Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[Refer Section 10, Rule 13]

TITLE OF INVENTION
A SYSTEM FOR ADJUSTING A USER SEAT AND A METHOD THEREOF

APPLICANT
TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED, an Indian company, having its address at “Chaitanya”, No.12 Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 006, Tamil Nadu, India.

PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed. 
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention generally relates to adjustment of a user seat. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for adjusting a user seat.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Generally, in seat assembly on which a rider or user rests, especially in seats of vehicles, during riding, constant pressure points between the rider and the seat are developed. The development of these constant pressure points causes discomfort and pain to the rider.
[003] Especially during long rides, due to rider posture and designs of conventional seats, the weight distribution of the rider is uneven on the seat. In addition, the support provided by the seat to the rider is also not even, and not in accordance with the weight distribution. The conventional seat structures with foams are not responsive either to the weight of the rider or the weight distribution. The uneven weight distribution and poor ergonomics are especially relevant in saddle type vehicle such as scooters and motorcycles, wherein the rider has to saddle the seat to ride the vehicle. In such scooters and motorcycles, only a portion of the rider’s profile is supported in the seat, which when combined with uneven weight distribution and unresponsive seat structures, leads to creation of pressure points that cause rider discomfort and fatigue. Such conventional seats are a cause of rider fatigue especially during long rides.
[004] Another issue in relation to conventional seat structures is that the conventional seats comprise of foam like dense material. The foam like materials tend to generate heat of their own and get extremely uncomfortable under long riding conditions. Especially in summers, the temperature of the seat rises to very high levels, causing further discomfort for the rider. In vehicles such as scooters and motorcycles, where the seat is exposed to the atmosphere, the issue of seat temperatures rising to uncomfortable levels is especially prevalent.
[005] Thus, there is a need in the art for a system for adjusting a user seat and a method thereof which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] In one aspect, the present invention is directed towards a system for adjusting a rider seat. The system has a plurality of inflatable bladders. The plurality of inflatable bladders have a first set of bladders and a second set of bladders and the plurality of inflatable bladders are provided on a top surface of the user seat. The system has a pump unit that is in fluid communication with the plurality of inflatable bladders and is configured to at least one of inflate or deflate the plurality of inflatable bladders. The system further has one or more tubes configured to connect the pump unit to the plurality of inflatable bladders, and a sensing unit configured to measure one or more bladder parameters of the plurality of inflatable bladders. The system further has a control unit being operatively coupled to the pump unit and the sensing unit. The control unit is configured to receive the measured one or more parameters of the plurality of inflatable bladders from the sensing unit; determine one or more user based parameters of the user resting on the user seat based on the measured one or more bladder parameters inside the plurality of inflatable bladders; and operate the pump unit to one of inflate or deflate the first set of bladders and the second set of bladders in a pre-defined pattern.
[007] In an embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to determine a first pressure based on the one or more user based parameters of the user, wherein the first pressure being an upper limit of the pressure inside the plurality of inflatable bladders; and determine a second pressure based on the one or more user based parameters of the user, wherein the second pressure being a lower limit of the pressure inside the plurality of plurality of inflatable bladders.
[008] In another embodiment of the invention, the pre-defined pattern is: one of inflate or deflate the first set of bladders at the first pressure, and remaining of inflate or deflate the second set of bladders at the second pressure for a predetermined period of time; and one of inflate or deflate the first set of bladders at the second pressure and remaining of inflate or deflate the second set of bladders at the first pressure after the predetermined period of time, wherein the inflation or deflation of the first set of bladders and the second set of bladders is done in a sequential manner.
[009] In a further embodiment of the invention, the one or more user based parameters of the user include one or more of weight of the user, height of the user or number of users resting on the user seat.
[010] In a further embodiment of the invention, each of the first set of bladders are disposed in an alternating arrangement with each of the second set of bladders.
[011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the pump unit has a spool valve being connected to the one or more tubes, wherein the control unit being configured to operate the spool valve to at least one of inflate or deflate the first set of bladders and the second set of bladders.
[012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the plurality of inflatable bladders include at least one of: cylinder-like bladders placed adjoining each other and extending parallelly to each other, or tapered cuboidal bladders placed adjoining each other.
[013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the one or more tubes have a first tube rail and a second tube rail. The first tube rail is configured to connect the pump unit to each of the first set of bladders, and the second tube rail is configured to connect the pump unit to the each of the second set of bladders.
[014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the sensing unit is provided inside the one or more tubes.
