Seat control unit for adjusting a vehicle seat and vehicle seat configuration

US7432459B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• VOLKSWAGEN AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT · DE
• AUDI AG · DE

Inventors

• Arne Stoschek · Palo Alto, US
• Brian Ng · San Jose, US
• Michael Derse · New Haven, US
• Philippe Alessandrini · Palo Alto, US
• Steffen Ross · Wettstetten, DE
• Sven Strohband · Mountain View, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 31, 2006
• Grant date: Oct 7, 2008
• Expiry date: Jun 9, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H01H2300/008
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A seat control unit for adjusting a vehicle seat includes a touch sensor having a touch-sensitive fabric. The touch-sensitive fabric is disposed on a support layer which may be formed by a vehicle interior component such as the vehicle seat, an interior door panel or an armrest. The touch sensor generates signals in response to a force exerted on the touch-sensitive fabric. A control circuit is connected the touch sensor and receives the signals generated by the touch sensor. The control circuit determines a position of the force exerted on the touch-sensitive fabric and generates control signals for controlling the vehicle seat in dependence on the position of the force exerted on the touch-sensitive fabric.