Thermal contrast therapy device

Abstract

A method of providing thermal contrast therapy for a vehicle occupant. The method includes operating the heating device for a first time to apply a first temperature for a first period of time, and operating the heating device and the cooling device again in an alternating manner over a plurality of time intervals. Thermal contrast therapy varies the seat surface temperature by about 10 DEG C to 20 DEG C, and / or varies the skin temperature of the vehicle occupant by about 3 DEG C to 6 DEG C.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 957,871, filed on September 30, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 537,083, filed on September 7, 2023, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a method of providing thermal contrast therapy via a vehicle seat. Background Art

[0004] It has been proposed that vehicle seats provide analgesia. Some have used massage devices in vehicle seats to relieve discomfort or even pain felt by occupants. In addition to massage devices, some vehicle seats also include heating devices and / or cooling devices. However, massage devices usually take up space within the seat while increasing the overall cost of the vehicle. Space layout optimization and cost control have always been issues of concern to the automotive industry.

[0005] Thermal therapy is a known method of pain relief. Typically, thermal therapy is performed by providing alternating heating and cooling to the body, usually by immersion in a temperature-controlled water bath. Thermal therapy helps relieve pain, treat injuries, and restore movement and exercise. These effects can be attributed to increasing blood flow in the target area through vasoconstriction and vasodilation, which are affected by cooling and heating cycles, respectively. In addition, acute application of heat can activate thermoreceptors and reduce the sensitivity of pain receptors. Other physiological results can include reduced inflammation and / or increased range of motion.

[0006] Current clinical studies have investigated thermal therapy in general. However, operating parameters for heating and cooling devices in vehicle seats in a vehicle environment have not been proposed. In addition, time limits for achieving treatment duration and post-treatment effects commensurate with regular commuting time (e.g., 15 minutes to 25 minutes) have not been proposed. Current clinical studies have not explored the role of the magnitude and rate of change of skin temperature in treatment.

[0007] What is needed is a method of providing pain relief to vehicle occupants without the use of a massage device.

[0008] What is needed is a method of providing pain relief to a vehicle occupant using only existing heating and cooling devices in the vehicle seat.

[0009] What is needed is a method of providing thermal therapy in a vehicle.

[0010] It is desirable to operate the heating device and the cooling device with specific time and temperature profiles to provide an during-treatment effect and / or a post-treatment effect to the occupant.

[0011] It is necessary to operate the heating and cooling devices to specific areas of the occupant's body.

[0012] There is a need to provide thermal therapy that takes into account clothing that occupants typically wear during both warm and cold seasons. Summary of the invention

[0013] The present disclosure describes a method of providing thermal contrast therapy to a vehicle occupant that can meet at least some of the above identified needs. The method can include: first operating a heating device to apply a first temperature for a first time period, and again operating the heating device and the cooling device in an alternating manner for a plurality of time intervals.

[0014] Operating the heating device to a first temperature for a first time period may cause the temperature of at least a portion of the seat surface to reach approximately 43°C to 48°C and / or cause the skin temperature of a vehicle occupant in the area of ​​the at least one portion to reach approximately 36°C or higher.

[0015] During the plurality of time intervals, the heating device may operate for a second time period. The second time period may be about 3 minutes to 5 minutes. During the plurality of time intervals, the cooling device may operate for a third time period. The third time period may be about 3 minutes to 6 minutes.

[0016] Thermal contrast therapy may change the temperature of at least a portion of the seat surface by approximately 10°C to 20°C and / or change the skin temperature of a vehicle occupant in the area of ​​at least a portion of the seat surface by approximately 3°C to 6°C.

[0017] During a plurality of time intervals, the heating device and the cooling device may effect a temperature change of at least one portion of the seat surface. The at least one portion may include a lower portion, a middle portion, an upper portion, or any combination thereof.

[0018] The heating devices may be located in the lower and middle portions, and during multiple time intervals, the heating devices in the lower portion may reach a target temperature of approximately 63°C to 67°C (e.g., 65°C), and the heating devices in the middle portion may reach a target temperature of approximately 77°C to 83°C (e.g., 80°C).

[0019] The heating device may be located in the upper portion, and during the plurality of time intervals, the heating device in the upper portion may reach a target temperature of about 67° C. to 73° C. (eg, 70° C.).

[0020] During the plurality of time intervals, the cooling device may reach a target temperature of about 18°C ​​to 22°C (eg, 20°C).

[0021] During the plurality of time intervals, the heating device may be operated by pulse width modulation with a duty cycle of about 55% to 65%, such as 60%. During the plurality of time intervals, the cooling device may be operated by pulse width modulation with a duty cycle of about 85% to 95%, such as 90%.

[0022] During the plurality of time intervals, the operation times of the heating device and the cooling device may be equal.

[0023] During the plurality of time intervals, the temperature change rate of the skin temperature may be ±0.4° C. / minute to ±0.9° C. / minute, and / or the temperature change rate of the seat temperature may be ±1° C. / minute to ±2.5° C. / minute.

[0024] The multiple time intervals may last for a duration of about 20 minutes to 35 minutes.

[0025] Alternating heating and cooling may be characterized by a ramp-and-step profile, respectively. The ramp-and-step profile for heating may be the opposite of the ramp-and-step profile for cooling.

[0026] There is no idle period between the alternating operation of the heating device and the cooling device. The idle period is characterized by a period of time when neither the heating device nor the cooling device is in operation.

[0027] The heating device may be operated by pulse width modulation with a duty cycle of about 55% to 65%, such as 60%, to achieve the first temperature.

[0028] The first temperature may be about 55°C to 90°C.

[0029] The first period of time may be approximately 5 to 10 minutes.

[0030] The time interval may include 6 to 16 time intervals.

[0031] Thermal contrast therapy may be suitable for relieving pain for vehicle occupants.

[0032] The temperature of at least a portion of the seat surface and / or the skin temperature of the vehicle occupant may be determined by a dynamic estimation that takes into account one or more heat transfer rates associated with at least a portion of the seat surface and / or the skin temperature of the vehicle occupant.

[0033] The at least one portion of the seating surface may include a lower portion and / or a middle portion.

[0034] The present disclosure describes an apparatus that can meet at least some of the above identified needs. The apparatus can implement the above method. The apparatus can include heating devices located at the upper part of the seat, the middle part of the seat, and the lower part of the seat; and cooling devices acting on the middle part of the seat.

