FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (See section 10, rule 13)
“A SEAT SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE THEREOF”
Name and address of the Applicant:
TATA MOTORS PASSENGER VEHICLES LIMITED, an Indian company having its registered office at Floor 3, 4, Plot-18, Nanavati Mahalaya, Mudhana Shetty Marg, BSE, Fort, Mumbai, Mumbai City, Maharashtra, 400 001, INDIA.
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a seat system for the vehicle and a method for controlling the seat system of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[002] The information in this section merely provides background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art(s) for the present disclosure.
[003] A vehicle is typically provided with an adjustable seat that is slidable in a front-rear direction of the vehicle. While it is advised that a driver of the vehicle should adjust the seat when the vehicle is not in running condition, however, many drivers tend to adjust the seat in the running condition of the vehicle. It is observed that, when the driver attempts to adjust a position of the seat during the running condition of the vehicle, the driver may lose balance and control of the vehicle, even at slow speed of the vehicle. For instance, a sudden or jerky movement of the seat, even at slow speed of the vehicle, may cause the driver to lose control, thereby leading to a possibility of an accident and risk for safety of the driver and/ or passenger(s).
[004] Accordingly, there remains a need in the domain for a seat system of a vehicle and a method of controlling the seat system of the vehicle that overcome at least the problems identified above, and that provides safety to the driver and/ or the passengers.
SUMMARY
[005] The one or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by the system/ assembly/ method as claimed, and additional advantages are provided through the provision of the system/ assembly/ method as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the present disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

[006] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a seat system of a vehicle, is disclosed. The seat system comprises a seat slidably coupled to a floor of the vehicle. The seat system further comprises a pair of rails adapted to facilitate sliding of the seat over the floor of the vehicle. The pair of rails comprises a fixed rail mounted on the floor, and a movable rail mounted on the fixed rail and coupled to the seat. The movable rail is adapted to slide with respect to the fixed rail. The seat system furthermore comprises a lock unit operatively coupled with the pair of rails, and a control unit coupled with the lock unit. The control unit is configured to actuate the lock unit to restrict a sliding movement of the movable rail with respect to the fixed rail, when a speed of the vehicle is more than a first threshold speed.
[007] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit is configured to actuate the lock unit to allow the sliding movement of the movable rail with respect to the fixed rail, when the speed of the vehicle is less than a second threshold speed.
[008] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the lock unit comprises a bracket coupled to the movable rail. The bracket comprises a plurality of holes defined along a length of the bracket. The lock unit further comprises an actuator coupled to the floor of the vehicle. The actuator comprises a plunger configured to be retractable within a housing of the actuator and engageable with a hole of the plurality of holes of the bracket.
[009] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit is configured to actuate the actuator to move the plunger to engage with the hole of the plurality of holes, when the speed of the vehicle is more than the first threshold speed, to restrict the sliding movement of the movable rail with respect to the fixed rail.
[010] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit is configured to actuate the actuator to move the plunger to disengage from the hole of the plurality of holes, when the speed of the vehicle is less than the second threshold speed, to allow the sliding movement of the movable rail with respect to the fixed rail.
[011] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the seat system comprises a seat adjustment unit operatively coupled with the pair of rails. The seat

adjustment unit is configured to adjust the seat, when the lock unit allows the sliding movement of the movable rail with respect to the fixed rail. The seat adjustment unit comprises a latching member that is coupled with the movable rail and adapted to engage with one or more slots provided along a longitudinal side of the fixed rail to limit the seat in a desired position of the seat.
[012] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the seat adjustment unit comprises a lever coupled with the latching member to pivot the latching member between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The engaged position of the latching member corresponds to a position in which the latching member is engaged with the one or more slots of the fixed rail, thereby preventing sliding of the movable rail on the fixed rail. The disengaged position of the latching member corresponds to a position in which the movable rail is slidable on the fixed rail.
[013] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of holes of the bracket is defined with a pitch that is equal to a pitch of the slots of the fixed rail.
[014] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the actuator is a solenoid actuator.
[015] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit is configured to actuate the lock unit to restrict the sliding movement of the movable rail, when the speed of the vehicle is more than the first threshold speed for a pre-determined time.
[016] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle comprises a vehicle frame comprising a floor of the vehicle. The vehicle further comprises at least one seat system. Each seat system of the at least one seat system comprises a seat slidably coupled to the floor of the vehicle. The seat system further comprises a pair of rails adapted to facilitate sliding of the seat over the floor of the vehicle. The pair of rails comprises a fixed rail mounted on the floor, and a movable rail mounted on the fixed rail and coupled to the seat. The movable rail is adapted to slide with respect to the fixed rail. The seat system furthermore comprises a lock unit operatively coupled with the pair of rails, and a control unit coupled with the lock unit.

