Comfortable assembly for vehicle seat

Abstract

A comfort assembly for a vehicle seat having a cushion, the comfort system comprising: a carriage having a thermal device; a spacer layer attached to the carrier via one or more connecting means; an effector device disposed below the spacer layer such that the spacer layer is located between the effector device and the B side of the carriage; one or more attachment means configured to attach the carrier to the effector means; the effector device is attached to the bracket prior to mounting the comfort assembly to the cushion of the vehicle seat.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims the benefits of US 63 / 591,150, filed October 18, 2023, and US 18 / 638,807, filed April 18, 2024, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0002] These teachings relate to comfort components used in vehicle seats. Background Technology

[0003] Some vehicle seats include one or more systems for improving occupant comfort. For example, a vehicle seat may include a heating device for providing heating and / or cooling functions to the occupant; a pneumatic device for providing massage and / or lumbar support functions to the occupant; and / or a tactile device for alerting the occupant or providing feedback to the occupant.

[0004] While consumers enjoy and expect such comfort systems in their vehicle seats, these systems may unintentionally complicate vehicle seat design; may require multiple separate comfort systems or devices from different suppliers to vehicle seat assemblers; may require additional assembly steps and / or operators to install different comfort systems or devices in the vehicle seats; and / or may complicate the entire vehicle seat assembly. Furthermore, many vehicle seats require specific seat cushion or support surface designs to accommodate each of the various comfort systems or devices. This may unintentionally require vehicle seat assemblers to have multiple different seat cushions or support surfaces in stock and to coordinate the assembly of multiple different seat cushions or support surfaces with multiple different comfort systems.

[0005] Therefore, it may be desirable to improve upon the current state of the prior art. For example, it may be desirable to have comfort components for vehicle seats that combine or integrate multiple different comfort systems or devices into a single component. A single comfort system or component that combines two or more comfort systems or devices can advantageously simplify and / or reduce assembly time and / or steps at the vehicle seat assembler. For example, it may be desirable to have comfort components for vehicle seats that do not require specific seat cushions or support surfaces to accommodate one or more comfort systems. This can advantageously reduce the number of different seat cushion support surfaces and part numbers in the assembler's inventory; can reduce assembly time and complexity; and / or can reduce cushion tooling costs. Summary of the Invention

[0006] These teachings relate to a comfort component for a vehicle seat, a vehicle seat with comfort features, and a method for installing and using the comfort component in a vehicle seat.

[0007] These teachings provide a comfort component for a vehicle seat including a cushion, the comfort system comprising: a bracket including a heating device; a spacer layer attached to the bracket via one or more attachment means; an effector device disposed below the spacer layer such that the spacer layer is located between the effector device and a B-side of the bracket; one or more attachment means configured to attach the bracket to the effector device; wherein the effector device is attached to the bracket before the comfort component is mounted to an A-side of the cushion of the vehicle seat.

[0008] These teachings provide a comfort component for a vehicle seat including a cushion, the comfort system comprising: a bracket including a heating device, the bracket including a top side and an opposing bottom side, wherein the vehicle seat includes a trim or cover layer disposed on the top side of the bracket; a spacer layer positioned against the bottom side of the bracket, the spacer layer including a foam padding; a first attachment device located between the spacer layer and the bottom side of the bracket to attach the spacer layer to the bottom side of the bracket; an effector device disposed below the spacer layer such that the spacer layer is located between the effector device and the bottom side of the bracket; and one or more attachment devices attaching the bracket to the effector device, the one or more attachment devices including a weld; wherein the effector device is attached to the bracket by the one or more attachment devices before the comfort component is mounted to the top side of the cushion of the vehicle seat.

[0009] These teachings provide a method for manufacturing a comfort component according to these teachings, wherein, before mounting the comfort component onto a top side of a pad, the method includes: arranging a heating device on a bracket; arranging a spacer layer on a bottom side of the bracket; attaching the spacer layer to the bottom side of the bracket with a first attachment means, wherein the first attachment means includes an adhesive; arranging an effector device on the spacer layer such that the spacer layer is located between the effector device and the opposite bottom side of the bracket, the effector device including a plurality of air chambers; and attaching the effector device to the bracket with one or more attachment means, wherein the one or more attachment means includes a weld; wherein the top side of the pad has a plurality of recesses; and the method includes positioning the comfort component on the top side of the pad such that at least some of the plurality of air chambers are at least partially located in one of the plurality of recesses; and wherein the recess extends only partially through the entire thickness of the pad.