[015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the pump unit has at least one of: a pneumatic pump being configured to pump pressurized air for inflating or deflating the plurality of inflatable bladders, or a hydraulic pump being configured to pump a fluid for inflating or deflating the plurality of inflatable bladders.
[016] In another aspect, the present invention is directed towards a method for supporting a user seat. The method has the steps of receiving one or more bladder parameters of a plurality of inflatable bladders provided on a top surface of the user seat; determining one or more user based parameters of a user resting on the user seat based on the one or more parameters of the plurality of inflatable bladders; and operating a pump unit to inflate or deflate a first set of bladders and a second set of bladders in a pre-defined pattern.
[017] In an embodiment of the invention, the method has the steps of determining a first pressure based on the one or more user based parameters of the user, wherein the first pressure being an upper limit of the pressure inside the plurality of inflatable bladders; and determining a second pressure based on the one or more user based parameters of the user, wherein the second pressure being a lower limit of the pressure inside the plurality of plurality of inflatable bladders.
[018] In a further embodiment of the invention, the pre-defined pattern is: one of inflate or deflate the first set of bladders at the first pressure, and remaining of inflate or deflate the second set of bladders at the second pressure for a predetermined period of time; and one of inflate or deflate the first set of bladders at the second pressure and remaining of inflate or deflate the second set of bladders at the first pressure after the predetermined period of time, wherein the inflation or deflation of the first set of bladders and the second set of bladders is done in a sequential manner.
[019] In a further embodiment of the invention, the one or more user based parameters of the user includes one or more of weight of the user, height of the user or number of users resting on the user seat.
[020] In a further embodiment of the invention, the user seat is provided on a vehicle and the method has the steps of receiving an input from a prime mover unit of the vehicle; determining whether power available in the prime mover unit being greater than a first predetermined threshold; and operating the pump unit to at least one of inflate or deflate the first set of bladders and the second set of bladders when the power available in the prime mover unit being greater than the first predetermined threshold.
[021] In a further embodiment of the invention, the method has the steps of determining whether an ignition of the vehicle being switched on; operating the pump unit to deflate the plurality of inflatable bladders when the ignition being switched on; operating the pump unit to inflate the plurality of the inflatable bladders at a predetermined value of pressure; detecting a change in pressure in the plurality of inflatable bladders based on the input from the sensing unit when the user rests on the user seat; determining the weight of the user resting on the user seat based on the change in pressure inside the plurality of inflatable bladders; and determining the first pressure and the second pressure based on the weight of the user.
[022] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle. The vehicle has a user seat having a plurality of inflatable bladders. The plurality of inflatable bladders have a first set of bladders and a second set of bladders and the plurality of inflatable bladders are provided on a top surface of the user seat. The vehicle has a control unit for adjusting the user seat, and the control unit being configured to: determine whether an ignition of the vehicle is switched on; operate a pump unit functionally connected to a prime mover of the vehicle to deflate a plurality of inflatable bladders disposed on the user seat when the ignition is switched on; operate the pump unit to inflate the plurality of inflatable bladders at a predetermined value of pressure; detect a change in one or more bladder parameters in the plurality of inflatable bladders based on the input from a sensing unit when the user rests on the user seat; and determine the one or more user parameters of the user resting on the user seat based on the change in one or more bladder parameters inside the plurality of inflatable bladders; and determine a first pressure and a second pressure based on the one or more user parameters of the user wherein first pressure being a higher limit and the second pressure being a lower limit.
[023] In an embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to receive an input from a prime mover unit; determine whether power available in the prime mover unit being greater than a first predetermined threshold, wherein the first predetermined threshold being indicative of a minimum power available in the prime mover to operate the pump unit in conjunction with propelling the vehicle up to a pre-defined time; and operate the pump unit to at least one of inflate or deflate the first set of bladders and the second set of bladders when the power available in the prime mover unit being greater than the first predetermined threshold.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[024] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a system for adjusting a user seat, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a top perspective view of the system for adjusting the user seat, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a rear perspective view of the system for adjusting the user seat, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates another perspective view of the system for adjusting the user seat, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle with the user seat, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6A and 6B illustrates a top view and a sectional view of the user seat, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7A and 7B illustrate a side view of the user seat, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 illustrates a method for adjusting a user seat, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 illustrates further method steps involved in a method for adjusting a user seat, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[025] The present invention relates to adjustment of a user seat. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and a method for adjusting a user seat. The system and method of the present invention is typically used in a vehicle such as a two wheeled vehicle, and more particularly a saddle type vehicle. However, it should be understood that the rear system and method as illustrated may find its application in any other two-wheeled vehicle, three-wheeled vehicle, four-wheeled vehicles, other multi-wheeled vehicles or any non-automotive application using a seat.