The control unit is configured to actuate the lock unit to restrict a sliding movement of the movable rail with respect to the fixed rail, when a speed of the vehicle is more than a first threshold speed.
[017] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit is configured to actuate the lock unit to allow the sliding movement of the movable rail with respect to the fixed rail, when the speed of the vehicle is less than a second threshold speed.
[018] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for controlling an operation of a seat system of a vehicle, is disclosed. The seat system comprises a fixed rail mounted on a floor of the vehicle and a movable rail slidable over the fixed rail and coupled to a seat. The method comprises determining, by a control unit, a speed of the vehicle. The method further comprises actuating, by the control unit, a lock unit coupled with the control unit to restrict a sliding movement of the movable rail with respect to the fixed rail, when a speed of the vehicle is more than a first threshold speed.
[019] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the method comprises actuating, by the control unit, the lock unit to allow the sliding movement of the movable rail with respect to the fixed rail, when the speed of the vehicle is less than a second threshold speed.
[020] Within the scope of the present disclosure, the seat system for the vehicle, the vehicle comprising the seat system and the method for controlling the seat system of the vehicle offer safety of the driver and/ or the passenger(s), and facilitate avoiding any fatal accidents and or injuries that could happen due to loss of control of the vehicle, at least during seat adjustment. Moreover, any casualties with other personnel on the road can also be avoided. In accordance with the present disclosure, the seat system, the vehicle and the method of the present disclosure eliminates the component of driver’s perception and discretion in seat adjustment during the running condition of the vehicle.
[021] Further, an automatic movement of the actuator/ plunger of the lock unit facilitates easy and smooth operation of the lock unit of the present disclosure.

[022] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.
[023] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[024] The novel features and characteristics of the present disclosure are set forth in the description. The present disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
[025] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary seat system of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[026] FIG. 2 illustrates an assembled view of components, for example, a pair of rails, a lock unit, etc., of the seat system of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[027] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the components, for example, the pair of rails, the lock unit, etc., of the seat system of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[028] FIG. 4 illustrates a view of the lock unit of FIG. 2, in which a plunger of the lock unit is in a closed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[029] FIG. 5 illustrates a view of a portion of the lock unit of FIG. 2, in which the plunger of the lock unit is in an open position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[030] FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom view of a latching member of a seat adjustment of the seat system of FIG. 2, in which the latching member is coupled with a fixed rail of the pair of rails, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[031] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a control unit coupled with the lock unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[032] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[033] While the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the FIGS. 1 to 7, and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[034] Before describing detailed embodiments, it may be observed that the novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with the present disclosure resides in a seat system for a vehicle, a vehicle comprising the seat system, and a method for controlling the seat system of the vehicle. It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art can be

motivated from the present disclosure and modify the various constructions of the seat system, the vehicle and the method. However, such modification should be construed within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings are showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.
[035] In the present disclosure, the term “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
[036] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that a device that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
[037] The terms like “at least one” and “one or more” may be used interchangeably or in combination throughout the description.
[038] The terms “front/forward”, “rear/rearward/back/backward”, “up/upper/top”, “down/lower/lower ward/downward, bottom”, “left/leftward”, “right/rightward” used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride.
[039] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts. Embodiments of the disclosure are described in the following paragraphs with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. In FIGS. 1 to 7, the same element or elements which have same functions are indicated by the same reference signs.