[0010] Comfort components based on these teachings integrate or combine two or more comfort devices into a single system or component. Many benefits can be achieved by combining two or more discrete devices into a single composite component according to these teachings before installing the comfort component in the vehicle seat. For example, the number of individual part numbers listed in the vehicle seat assembler's inventory can be reduced, and the space required to inventory individual comfort devices can be reduced. The number of methodological steps for installing two or more comfort devices in a vehicle seat can be reduced and / or combined, thereby reducing assembly time and space. The amount of packaging and dunnage can be reduced because two or more comfort devices can now be shipped and received in a single container, rather than preparing a separate container for each comfort device. Space required at the assembly line can be reduced due to the reduced number of individual parts required at the production line.

[0011] Comfort systems based on these teachings include one or more comfort devices supported on one or both sides of a bracket, supported on one or both sides of a bracket, or supported by one or both sides of a bracket. Preferably, the comfort components include one or more comfort devices on one side of the bracket and one or more comfort devices on the other side of the bracket.

[0012] As used herein, "supported at," "supported on," or "supported by" (hereinafter referred to as the "support term") may mean that a corresponding component of the comfort system is attached to a bracket or spacer. The support term may mean that a corresponding component of the comfort system is directly attached, secured, or fixed to a bracket and / or spacer. The support term may mean that a corresponding component of the comfort system is indirectly attached, secured, or fixed to a bracket and / or spacer, which may mean that one or more other elements or layers are arranged between the bracket and / or spacer and the component of the comfort system. The support term may mean that a corresponding component of the comfort system is secured, attached, contacted, or fixed to a bracket and / or spacer by one or more attachment devices disclosed herein. The support term may mean that a corresponding component of the comfort system is at least partially in direct contact with the bracket and / or spacer. The support term may mean that a corresponding component of the comfort system is at least partially in indirect contact with the bracket and / or spacer, which may mean that one or more other elements or layers are arranged between the bracket and / or spacer and the component of the comfort system.

[0013] Comfort devices according to these teachings include one or more connectors. These connectors may be combination connectors that allow a single connector to power and / or control two or more comfort devices. This connector can help simplify the assembly process by requiring the installer to use the connector to power, control, and / or monitor some or all of the comfort devices that are part of the comfort component. In some configurations, the comfort component may include more than one connector for powering, controlling, and / or monitoring the comfort devices of that comfort component. For example, wiring for effector devices (i.e., haptic devices and / or pneumatic devices) may reach a separate connector or may be integrated into a connector associated with a thermal device. The comfort component includes a single connector for connecting the comfort component to a vehicle controller, which is electrically connected to the thermal device and the effector device.

[0014] Some vehicle seat support surfaces in this field include one or more recesses or depressions. The recesses or depressions may be devoid of material. The recesses or depressions may be areas of a bracket, substrate, or spacer layer, wherein the thickness of the bracket or spacer layer has been reduced or thinned relative to other areas of the bracket or spacer layer. The recesses or depressions may be areas of the bracket, spacer layer, or substrate that have been thinned or completely removed.

[0015] In some configurations, the recess can be defined by adding one or more strips or segments of material to the bracket or spacer. For example, one or more spaced material strips of substantially any shape and size can be supported at, on, or by the bracket or spacer. One or more elements of the effector system can then be positioned within or between these spaced strips or within the "recess" defined between these spaced strips.

[0016] A recess or depression is typically configured to accommodate one or more elements of a seat or comfort device. For example, some support surfaces include recesses or depressions, and one or more air chambers of a pneumatic device are disposed within such recesses or depressions, see U.S. Patent No. 11,364,831 B2. Figure 1 and Figure 2 It shows a recess in the seat cushion, in which a sac-like structure is arranged and covered by a seat cover. For example, some support surfaces include recesses or depressions, in which one or more alarm elements of a tactile device are arranged—see US 9,004,589. Figure 1It shows a support surface with pre-formed recesses in which a haptic motor is located. One or more recesses or depressions can be used to compensate for the height or thickness of one or more components of the effector device, haptic device, or pneumatic device. By clustering the components into one or more recesses or depressions, clumps, hard spots, or high points that may be generated by one or more components can be compensated for, avoided, or eliminated. Advantageously, by arranging the components of the heating device and / or effector device in one or more recesses in the bracket and / or support layer, the component foam can remain flat and there is no difference between foams with and without comfort devices.

[0017] Support surfaces with such pre-formed recesses or depressions are typically tooled specifically for a particular comfort system. Therefore, vehicle seat assemblers need to stock several different vehicle support surfaces to accommodate vehicle seats with varying comfort options. For example, a vehicle seat assembler might need to have in its stock: support surfaces with recesses for accommodating pneumatic devices; support surfaces with recesses for accommodating haptic devices; support surfaces with recesses for accommodating both pneumatic and haptic devices; and support surfaces designed not to accommodate either pneumatic or haptic devices.