[026] Figure 1 illustrates a system 100 for adjusting a user seat 20. As illustrated, the system has a plurality of inflatable bladders 110. Herein, the plurality of inflatable bladders 110 comprise a first set of bladders 112 and a second set of bladders 114. As illustrated in Figure 1, the plurality of inflatable bladders 110 are provided on a top surface 20A of the user seat 20. Thus, a user resting on the user seat 20 is supported by the plurality of inflatable bladders 110 in addition to the structure of the user seat 20 itself. The system 100 further has a pump unit 120. The pump unit 120 is in fluid communication with the plurality of inflatable bladders 110. Herein, the pump unit 120 is configured to at least one of inflate or deflate the plurality of inflatable bladders 110. In other words, the pump unit 120 is configured to inflate the plurality of inflatable bladders 110 when required and deflate the plurality of inflatable bladders 110 when required.
[027] The system 100 further has one or more tubes 130 which are configured to connect the pump unit 120 to the plurality of inflatable bladders 110. The system 100 further has a sensing unit (not shown). Herein, the sensing unit is configured to measure one or more bladder parameters of the plurality of inflatable bladders. In an embodiment, the sensing unit is disposed inside the or more tubes 120. The system 100 further has a control unit (not shown). The control unit is configured to receive the measured one or more parameters of the plurality of inflatable bladders from the sensing unit. In an embodiment, the one or more parameters of the plurality of inflatable bladders comprises a pressure inside the plurality of inflatable bladders. In a further embodiment, the one or more parameters of the plurality of inflatable bladders comprises a temperature of the plurality of inflatable bladders.
[028] Thereafter, the control unit is configured to determine one or more user based parameters of the user resting on the user seat based on the measured one or more bladder parameters inside the plurality of inflatable bladders. In an embodiment, the one or more user based parameters comprise one or more of weight of the user, height of the user or number of users resting on the user seat 20. The control unit is further configured to operate the pump unit 120 to one of inflate or deflate the first set of bladders 112 and the second set of bladders 114 in a pre-defined pattern. For example, the pump unit 120 inflates the first set of bladders 112 and deflates the second set of bladders 114, followed by the pump unit 120 deflating the first set of bladders 112 and inflating the second set of bladders 114 based on the one or more user based parameters. This inflating or deflating of the first set of bladders 112 and the second set of bladders 114 is performed in a pre-defined pattern, thus achieving a massaging effect and prevents the creation of any pressure points between the user and the user seat 20, thus preventing rider fatigue, drowsiness, discomfort and pain.
[029] In an embodiment, determine the control unit is configured to determine a first pressure based on the one or more user based parameters of the user, wherein the first pressure is an upper limit of the pressure inside the plurality of inflatable bladders 110. The control unit is further configured to determine a second pressure based on the one or more user based parameters of the user, wherein the second pressure is a lower limit of the pressure inside the plurality of plurality of inflatable bladders 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the control unit determines the first pressure and the second pressure based on the weight of the user, wherein the first pressure is the upper limit of the pressure in the plurality of inflatable bladders 110 and the second pressure is the lower limit of the pressure in the plurality of inflatable bladders 110.
[030] In this embodiment, the control unit is configured to operate the pump unit 120 to one of inflate or deflate the first set of bladders 112 and the second set of bladders 114 in the pre-defined pattern. Herein, the pre-defined pattern is one of inflate or deflate the first set of bladders 112 at the first pressure, and remaining of inflate or deflate the second set of bladders 114 at the second pressure for a predetermined period of time, and thereafter one of inflate or deflate the first set of bladders 112 at the second pressure and remaining of inflate or deflate the second set of bladders 114 at the first pressure after the predetermined period of time. Herein, the inflation or deflation of the first set of bladders 112 and the second set of bladders 114 is done in a sequential manner. For example, in the pre-defined pattern, the pump unit 120 inflates the first set of bladders 112 at the first pressure and deflates the second set of bladders 114 at the second pressure for a predetermined period of time. After the predetermined period, the pump unit 120 deflates the first set of bladders 112 at the second pressure and inflates the second set of bladders 114 at the first pressure. Again, after the predetermined period of time passes, this pattern is repeated for achieving the massaging effect and preventing creation of any pressure points between the user and the user seat 20.
[031] In an embodiment, instead of sequential manner the control unit may configure the inflation and deflation of the plurality of inflatable bladders 110 to be in one of a cyclic manner where each of the plurality of inflatable bladders 110 are inflated to a first pressure for the predetermined period of time after which each of the plurality of inflatable bladders 110 are inflated to the second pressure for the predetermined period of time, and the cyclic process of inflation continues.