[040] FIG. 1 illustrates a seat system (10) of the present disclosure. The seat system (10) may be employed in a vehicle (not shown). Without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure, the vehicle may be a commercial vehicle, such as a truck or a bus, or a passenger vehicle, such as a car. The vehicle may comprise a vehicle frame constituted by side frames having doors and windows defined therein, a front frame that defines space for a front windshield of the vehicle and provides hood for storing various components, for example, an engine, a coolant tank, etc., of the vehicle, and a rear frame that defines space for a rear windshield of the vehicle and provides boot space in the vehicle. The vehicle may further comprise a roof and a floor coupled to the side frames, the front frame and the rear frame of the vehicle to define a cabin of the vehicle.
[041] The cabin of the vehicle may define a space for mounting a plurality of seat systems (10) for providing seating provisions for a driver and passenger(s) commuting in the vehicle. The cabin may further comprise a plurality of electronic and electro-mechanical components, for example, a steering wheel, brake, clutch and accelerators pedals, gear column, instrument cluster, multi-media console and like.
[042] In accordance with the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 1, the seat system (10) comprises a seat (12) that is adapted to be slidably coupled with the floor of the vehicle. The seat (12) may comprise a seat portion (14) , and a seat back (16) that may be pivotally supported by a rear end portion of the seat portion (14). The seat back (16) may be adapted to move between an upright position and a reclined position, with respect to the seat portion (14). The seat (12) may be made of a suitable ergonomic design and structure so as to provide a comfortable seating experience to the driver and the passenger(s).
[043] The seat system (10) may further comprise a pair of rails (20), as shown in FIG. 1. The pair of rails (20) may be provided between the seat (12) and the floor of the vehicle. The pair of rails (20) may be adapted to facilitate sliding of the seat (12) over the floor of the vehicle. For example, the pair of rails (20) may be adapted to facilitate a sliding movement of the seat (12) in a front-rear direction of the vehicle, over the floor of the vehicle. With reference to FIGS. 2 to 6, in an embodiment, the pair of rails (20) may comprise a fixed rail (30) and a movable rail (40). The fixed rail (30) may be fixedly mounted on the floor of the vehicle. The movable rail (40) may be fixedly

coupled to the seat (12). Further, the movable rail (40) may be mounted on the fixed rail (30) such that the movable rail (40) is adapted to slide over the fixed rail (30). In accordance with the present disclosure, a sliding movement of the movable rail (40) with respect to the fixed rail (30) in the front-rear direction of the vehicle facilitates the sliding movement of the seat (12) over the floor of the vehicle in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. A person skilled in the art can readily comprehend that the sliding movement of the seat (12) over the floor of the vehicle in the front-rear direction of the vehicle facilitates moving the seat (12) closer to or away from the steering wheel of the vehicle.
[044] The fixed rail (30) may define slots (32), as shown in FIG. 3 and 6, formed along a first longitudinal side (34) of the fixed rail (30). The first longitudinal side (34) of the fixed rail (30) may be understood as a side of the fixed rail (30) that extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.
[045] Further, the seat system (10) may comprise a seat adjustment unit (50), as shown in FIGS. 2 to 6. The seat adjustment unit (50) may be operatively coupled with the pair of rails (20). The seat adjustment unit (50) may be configured to adjust the seat (12) along the front-rear direction of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the seat adjustment unit (50) may comprise a latching member (52). The latching member (52) may be coupled with the movable rail (40), at a first longitudinal side of the movable rail (40). The latching member (52) may be adapted to engage with one or more slots (32) of the fixed rail (30) to limit the sliding movement of the movable rail (40) with respect to the fixed rail (30). It can be contemplated that limiting the sliding movement of the movable rail (40) with respect to the fixed rail (30) limits the sliding movement of the seat (12) over the floor of the vehicle, and thus restricting the seat (12) in a desired position.
[046] In an embodiment, the seat adjustment unit (50) may comprise a lever (54). The lever (54) may be coupled with the latching member (52). The lever (54) may be actuated by the driver or the passenger so as to pivot the latching member (52) between an engaged position of the latching member (52) and a disengaged position of the latching member (52). The engaged position of the latching member (52) may correspond to a position in which the latching member (52) is engaged with the one or more slots (32) of the fixed rail (30), as shown in FIG. 6. Further, the disengaged