[0018] Comfort components according to these teachings include brackets. The bracket can be a support, material, layer, structure, or substrate that supports one or more elements of the comfort component. For example, the bracket can support one or more air chambers. For example, one or more air chambers can be attached or secured to the bracket by one or more attachment devices. For example, the bracket can support one or more tactile devices. For example, one or more tactile devices can be attached or secured to the bracket by one or more attachment devices. For example, the bracket can support one or more tubes, wires, connectors, etc. For example, one or more tubes, wires, connectors, etc. can be attached or secured to the bracket by one or more attachment devices. For example, the bracket can support one or more heating devices. For example, one or more heating devices, heating wires, resistance wires, etc. can be attached or secured to the bracket by one or more attachment devices.

[0019] Comfort components according to these teachings include brackets having one or more recesses or recesses. The one or more recesses or recesses are designed to accommodate one or more elements of a vehicle seat and / or comfort component. For example, the one or more recesses or recesses are designed to accommodate or receive one or more air chambers of a pneumatic device, one or more elements of an effector device, one or more alarm elements of a tactile device, a tactile device, a pneumatic device, a heating device, or a combination thereof, or a wire or conduit thereof. In some configurations, one or more valves, modules, processors, controllers, feedback systems, power supplies, or combinations thereof associated with the comfort component may be disposed in, supported in, located in, or supported by one or more recesses or recesses in the bracket.

[0020] Accordingly, advantageously, it is possible to mount comfort components according to these teachings onto a support surface that does not necessarily have specific pre-formed recesses and cavities, as the recesses and elements are, in fact, part of the comfort components themselves. Advantageously, this can reduce the number of different or separate support surface part numbers that need to be maintained in the inventory of vehicle seat assemblers. This can also help improve the process flow of vehicle seats during assembly, eliminating the need to ensure that the correct seat support surface is used with the correct comfort system.

[0021] As another advantage, comfort components based on these teachings can be used as retrofit applications, since no custom recesses or cavities are required in the seat support surface designed to use comfort components based on these teachings. In such retrofit applications, vehicle seats that were not previously equipped with one or more comfort systems or components can be equipped with such comfort features without compromising the overall structure or integrity of the seat support surface.

[0022] In some configurations, the pad or support surface may include one or more recesses or cavities. One or more recesses or cavities in the pad or support surface may be configured to receive at least some of the components of a comfort component. For example, one or more recesses or cavities defined in the pad or support surface may be configured or sized to at least partially receive or support one or more of an effector device, pneumatic device, heating device, or any combination thereof. More precisely, one or more recesses or cavities defined in the pad or support surface may be configured or sized to at least partially receive or support one or more air chambers, one or more spacer layers, one or more heating devices, or combinations thereof. Adhesives or any suitable fastening devices may be used to secure elements of the comfort component to the one or more recesses or cavities or to the pad or support surface. One or more recesses or cavities in the pad may be formed by suitable methods, such as material removal processes (e.g., cutting, milling, drilling, grooving, melting, etc.). One or more recesses or cavities in the pad may be formed simultaneously with the molding or thermoforming of the pad without requiring additional material removal steps.

[0023] In some configurations, a pad or support surface having one or more recesses or depressions to accommodate at least some of the elements of the comfort component can be used with a bracket or spacer having one or more recesses or depressions that also accommodate some of the elements of the comfort component. In other configurations, the pad or support surface may not contain any recesses or depressions for accommodating the elements of the comfort component. In some configurations, only the bracket or spacer has one or more recesses or depressions for accommodating one or more elements of the comfort component.

[0024] One or more recesses or cavities in the bracket according to these teachings may be formed on a first side or A side, a second side or B side, or both of the bracket. In some configurations, the comfort component according to these teachings may include a spacer layer. The spacer layer may include one or more recesses or cavities for receiving one or more elements of the comfort device. One or more recesses or cavities may be located on the A side and / or B side of the spacer layer. One or more recesses or cavities in the comfort component, bracket, or spacer layer according to these teachings may be formed using any suitable manufacturing or forming method, such as molding, thermoforming, cutting, melting, grooving, milling, or combinations thereof.

[0025] Comfort components according to these teachings may include one or more spacer layers. The spacer layer may be one or more layers supported on, on, or by one or both sides of a bracket. The spacer layer may be provided or supported on, above, or between one or more elements of one or more comfort devices supported on the bracket, or by one or more elements of one or more comfort devices supported on the bracket. For example, the spacer layer may be located between one or more elements of a heating device, one or more elements of an effector device, one or more elements of a tactile device, and / or one or more elements of a pneumatic device. One or more air chambers may be sandwiched between surface A of a support surface of the vehicle seat, which is the seat cushion.

[0026] In some configurations, one or more spacer layers may be provided or supported at, above, on, or on top of one or more elements of the thermal device, one or more elements of the effector device, one or more elements of the tactile device, and / or one or more elements of the pneumatic device, or provided or supported by one or more spacer layers from one or more elements of the thermal device, one or more elements of the effector device, one or more elements of the tactile device, and / or one or more elements of the pneumatic device, such that one or more elements of the thermal device, one or more elements of the tactile device, and / or one or more elements of the pneumatic device are between the bracket and the spacer layer.

