Electrical assembly
11299075 · 2022-04-12
Assignee
Inventors
Cpc classification
H02B1/20
ELECTRICITY
B60N2/0264
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B60N2/501
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
International classification
B60N2/02
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
H02B1/20
ELECTRICITY
Abstract
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.
Claims
1. An electrical assembly, including: a track assembly, including: a first track having a first bus bar, the first bus bar configured for connection with a first terminal of a power source, and a second track having a second bus bar, the second bus bar configured for connection with a second terminal of said power source; a control circuit including a first relay, a second relay, and a diode; and a support assembly configured for connection with the track assembly in a first orientation and in a second orientation, the support assembly including: a positive terminal; and a negative terminal; wherein the control circuit is configured to automatically connect the first bus bar to the positive terminal of the support assembly and connect the second bus bar to the negative terminal of the support assembly regardless of whether the support assembly is connected to the track assembly in the first orientation or the second orientation.
2. The electrical assembly of claim 1, wherein the control circuit includes a second diode.
3. The electrical assembly of claim 1, wherein a first coil of the first relay and a second coil of the second relay are configured to be energized when electrically connected to the first bus bar.
4. The electrical assembly of claim 1, wherein if the support assembly is connected to the track assembly in the first orientation, the diode is configured to permit current to flow to energize a first coil of the first relay.
5. The electrical assembly of claim 4, wherein if the support assembly is connected to the track assembly in the second orientation, a second diode is configured to permit current to flow to energize a second coil of the second relay.
6. The electrical assembly of claim 1 wherein the control circuit is configured such that only one of a first coil of the first relay and a second coil of the second relay are energized at a time.
7. The electrical assembly of claim 1, wherein the support assembly includes a support member; the support member includes a conductor and an additional conductor; if the support assembly is in the first orientation, the conductor is configured to connect to the first bus bar and the additional conductor is configured to connect to the second bus bar; and, if the support assembly is in the second orientation, the conductor is configured to connect to the second bus bar and the additional conductor is configured to connect to the first bus bar.
8. The electrical assembly of claim 7, wherein if the support assembly is in the first orientation, the first bus bar is connected to the conductor and the control circuit is configured to connect the conductor to the positive terminal of the support assembly.
9. The electrical assembly of claim 8, wherein if the support assembly is in the second orientation, the first bus bar is connected to the additional conductor; and the control circuit is configured to connect the additional conductor to the positive terminal of the support assembly.
10. The electrical assembly of claim 1, wherein the support assembly includes the control circuit and the support assembly is configured for removal from the track assembly in a vertical direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the track assembly.
11. The electrical assembly of claim [[10]] 1, wherein the first relay includes a first coil; the second relay includes a second coil; and the diode is configured control current flow into the first coil and the second coil.
12. The electrical assembly of claim 11, wherein if the support assembly is in the first orientation, the first coil and the second coil are not energized, the first bus bar is connected to the positive terminal of the support assembly, and the second bus bar is connected to the negative terminal of the support assembly; and, if the support assembly is in the second orientation, the first coil and the second coil are energized, the first bus bar is connected to the positive terminal of the support assembly, and the second bus bar is connected to the negative terminal of the support assembly.
13. The electrical assembly of claim 1, An electrical assembly, including: a track assembly, including: a first track having a first bus bar, the first bus bar configured for connection with a first terminal of a power source, and a second track having a second bus bar, the second bus bar configured for connection with a second terminal of said power source; a control circuit and a support assembly configured for connection with the track assembly in a first orientation and in a second orientation, the support assembly including: a positive terminal; and a negative terminal; wherein the control circuit includes at least four non-electromechanical electrical components including transistors and/or diodes; and wherein the control circuit is configured to automatically connect the first bus bar to the positive terminal of the support assembly and connect the second bus bar to the negative terminal of the support assembly regardless of whether the support assembly is connected to the track assembly in the first orientation or the second orientation.
14. The electrical assembly of claim 1, wherein the control circuit includes a third relay and a second diode; the first relay includes a first coil; the second relay includes a second coil; the diode is connected to the first coil and the second coil; the third relay includes a third coil; and the second diode is connected to the third coil and the first relay.
