In one embodiment, one or more suspension systems of a vehicle may be used to mitigate motion sickness by limiting motion in one or more frequency ranges. In another embodiment, an active suspension may be integrated with an autonomous vehicle architecture. In yet another embodiment, the active suspension system of a vehicle may be used to induce motion in a vehicle. The vehicle may be used as a testbed for technical investigations and/or as a platform to enhance the enjoyment of video and/or audio by vehicle occupants. In some embodiments, the active suspensions system may be used to perform gestures as a means of communication with persons inside or outside the vehicle. In some embodiments, the active suspensions system may be used to generate haptic warnings to a vehicle operator or other persons in response to certain road situations.

A suspension system with vibration isolation is described. The system can incorporate a kinematic structure comprising pairs of X-shaped supporting structures connected in parallel. The kinematic structure limits motion in the vertical direction to a single degree of freedom. Tensioning/damping of the kinematic structure orthogonally to the vertical motion limits horizontal motion of the kinematic structure with a corresponding constraint of motion of in the vertical direction. The tensioning/damping imparts passive nonlinear stiffness and nonlinear damping of the vibrational energies across the suspension system. A tuning mechanism can be incorporated enabling tension/damping adjustment to accommodate different heights and payloads. The system can provide vibration isolation at low frequencies and over a wide range of operational frequencies. The suspension system has tunable ultra-low resonant frequencies with anti-resonance characteristics. In an example application, the suspension system can be incorporated into a seat for applications experiencing whole body vibrations.

A suspension seat, including: a lower side member that forms a vehicle lower side of a suspension; an upper side member that forms a vehicle upper side of the suspension, and that is configured to support a vehicle seat body from the vehicle lower side; a suspension link mechanism that includes a vehicle lower side portion coupled to the lower side member and a vehicle upper side portion coupled to the upper side member, and that undergoes displacement so as to displace the upper side member along a vehicle vertical direction; a linear displacement section that is provided at the suspension link mechanism and is configured to undergo linear displacement in conjunction with displacement of the suspension link mechanism; and a locking mechanism that immobilizes the linear displacement section so as to immobilize displacement of the suspension link mechanism.

A kinetic seat cushion assembly that rotates based on a force applied on an occupant seated therein is provided. The kinetic seat cushion assembly includes a primary seat cushion frame, a secondary seat cushion frame, a seat cushion tilt mechanism coupling the secondary seat cushion frame to the primary seat cushion frame such that the secondary seat cushion frame is movable with respect to the primary seat cushion frame, and a front pivot mechanism that pivotally couples a front portion of the primary seat cushion frame to a front portion of the secondary seat cushion frame.

A display unit (150) in a motor vehicle (100) presents information to a first (110) located in a personnel site (120). A frame (130) carries the personnel site (120) and a suspension system (141) between the frame (130) and the personnel site (120) has at least one adjustable suspension characteristic (F). While the motor vehicle (100) is being operated, a control system (157) repeatedly determines a first gaze point (GP1) of the first user (110) on the display unit (150). Variations in a position for the first gaze point (GP1) overtime are analyzed; and in response thereto, the control system (157) generates a first control signal (C1) to the suspension system (141, 142, 143) so as to reduce a fluctuation of the position for the first gaze point (GP1), if a repositioning of the first gaze point (GP1) is out of synchronization with a displacement of the display unit (150).

A method performed by one or more processing devices for ensuring that a vehicle seat top is qualified for use with a seat base for a vehicle seat, the method comprising: receiving information that identifies a type of vehicle seat top for coupling to the seat base; verifying that the vehicle seat top is authorized for use with the seat base; and in response to verifying, retrieving, based on the received information that identifies the type of vehicle seat top, pre-determined values of controller parameters of a closed loop control system for isolating vibrations from the vehicle seat top, wherein the predetermined values of the controller parameters are specifically tuned for the vehicle seat top.

An occupant support adapted for use in a vehicle includes a seat frame and a seat pad. The seat frame is adapted to couple with the vehicle for movement with the vehicle. The seat pad is adapted to provide a comfortable support interface for an occupant of the occupant support.

A system and method that establishes a confidence in a vehicle position determined by a vehicle position determination system and uses the established confidence to change a behavior of an active suspension system of a plant in the vehicle.

A support member for an electrical track assembly comprises a first tracking including a first conductor and a second tracking including a second conductor, the support member comprising: a first support member contact; a second support member contact; an electrical load including a first load contact and a second load contact; and a switch assembly configured for selectively electrically connecting said first conductor with the first load contact, selectively electrically connecting said second conductor with the second load contact, and preventing current flow (i) between said first conductor and the second load contact and (ii) between said second conductor and the first load contact.

A kinetic seat cushion assembly that rotates based on a force applied on an occupant seated therein is provided. The kinetic seat cushion assembly includes a primary seat cushion frame, a secondary seat cushion frame, a seat cushion tilt mechanism coupling the secondary seat cushion frame to the primary seat cushion frame such that the secondary seat cushion frame is movable with respect to the primary seat cushion frame, and a front pivot mechanism that pivotally couples a front portion of the primary seat cushion frame to a front portion of the secondary seat cushion frame.