[032] In another embodiment, control unit is configured to control the inflation of each of the plurality of inflatable bladders 110 wherein varying pressure be maintained between adjacently disposed bladders, wherein the varying pressure be between the limits of the first pressure and the second pressure. The varying pressure in each of the plurality of inflatable bladders 110 achieves a sinusoidal pattern of inflation and deflation in the bladders.
[033] In an embodiment, the configuration of the pump unit to operate between the precincts of the first pressure and the second pressure is intended to prevent distraction of the user, further the configuration achieves power optimization in the system 100. An ancillary advantage achieved in view of the disclosed configuration is a dynamic aspect of comfort associated between the system’s inflation and deflation in the pre-defined pattern and the user based parameters providing a proportional illustration of permissible comfort limits.
[034] In embodiment, as depicted in Figure 2 and Figure 3, each of the first set of bladders 112A, 112B, 112C is disposed in an alternating arrangement with each of the second set of bladders 114A, 114B, 114C. The alternating arrangement of the first set of bladders 112A, 112B, 112C and the second set of bladders 114A, 114B, 114C and inflation and deflation in the pre-defined manner achieves a controlled massaging effect, thereby providing further comfort to the user. As further illustrated in the embodiment depicted in Figure 2 and Figure 3, the pump unit 120 has a spool valve 140 being connected to the one or more tubes 130. The spool valve 140 has a cylindrical valve element that opens and closes ports when moved axially within a valve bore. In that, the control unit is configured to operate the spool valve 140 to at least one of inflate or deflate the first set of bladders 112 and the second set of bladders 114. Thus, the position of the spool valve 140 controls whether the first set of bladders 112 is being inflated or deflated and whether the second set of bladders 114 is being inflated or deflated.
[035] As further illustrated in the embodiment depicted in Figure 2 and Figure 3, the plurality of inflatable bladders 110 comprises at least one of: cylinder-like bladders placed adjoining each other and extending parallelly to each other. In this embodiment, the one or more tubes 130 comprise a first tube rail 132 and a second tube rail 134. The first tube rail 132 is configured to connect the pump unit 120 to each of the first set of bladders 112A, 112B, 112C, and the second tube rail 134 is configured to connect the pump unit 120 to the each of the second set of bladders 114A, 114B, 114C. In that, the spool valve 140 is connected to the first tube rail 132 and the second tube rail 134, thus controlling the flow of air to the first tube rail 132 and the second tube rail 134, thereby inflating or deflating the first set of bladders 112A, 112B, 112C and the second set of bladders 114A, 114B, 114C.
[036] In an alternate embodiment, as depicted in Figure 4, the plurality of inflatable bladders 110 comprises of tapered cuboidal bladders placed adjoining each other. The tapered cuboidal bladders correspond to the shape of the contact surface between the user and the user seat 20. Further, the tapered cuboidal bladders are better adaptable to the seat frame structure, pressure distribution between the user and the user seat 20 and allows for improved pressure point manipulation. In this embodiment, one tube is dedicated for each of the tapered cuboidal bladders, with the first set of bladders 112 and the second set of bladders 114.
[037] Reference is made to the embodiment depicted in Figure 5, Figure 6A and Figure 6B, the user seat 20 is provided on a vehicle 10 and the control unit being operatively coupled to a prime mover unit of the vehicle 10. As shown in Figure 6A, the system 100 is provided on the top surface 20A of the user seat 20. The system 100 is provided in the user seat 20 and the user is supported on the system 100. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 7A and Figure 7B, the system 100 is provided in a rider position of the user seat 20 as well as in a pillion position of the user seat 20. Thus, more than one systems 100 are provided in a singular user seat 20.
[038] In that, the control unit is configured to receive an input from the prime mover unit. In an embodiment, the prime mover unit comprises of an Internal Combustion Engine or an energy storage unit such as a battery pack or a combination thereof for providing traction force for the vehicle. The control unit is configured to determine whether power available in the prime mover unit is greater than a first predetermined threshold, based on the input from the prime mover unit. Herein, the first predetermined threshold is indicative of a minimum power available in the prime mover unit to operate the pump unit (120) in conjunction with propelling the vehicle (10) up to a pre-defined time. In an embodiment, in the vehicle, the user provides their destination based on which the fuel or power consumption and the distance is estimated. Using these same parameters, the control unit is capable of estimating whether during the journey power digression to the pump unit 120 and the plurality of inflatable bladders 110 is feasible or not.
[039] For example, the control unit determines whether state of charge of the battery is greater than the first predetermined threshold, wherein the first predetermined threshold is a predetermined state of charge of the battery. In a similar example, the control unit determines based the fuel available and the estimated range of the internal combustion engine, whether any digression of power to the pump unit 120 and the plurality of inflatable bladders 110 would not allow the user to reach their destination. The control unit is configured to operate the pump unit 120 to at least one of inflate or deflate the first set of bladders 112 and the second set of bladders 114 when the power available in the prime mover unit being greater than the first predetermined threshold. Thus, the system 100 operates only when the power available in the prime mover unit is greater than the predetermined threshold, thus preventing deep discharge of the battery or pre-emptive consumption of fuel of the internal combustion engine.