15. The electrical assembly of claim 14, wherein the third coil is energized if the support assembly is in either of the first orientation or the second orientation.
16. The electrical assembly of claim 14, wherein if the support assembly is in the first orientation, the first coil and the second coil are not energized; and if the support assembly is in the second orientation, the first coil and the second coil are energized.
17. The electrical assembly of claim 14, wherein the third relay is configured to compensate for a reverse pulse from said power source.
18. The electrical assembly of claim 14, wherein the diode is configured to permit current flow from first conductor to the first coil and the second coil when the support assembly is in the second orientation; and the diode is configured to restrict current flow through the first coil and the second coil when the support assembly is in the first orientation.
19. The electrical assembly of claim 13, wherein the at least four non-electromechanical electrical components include diodes, including a first diode, a second diode, a third diode, and a fourth diode; the first diode, the second diode, the third diode, and the fourth diode are connected in a bridge circuit configuration; the positive terminal is connected to the first diode and the third diode; the negative terminal is connected to the second diode and the fourth diode; a first conductor of the support assembly is connected between the first diode and the second diode; and a second conductor of the support assembly is connected between the third diode and the fourth diode.
20. An electrical assembly, including: a track assembly, including: a first track having a first bus bar, the first bus bar configured for connection with a first terminal of a power source, and a second track having a second bus bar, the second bus bar configured for connection with a second terminal of said power source; a control circuit and a support assembly configured for connection with the track assembly in a first orientation and in a second orientation, the support assembly including: a positive terminal; and a negative terminal; wherein the control circuit includes a switch assembly including a plurality of switches and at least one driver to automatically activate the plurality of switches; and wherein the control circuit is configured to automatically connect the first bus bar to the positive terminal of the support assembly and connect the second bus bar to the negative terminal of the support assembly regardless of whether the support assembly is connected to the track assembly in the first orientation or the second orientation.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(10) Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the present disclosure will be described in conjunction with embodiments and/or examples, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the present disclosure to these embodiments and/or examples. On the contrary, the present disclosure is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.
(11) In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in
(12) With embodiments, a support member 30 may be connected to and/or be configured to engage a track assembly 38. The support member 30 and/or the track assembly 38 may extend substantially longitudinally (e.g., in an X-direction). For example and without limitation, the support member 30 may move (e.g., slide, roll, translate, etc.) in a longitudinal direction along the track assembly 38. The support member 30 may selectively engage and/or disengage from the track assembly 38. The support member 30 may be inserted into and/or be removed from the track assembly 38 in a Z-direction (e.g., a vertical direction). The support member 30 may, for example and without limitation, include a cassette configuration.
(13) In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in
(14) With embodiments, the first track 40 and/or the second track 40′ may include an outer track 42, 42′ and/or an inner track 44, 44′. The outer tracks 42, 42′ may include a first/bottom wall 42.sub.1, 42.sub.1′, a second wall 42.sub.2, 42.sub.2′, and/or a third wall 42.sub.3, 42.sub.3′. The bottom wall 42.sub.1, 42.sub.1′, the second wall 42.sub.2, 42.sub.2′, and/or the third wall 42.sub.3, 42.sub.3′ may be connected to form a generally U-shaped configuration. The bottom wall 42.sub.1, 42.sub.1′ may, for example, be substantially planar. The second wall 42.sub.2, 42.sub.2′, and/or the third wall 42.sub.3, 42.sub.3′ may extend perpendicularly (e.g., in the Z-direction) from opposite sides of the bottom wall 42.sub.1, 42.sub.1′. The second wall 42.sub.2, 42.sub.2′ may include a first portion 42A, 42A′ and/or the third wall 42.sub.3, 42.sub.3′ may include a second portion 42B, 42B′. The first portion 42A, 42A′ and/or the second portion 42B, 42B′ may project laterally (e.g., in a Y-direction) toward a center of the track 40, 40′. The first portion 42A, 42A′ and/or the second portion 42B, 42B′ may be substantially planar. In embodiments, the first portion 42A, 42A′ and/or the second portion 42B, 42B′ may be disposed such that a gap 46, 46′ may be provided between the first portion 42A, 42A′ and the second portion 42B, 42B′ (e.g., the first portion 42A, 42A′ and the second portion 42B, 42B′ may be offset in the Y-direction). The gap 46 may extend longitudinally along the track 40, and/or the gap 46 may be centered along the track 40.
