US 4,510,426 A · Memory power seat controller

Abstract

An improved electronic controller for an automobile power seat system is disclosed. The electronic controller features a microcomputer which receives command signals from a first and second group of operator actuable switches, present position signals from a monitoring circuit, and stored position signals from a memory circuit for generating control signals for directing a motive power means to adjust the position of an automobile seat. The monitoring circuit includes transducer means for sensing the current draw from the d.c. power source, and differentiating means connected to the transducer means for generating a pulse concomitantly with each commutation of the motor from the motive power means. These pulse position signals are sent to the microcomputer and then counted by an internal timer for determining the present position of the automotive seat. These pulse position signals are used to determine a "stall" condition which occurs when the rack mechanism has encountered a mechanical stop, such as when the seat reaches its full forward position. The time between these pulses is monitored and a stall condition is determined when the time between these pulses exceeds a predetermined period.

Claims17

Dependent claims

In a system for controlling the position of a movable apparatus, having motive power means including at least one motor operable from a d.c. power source and adapted to adjust the position of said movable apparatus, and first operator actuable switch means for generating manual adjustment command signals, the improvement comprising:

second operator actuable switch means for generating automatic adjustment command signals;
monitoring circuit means for generating a pulse signal indicative of the position of said movable apparatus by monitoring predetermined current fluctuations in the supply line from said d.c. power source to said motor during an adjustment in the position of said movable apparatus;
memory means for storing a plurality of positions for subsequent recall in response to said automatic adjustment command signals;
and
microcomputer means, interconnecting said first and second operator actuable switch means, said monitoring circuit means, said memory means and said motive power means, for tracking the position of said movable apparatus by counting the number of said pulse signals, for selectively generating control signals in response to said command signals operable to cause said motive power means to adjust the position of said movable apparatus, and for detecting a stall condition by monitoring the time between said pulse signals during an adjustment in the position of said movable apparatus.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Memory power seat controller

Life of this patent

Memory power seat controller

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17