Abstract:
A rearward-facing seat with safety reinforcement includes a base; a back; and an adaptive damping device behind an upper portion of the back of the seat. The adaptive damping device can be an inflatable airbag, crushable material or spring. The damping device can adapt to one or more of crash severity, crash conditions, occupant position or occupant size.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus are disclosed for vehicle occupant protection in unintentional roadway departure by a vehicle having at least one vehicle seat with a seat cushion mounted on a seat frame, the height of which is adjustable through a motor operated height adjustment device. Vehicle travel is monitored using a remote sensor and/or a vehicle dynamics sensor. The remote sensor detects edges of the road. The vehicle dynamics sensor determines vehicle dynamics parameters. Road edge signals and/or vehicle dynamics signals are processed to determine whether the vehicle is about to leave the road. Operation of the height adjustment device to move a seat cushion towards a crash-position is triggered in response to an off-road signal indicating that the vehicle is about to leave the road.