(15) In embodiments, the inner track 44, 44′ may be disposed at least partially in the outer track 42, 42′. The inner track 44, 44′ may, for example and without limitation, be substantially U-shaped. The inner track 44, 44′ may include a first wall 44.sub.1, 44.sub.1′, a second wall 44.sub.2, 44.sub.2′, and/or a third wall 44.sub.3, 44.sub.3′. The second wall 44.sub.2, 44.sub.2′, may be shorter than the third wall 44.sub.3, 44.sub.3′. The second wall 44.sub.2, 44.sub.2′ and/or the third wall 44.sub.3, 44.sub.3′ may be at least partially bent and/or curved. The second wall 44.sub.2, 44.sub.2′ and the third wall 44.sub.3, 44.sub.3′ may extend perpendicularly (e.g., vertically) from the bottom wall 44.sub.1. The bottom wall 44.sub.1, 44.sub.1′ of the inner track 44, 44′ may be generally aligned with and/or adjacent to the bottom wall 42.sub.1, 42.sub.1′ of the outer track 42, 42′. The second wall 44.sub.2, 44.sub.2′ of the inner track 44, 44′ may be generally aligned with and/or adjacent to the second wall 42.sub.2, 42.sub.2′ of the outer track 42, 42′. The third wall 44.sub.3, 44.sub.3′ of the inner track 44, 44′ may be generally aligned with and/or adjacent to the third wall 42.sub.3, 42.sub.3′ of the outer track 42, 42′.
(16) With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in
(17) In embodiments, the first track 40 and/or the second track 40′ may include one or more bus bars 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D (e.g., electrical conductors). The first track 40 may include a first bus bar 50A and/or a third bus bar 50C. The second track 40′ may include a second bus bar 50B and/or a fourth bus bar 50D. The bus bars 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D may include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, and/or configurations. For example and without limitation, the bus bars 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D may be substantially U-shaped. The bus bars 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D may extend substantially longitudinally (e.g., in the X-direction). The bus bars 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D may be electrically conductive and/or include an electrically conductive material. The first bus bar 50A may be disposed at least partially in the first recess 48A of the first track 40, the second bus bar 50B may be disposed at least partially in the second recess 48B of the second track 40′, the third bus bar 50C may be disposed at least partially in the third recess 48C of the first track 40, and/or the fourth bus bar 50D may be disposed at least partially in the fourth recess 48D of the second track 40′. The bus bars 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D may be disposed at least partially between the outer tracks 42, 42′ and the inner tracks 44, 44′ (e.g., in the Z-direction). The bus bars 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D may extend along part of or along the entire length of the first track 40 and/or second track 40′. The bus bars 50A, 50B may be electrically connected to a power source 26 (e.g., a vehicle battery) and may be configured to provide power from the power source 26 to the support member 30 at some or all points along the track 40.
(18) With embodiments, the bus bars 50A, 50B may be configured for connection with a power source 26 and/or the first ECU 28A. For example and without limitation, the first bus bar 50A and/or the second bus bar 50B may be configured for connection to the power source 26. The first bus bar 50A and/or the second bus bar 50B may be configured to provide power to a support assembly 22 via the support member 30. The first bus bar 50A may connect to a first/positive terminal 26A of the power source 26, and/or the second bus bar 50B may connect to a second/negative terminal 26B, which may be connected to ground, of the power source 26. The first bus bar 50A and/or the second bus bar 50B may supply power to the second ECU 28B and/or to one or more electrical components 22C, 22C.sub.1, 22C.sub.2 (e.g., motors, heaters, fans, haptic devices, etc. as generally illustrated in
(19) In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in
(20) With embodiments, in a second orientation of the support assembly 22, the first conductor 36A may be configured for connection with the second bus bar 50B and/or the second conductor 36B may be configured for connection with the first bus bar 50A (see, e.g.,
(21) With embodiments, an electrical assembly 20 may include a first ECU 28A and/or a second ECU 28B. The first ECU 28A and/or the second ECU 28B may be configured to communicate with (e.g., receive information from, send information to, digitally communicate with, and/or sense a status/voltage of, etc.) the control circuit 52, such as with the switch/relay assembly 60, the diode assembly 80, and the switch assembly 90. The first ECU 28A and/or the second ECU 28B may be configured to sense the status of the control circuit 52 (e.g., such as voltage). The first ECU 28A may be connected to the track assembly 38. The second ECU 28B may be connected to the support member 30. The second ECU 28B may, for example and without limitation, be configured to control one or more functions/electrical components 22C of the support assembly 22. The control circuit 52 may be connected between (e.g., electrically) the bus bars 50A, 50B and the second ECU 28B. The first ECU 28A may be configured to receive information about the orientation of the support member 30 (and a seat 30A that may be connected thereto), such as via the second ECU 28B and/or the control circuit 52. For example and without limitation, the first ECU 28A may be configured to receive information from the second ECU 28B and/or the control circuit 52 indicating whether the support assembly 22 is forward facing or rearward facing.