[040] In another embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine whether an ignition of the vehicle 10 is switched on. Thereafter, the control unit operates the pump unit 120 to deflate the plurality of inflatable bladders 110 when the ignition being switched on. Thus, when the ignition is switched on, the plurality of inflatable bladders 110 are completely deflated. Thereafter, the control unit operates the pump unit 120 to inflate the plurality of inflatable bladders 110 at a predetermined value of pressure. The control unit then detects a change in one or more bladder parameters in the plurality of inflatable bladders 110 based on the input from the sensing unit when the user rests on the user seat 20. For example, when the user sits on the user seat 20, there is a change in one or more bladder parameters in the plurality of inflatable bladders 110, which is then detected by the control unit. The control unit then determines the one or more user based parameters of the user resting on the user seat 20 based on the change in one or more bladder parameters inside the plurality of inflatable bladders 110. Based on the one or more user based parameters of the user, the control unit then determines the first pressure and the second pressure, based on which the first set of bladders 112 and the second set of bladders 114 are inflated and deflated for the massaging effect. In an embodiment, the control unit is capable of being integrated with existing control units in the vehicle 10 such as a vehicle control unit, body control unit, engine control unit, Integrated Starter Generator Controller, Engine Management System Electronic Control Unit etc.
[041] In an embodiment, the pump unit 120 comprises a pneumatic pump being configured to pump pressurized air for inflating or deflating the plurality of inflatable bladders 110. The pneumatic pump regulates and pumps the pressurized air, thereby inflating and deflating the first set of bladders 112 and the second set of bladders 114 as required. In an alternative embodiment, the pump unit 120 comprises a hydraulic pump being configured to pump a fluid for inflating or deflating the plurality of inflatable bladders 110. In an embodiment, the fluid is a coolant fluid. Thus, the pumping of the coolant fluid in addition to inflation and deflation of the plurality of inflatable bladders 110, also aids in heat exchange with the user seat 20, thus cooling the user seat 20.
[042] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method 200 for adjusting a user seat 20. Figure 8 illustrates the method steps involved in the method 200 for adjusting the user seat 20. At step 202 one or more bladder parameters of a plurality of inflatable bladders 110 are received from a sensing unit by a control unit. In that, the plurality of inflatable bladders 110 are provided on a top surface 20A of the user seat 20. At step 204, one or more user based parameters of a user resting on the user seat 20 are determined by the control unit based on the one or more parameters of the plurality of inflatable bladders 110. At the next step, a pump unit 120 is operated by the control unit to inflate or deflate a first set of bladders 112 and a second set of bladders 114 in a pre-defined pattern.
[043] In regard to the pre-defined pattern, in an embodiment, at step 206, a first pressure is determined by the control unit based on the one or more user based parameters of the user, wherein the first pressure is an upper limit of the pressure inside the plurality of inflatable bladders 110. At step 208, a second pressure is determined by the control unit based on the one or more user based parameters of the user, wherein the second pressure is a lower limit of the pressure inside the plurality of plurality of inflatable bladders 110. Thereafter step 210, the first set of bladders 112 are one of inflated or deflated at the first pressure, and the second set of bladders 114 are one of inflated or deflated at the second pressure for a predetermined period of time. At step 212, the first set of bladders 112 are one of inflated or deflated at the second pressure, and the second set of bladders 114 are one of inflated or deflated at the first pressure for a predetermined period of time. Herein, the inflation or deflation of the first set of bladders 112 and the second set of bladders 114 is done in a sequential manner, thereby achieving a massaging effect and preventing creation of pressure points between the user and the user seat 20.
[044] In an embodiment, the user seat 20 is provided on a vehicle 10, and the method 200 further has the steps of receiving an input from a prime mover unit of the vehicle 10 by the control unit; determining whether power available in the prime mover unit being greater than a first predetermined threshold by the control unit; and operating the pump unit 120 to at least one of inflate or deflate the first set of bladders 112 and the second set of bladders 114 when the power available in the prime mover unit being greater than the first predetermined threshold. Thus, the method 200 operates only when the power available in the prime mover unit is greater than the predetermined threshold, thus preventing deep discharge of the battery or pre-emptive fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine.
[045] Figure 9 illustrates the further method steps 300 involved in the method for adjusting the user seat 20, wherein the user seat 20 is provided on the vehicle 10. At step 302, it is determined by the control unit whether the ignition of the vehicle 10 is switched on. At step 304, the pump unit 120 is operated by the control unit to deflate the plurality of inflatable bladders 110 when the ignition is switched on. At step 306, it is determined whether power available in the prime mover unit is greater than the first predetermined threshold by the control unit. As explained before, if the power available in the prime mover unit is greater than the first predetermined threshold, then the method steps 300 move to step 308, otherwise the method steps 300 reverts back to the start.
