Climate controlled seat

Abstract

A climate controlled seat assembly comprising a back structure within at least one forwardly extending side member, a seat cushion disposed on the front side of the back member, a fluid distribution system, and a climate control device. The climate control device is mounted on the rear side of the side member. A plenum duct places the fluid distribution system in fluid communication with the climate control device. The fluid distribution system is comprised of a plurality of channels. A plurality of inserts is disposed within each of a plurality of grooves in the seat cushion. The fluid provided by the climate control device through the plenum duct into the fluid distribution system adjusts the climate of the seat.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention relates to climate control. More specifically, this invention relates to climate of a seat.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Temperature modified air for environmentally controlled living or working space is typically provided to relatively extensive areas, such as entire buildings, selected offices, or suites of rooms within a building. In the case of vehicles, such as automobiles, the entire vehicle is typically cooled or heated as a unit. There are many situations, however, in which more selective or restrictive air temperature modifications is desirable. For example, it is often desirable to provide an individualized climate control for an occupant's seat so that substantially instantaneous heating or cooling can be achieved. For example, in an automotive vehicle exposed to summer weather, where the vehicle has been parked in an unshaded area for a long period of time, the vehicle seat can ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]Another aspect of the present invention comprises a fluid distribution system that includes a first duct that is configured to be at least partially disposed in a climate controlled seat assembly and to extend in a generally vertical direction. A plurality of c

Problems solved by technology

For example, in an automotive vehicle exposed to summer weather, where the vehicle has been parked in an unshaded area for a long period of time, the vehicle seat can become very hot and uncomfortable for the occupant for some time after entering and using the vehicle, even with normal air conditioning.

Furthermore, even with normal air conditioning, on a hot day, the seat occupant's back and other pressure points may remain sweaty while seated.

There are, however, problems that have been experienced with existing climate control systems for seats.

For example, some climate control systems are not easily adapted into existing seat construction methods.

For example, in the construction of some seats, ready access between the climate controlled device on the rear of the seat and the distribution channel on the front of the seat is not easily obtainable.

As a result, the connection between the climate control device and a distribution system may involve a long or tortuous route consisting of many expensive or intricate components.

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