(22) In embodiments, the control circuit 52 may include a switch/relay assembly 60. The relay assembly 60 may be configured to connect the appropriate support assembly terminals 22A, 22B to the power source 26. For example and without limitation, the relay assembly 60 may be configured to connect the correct terminals 26A, 26B of the power source 26 to the appropriate support assembly terminals 22A, 22B (e.g., such that the first terminal 22A of the support assembly 22 is connected to the first terminal 26A of the power source 26 and the second terminal 22B is connected to the second terminal 26B of the power source 26, regardless of the orientation of the support assembly 22). The relay assembly 60 may include one or more relays (e.g., relays 62, 64) and/or one or more diodes (e.g., diode 74). The one or more relays may, for example and without limitation, include one or more electromechanical relays and/or one or more solid state relays. Upon connecting the support member 30 to the track 40, the relay assembly 60 may automatically connect the positive terminal 26A of the power source 26 to a positive terminal 22A of the support assembly 22. Additionally or alternatively, the relay assembly 60 may automatically connect the negative (e.g., ground) terminal 26B of the power source 26 to the negative terminal 22B of the support assembly 22. The relay assembly 60 may be disposed at least partially in the support member 30 and/or in the seat 30A.
(23) With embodiments, such as generally shown in
(24) In embodiments, the first relay 62 may be connected to the first diode 66 and/or the second relay 64 may be connected to the second diode 68. The first relay 62 (e.g., the first contact 62.sub.1) may be connected to the positive terminal 22A of the support assembly 22, and/or the second relay 64 (e.g., the first contact 64.sub.1) may be connected to the negative terminal 22B (e.g., ground) of the support assembly 22. The first relay 62 and/or the second relay 64 may include a first coil 70 and/or a second coil 72, respectively. The coils 70, 72 may be connected between the fourth contacts 62.sub.4, 64.sub.4 and the fifth contacts 62.sub.5, 64.sub.5 of the first relay 62 and the second relay 64, respectively. The first diode 66 may be connected to the fifth contact 62.sub.5 of the first relay 62. The first diode 66 may permit current flow into the fifth contact 62.sub.5 and/or may restrict current flow out of the fifth contact 62.sub.5. The second diode 68 may be connected to the fifth contact 64.sub.5 of the second relay 64. The second diode 68 may permit current flow into the fifth contact 64.sub.5 and/or may restrict current flow out of the fifth contact 64.sub.5. The second contact 62.sub.2 of the first relay 62 may be connected to the fourth contact 62.sub.4 of the first relay 62, the second contact 64.sub.2 of the second relay 64, the second diode 68, and/or the second conductor 36B. The third contact 62.sub.3 of the first relay 62 may be connected to the first diode 66, the fourth contact 64.sub.4 of the second relay 64, the third contact 64.sub.3 of the second relay 64, the first conductor 36A, and/or the second ECU 28B (e.g., to output support assembly position information).