[0035] The heating device may include a resistive element. The cooling device may include a blower, a thermoelectric device, a fluid distribution device, or any combination thereof.

[0036] The surface power density of the heating device in the lower part can be about 2,100 W / m 2 Up to 2,500W / m 2 The surface power density of the heating device in the middle can be about 1,900 W / m 2 Up to 2,300W / m 2 The surface power density of the heating device in the upper part can be about 900 W / m 2 Up to 1,500W / m 2 .

[0037] The present disclosure describes a vehicle seat that may meet at least some of the needs identified above.The vehicle seat may include the apparatus described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a vehicle seat.

[0039] Figure 2A is a graph showing the change in skin temperature over time during a control test according to the present invention.

[0040] Figure 2B FIG. 4 is a graph showing the change in seat surface temperature over time during a control test according to the present invention.

[0041] Figure 3A Graph showing target temperatures of heaters and coolers versus time during experimental testing according to the present invention.

[0042] Figure 3B FIG. 4 is a graph showing the duty cycle of the heater and the cooler as a function of time during an experimental test according to the present invention.

[0043] Figure 3C Graph showing skin temperature versus time during an experimental test according to the present invention.

[0044] Figure 3D FIG. 4 is a graph showing the change in seat surface temperature over time during an experimental test according to the present invention.

[0045] Figure 3E Graph showing changes in skin temperature at different time intervals during an experimental test according to the present invention.

[0046] Figure 3F FIG. 4 is a diagram showing changes in seat surface temperature at different time intervals during an experimental test according to the present invention.

[0047] Figure 4A The subjective pain graph for the control trial.

[0048] Figure 4B Subjective pain graph for the experimental trial.

[0049] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a system according to the present invention.

[0050] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a system according to the present invention.

[0051] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a system according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] introduction

[0053] The present invention relates to a method for providing thermal contrast therapy, an apparatus for providing thermal contrast therapy, and a vehicle seat including the apparatus. The thermal contrast therapy can alternately heat and cool a human subject (e.g., a vehicle occupant). The thermal contrast therapy can be applied to the back of a human subject.

[0054] Thermal contrast therapy may be administered via one or more heating devices and cooling devices. The target temperatures and durations of operation of the heating devices and cooling devices may be selected to regulate the temperature of the seat surface, regulate the skin temperature of the human subject, achieve a clinically significant effect (reduction) in the human subject's pain level, ensure that the human subject feels the temperature difference, or any combination thereof.

[0055] The target temperatures and operating durations of the heating and cooling devices may be selected to achieve a ratio of heating period to cooling period, a temperature gradient, a rate of change of seat surface temperature, a rate of change of human subject skin temperature, or any combination thereof.

[0056] The target temperatures and operating durations of the heating and cooling devices may be adjusted according to the season and / or regional climate, which may differ in terms of ambient temperature, humidity, etc. That is, the thermal insulation of clothing worn in different seasons and / or different regions may be taken into account. For example, in the fall and winter, when thicker layers of clothing are typically worn, the target temperature and operating duration may be different from the spring and summer, when thinner layers of clothing are typically worn. Furthermore, the method of the present invention may take into account the region in which the vehicle is located. For example, in a tropical climate, seasonal differences in the thermal insulation of clothing layers may not be taken into account due to relatively constant weather conditions throughout the year, but in a continental climate, where the weather fluctuates throughout the year, such differences may be taken into account.

[0057] Thermal contrast therapy can provide pain relief ("analgesia") to a human subject (e.g., a vehicle occupant). Analgesia can be achieved during and / or after thermal contrast therapy. Analgesia can be achieved 0.5 hours or less, 1 hour or less, 2 hours or less, 3 hours or less, or even 6 hours or less after thermal contrast therapy.

[0058] Thermal contrast therapy can be directed to the back, buttocks, or thighs of a human subject, or any combination thereof. Thermal contrast therapy can be directed to the upper back, mid-back, lower back, or any combination thereof. It can be advantageous to apply thermal contrast therapy to at least the lower back, which is most commonly plagued by acute or chronic pain. In addition, thermal contrast therapy of the present invention can be applied through a seat (e.g., a vehicle seat), and the pressure applied by the occupant can be concentrated in the lower back and / or mid-back.

[0059] Any part of the human subject's body and / or portion thereof may be selected as a target for thermal contrast therapy. One or more parts of the body and / or portions thereof may be targeted. Multiple parts of the body and / or portions thereof may be brought to the same or different skin temperatures.

[0060] Habitual administration of thermal contrast therapy (e.g., during daily work commutes in the morning and / or evening) can provide compound benefits to human subjects. That is, the magnitude of the change in pain level during and / or after thermal contrast therapy (relative to the pain level achieved without thermal contrast therapy) can increase in proportion to the frequency of use. In addition, the duration of pain reduction achieved after cessation of thermal contrast therapy (relative to the pain level without thermal contrast therapy) can increase in proportion to the frequency of use.

[0061] Although the present disclosure discusses treatment duration in the context of a typical vehicle commute time, the present disclosure contemplates that thermal contrast therapy may be administered for shorter or longer periods of time. For example, during a long trip, thermal contrast therapy may be administered for 0.5 hours or longer, 1 hour or longer, 2 hours or longer, or even 3 hours or longer. The present disclosure discloses that thermal contrast therapy may be administered multiple times during a single trip. Multiple treatment iterations may or may not be separated by time periods when treatment is not administered.

[0062] equipment

[0063] Thermal contrast therapy may be performed in a vehicle. The vehicle may include one or more seats, the seats including heating devices and / or cooling devices. According to the present invention, the heating devices and / or cooling devices may be operated to a predetermined target temperature and operating time period to provide thermal contrast therapy. One or more heating and / or cooling devices may be located in different parts of the vehicle seat, so that thermal contrast therapy is applied to different areas of the occupant's body.

[0064] The vehicle seat may include a backrest portion and a seat portion. The backrest portion and / or the seat portion may include one or more heating devices and / or one or more cooling devices. The one or more heating and / or cooling devices may be located in one or more portions of the vehicle seat. Each seat portion may be contacted by different body regions of the occupant. A single heating and / or cooling device may include one or more zones. These zones can operate independently of each other. The one or more zones may be located in one or more portions of the vehicle seat.

