Shape memory polymer integrated cushion upholstery using artificial muscles technology

A passenger seat comprising:

• a seat back;
• a seat pan;
• and
• an upholstery comprising:
• a cushion;
• and
• a dress cover;
• wherein the dress cover encloses at least a portion of the cushion;
• wherein the dress cover comprises a first yarn and a second yarn;
• wherein the first yarn and the second yarn are woven together;
• wherein the first yarn is in warp;
• wherein the second yarn is in weft;
• wherein the dress cover compresses the cushion when there is no voltage applied across the first yarn and the second yarn;
• wherein the first yarn and the second yarn are each configured to change in length upon receiving a voltage differential;
• wherein the change in length of the first yarn and the second yarn causes the dress cover to bulge;
• wherein the bulge of the dress cover allows the cushion to expand thereby changing a stiffness of the cushion;
• wherein the first yarn and the second yarn are each configured to return to an original length when the voltage differential is removed.