(25) With embodiments, such as generally shown in
(26) In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in
(27) With embodiments, connecting the positive terminal 26A of the power source 26 to the first conductor 36A may cause the first coil 70 to trigger (e.g., energize), which may connect the first contact 62.sub.1 of the first relay 62 to the third contact 62.sub.3 instead of the second contact 62.sub.2. Current may flow from the positive terminal 26A to the first bus bar 50A, to the first conductor 36A, through the first relay 62, and/or to the positive terminal 22A of the support assembly 22. The second coil 72 may not be energized, and/or the second diode 68 may prevent the second coil 72 from energizing when the first coil 70 is energized. In the second state, the first contact 64.sub.1 and second contact 64.sub.2 of the second relay 64 may remain connected. For example and without limitation, current may flow from the negative terminal 22B to the first contact 64.sub.1, to the second contact 64.sub.2, to the second conductor 36B, to the second bus bar 50B, and/or to the negative terminal 26B of the power source 26.
(28) In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in
(29) With embodiments, connecting the positive terminal 26A of the power source 26 to the second conductor 36B may cause the second coil 72 to trigger (e.g., energize), which may connect the first contact 64.sub.1 of the second relay 64 to the third contact 64.sub.3 instead of the second contact 64.sub.2. Current may flow from positive terminal 26A to the first bus bar 50A, to the second conductor 36B, through the first relay 62, and/or to the positive terminal 22A of the support assembly 22. The first coil 70 may not be energized, and/or the first diode 66 may prevent the first coil 70 from energizing when the second coil 72 is energized. The second bus bar 50B may be connected to the third contact 64.sub.3 of the second relay 64 and/or may be connected to the first contact 64.sub.1 of the second relay 64 such as to connect to the negative terminal 22B of the support assembly 22.
(30) In embodiments, such as generally shown in
(31) With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in
(32) In embodiments, connecting the positive terminal 26A of the power source 26 to the first conductor 36A may not cause the first coil 70 and/or the second coil 72 to trigger (e.g., energize). The first contacts 62.sub.1, 64.sub.1 of the relays 62, 64 may remain connected to the second contacts 62.sub.2, 64.sub.2. Current may flow from the positive terminal 26A of the power source 26 to the first bus bar 50A, to the first conductor 36A, through the first relay 62, and/or to the positive terminal 22A of the support assembly 22. The first coil 70 and/or the second coil 72 may not be energized, and/or the diode 74 may prevent the first coil 70 and/or the second coil 72 form energizing when the support assembly 22 is in the forward-facing orientation. The second bus bar 50B may be connected via the second conductor 36B to the second contact 64.sub.2 of the second relay 64 and/or may be connected to the first contact 64.sub.1 of the second relay 64, such as to connect the negative terminal 26B of the power source 26 to the negative terminal 22B of the support assembly 22.
(33) With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in
(34) In embodiments, connecting the positive terminal 26A of the power source 26 to the first conductor 36A may cause the first coil 70 and/or the second coil 72 to trigger (e.g., trip/energize) which may connect the first contacts 62.sub.1, 64.sub.1 of the relays 62, 64 to the third contacts 62.sub.3, 64.sub.3 instead of the second contacts 62.sub.2, 64.sub.2. Current may flow from the positive terminal 26A to the first bus bar 50A, to the second conductor 36B, through the first relay 62, and/or to the positive terminal 22A of the support assembly 22. The diode 74 may prevent current from flowing through the second relay 64 to the negative terminal 22B of the support assembly 22. The second bus bar 50B (e.g., ground) may be connected to the third contact 64.sub.3 of the second relay 64, which may be connected to the first contact 64.sub.1 of the second relay 64 (which may be connected to the negative terminal 22B of the support assembly 22).
(35) With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in
(36) In embodiments, the third relay 76 and/or the pulse diode 78 of the relay assembly 60 may isolate the first relay 62 and/or the second relay 64 during switching (e.g., coil energizing). Switching the polarity of the contacts at the first conductor 36A and/or second conductor 36B may result in a reverse battery pulse. The pulse diode 78 and/or third relay 76 switching delay may limit the reverse battery pulse from affecting the support assembly 22 (e.g., internal circuity of the support assembly 22, the second ECU 28B, and/or electrical components 22C that may be connected to the support assembly 22).
