초록 ▼

The vehicle seat suspension system of the present invention utilizes an extensible linkage supporting a seat frame. Height adjustment of the seat frame on the extensible linkage is done through an adjustable air spring. Movement of the seat frame due to jostling of the vehicle is normally dampened u

The vehicle seat suspension system of the present invention utilizes an extensible linkage supporting a seat frame. Height adjustment of the seat frame on the extensible linkage is done through an adjustable air spring. Movement of the seat frame due to jostling of the vehicle is normally dampened using a variable damping rate, extensible shock absorber. The damping rate is essentially pushed in infinity, fully locking the shock absorber positionally in response to detection of an accident condition. In one embodiment of the invention, a bleed valve between the compression and rebound chambers of the shock absorber is closed to effect lock up. In an alternative embodiment, the electrorheological or magnetorheological working fluid of a shock absorber may be solidified to lock positionally the shock absorber. Condition detection sensors include accelerometers and roll over detectors. To allow for the possible loss of vehicle power, the lock up signal is supplied by an independent power source.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A semi-active vehicle seat suspension system comprising:a load bearing frame;a lower frame for mounting to a vehicle;an extensible linkage positioning the load bearing frame relative to the lower frame;a spring urging a selectable extension of the extensible linkage;an ex

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A semi-active vehicle seat suspension system comprising:a load bearing frame;a lower frame for mounting to a vehicle;an extensible linkage positioning the load bearing frame relative to the lower frame;a spring urging a selectable extension of the extensible linkage;an extensible motion damping device positioned to dampen motion of the load bearing frame relative to the vehicle;a non-operator initiated condtion sensing element responsive to only accident conditions involving the vehicle for generating an accident indication signal; andmeans responsive to the accident indication signal for locking the extension of the extensible motion damping device.