position of the latching member (52) may correspond to a position in which the latching member (52) is away from the slots (32) of the fixed rails (30), and the movable rail (40) is slidable on the fixed rail (30).
[047] As explained, when the latching member (52) is engaged with the one or more slots (32) of the fixed rail (30), the sliding movement of the seat (12) is limited over the floor of the vehicle, and accordingly, the seat (12) remains in the desired position of the seat (12). In one scenario, where the driver or the passenger needs to adjust the seat (12), the driver or the passenger may actuate the lever (54) to pivot the latching member (52) to disengage the latching member (52) from the one or more slots (32) of the fixed rail (30). The driver or the passenger may then push or pull the seat (12) over the floor of the vehicle to a new desired position of the seat (12), and thereafter, release the lever (54) so that the latching member (52) engages with the one or more slots (32) of the fixed rail (30) to prevent sliding of the movable rail (40) on the fixed rail (30), thereby limiting the seat (12) in the new desired position.
[048] In accordance with the present disclosure, the seat system (10) further comprises a lock unit (60), as shown in FIGS. 2 to 6. The lock unit (60) may be operatively coupled with the pair of rails (20). The lock unit (60) may be adapted to restrict or allow the sliding movement of the movable rail (40) with respect to the fixed rail (30). In an embodiment, the lock unit (60) may comprise a bracket (70). The bracket (70) may be coupled to the movable rail (40). In one exemplary embodiment, the bracket (70) may be coupled with the movable rail (40) along a second longitudinal side of the movable bracket (40). The bracket (70) may be fixedly coupled to the movable rail (40), for example, by welding. The bracket (70) may comprise a plurality of holes (72) that may be defined along a length of the bracket (70), for example, as shown in FIG. 2.
[049] The lock unit (60) may further comprise an actuator (80) coupled to the floor of the vehicle. In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator (80) may be coupled with the floor of the vehicle via a support member (74) fixed to the floor of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the actuator (80) may comprise a housing (82) and a plunger (84). The plunger (84) may be configured to be retractable within the housing (82), between an open position and a closed position of the plunger (84). The open position of the plunger (84) may correspond to a position in which the plunger extends out of the housing of

the actuator, as shown in FIG. 5. Further, the closed position of the plunger (84) is a position in which the plunger (84) is disposed within the housing (82) of the actuator (80), as shown in FIG. 4. In an embodiment, the actuator (80) may be a solenoid actuator, that is operable on electric current. The actuator (80) of the present disclosure may be embodied as the solenoid actuator amongst the commonly known solenoid actuators in the art. Within the scope of the present disclosure, the plunger (84) of the actuator (80) is engageable with a hole of the plurality of holes (72) of the bracket (70) to restrict the sliding movement of the movable rail (40) with respect to the fixed rail (30).
[050] In an embodiment, the plurality of holes (72) of the bracket (70) is defined with a pitch that is equal to a pitch of the slots (32) of the fixed rail (30). Further, the bracket (70) may be longitudinally aligned with the fixed rail (30). The equal pitch of the holes (72) of the bracket (70) and the slots (32) of the fixed rail (30) and the longitudinal alignment of the bracket (70) with the fixed rail (30) facilitate an arrangement wherein the latching member (52) of the seat adjustment unit (50) is engageable with the one or more slots (32) of the fixed rail (30), when the plunger (84) of the actuator (80) is engaged with the hole (72) of the bracket (70).
[051] Furthermore, the seat system (10) may comprise a control unit (90), as shown in FIG. 7. The control unit (90) may be configured to control one or more operations of the seat system(s) (10) of the present disclosure. The control unit (90) may be comprised of a processor unit and a memory associated with the control unit (90), and one or more sensors electronically/ electrically coupled with the control unit (90). The one or more sensors may be configured to determine operational or geo-spatial parameters of the vehicle, for example, a speed of a wheel of the vehicle, a speed of the vehicle, a location of the vehicle, etc. Further, the one or more sensors may be configured to send signals/ value, corresponding to the determined operational parameter, to the control unit (90). Also, the processor unit may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the processor unit may be configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory associated with the control unit (90). The control unit (90), the processor unit and the