(37) In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in
(38) With embodiments, connecting the positive terminal 26A of the power source 26 to the first conductor 36A may not cause the first coil 70 and/or the second coil 72 to trigger (e.g., energize). The first contacts 62.sub.1, 64.sub.1 of the relays 62, 64 may remain connected to the second contacts 62.sub.2, 64.sub.2. Connecting the positive terminal 22A to the first conductor 36A may cause the third coil 76A to energize. For example and without limitation, current may flow from the positive terminal 26A, to the first bus bar 50A, to the first conductor 36A, to the first contact 62.sub.1 of the first relay 62, to the pulse diode 78, to the fifth contact 76.sub.5 of the third relay 76, and to the third coil 76A, which may energize the third coil 76A. Energizing the third coil 76A may cause the first contact 76.sub.1 of the third relay 76 to disconnect from the second contact 76.sub.2 and connect to the third contact 76.sub.3, which may connect the positive terminal 26A of the power source 26 to the positive terminal 22A of the support assembly 22.
(39) In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in
(40) With embodiments, connecting the positive terminal 26A of the power source 26 to the second conductor 36B may cause the first coil 70 and/or the second coil 72 to trigger (e.g., energize). The first contacts 62.sub.1, 64.sub.1 of the first relay 62 and the second relay 64 may disconnect from the second contacts 62.sub.2, 64.sub.2 and/or may connect to the third contacts 62.sub.3, 64.sub.3. Current may flow from the positive terminal 26A of the power source 26 to the first bus bar 50A, to the second conductor 36B, to the third contact 623 of the first relay 62, to the first contact 62.sub.1 of the first relay 62, to the third contact 76.sub.3 of the third relay 76, and/or to the pulse diode 78, which may energize the third coil 76A. Energizing the third coil 76A may cause the first contact 76.sub.1 of the third relay 76 to disconnect from the second contact 76.sub.2 and connect to the third contact 76.sub.3, which may connect the positive terminal 26A of the power source 26 to the positive terminal 22A of the support assembly 22 via the second conductor 36B.
(41) In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in
(42) In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in
(43) In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in
(44) With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in
(45) With embodiments, switches of the switch assembly 90 may include one or more of a variety of configurations. The switch assembly 90 may include switches (e.g., the switch assembly 90 may or may not include electromechanical components such as electromechanical relays). For example and without limitation, the switch assembly 90 may include a first switch 92.sub.1, a second switch 92.sub.2, a third switch 92.sub.3, and/or a fourth switch 92.sub.4 that may include silicon-based switches, transistors, and/or metal-oxide field effect transistors (MOSFETs), among other configurations. The first switch 92.sub.1 may be connected to a first driver 94.sub.1, the second switch 92.sub.2 may be connected to a second driver 94.sub.2, the third switch 92.sub.3 may be connected to a third driver 94.sub.3, and/or the fourth switch 92.sub.4 may be connected to a fourth driver 94.sub.4. The first switch 92.sub.1, the second switch 92.sub.2, the third switch 92.sub.3, and the fourth switch 92.sub.4 may be connected as a bridge circuit. The drivers 94.sub.1, 94.sub.2, 94.sub.3, 94.sub.4 may be configured to activate the switches 92.sub.1, 92.sub.2, 92.sub.3, 92.sub.4, respectively. The drivers 94.sub.1, 94.sub.2, 94.sub.3, 94.sub.4 may not carry power, but may set the gate voltage of the switches 92.sub.1, 92.sub.2, 92.sub.3, 92.sub.4 such that the switches 92.sub.1, 92.sub.2, 92.sub.3, 92.sub.4 may selectively open. The first conductor 36A may be connected between the first switch 92.sub.1 and the second switch 90.sub.2. The second conductor 36B may be connected between the third switch 92.sub.3 and the fourth switch 92.sub.4. The switch assembly 90 may include and/or be connected to one or more other passive electrical components (e.g., additional switches, one or more diodes, etc.).
(46) In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in
(47) In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in
(48) With embodiments, switches and drivers of a switch assembly 90 (e.g., switches 92.sub.1, 92.sub.2, 92.sub.3, 92.sub.4 and drivers 94.sub.1, 94.sub.2, 94.sub.3, 94.sub.4) may be configured for automatic activation (e.g., independent of any separate controllers, such as the ECUs 28A, 28B). If the correct polarity is provided to a switch and a driver, the driver may automatically activate the switch. If the reverse polarity is provided to the switch and the driver, the driver may not activate the switch. The switches 92.sub.1, 92.sub.2, 92.sub.3, 92.sub.4 may, for example and without limitation, be connected in a bridge configuration.
