US 12,233,764 B2
Vehicle including a magnetic levitation (MAGLEV) seat system
David M. Aller, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI (US)
Assigned to GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, Detroit, MI (US)
Filed by GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Detroit, MI (US)
Filed on Oct. 27, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/974,754.
Prior Publication US 2024/0140283 A1, May 2, 2024
Int. Cl. B60N 2/50 (2006.01); B60N 2/06 (2006.01)
CPC B60N 2/501 (2013.01) [B60N 2/06 (2013.01); B60N 2/509 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A vehicle seat system comprising:
a support surface having a first side and a second side that is opposite the first side;
a first seat rail coupled to the first side of the support surface;
a second seat rail coupled to the first side of the support surface spaced from the first seat rail;
a seat member including a first stanchion moveably supported at the first seat rail, a second stanchion moveably supported at the second seat rail, and a member arranged between the first stanchion and the second stanchion, the member being formed from a magnetic material;
a magnet mounted at the second side of the support surface; and
a levitation controller operatively connected to the magnet, the levitation controller being selectively activated to drive the magnet to repel the member and raise the first stanchion and the second stanchion relative to corresponding ones of the first seat rail and the second seat rail.