[0065] The backrest portion and / or the seat portion may include one or more cushions. The cushions may extend at least partially beyond the body contour of the rider. The cushions may extend at an angle relative to the seat surface and / or the backrest surface. The cushions may serve to at least partially mitigate lateral movement of the rider while driving (e.g., while turning). One or more areas of the rider's body may contact the one or more cushions. One or more areas of the rider's body may exchange heat with the one or more cushions.

[0066] The lower portion, middle portion and upper portion referred to herein may be the backrest portion of a vehicle seat. Typically, the lower portion extends through the backrest region having lumbar segments, the middle portion extends through the backrest region having T7-T12 vertebral segments, and the upper portion extends through the backrest region having T1-T6 vertebral segments. The present disclosure contemplates that passengers may have different body sizes, and therefore, those skilled in the art may adjust the present invention so that the divisions between the lower portion, middle portion and upper portion may vary accordingly.

[0067] The heating and / or cooling device may be located below the surface of the vehicle seat. One or more layers of material (e.g., fabric, foam, film, etc.) may be disposed between the heating and / or cooling device and the seat surface. The heating and / or cooling device may provide a sense of heat to the occupant by conduction and / or convection. By conduction, heat may be conducted through one or more layers of the vehicle seat and ultimately to the occupant contacting the vehicle seat surface. By convection, heated and / or cooled air may pass through one or more layers of the vehicle seat and the air may contact the occupant.

[0068] The heating device may include one or more resistive elements. The resistive element may have a negative temperature coefficient, a positive temperature coefficient, a constant temperature coefficient, or any combination thereof. When a current is applied to the resistive element, the resistive element may generate heat. The resistive element may be carried on a medium. The medium may include a film, a nonwoven mat, a woven mat, or any combination thereof.

[0069] An exemplary heating device is described in US Pat. No. 9,315,133 B2, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0070] The heating device can be adapted to the portion of the vehicle seat in which it is located. The heating devices in different portions of the vehicle seat can have different surface power densities. A higher surface power density can be provided to the lower and / or middle portion of the seat back relative to the upper portion of the seat back. In this regard, thermal contrast therapy can be concentrated in the lower and middle portions, as these areas of the back are often plagued by acute and / or chronic pain. The present invention contemplates that all portions of the seat have equal surface power density, or that the upper portion has a greater surface power density relative to the lower and / or middle portion.

[0071] The surface power density of the heating device located in the lower part of the seat back can be about 1,100 W / m 2 or higher, 1,300W / m 2 or higher, 1,500W / m 2 or higher, or even 1,700W / m 2 The surface power density of the heating device located at the lower part of the seat back can be about 2,500W / m 2 or lower, 2,300W / m 2 or lower, 2,100W / m 2 or lower, or even 1,900W / m 2 or lower.

[0072] The surface power density of the heating device located in the middle of the vehicle seat back can be about 1,100 W / m 2 or higher, 1,300W / m 2 or higher, 1,500W / m 2 or higher, or even 1,700W / m 2 The surface power density of the heating device located in the middle of the seat back can be about 2,300 W / m 2 or lower, 2,100W / m 2 or lower, or even 1,900W / m 2 or lower.

[0073] The surface power density of the heating device located on the upper part of the vehicle seat back can be about 900W / m 2 or higher, 1,000W / m 2 or higher, or even 1,100W / m 2 The surface power density of the heating device located on the upper part of the vehicle seat back can be about 1,500 W / m 2 or lower, 1,400W / m 2 or lower, or even 1,300W / m 2 or lower.

[0074] The surface power density of the heating devices located in the vehicle seat bolsters can be about 800 W / m 2 or higher, 900W / m 2 or higher, or even 1,000W / m 2 The surface power density of a heating device located in a cushion of a vehicle seat may be about 1,400 W / m 2 or lower, 1,300W / m 2 or lower, or even 1,200W / m 2 or lower.

[0075] The above power density may be the maximum power density of the heating device. As described herein, the duty cycle may be less than 100%. Therefore, depending on the duty cycle achieved during operation, the effective power density of the heating device during operation may be less than the maximum power density. For example, when operating at a 50% duty cycle, the maximum power density is 2,400 W / m 2 The heating device may have 1,200W / m 2 The effective power density.

[0076] The surface power density of the heating device in the lower part may be about 5% or more, 7% or more, or even 9% or more higher than the surface power density of the heating device in the middle part. The surface power density of the heating device in the lower part may be about 15% or less, 13% or less, or even 11% or less higher than the surface power density of the heating device in the middle part. The surface power density of the heating device in the lower part may generally be equal to the surface power density of the heating device in the middle part.

[0077] The surface power density of the heating device in the middle and / or lower part can be about 40% or more, 45% or more, or even 50% or more higher than the surface power density of the heating device in the upper part. The surface power density of the heating device in the middle and / or lower part can be about 65% or less, 60% or less, or even 55% or less higher than the surface power density of the heating device in the upper part.

[0078] The cooling device may include one or more blowers, ducts, fluid distribution devices, thermoelectric devices, or any combination thereof.

[0079] The blower can draw air (e.g., from under and / or behind the vehicle seat) and deliver the air to one or more fluid distribution devices. The blower can be an axial flow fan or a radial flow fan. Non-limiting examples of blowers are described in International Publication No. WO 2008 / 115831A1 and U.S. Patent Application No. 9,121,414B2, which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0080] One or more conduits may extend between the blower and the one or more fluid distribution devices. One or more conduits may carry air between the blower and the one or more fluid distribution devices.

[0081] The fluid distribution device may be located below the surface of the vehicle seat. One or more layers of material (eg, fabric, foam, film, etc.) may be located between the fluid distribution device and the surface of the vehicle seat.

[0082] The fluid dispensing device may include a housing (eg, a bag). The housing may be defined by one or more sections of material. For example, two sections of material may be secured around the perimeter of the housing by a seam. For example, the housing may be defined by a single section of material.

[0083] Air delivered from one or more blowers can enter the housing. The housing can be at least partially sealed. The housing can include one or more openings. Air can exit the housing through the one or more openings. The one or more openings can deliver air to a surface of the vehicle seat.

[0084] The fluid distribution device can be in conductive and / or convective thermal communication with the occupant. The heated or cooled air retained within the shell can be in conductive thermal communication with the walls of the shell, the walls can be in conductive thermal communication with one or more layers of material in the seat disposed between the shell and the seat surface, the seat surface can be in conductive thermal communication with the occupant, or any combination thereof. The heated or cooled air can pass through the shell through one or more openings, through one or more openings extending through the seat and / or one or more layers of the seat surface, in convective thermal communication with the occupant, or any combination thereof. One or more openings can exhaust the air to a location other than the seat surface. One or more openings can be part of a fluid circuit that delivers air back to the inlet of the blower.