(49) In embodiments, a control circuit 52, a diode assembly 80, and/or a switch assembly 90 may include at least four electrical components (e.g., non-electromechanical components) configured to connect the correct terminals 26A, 26B of the power source 26 to the appropriate support assembly terminals 22A, 22B regardless of the orientation of the support assembly 22.
(50) With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in
(51) Embodiments of control circuits 52, such as the five embodiments illustrated in
(52) In embodiments, an electrical assembly 20 may be configured to avoid a reverse polarity conduction, provide power to the support assembly 22 in the second/rearward-facing configuration, and/or provide digital monitoring of the position of the support assembly 22.
(53) With embodiments, a control circuit 52 may operate automatically, such as independently of the ECUs 28A, 28B. For example and without limitation, a control circuit 52 (e.g., a relay assembly) 60 may switch between states (e.g., a first state, a second state, and/or a third state) without being controlled by an ECU 28A, 28B. One or both of the ECUs 28A, 28B may be connected to the control circuit 52 and the connection may be a passive/monitoring connection. A control circuit 52 may be configured as a passive assembly and may not involve a capacitor or internal energy storage.
(54) In embodiments, a controller may include an electronic controller and/or include an electronic processor, such as a programmable microprocessor and/or microcontroller. In embodiments, a controller may include, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). A controller may include a central processing unit (CPU), a memory (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium), and/or an input/output (I/O) interface. A controller may be configured to perform various functions, including those described in greater detail herein, with appropriate programming instructions and/or code embodied in software, hardware, and/or other medium. In embodiments, a controller may include a plurality of controllers. In embodiments, a controller may be connected to a display, such as a touchscreen display.
(55) Various embodiments are described herein for various apparatuses, systems, and/or methods. Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, however, that the embodiments may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described in the specification. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments.
(56) Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “with embodiments,” “in embodiments,” or “an embodiment,” or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “with embodiments,” “in embodiments,” or “an embodiment,” or the like, in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment/example may be combined, in whole or in part, with the features, structures, functions, and/or characteristics of one or more other embodiments/examples without limitation given that such combination is not illogical or non-functional. Moreover, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope thereof.
(57) It should be understood that references to a single element are not necessarily so limited and may include one or more of such element. Any directional references (e.g., plus, minus, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of embodiments.
(58) Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected/coupled and in fixed relation to each other. The use of “e.g.” in the specification is to be construed broadly and is used to provide non-limiting examples of embodiments of the disclosure, and the disclosure is not limited to such examples. Uses of “and” and “or” are to be construed broadly (e.g., to be treated as “and/or”). For example and without limitation, uses of “and” do not necessarily require all elements or features listed, and uses of “or” are intended to be inclusive unless such a construction would be illogical.
(59) While processes, systems, and methods may be described herein in connection with one or more steps in a particular sequence, it should be understood that such methods may be practiced with the steps in a different order, with certain steps performed simultaneously, with additional steps, and/or with certain described steps omitted.
(60) It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the present disclosure.
(61) It should be understood that a controller (e.g., controller), a system, and/or a processor as described herein may include a conventional processing apparatus known in the art, which may be capable of executing preprogrammed instructions stored in an associated memory, all performing in accordance with the functionality described herein. To the extent that the methods described herein are embodied in software, the resulting software can be stored in an associated memory and can also constitute means for performing such methods. Such a system or processor may further be of the type having both ROM, RAM, a combination of non-volatile and volatile memory so that any software may be stored and yet allow storage and processing of dynamically produced data and/or signals.
(62) It should be further understood that an article of manufacture in accordance with this disclosure may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program encoded thereon for implementing logic and other functionality described herein. The computer program may include code to perform one or more of the methods disclosed herein. Such embodiments may be configured to execute one or more processors, multiple processors that are integrated into a single system or are distributed over and connected together through a communications network, and/or where the network may be wired or wireless. Code for implementing one or more of the features described in connection with one or more embodiments may, when executed by a processor, cause a plurality of transistors to change from a first state to a second state. A specific pattern of change (e.g., which transistors change state and which transistors do not), may be dictated, at least partially, by the logic and/or code.