memory may be in electronic communication with each other the control unit (90) and the memory to perform at least the functions described in the paragraphs below.
[052] In accordance with the present disclosure, the control unit (90) is configured to actuate the lock unit (60) based on a speed of the vehicle. Particularly, the control unit (90) is configured to actuate the lock unit (60) to restrict or allow the sliding movement of the movable rail (40) with respect to the fixed rail (30), based on the speed of the vehicle. In an embodiment, a wheel speed sensor is configured to determine a speed/ or revolutions per minute (rpm) of the wheel of the vehicle, and transmit signals to the control unit (90) corresponding to the determined speed/ rpm of the wheel. The control unit (90) is configured to receive signals from the wheel speed senor and determine, via the processor unit, the speed of the vehicle based on the speed of the wheel. The control unit (90) is further configured to compare the determined speed of the vehicle with a first threshold speed of the vehicle stored in the memory. Accordingly, the control unit (90) may determine whether the determined speed of the vehicle is more or less than the first threshold speed of the vehicle. It can be contemplated that although it has been described to determine the speed of the vehicle based on an input from the wheel speed, however, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure, the speed of the vehicle may be determined based on input(s) from other vehicle sensors, for example, location sensor, odometer, etc.
[053] In an instance where the determined speed of the vehicle is more than the first threshold speed of the vehicle, the control unit (90) actuates the lock unit (60) to restrict the sliding movement of the movable rail (40) with respect to the fixed rail (30). Particularly, when the determined speed of the vehicle is more than the first threshold speed of the vehicle, the control unit (90) actuates the actuator (80) to move the plunger (84) to the open position to engage with the hole (72) of the bracket (70), thereby restricting the sliding movement of the movable rail (40) with respect to the fixed rail (30). Moreover, when the plunger (84) is engaged with the hole (72) of the bracket (70), the seat adjustment unit (50) of the seat system (10) becomes non-functional as the lock unit (60) does not allow the sliding movement of the movable rail (40) with respect to the fixed rail (30), even when the driver actuates the lever (54) and push or pull the seat (12). That is, the seat system (10) of the present disclosure does not allow seat adjustment when the speed of the vehicle is more than the first threshold speed. In an

exemplary embodiment, the first threshold speed may be 20 kilometres per hour (kmph).
[054] Further, in one scenario where the determined speed of the vehicle is less than the first threshold speed of the vehicle, the control unit (90) actuates the lock unit (60) to allow the sliding movement of the movable rail (40) with respect to the fixed rail (30). Particularly, when the determined speed of the vehicle is less than the first threshold speed of the vehicle, the control unit (90) actuates the actuator (80) of the lock unit (60) to move the plunger (84) to the closed position to disengage from the hole (72) of the bracket (70), thereby allowing the sliding movement of the movable rail (40) with respect to the fixed rail (30). Moreover, when the plunger (84) of the actuator (80) is disengaged from the hole (72) of the bracket (70), the seat adjustment unit (50) may be employed to adjust the seat (12) to the new desired position. For example, when the plunger (84) of the actuator (80) is disengaged from the hole (72) of the bracket (70) and the driver needs to adjust the seat (12), the driver may actuate the lever (54) to pivot the latching member (52) to disengage the latching member (52) from the one or more slots (32) of the fixed rail (30). The driver or the passenger may then push or pull the seat (12) over the floor of the vehicle to the new desired position of the seat (12), and thereafter release the lever (54) so that the latching member (52) engages with the one or more slots (32) of the fixed rail (30) to prevent sliding of the movable rail (40) on the fixed rail (30), thereby limiting the seat (12) in the new desired position. That is, the seat system (10) of the present disclosure allows seat adjustment when the speed of the vehicle is less than the first threshold speed.
[055] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit (90) is configured to actuate the lock unit (60) to restrict the sliding movement of the movable rail (40), when the speed of the vehicle is more than the first threshold speed for a pre-determined time. A quantum of the pre-determined time may be stored/ pre-stored in the memory associated with the control unit (90). In an exemplary embodiment, the quantum of the pre-determined time may be 10 seconds. According to said embodiment, the monitoring of the speed for the pre-determined time before actuating the lock unit (60) prevents frequent engagements and disengagements of the plunger (84) with respect to the holes (72) of the bracket (70), due to fluctuations in the speed of the vehicle about the first threshold speed.