[0085] The fluid distribution device can be located at the lower portion, upper portion, or middle portion of the vehicle seat back, or any combination thereof. The fluid distribution device can be located at the portion of the seat where the occupant applies pressure. The fluid distribution device can exhaust air from the lower portion, upper portion, or middle portion of the vehicle seat back, or any combination thereof.

[0086] The air delivered to the housing can be heated and / or cooled. The air can be heated and / or cooled by one or more thermoelectric devices. The one or more thermoelectric devices can be located in one or more blowers, ducts, housings, or any combination thereof.

[0087] The thermoelectric device may be a Peltier device. A thermoelectric device may include two surfaces relative to each other, one of which is a "hot" side and the other is a "cold" side. By reversing the polarity of power supplied to the thermoelectric device, the relative temperature of each side can be reversed. Non-limiting examples of thermoelectric devices are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 9,857,107 B2, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0088] The cooling device can be adjusted to operate to provide supplemental heat to the heating device. In this regard, the polarity of one or more thermoelectric devices can be switched to change the cold side thereof to the hot side.

[0089] method

[0090] The present disclosure describes a method of providing thermal contrast therapy to a vehicle occupant. The thermal contrast therapy may be adapted to relieve pain in the vehicle occupant. The pain may be relieved during and / or after the treatment.

[0091] The method of the present disclosure may include operating a heating device to apply a first temperature for a first time period. The first temperature may be about 55°C to 90°C. The first time period may be about 5 minutes to 10 minutes. Operating the heating device to the first temperature during the first time period may overcome the thermal inertia of the vehicle seat and / or increase the skin temperature of the occupant to a therapeutic level. As described below, the temperature during the first time period may be higher than the temperature during multiple time intervals.

[0092] As described herein, the temperature of a heating device may refer to the temperature of a resistor element (eg, a negative temperature coefficient resistor element).

[0093] The heating device can be operated by adjusting the power provided to the heating device. The power can be adjusted by pulse width modulation (PWM), constant current control, etc. The heating device can be provided with a duty cycle of at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, or even 100% to achieve the first temperature.

[0094] The heating device may be operated during a first time period to bring the temperature of at least one portion of the seat surface to approximately 43°C to 48°C and / or to bring the skin temperature of the vehicle occupant to approximately 34°C to 40°C. Preferably, the skin temperature is brought to approximately 36°C or higher, but below a therapeutic pain / burn threshold. The at least one portion may include a lower portion, a middle portion and / or an upper portion. Preferably, the at least one portion may include a lower portion and / or a middle portion. The skin temperature of the vehicle occupant may be the skin temperature of a skin portion that is in contact with the lower portion, the middle portion and / or the upper portion (directly or indirectly in contact with clothing between the seat surface and the skin).

[0095] Heat therapy can be applied to the spine and / or the area near the spine of the occupant. The heat therapy can be applied to the entire back, at least partially from one side of the back to the opposite side of the back, and segmented at different heights along the spine.

[0096] A temperature of 43°C is generally considered to be the threshold at which an occupant may feel pain, and a temperature of 44°C is generally considered to be the threshold at which an occupant may suffer burns. However, when the seat surface temperature exceeds these pain / burn thresholds, the time above the pain / burn threshold (e.g., 2 minutes or less), the rate of temperature change (e.g., Carter et al. Sensory and sympathetic nerve contributions to the cutaneous vasodilator response from anoxious heat stimulus, Exp. Physiol. 96.11:1208-1217, no more than 0.5°C / minute), the insulation of the participant's clothing (e.g., at least about 0.05Clo), or any combination thereof can avoid the participant's pain / burn response.

[0097] The method may include operating the heating device and the cooling device in an alternating manner in a plurality of time intervals. The number of time intervals may include 6 or more, 8 or more, or even 10 or more time intervals. The number of time intervals may include 16 or less, 14 or less, or even 12 or less time intervals.

[0098] During each time interval, the heating device may be operated for about 3 minutes to 5 minutes. During each time interval, the cooling device may be operated for about 3 minutes to 6 minutes. During multiple time intervals, the operation times of the heating device and the cooling device may be equal or unequal. The operation times of the heating device and the cooling device may overlap or may not overlap. There may be a duration in each time interval during which the heating or cooling device is operable and the other device is not operable.

[0099] The plurality of time intervals may last for a duration of approximately 20 minutes to 35 minutes, or until the operation is terminated. The operation may be terminated manually by a vehicle occupant. A fault condition may automatically terminate the operation (e.g., overheating exceeding a threshold temperature and / or exceeding a threshold temperature for a predetermined period of time).

[0100] There may or may not be an idle period between the alternating operation of the heating device and the cooling device. The idle period may be characterized by a time period during which neither the heating device nor the cooling device is operated.

[0101] Alternating heating and cooling can be characterized by ramp and step curves, respectively. Ramp and step curves can show a sharp rise in temperature, a period of time when the temperature is maintained, and a sharp drop in temperature. The ramp and step curves for heating can be opposite to the ramp and step curves for cooling.

[0102] Thermal contrast therapy may vary the seat surface temperature by approximately ±10° C. to ±20° C., and / or the vehicle occupant's skin temperature by approximately ±3° C. to ±6° C. The magnitude of such variation may promote vasodilation and vasoconstriction in the occupant.

[0103] During multiple time intervals, the temperature change rate of skin temperature may be approximately (±0.2)±0.4°C / minute to ±0.9°C / minute, and / or the temperature change rate of seat temperature may be approximately (±0.2)±1°C / minute to ±2.5°C / minute. These temperature change rates may apply to environments outside and / or inside the vehicle where the air temperature is approximately 20°C to 25°C. In environments where the air temperature is below 20°C, the temperature change rate of skin temperature may be up to approximately ±1.8°C / minute. In environments where the air temperature is below 20°C, the temperature change rate of seat temperature may be up to approximately ±5°C / minute.

[0104] The present disclosure contemplates that a specific magnitude of change and / or rate of change of skin temperature may be sought to provide a desired thermal sensation to a vehicle occupant. That is, the present method attempts to provide a perceptible thermal contrast therapy to a vehicle occupant while maintaining the comfort of the vehicle occupant, recognizing that while uncomfortable thermal contrast therapy may be effective in relieving pain, occupants may be dissuaded from using vehicle thermal therapy features that cause discomfort. For example, a relatively fast rate of change may cause pain to an occupant, while a relatively slow rate of change may not be perceptible to the occupant.