[046] Thereafter, at step 308, the pump unit 120 is operated by the control unit to inflate the plurality of the inflatable bladders 110 at a predetermined value of pressure. Thereafter, at step 310, the user is seated on the user seat 20. At step 312, a change in pressure in the plurality of inflatable bladders 110 is detected by the control unit based on the input from the sensing unit when the user rests on the user seat 20. At step 314, the one or more user based parameters of the user resting on the user seat 20 is determined by the control unit based on the change in pressure inside the plurality of inflatable bladders 110 and the method steps 300 move to step 318. At step 316, the user has the capability of the inputting their preference for the user seat 20, according to which the user seat 20 can be adjusted. Thereafter, at step 318, the first pressure and the second pressure is determined based on inputs from step 314 and step 316.
[047] At step 320, a timer is started and is set for the predetermined period of time and at step 322, the first set of bladders 112 is inflated or deflated at the first pressure and the second set of bladders 114 is inflated or deflated at the second pressure for the predetermined period of time. At step 324, it is checked whether the predetermined period of time has passed. If yes, the method steps 300 moves to step 326, otherwise the method steps 300 reverts to step 324. At step 326, the first set of bladders 112 is inflated or deflated at the second pressure and the second set of bladders 114 is inflated or deflated at the first pressure for the predetermined period of time and at step 328, the timer is reset after which the method steps 300 revert to step 320 for achieving sequential inflation and deflation of the first set of bladders 112 and the second set of bladders 114 for prevention of creation of the pressure points between the user and the user seat 20.
[048] In another aspect, for detection of one or more user parameters of the user resting on the user seat 20, the present invention relates to a vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 comprises the user seat 20 having a plurality of inflatable bladders 110. The plurality of inflatable bladders 110 have a first set of bladders 112 and a second set of bladders 114. In that, the plurality of inflatable bladders 110 are provided on a top surface 20A of the user seat 20. The vehicle 10 has a control unit for adjusting the user seat 20. The control unit is configured to determine whether an ignition of the vehicle 10 is switched on, and operate a pump unit 120 functionally connected to a prime mover of the vehicle to deflate a plurality of inflatable bladders 110 disposed on the user seat 20 when the ignition is switched on. The control unit is further configured to operate the pump unit 120 to inflate the plurality of inflatable bladders 110 at a predetermined value of pressure, and detect a change in one or more bladders parameters of the plurality of inflatable bladders 110 based on the input from the sensing unit when the user rests on the user seat 20. Further, the control unit is configured to determine the one or more user based parameters of the user resting on the user seat 20 based on the change in one or more bladder parameters of the plurality of inflatable bladders 110, and determine a first pressure and a second pressure based on the one or more user parameters of the user wherein first pressure being a higher limit and the second pressure being a lower limit, based on which the plurality of inflatable bladders 110 are inflated or deflated.
[049] Advantageously, the present invention provides a system and a method for adjusting a user seat, that achieves a sequential inflation and deflation of the first set of bladders and the second set of bladders, thereby achieving a massaging effect and preventing creation of any pressure points between the user and the user seat. The present system also ensures more ergonomic comfort for the user, which not only enhances user experience but also enhances vehicle handling.
[050] Further, the present invention also provides for cooling of the user seat surface which further enhances rider comfort. In the present invention, only a single sensing unit is required for adjusting the user seat, which eliminates the requirement of multiple pressure sensors, thus reducing cost and complexity of the system.
[051] Furthermore, since the present invention eliminates the requirement of multiple pressure sensors, the required processing capabilities for using the system is significantly reduced. The present invention also ensures that the system only operates when sufficient power is available in the prime mover unit, thus preventing deep discharge of the battery or draining of the engine.
[052] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Reference Numerals
10: Saddle Type Vehicle
20: User Seat
20A: Top Surface of User Seat
100: System for Adjusting User Seat
110: Plurality of Inflatable Bladders
112: First set of bladders
112A, 112B, 112C: First set of bladders
114: Second set of bladders
114A, 114B, 114C: Second set of bladders
120: Pump Unit
130: One or More tube units
140: Spool Valve
200: Method for adjusting user seat
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A system (100) for adjusting a user seat (20), the system (100) comprising:
a plurality of inflatable bladders (110), the plurality of inflatable bladders (110) comprising a first set of bladders (112) and a second set of bladders (114), the plurality of inflatable bladders (110) being provided on a top surface (20A) of the user seat (20);
a pump unit (120), the pump unit (120) being in fluid communication with the plurality of inflatable bladders (110), the pump unit (120) being configured to at least one of inflate or deflate the plurality of inflatable bladders (110);
one or more tubes (130), the one or more tubes (130) configured to connect the pump unit (120) to the plurality of inflatable bladders (110);
a sensing unit, the sensing unit being configured to measure one or more bladder parameters of the plurality of inflatable bladders (110); and
a control unit, the control unit being operatively coupled to the pump unit (120) and the sensing unit, the control unit being configured to:
receive the measured one or more bladder parameters of the plurality of inflatable bladders (110) from the sensing unit;
determine one or more user based parameters of the user resting on the user seat (20) based on the measured one or more bladder parameters inside the plurality of inflatable bladders (110); and
operate the pump unit (120) to one of inflate or deflate the first set of bladders (112) and the second set of bladders (114) in a pre-defined pattern.

