An Apple patent for a hi-tech car seat describes how the technology could solve a problem created by existing hi-tech car seats …
We may or may not ever see an actual Apple Car, but the company is certainly developing some interesting technology which might someday make it into cars made by other manufacturers. One possibility is a solution to a problem created by the number of different motors in some high-end car seats.
As you adjust the seat to suit you, all these different motors push and pull on the fabric, which is especially problematic with leather, as Apple’s patent explains.
To relieve this strain on the fabric, Apple proposes a system of rollers that slacken or tighten the material as required to accommodate movements of various seat elements.
Over time, the trim (e.g., fabric) that covers the seat contours becomes worn, stretched out, or otherwise fatigued. Trim fatigue is especially problematic for car seats with bolsters because car seats are heavily used and passengers rub against the bolsters when entering and exiting the seat. Furthermore, many car seats include leather trim, which has limited elasticity. Manufacturers often address the issues of trim fatigue dividing seats and seat backs into sections that are covered separately, stitched, or quilted, so as to reduce material strain.
Many car seats include heating elements, but this patent describes how a hi-tech car seat could also incorporate fans, to blow warm or cool air through the fabric.