[0105] Thermal sensation (ie, comfort) may depend not only on the temperature of the surface the skin contacts, but more importantly on the rate of temperature change of the skin.

[0106] The method may control and / or benchmark based on the temperature of the heating device, cooling device and / or seat surface, but ultimately these temperatures may be related to how they affect the magnitude and / or rate of change of the temperature of the occupant's skin.

[0107] The heating device and the cooling device can achieve temperature variation in at least one portion of the seat surface. The at least one portion can include a lower portion, a middle portion, an upper portion, or any combination thereof. Preferably, the at least one portion includes a lower portion and an optional middle portion, where back pain is typically located and where pressure on the vehicle seat is typically concentrated.

[0108] During multiple time intervals, the heating device located under the vehicle seat can reach a target temperature of about 60°C or higher, 63°C or higher, or even 65°C or higher. The heating device located under the vehicle seat can reach a target temperature of about 71°C or lower, 69°C or lower, or even 67°C or lower.

[0109] During multiple time intervals, the heating device located in the middle of the vehicle seat can reach a target temperature of about 74°C or higher, 77°C or higher, or even 80°C or higher. The heating device located in the middle of the vehicle seat can reach a target temperature of about 89°C or lower, 86°C or lower, or even 83°C or lower.

[0110] During multiple time intervals, the heating device located above the vehicle seat can reach a target temperature of about 64°C or higher, 67°C or higher, or even 70°C or higher. The heating device located above the vehicle seat can reach a target temperature of about 79°C or lower, 76°C or lower, or even 73°C or lower.

[0111] The target temperature of the lower and middle parts relative to the upper part can be based on the typical pressure applied to these parts by the occupant and / or the location where back pain usually occurs. Generally, greater pressure is achieved in the lower and middle parts relative to the upper part.

[0112] During multiple time intervals, the cooling device can reach a target temperature of about 16°C or higher, 18°C ​​or higher, or even 20°C or higher. During multiple time intervals, the cooling device can reach a target temperature of about 26°C or lower, 24°C or lower, or even 22°C or lower.

[0113] During a plurality of time intervals, the heating device can be operated by adjusting the power provided to the heating device. The power can be adjusted by pulse width modulation (PWM), constant current control, etc. The heating device can be provided with a duty cycle of about 50% or more, 55% or more, or even 60% or more. The heating device can be provided with a duty cycle of about 75% or less, 70% or less, or even 65% or less. The cooling device can be provided with a duty cycle of about 75% or more, 80% or more, or even 85% or more. The cooling device can be provided with a duty cycle of about 100% or less, 95% or less, or even 90% or less.

[0114] The method can be controlled based on time, temperature, or both. Operation of one or more heating devices and / or cooling devices can be initiated and terminated when a predetermined time is reached and / or a predetermined temperature is reached. Operation of one or more heating devices and / or cooling devices can be terminated upon occupant input (e.g., changing temperature and / or airflow settings).

[0115] The method can be controlled based on sensor feedback. The sensor feedback can provide the temperature of one or more heating devices and / or cooling devices. Each part of the heating device can include a temperature sensor. That is, different independently controllable resistor element circuits can each include a sensor. The sensor feedback can provide the temperature of the seat surface and / or the occupant's skin. The sensor can include a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) resistor, a resistance temperature detector (RTD), a thermocouple, a semiconductor type sensor, or any combination thereof.

[0116] The method can be controlled based on a dynamically estimated seat surface temperature and / or skin temperature. That is, while the seat surface temperature and / or skin temperature is dynamically estimated, the heating device and / or cooling device can be operated until a time and / or temperature target for a treatment setting described herein is achieved or a threshold temperature (e.g., a burn or pain threshold) is achieved. The dynamic estimation can occur within a loop (e.g., approximately once every 1 second or less, 50 milliseconds or less, 30 milliseconds or less, or even 10 milliseconds or less), and each dynamically estimated temperature can be compared to the thermal therapy target and / or threshold temperature.

[0117] The heating and / or cooling device can be operated according to a time and / or temperature target for thermal therapy, a predetermined surface and / or skin temperature change rate threshold, an error between a dynamically estimated temperature and a thermal therapy target, or any combination thereof. That is, the temperature at which the heating and / or cooling device operates (e.g., by pulse width modulation duty cycle, constant current control, etc.) can be determined based on one or any combination of the above.

[0118] Dynamic estimation as referred to herein may refer to an approximation of the temperature of an element that is ultimately based on sensor inputs remote from the element. In one example, the element may include a surface, airflow, or the skin of an occupant, and the sensor input may indicate cabin air temperature, the temperature of a heating device, the temperature of a cooling device, or any combination thereof. It is also understood that the sensors discussed herein may not be suitable for directly or indirectly observing the temperature of an occupant or surface, although such sensors may be used with the thermal therapy described herein.

[0119] In this regard, the concept of heat transfer rate can be adopted. The heat transfer rate between two thermally connected elements can be initially determined based on one or more sensor inputs. The present disclosure recognizes that in the case where heat is transferred through multiple elements (e.g., two or more layers, three or more layers, or even four or more layers), the heat transfer rate can be determined sequentially, propagating through each element until the temperature of the final surface, airflow, or occupant's skin is dynamically estimated. The present disclosure also recognizes that in the case where heat is transferred from multiple elements to one element at the same time, the sum of the heat transfer rates to the one element (e.g., surface, airflow, or occupant's skin) can be calculated by the method of the present disclosure.

[0120] In one example, a vehicle seat may include a multi-layer material including a spacer layer disposed between a heating / cooling device and a trim layer having a surface on which an occupant is seated. This arrangement is exemplary only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0121] In another example, an occupant positioned in a vehicle seat may be in thermal communication with one or more portions of the seat (e.g., seat, backrest, cushions, etc.), cabin air, one or more radiant heat sources, or any combination thereof. Additionally, the surface of the seat may be in thermal communication with an underlying material layer that is ultimately thermally affected by a heating and / or cooling device, cabin air, one or more radiant heat sources, or any combination thereof.

[0122] In another example, the HVAC system can include one or more heat exchangers that can be in thermal communication with a heating and / or cooling device, an air duct, an air flow, or any combination thereof. Thus, heat can be transferred between the heating and / or cooling device and the air flow through the one or more heat exchangers.

