Ergonomic support device for the body of the occupant, for chairs or seats, particularly for motor-vehicle seats
US8038215B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 29, 2009 |
| Grant date | Oct 18, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 30, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60N2/976
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A chair or a seat, in particular a seat for motor vehicles, includes an ergonomic device for supporting the body of the occupant, comprising a supporting panel having supporting laths, set at a distance from one another, which can be arched towards the body of the occupant, each independently of the others, by a respective actuator, which includes an actuator element constituted by a shape-memory material, which undergoes a reduction in length following upon heating above a predetermined transition temperature, higher than ambient temperature. Associated to the panel are electrical-supply means for supply of the shape-memory actuators and electronic control means for activating the laths independently and/or in succession according to any predetermined logic, in particular according to successive waves of activation, for example from above downwards, or from below upwards, or alternately from above and from below, so as to obtain a massaging effect.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.