Adaptive seat suspension system

A seat suspension method for a mobile machine, comprising:

• detecting a performance parameter of the mobile machine;
• making a classification, based on the performance parameter, of a current operation being performed by the mobile machine;
• based on the classification, selecting for use in controlling a suspension characteristic of an operator seat within the mobile machine, one of a plurality of available control maps;
• and
• controlling movement of at least one of a cylinder and a spring associated with the operator seat based on relationship information stored within the selected one of the plurality of available control maps.

A machine, comprising:

• a frame;
• a plurality of traction devices operatively connected to support the frame;
• an engine mounted to the frame and configured to drive the plurality of traction devices;
• a tool mounted to the frame and powered by the engine;
• an operator cabin mounted to the frame and having at least one input device movable by an operator to indicated a desired operation of the machine;
• at least one machine sensor configured to detect at least one of a speed of the plurality of traction devices, a movement of the tool, a position of the machine, a travel direction of the machine, and the desired operation of the machine;
• a seat operatively connected to a floor of the operator cabin;
• a cylinder connected between the seat and the floor;
• a spring associated with the cylinder;
• at least one travel guide operatively connected to the seat and the floor;
• at least one valve configured to control fluid flow into and out of the cylinder, fluid flow into and out of the spring, or connection of a secondary volume with the spring;
• at least one seat sensor configured to detect at least one of a height, an acceleration, and a displacement of the seat;
• and
• a controller in communication with the at least one machine sensor, the valve, and the at least one seat sensor, the controller being configured to:
• make a classification of an operation currently being performed by the machine based on input from the at least one machine sensor as at least one of roading, backing-up, forward dozing, forward ripping, truck loading, digging, and dumping;
• select for use in controlling movement of at least one of the cylinder and the spring one of a plurality of available maps stored in a memory of the controller based on the classification;
• and
• reference a signal from the at least one seat sensor with the selected one of the plurality of available maps to determine corresponding commands directed to the at least one valve.