[0123] In another example, the airflow may be thermally coupled through a conduit as it flows from the blower to the exhaust port.

[0124] Again, these arrangements are merely exemplary and are not intended to be limiting.

[0125] Return to the dynamic estimation. Heat transfer rate The heat transfer surface area (A surf ) and the thermal resistance (R) of the heat-connecting medium. The above can be expressed by the following equation A.

[0126] Equation A

[0127] The temperature of a component may be determined by sensor input. A sensor may observe the temperature of a heating / cooling device. A sensor may determine the cabin air temperature. If the temperature of a component not directly / indirectly observed by a sensor is required, then the cabin air temperature or a dynamically estimated temperature from a previous program cycle may be used. With regard to the former, it may be assumed that at vehicle start-up, all components discussed herein are immersed in the sensed cabin air temperature.

[0128] The surface area and thermal resistance may be predetermined values ​​based on the vehicle configuration and geometry. In determining the heat transfer rate, these values ​​may be looked up for each pair of media being considered.

[0129] The previous temperature of the component (T n-1 ), one or more heat transfer rates associated with the element The temperature (T) of the component is dynamically estimated using the thermal capacitance (C) associated with the component and the program cycle time (Δt) of the method described herein. The above can be expressed by the following equation B.

[0130] Equation B

[0131] As described above, the previous temperature of the element may be observed by a sensor, obtained from a previous program cycle, or assumed to correspond to the cabin air temperature at start-up. The thermal capacitance and cycle time may be predetermined values. The thermal capacitance may be based on vehicle configuration and looked up based on the element whose temperature is being determined. The cycle time may be based on a timer or clock.

[0132] One or more heat transfer rates may include heat transfer rates associated with an element. For example, a spacer layer within a seat may be thermally connected to a heating and / or cooling device and a decorative layer of the seat. As another example, the surface of the seat may be thermally connected to a material layer, cabin air, one or more radiant heat sources, or any combination thereof. As another example, an occupant may be thermally connected to cabin air, one or more heat-conditioning airflows, a seat surface, one or more radiant heat sources, or any combination thereof. As another example, a heat exchanger may be thermally connected to a heating and / or cooling device, a conduit, and an airflow. As another example, an airflow may be thermally connected to a conduit through which it passes and one or more heat exchangers. The foregoing is exemplary only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0133] Ultimately, the above method can be used to dynamically estimate the temperature of a surface, airflow, and / or occupant's skin. Thus, in the case where the temperature of an element is determined according to equation B and the element is located between two other elements, the temperature determined by equation B can be used to determine the heat transfer rate relative to the next consecutive element, and the process embodied by equations A and B can be continuously repeated until the temperature of the surface, airflow, and / or occupant's skin is ultimately determined.

[0134] Thus, thermal therapy temperature targets and / or thresholds (eg, burn or pain thresholds) may be compared to the dynamic estimate to control thermal therapy.

[0135] As used herein, an estimate may refer to a calculation of a parameter, recognizing that the result of such a calculation may not correspond exactly to the actual value (e.g., surface temperature). Thus, the result of such a calculation may be an estimate of the actual value. The disclosed method may provide an estimate that deviates from the actual value by about 10% or less, more preferably 5% or less, or even more preferably 1% or less.

[0136] Any of the calculating, determining, dynamically estimating, storing, transmitting, and / or acquiring steps described herein may be performed by one or more controllers. One or more controllers may store predetermined values ​​as described above (e.g., in the form of a lookup table). Any dynamic estimates from a previous program cycle may be stored by one or more controllers and / or updated / replaced by a dynamic estimate from a current program cycle.

[0137] Example

[0138] Summarize

[0139] According to the present invention, human trials were conducted using thermal contrast therapy. During the trials, seat surface and participant skin temperatures were monitored, and the participants' subjective local thermal temperature sensation levels, subjective thermal comfort levels, and subjective pain levels were investigated. The human trials showed that thermal contrast therapy provided clinically significant benefits to the participants.

[0140] instrument

[0141] according to Figure 1 The vehicle seat 10 is configured as shown in the schematic diagram in FIG. The vehicle seat 10 includes a lower portion 12, a middle portion 14, an upper portion 16, and two side cushions 18. The heating device 20 is disposed below the surface of the vehicle seat 10 and includes a first area 22, a second area 24, and a third area 26. The surface power density of the first area 22 is 2,407 W / m 2 The surface power density of the second region 24 is about 2,142 W / m 2 The surface power density of the third region 26 is about 1,101 W / m 2 The vehicle seat 10 comprises a cooling device 28 which is located in the middle portion 15 of the vehicle seat 10 and within the boundaries of the second region 24 of the heating device 20 . Eight sensors 30 for measuring the temperature are placed at different locations of the surface of the vehicle seat 10 .

[0142] Participants' skin temperature was monitored at nine locations on the back in an approximately 3×3 grid arrangement. Sensors were located above the spine in the lumbar segments, lower thoracic segments (within the T7-T12 vertebral region), and upper thoracic segments (within the T1-T6 vertebral region). In addition, near each vertebral segment, two additional sensors were located on either side of the spinal sensor.

[0143] During the trial, participants reported their subjective local level of thermal sensation across their entire back (ranked on a scale of 9 sensations from very hot (4) to very cold (-4)), their subjective local level of thermal comfort across their entire back (ranked on a scale of 8 comfort levels from very comfortable (4) to very uncomfortable (-4)), and their subjective level of pain across their entire back (ranked on a scale of 11 pain levels from no pain (0) to the worst pain imaginable (10)). In addition, participants selected between warmth, neutral, or cold in one of the 9 locations on their back. After the trial, participants reported their subjective pain within 2 hours to determine the extent to which, if any, heat therapy provided a prolonged effect after it was stopped.

[0144] Regarding subjective pain levels, Chou et al., Nonpharmacologic Therapies for Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review for an American College of Physicians Clinical Practice Guideline, Ann. Int. Med. (2017) provide guidance for categorizing changes in pain levels on a scale of 0 to 10. Any change in pain level less than 0.5 is associated with no effect, any change in pain level between 0.5 and 0.9 is associated with a small effect, any change in pain level between 1 and 2 is associated with a moderate effect (classified as clinically significant), and any change in pain level greater than 2 is associated with a large effect (also classified as clinically significant). Chou noted that most medications commonly used to treat low back pain (e.g., anti-inflammatory drugs, relaxants, opioids, etc.) are associated with small to moderate and short-term effects.