[056] In a further embodiment, the control unit (90) may be configured to determine whether the determined speed of the vehicle is less than a second threshold speed of the vehicle stored in the memory. The second threshold speed may be less than the first threshold speed. In an instance where the determined speed of the vehicle is less than the second threshold speed, the control unit (90) actuates the lock unit (60) to allow the sliding movement of the movable rail (40) with respect to the fixed rail (30). Particularly, when the determined speed of the vehicle is less than the second threshold speed, the control unit (90) actuates the actuator (80) of the lock unit (60) to move the plunger (84) to the closed position to disengage the plunger (84) from the hole (72) of the bracket (70), thereby allowing the sliding movement of the movable rail (40) with respect to the fixed rail (30). When the plunger (84) of the actuator (80) is disengaged from the hole (72) of the bracket (70), the seat adjustment unit (50) may be employed to adjust the seat (12) to the new desired position. That is, the seat system (10) of the present disclosure allows seat adjustment when the speed of the vehicle is less than the second threshold speed. In an exemplary embodiment, the second threshold speed may be 15 kmph. The usage of different values speed (i.e., the second threshold speed and the first threshold speed for actuation of the actuator (80) prevents frequent engagements and disengagements of the plunger (84) with respect to the holes (72) of the bracket (70), due to fluctuations in the speed of the vehicle about the first threshold speed.
[057] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for controlling an operation of the seat system (10) of the vehicle. The method comprising determining, by the control unit (90), the speed of the vehicle. The method further comprises actuating, by the control unit (90), the lock unit (60) coupled with the control unit (90) to restrict the sliding movement of the movable rail (40) with respect to the fixed rail (30), when a speed of the vehicle is more than the first threshold speed. In an embodiment, determining the speed of the vehicle comprising determining a speed/ or revolutions per minute (rpm) of the wheel of the vehicle, by the wheel speed sensor, and transmitting signals corresponding to the determined speed/ revolutions per minute of the wheel to the control unit (90). The method may also comprise comparing the determined speed of the vehicle with the first threshold speed of the vehicle stored in the memory.

[058] In another embodiment, the method comprises actuating, by the control unit (90), the lock unit (60) to allow the sliding movement of the movable rail with respect to the fixed rail, when the speed of the vehicle is less than the second threshold speed.
[059] Within the scope of the present disclosure, the seat system (10) for the vehicle, the vehicle comprising the seat system (10) and the method for controlling the seat system (10) of the vehicle offer safety of the driver and/ or the passenger(s), and facilitate avoiding any fatal accidents and or injuries that could happen due to loss of control of the vehicle, at least during seat adjustment. Moreover, any casualties with other personnel on the road can also be avoided. In accordance with the present disclosure, the seat system (10), the vehicle and the method of the present disclosure eliminates the component of driver’s perception and discretion in seat adjustment during the running condition of the vehicle.
[060] Further, an automatic movement of the actuator (80)/ plunger (84) of the lock unit (60) facilitates easy and smooth operation of the lock unit (60) of the present disclosure.
[061] The various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the illustrated embodiments; rather, these embodiments are intended to fully and completely disclose the subject matter of the disclosure to those skilled in this art. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Thicknesses and dimensions of some components may be exaggerated for clarity.
[062] Herein, the terms “attached”, “connected”, “interconnected”, “contacting”, “mounted”, “coupled” and the like can mean either direct or indirect attachment or contact between elements, unless stated otherwise.
[063] Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity. As used herein the expression “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[064] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes” and/or “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
[065] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this disclosure, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other modifications in the nature of the disclosure or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

PARTICULARS REFERRAL NUMERAL
Seat System 10
Seat 12
Seat Portion 14
Seat Back 16
Pair of rails 20
Fixed Rail 30
Slots 32
First Longitudinal Side 34
Movable Rail 40
Seat Adjustment Unit 50
Latching Member 52
Lever 54
Lock Unit 60
Bracket 70
Holes 72
Support Member 74
Actuator 80
Housing 82
Plunger 84
Control Unit 90

EQUIVALENTS:
[066] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[067] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
[068] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
[069] The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.

CLAIMS
We Claim:
1. A seat system (10) of a vehicle, the seat system (10) comprising:
a seat (12) slidably coupled to a floor of the vehicle;
a pair of rails (20) adapted to facilitate sliding of the seat (12) over the floor of the vehicle, the pair of rails (20) comprising:
a fixed rail (30) mounted on the floor, and
a movable rail (40) mounted on the fixed rail (30) and coupled to the seat (12), wherein the movable rail (40) is adapted to slide with respect to the fixed rail (30);
a lock unit (60) operatively coupled with the pair of rails (20); and a control unit (90) coupled with the lock unit (60), wherein the control unit (90) is configured to actuate the lock unit (60) to:
restrict a sliding movement of the movable rail (40) with respect to the fixed rail (30), when a speed of the vehicle is more than a first threshold speed.
2. The seat system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (90) is configured to actuate the lock unit (60) to allow the sliding movement of the movable rail (40) with respect to the fixed rail (30), when the speed of the vehicle is less than a second threshold speed.
3. The seat system (10) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the lock unit (60) comprises:
a bracket (70) coupled to the movable rail (40), the bracket (70) comprising a plurality of holes (72) defined along a length of the bracket (70); and
an actuator (80) coupled to the floor of the vehicle, the actuator (80) comprising a plunger (84) configured to be retractable within a housing (82) of the actuator (80) and engageable with a hole of the plurality of holes (72) of the bracket (70).

