. The upper flexmat includes an upper static portion and an upper dynamic portion disposed above the upper static portion and adjustable by upper linear actuators that draw the upper dynamic portion toward the upper static portion to arc the upper flexmat outward. The lower flexmat includes a lower static portion adjacent to the upper static portion and a lower dynamic portion disposed below the lower static portion and adjustable by lower linear actuators that draw the lower dynamic portion toward the lower static portion to arc the lower flexmat outward.