[0145] Participants

[0146] The test was conducted on 15 participants aged 20 to 70 years (average age 45 years), 9 women and 6 men. The participants wore clothing with a thickness of 0.29Clo to 0.45Clo (1Clo = 0.155m 2 K / W) (mean 0.38Clo). Before the trial, 5 participants reported chronic back pain (i.e., lasting more than 12 weeks), 5 participants reported subacute back pain (i.e., lasting between 4 and 12 weeks), and 5 participants reported acute back pain (i.e., lasting less than 4 weeks).

[0147] method

[0148] In the control trial, participants sat for 38 minutes, during which time neither the heating or cooling devices were operated.

[0149] In the experimental trial, the participants sat down and pre-adapted for 5 minutes, during which neither the heating device nor the cooling device was operated. Then, the seated participants were subjected to 33 minutes of thermal contrast therapy. During the thermal contrast therapy, the first zone of the lower seat heating device was operated to a target temperature of 65°C, the second zone of the middle seat heating device was operated to a target temperature of 80°C, and the third zone of the upper seat heating device was operated to a target temperature of 70°C, with a time of 1 minute to reach the target temperature and a target temperature of 4 minutes. Then, the operation of the heating device was stopped. When the heating device was stopped, the cooling device was started. The cooling device was operated to a target temperature of 18°C, with a time of 1 minute to reach the target temperature and a target temperature of 5 minutes. Then, the operation of the cooling device was stopped and the time interval was repeated for a total of 3 heating and cooling time intervals. Such heating and cooling curves are referred to as ramp and step curves in this article. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B The target temperature and the duty ratios of the heating device and the cooling device for achieving the target temperature are shown in FIG.

[0150] result

[0151] In the controlled trial, the participants’ skin temperature and seat surface temperature were monitored, e.g. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B As shown (expressed as the average of all participants). Due to heat transfer by conduction between the participant and the seat, the participant's skin temperature increased by an average of about 1.5°C, and the seat surface temperature remained about 2°C lower than the skin temperature on average. During the test, the thermal sensation level remained neutral (level 0) on average; thermal comfort remained slightly comfortable (level 1) on average throughout the test; and there was no change in the average subjective pain measured from before the test to the end of the 2 hours after the test.

[0152] In the experimental trials, the participants’ skin temperature and seat surface temperature were monitored, e.g. FIG. 3C to FIG. 3D As shown (expressed as the average of all participants). Figure 3A The target temperatures for the heating and cooling devices were shown, and the participants' skin temperature and seat surface temperature increased to sharp peaks during heating and decreased to sharp valleys during cooling. The skin temperature in the lower and mid-back regions fluctuated by approximately ±3.5°C on average. The lack of fluctuation in the upper back may be due to the participant's lack of contact and / or pressure on the seat surface. The seat surface temperature fluctuated by approximately ±10°C to 20°C on average.

[0153] Table 1 below provides the rate of change of temperature of the participant's skin and seat surface during each time interval (expressed as the average of all participants).

[0154] Table 1

[0155]

[0156] In the experimental trials, the time that the seat surface temperature exceeded 43°C was an average of 160 seconds in Event 1, 180 seconds in Event 2, and 120 seconds in Event 3. A temperature of 43°C is generally considered to be the threshold for occupants to feel pain. However, when the seat surface temperature exceeds this pain threshold, the time above the pain threshold, the rate of temperature change, and the insulation of the participants' clothing can hinder the participants' pain response.

[0157] In the experimental trial, the mean thermal sensation level fluctuated between hot (level 3) and cold (level -3) during the trial; the mean thermal comfort fluctuated between comfortable (level 2) during the hot event and slightly comfortable (level 1) during the cold event during the trial; the mean subjective pain reduction from pre-trial to the end of the 2 hours after the trial was 1.5 (i.e., a moderate effect), and the reduction in subjective pain was most prevalent in the first 25 minutes of thermal contrast therapy. 60% of the participants reported a reduction in pain. Figure 4A The subjective pain measured before and after the control trial is shown in . Figure 4B The subjective pain measured before and after the experimental trial is shown in . The report of a single subject is represented by the dotted line and the average of all reporting participants is represented by the solid line.

[0158] Figure 5 A thermally conditioned surface 30 is shown. Surface 30 is a decorative layer in a vehicle seat 34, but any surface within a vehicle cabin is contemplated in the methods of the present disclosure. Surface 32 is thermally conditioned by a heating device 36 (e.g., a resistive heating pad). Heat generated by the heating device is ultimately conducted to surface 32. As shown, a material layer 38 (e.g., a spacer layer) is disposed between the heating device 36 and the surface 32. The present invention contemplates more than one material layer 38 being disposed therebetween, as well as contemplating no material layer 38 being disposed therebetween. An occupant 40 is positioned on surface 32, and cabin air 42 is thermally connected to the surface. Control of the heating device 36 is ultimately determined by the heat transfer rate in the system, represented by the arrows extending between the elements.

[0159] Figure 6 A thermally conditioned airflow 44 is shown. As shown, the airflow 44 is exhausted from a seat 46, but any airflow 44 exhausted from an exhaust port within the vehicle cabin is contemplated in the method of the present disclosure. The airflow 44 is thermally conditioned by a heating and / or cooling device 48 (e.g., a thermoelectric device). The heat generated by the heating and / or cooling device 48 is ultimately conducted to the airflow 44. As shown, the heating and / or cooling device 48 and the airflow 44 are thermally connected to a heat exchanger 50, but the present invention contemplates not using a heat exchanger 50. The airflow 44 passes through a duct 52, flowing from a blower that generates the airflow to an exhaust port that exhausts the airflow. Control of the heating and / or cooling device 48 is ultimately determined by the heat transfer rate in the system, represented by arrows extending between the elements.

[0160] Figure 7 A thermally conditioned airflow 54 and a surface 56 are shown. The airflow 54 is thermally conditioned and delivered to a containment device 58. The containment device 58 then thermally conditions the surface 56. In effect, the function of the containment device 58 is similar to Figure 5 A heating device 36 is shown, although it is capable of heating and / or cooling.

[0161] Likewise, the heat transfer rates between the above elements and the heating and / or cooling device 60, heat exchanger 62, conduit 64, material layer 66, occupant 68, and cabin air 70 can be determined by comparing the above and Figure 7 The same method as shown is implemented.

