Programmable seat back damper assembly for seats

US6601915B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ford Global Technologies, LLC · US

Inventors

• John L. Sullivan · Ann Arbor, US
• John Matthew Ginder · Plymouth, US
• Kirsten Carr · Ann Arbor, US
• Paul Schulz · Wuppertal, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 4, 2001
• Grant date: Aug 5, 2003
• Expiry date: Sep 4, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60N2220/20
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A programmable seat back damper assembly for a motor vehicle includes a generally horizontal seat cushion portion and a generally upright back portion operatively connected to the seat cushion portion. The programmable seat back damper assembly includes a recliner for operative connection to the seat back portion and the seat cushion portion. The programmable seat back damper assembly also includes a damper for operative connection to the seat back portion and the seat cushion portion and having a magneto-rheological (MR) fluid therein. The programmable seat back damper assembly further includes a controller electrically connected to the damper to control an apparent viscosity of the MR fluid to increase and decrease damping of the damper for adjusting an angle of the seat back portion relative to the seat cushion portion.