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit being configured to:
determine a first pressure based on the one or more user based parameters of the user, wherein the first pressure being an upper limit of the pressure inside the plurality of inflatable bladders (110); and
determine a second pressure based on the one or more user based parameters of the user, wherein the second pressure being a lower limit of the pressure inside the plurality of inflatable bladders (110).

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the pre-defined pattern being:
one of inflate or deflate the first set of bladders (112) at the first pressure, and remaining of inflate or deflate the second set of bladders (114) at the second pressure for a predetermined period of time; and
one of inflate or deflate the first set of bladders (112) at the second pressure and remaining of inflate or deflate the second set of bladders (114) at the first pressure after the predetermined period of time, wherein the inflation or deflation of the first set of bladders (112) and the second set of bladders (114) being done in a sequential manner.

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more user based parameters comprises one or more of weight of the user, height of the user or number of users resting on the user seat (20).

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first set of bladders (112A, 112B, 112C) being disposed in an alternating arrangement with each of the second set of bladders (114A, 114B, 114C).

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pump unit (120) comprising a spool valve (140) being connected to the one or more tubes (130), wherein the control unit being configured to operate the spool valve (140) to at least one of inflate or deflate the first set of bladders (112) and the second set of bladders (114).

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of inflatable bladders (110) comprises at least one of: cylinder-like bladders placed adjoining each other and extending parallelly to each other, or tapered cuboidal bladders placed adjoining each other.

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more tubes (130) comprise a first tube rail (132) and a second tube rail (134), the first tube rail (132) being configured to connect the pump unit (120) to each of the first set of bladders (112A, 112B, 112C), and the second tube rail (134) being configured to connect the pump unit (120) to the each of the second set of bladders (114A, 114B, 114C).

9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensing unit being provided inside the one or more tubes (130).

10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pump unit (120) comprises at least one of: a pneumatic pump being configured to pump pressurized air for inflating or deflating the plurality of inflatable bladders (110), or a hydraulic pump being configured to pump a fluid for inflating or deflating the plurality of inflatable bladders (110).