[0162] The explanations and illustrations provided herein are intended to familiarize others skilled in the art with the present invention, its principles, and its practical applications. The above description is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Those skilled in the art may adapt and apply the present invention in a variety of forms as required for a particular application. Other combinations are possible as can be seen from the following claims, which are also incorporated by reference into this written specification.

[0163] Therefore, the specific embodiments of the invention set forth are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should not be determined by reference to this specification, but rather by reference to the appended claims and the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The omission of any aspect of the subject matter disclosed herein in the following claims is not a disclaimer of that subject matter, nor should it be considered that the inventors do not consider that subject matter to be part of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

[0164] The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0165] A single integrated element or step may provide multiple elements or steps. Alternatively, a single element or step may be divided into separate multiple elements or steps.

[0166] The disclosure of "a" or "one" describing an element or step does not mean excluding other elements or steps.

[0167] Although the term first, second, third etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms can be used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer and / or part from another element, component, region, layer and / or part. Unless the context clearly indicates, otherwise such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms used in this article do not mean order or sequence. Therefore, without departing from the present invention, the first element, component, region, layer and / or part discussed below can be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, and / or part.

[0168] "About" or "approximately" used in conjunction with a range applies to both ends of the range. Thus, "about 20 to 30" is intended to cover "about 20 to about 30", including at least the specified endpoints.

[0169] Unless otherwise stated, any numerical value described herein includes endpoints and all values ​​from lower values ​​to higher values, with an increment of one unit, provided that there is an interval of at least 2 units between any lower value and any higher value. For example, if the value of the amount, property or process variable (such as temperature, time, etc.) of the stated component is, for example, 1 to 90, 20 to 80, or 30 to 70, it means that the intermediate range values ​​(such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32, etc.) are all within the teaching of this specification. Similarly, a single intermediate value is also within the scope of the present invention. For a value less than 1, one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 or 0.1, as the case may be. These are only examples of specific intent, and all possible numerical combinations between the listed minimum and maximum values ​​should be considered to be clearly stated in a similar manner in this application.

[0170] The terms "generally" or "about" describing numbers or numerical ranges may mean ±0.2 for numbers from 0.1 to 1, ±2 for numbers from 2 to 100, and ±20 for numbers greater than 100. The foregoing applies to all percentages, temperatures, times, surface power densities or other aspects unless otherwise indicated herein.

[0171] The term "consisting essentially of..." used to describe a combination shall include the identified elements, components or steps, as well as other elements, components or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel features of the combination. The use of the terms "includes" or "comprising" to describe a combination of elements, components or steps herein also contemplates embodiments consisting essentially of these elements, components or steps.

Claims

1. A method of providing thermal contrast therapy to a vehicle occupant, the method comprising: Initially operating the heating device to apply a first temperature for a first period of time to achieve a temperature of at least one portion of the seat surface of about 43° C. to 48° C. and / or a skin temperature of a vehicle occupant in the area of ​​the at least one portion of the seat surface of about 36° C. or greater; and again operating the heating device and the cooling device in an alternating manner over a plurality of time intervals, during which the heating device is operated for a second period of time and the cooling device is operated for a third period of time; Wherein the thermal contrast therapy changes the temperature of at least a portion of the seat surface by approximately 10°C to 20°C and / or changes the skin temperature of a vehicle occupant in the area of ​​at least a portion of the seat surface by approximately 3°C to 6°C.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein during the plurality of time intervals, the heating device and the cooling device effect a temperature change of at least one portion of the seat surface; wherein, The at least one portion includes a lower portion, a middle portion, an upper portion, or any combination thereof.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heating devices are located in the lower part and the middle part, and during the multiple time intervals, the heating device in the lower part reaches a target temperature of about 63°C to 67°C, and the heating device in the middle part reaches a target temperature of about 77°C to 83°C.

4. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the heating means is located in the upper part and during the plurality of time intervals the heating means in the upper part reaches a target temperature of about 70°C.

5. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein during the plurality of time intervals the cooling device reaches a target temperature of about 18°C ​​to 22°C.

6. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein during the plurality of time intervals, the heating device is operated by pulse width modulation with a duty cycle of approximately 55% to 65%, and the cooling device is operated by pulse width modulation with a duty cycle of approximately 85% to 95%.

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein during the plurality of time intervals the operation times of the heating device and the cooling device are equal.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein during the plurality of time intervals the temperature change rate of the skin temperature is ±0.4°C / minute to ±0.9°C / minute and / or the temperature change rate of the seat temperature is ±1°C / minute to ±2.5°C / minute.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of time intervals last for a duration of about 20 minutes to 35 minutes.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein alternating heating and cooling are characterized by a ramp and a step profile, respectively, the ramp and step profile for heating being opposite to the ramp and step profile for cooling.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein there is no idle period between the alternating operation of the heating device and the cooling device; wherein, The idle period is characterized by a time period during which neither the heating device nor the cooling device is operated.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the time interval comprises 6 to 16 time intervals.

13. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second time period is from 3 minutes to 5 minutes; and wherein the third time period is from 3 minutes to 6 minutes.

14. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating device is operated by pulse width modulation with a duty cycle of about 55% to 65% to achieve the first temperature.

15. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first temperature is about 55°C to 90°C.

16. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first period of time is about 5 to 10 minutes.

17. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the thermal contrast therapy is adapted to relieve pain for the vehicle occupant.

18. A device for implementing the method according to claim 1, the device comprising: Heating devices located at the upper portion of the seat, the middle portion of the seat and the lower portion of the seat; and a cooling device acting on the middle part of the seat.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the heating device comprises a resistive element; the cooling device comprises a blower, a thermoelectric device, a fluid distribution device, or any combination thereof; wherein, The surface power density of the heating device in the lower part is about 2,100 W / m 2 Up to 2,500W / m 2 , the surface power density of the heating device in the middle is about 1,900 W / m 2 Up to 2,300W / m 2 , and the surface power density of the heating device in the upper part is about 900 W / m 2 Up to 1,500W / m 2 .

20. A vehicle seat comprising an apparatus according to claim 18 or 19.

21. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein: The temperature of at least one portion of the seat surface and / or the skin temperature of the vehicle occupant is determined by a dynamic estimation that takes into account one or more heat transfer rates associated with at least one portion of the seat surface and / or the skin temperature of the vehicle occupant.

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