4. The seat system (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the control unit (90) is configured to actuate the actuator (80) to move the plunger (84) to engage with the hole of the plurality of holes (72), when the speed of the vehicle is more than the first threshold speed, to restrict the sliding movement of the movable rail (40) with respect to the fixed rail (30).
5. The seat system (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the control unit (90) is configured to actuate the actuator (80) to move the plunger (84) to disengage from the hole of the plurality of holes (72), when the speed of the vehicle is less than a second threshold speed, to allow the sliding movement of the movable rail (40) with respect to the fixed rail (30).
6. The seat system (10) as claimed in claim 3, comprising:
a seat adjustment unit (50) operatively coupled with the pair of rails (20), the seat adjustment unit (50) being configured to adjust the seat (12), when the lock unit (60) allows the sliding movement of the movable rail (40) with respect to the fixed rail (30),
wherein the seat adjustment unit (50) comprises
a latching member (52) that is coupled with the movable rail (40)
and adapted to engage with one or more slots (32) provided along a
longitudinal side of the fixed rail (30) to limit the seat (12) in a desired
position of the seat (12).
7. The seat system (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the seat adjustment unit
(50) comprises a lever (54) coupled with the latching member (52) to pivot the
latching member (52) between an engaged position and a disengaged position,
wherein
the engaged position of the latching member (52) corresponds to a position in which the latching member (52) is engaged with the one or more slots (32) of the fixed rail (30), thereby preventing sliding of the movable rail (40) on the fixed rail (30), and
the disengaged position of the latching member (52) corresponds to a position in which the movable rail (40) is slidable on the fixed rail (30).

8. The seat system (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the plurality of holes (72) of the bracket (70) is defined with a pitch that is equal to a pitch of the slots (32) of the fixed rail (30).
9. The seat system (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the actuator (80) is a solenoid actuator.
10. The seat system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (90) is configured to actuate the lock unit (60) to restrict the sliding movement of the movable rail (40), when the speed of the vehicle is more than the first threshold speed for a pre-determined time.
11. A vehicle, comprising:
a vehicle frame comprising a floor of the vehicle; and
at least one seat system (10), each seat system (10) of the at least one seat system (10) comprising:
a seat (12) slidably coupled to the floor of the vehicle; a pair of rails (20) adapted to facilitate sliding of the seat (12) over the floor of the vehicle, the pair of rails (20) comprising: a fixed rail (30) mounted on the floor, and
a movable rail (40) mounted on the fixed rail (30) and coupled to the seat (12), wherein the movable rail (40) is adapted to slide with respect to the fixed rail (30);
a lock unit (60) operatively coupled with the pair of rails (20); and
a control unit (90) coupled with the lock unit (60), wherein the control unit (90) is configured to actuate the lock unit (60) to:
restrict a sliding movement of the movable rail (40) with respect to the fixed rail (30), when a speed of the vehicle is more than a first threshold speed.
12. The vehicle as claimed in claim 11, wherein the control unit (90) is configured
to actuate the lock unit (60) to allow the sliding movement of the movable rail

(40) with respect to the fixed rail (30), when the speed of the vehicle is less than a second threshold speed.
13. A method for controlling an operation of a seat system (10) of a vehicle, the seat
system (10) comprising a fixed rail (30) mounted on a floor of the vehicle and
a movable rail (40) slidable over the fixed rail (30) and coupled to a seat (12),
the method comprising:
determining, by a control unit (90), a speed of the vehicle;
actuating, by the control unit (90), a lock unit (60) coupled with the control unit (90) to restrict a sliding movement of the movable rail (40) with respect to the fixed rail (30), when a speed of the vehicle is more than a first threshold speed.
14. The method as claimed in claim 13, comprising:
actuating, by the control unit (90), the lock unit (60) to allow the sliding movement of the movable rail (40) with respect to the fixed rail (30), when the speed of the vehicle is less than a second threshold speed.