11. A method (200) for adjusting a user seat (20), the method (200) comprising steps of:
receiving, by a control unit from a sensing unit, one or more bladder parameters of a plurality of inflatable bladders (110) provided on a top surface (20A) of the user seat (20);
determining, by the control unit, one or more user based parameters of a user resting on the user seat (20) based on the one or more bladder parameters of the plurality of inflatable bladders (110); and
operating, by the control unit, a pump unit (120) to inflate or deflate a first set of bladders (112) and a second set of bladders (114) of the plurality of inflatable bladders (110) in a pre-defined pattern.

12. The method (200) as claimed in claim 11, comprising the steps of:
determining, by the control unit, a first pressure based on the one or more user based parameters of the user, wherein the first pressure being an upper limit of the pressure inside the plurality of inflatable bladders (110); and
determining, by the control unit, a second pressure based on the one or more user based parameters of the user, wherein the second pressure being a lower limit of the pressure inside the plurality of plurality of inflatable bladders (110).

13. The method (200) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the pre-defined pattern being:
one of inflate or deflate the first set of bladders (112) at the first pressure, and remaining of inflate or deflate the second set of bladders (114) at the second pressure for a predetermined period of time; and
one of inflate or deflate the first set of bladders (112) at the second pressure and remaining of inflate or deflate the second set of bladders (114) at the first pressure after the predetermined period of time, wherein the inflation or deflation of the first set of bladders (112) and the second set of bladders (114) is done in a sequential manner.

14. The method (200) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the one or more user based parameters of the user comprises one or more of weight of the user, height of the user or number of users resting on the user seat (20).

15. The method (200) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the user seat (20) being provided on a vehicle (10), the method (200) further comprising the steps of:
receiving, by the control unit, an input from a prime mover unit of the vehicle (10);
determining, by the control unit, whether power available in the prime mover unit being greater than a first predetermined threshold; and
operating, by the control unit, the pump unit (120) to at least one of inflate or deflate the first set of bladders (112) and the second set of bladders (114) when the power available in the prime mover unit being greater than the first predetermined threshold.

16. The method (200) as claimed in claim 15, the method (200) comprising the steps of:
determining, by the control unit, whether an ignition of the vehicle (10) being switched on;
operating, by the control unit, the pump unit (120) to deflate the plurality of inflatable bladders (110) when the ignition being switched on;
operating, by the control unit, the pump unit (120) to inflate the plurality of the inflatable bladders (110) at a predetermined value of pressure;
detecting, by the control unit, a change in pressure in the plurality of inflatable bladders (110) based on the input from the sensing unit when the user rests on the user seat (20);
determining, by the control unit, the weight of the user resting on the user seat (20) based on the change in pressure inside the plurality of inflatable bladders (110); And
determining, by the control unit, the first pressure and the second pressure based on the weight of the user.

17. A vehicle (10), comprising:
a user seat (20) having a plurality of inflatable bladders (110), the plurality of inflatable bladders (110) comprising a first set of bladders (112) and a second set of bladders (114), the plurality of inflatable bladders (110) being provided on a top surface (20A) of the user seat (20);
a control unit for adjusting the user seat, the control unit being configured to:
determine whether an ignition of the vehicle (10) is switched on;
operate a pump unit (120) functionally connected to a prime mover of the vehicle to deflate a plurality of inflatable bladders (110) disposed on the user seat (20) when the ignition is switched on;
operate the pump unit (120) to inflate the plurality of inflatable bladders (110) at a predetermined value of pressure;
detect a change in one or more bladder parameters in the plurality of inflatable bladders (110) based on the input from a sensing unit when the user rests on the user seat (20); and
determine one or more user based parameters of the user resting on the user seat (20) based on the change in one or more bladder parameters inside the plurality of inflatable bladders (110); and
determine a first pressure and a second pressure based on the one or more user based parameters of the user wherein first pressure being a higher limit and the second pressure being a lower limit.

18. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 17, wherein the control unit being configured to:
receive an input from a prime mover unit;
determine whether power available in the prime mover unit being greater than a first predetermined threshold, wherein the first predetermined threshold being indicative of a minimum power available in the prime mover to operate the pump unit (120) in conjunction with propelling the vehicle (10) up to a pre-defined time; and
operate the pump unit (120) to at least one of inflate or deflate the first set of bladders (112) and the second set of bladders (114) when the power available in the prime mover unit being greater than the first predetermined threshold.

Dated this 2nd day of June 2023
TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Nikhil Ranjan)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1471