[0027] The spacer layer can be made of the same material as the bracket or a different material. The spacer layer can have the same thickness as the bracket. The spacer layer can also have a thickness thinner or thicker than the bracket. The spacer layer can include materials made of foam, TPU, TPU foil, extruded TPU foil, heated wool pads, PU films, and / or spunbond materials. The spacer layer can be a breathable or non-breathable material or layer. The spacer layer can be configured to reduce or prevent the comfort component or its elements (i.e., pneumatic system 116) from permeating before or during its activation.

[0028] The bracket and / or spacer can be breathable, allowing airflow to pass through the bracket, spacer, or both. This may be particularly important and advantageous if the vehicle seat or comfort component includes another comfort device that is a ventilation device for moving air toward or away from the occupant in the vehicle seat (i.e., pushing and / or pulling a ventilated vehicle comfort device). Such a comfort device may include a fan or other air actuator for directing airflow through the bracket and / or spacer toward the occupant (e.g., operating in "push mode"). Alternatively, it may include a fan or other air actuator for drawing or pulling airflow through the bracket and / or spacer away from the occupant (e.g., operating in "pull mode"). In cases where the comfort device includes such a ventilated comfort device, the spacer and / or bracket can function as an air distribution device.

[0029] Spacer layers can be formed of or derived from one or more materials, such as honey-like foam materials, materials in which channels and pathways are formed, 3D materials or spacer fabrics, mesh fabrics, spacer plates, etc. As an example, a preferred material is sold under the trade name 3MESH® and is commercially available from Mueller Textil GmbH, Germany, or Mueller Textiles, Inc., Rhode Island, USA. Other preferred spacer devices and spacer layers are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,777,320, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0030] The spacer layer can be made of fabric, wool, felt, polyester, PET (polyethylene terephthalate). The spacer layer can be foam, plush foam, comfort form, cushion, comfort cushion, plush cushion, or a combination thereof.

[0031] Spacer layers can be configured to substantially maintain their three-dimensional shape when subjected to compression and / or other types of forces. Spacer layers may include internal pores or passages that allow air or other fluids to pass through them. For example, spacer layers may include internal lattices or other structures with internal openings. Spacer layers may be sieves or meshes. Spacer layers may be compressible, elastic, resilient, or a combination thereof. Spacer layers may be sufficiently elastic to prevent breakage when an occupant sits on or reclines in a vehicle seat. Spacer layers may include a mesh layer, a lower mesh layer, and multiple fibers extending between them.

[0032] Comfort components according to these teachings include one or more attachment devices. Attachment devices are used herein and can be any one or more attachment devices or attachment methods for attaching or securing one or more elements of the comfort component. For example, attachment devices and / or associated attachment methods can be or can include welding, RF welding, ultrasonic welding, glue, adhesive, epoxy resin, sewing, braiding, fastening, clips, U-shaped fasteners, rivets, eyelets, hook and loop fasteners, tape, double-sided tape, pressure-sensitive tape, or any combination thereof. One or more attachment devices can include one or more attachment substrate elements (e.g., strips) attached to a bracket to provide a passage for one or more wires or tubes to pass through or be braided underneath. The one or more attachment devices can be located on side A of the bracket or spacer, side B of the bracket or spacer, or both.

[0033] One or more attachment devices and associated attachment methods can be configured to attach heating wires to a bracket, attach a connector to a bracket, attach one or more air chambers to a bracket, attach one or more spacer layers to a bracket, attach one or more tactile elements to a bracket, or any combination thereof. One or more attachment devices can also be used to attach a bracket or comfort component to a vehicle seat support surface or another mounting surface. One or more attachment devices can be used to attach a trim layer to a support surface and / or a comfort component. One or more attachment devices according to these teachings can be used to attach or secure other elements associated with a vehicle seat to a bracket, comfort component, support surface, or a combination thereof.

[0034] A comfort component may include one or more comfort devices. A comfort device may be an effector device, a pneumatic device, a tactile device, a heating device, or a combination thereof. In accordance with these teachings, other comfort devices may be incorporated into the comfort component and may be or may include occupancy devices or associated sensors, temperature devices or associated sensors, or other sensors or devices that may be part of the vehicle or vehicle seats.

[0035] A heating device can be a means configured to generate heating and / or cooling to increase or decrease the surface temperature of a vehicle seat. The heating device can be of the type disclosed in any of the following: U.S. Patent Nos. 11,033,058; 7,560,670; 7,285,748; 7,223,948; 6,838,647; 6,869,140; 6,710,303; 6,150,642; 5,451,747; 4,931,627; 4,777,351; U.S. Patent Publications 20200406797, 20200025424, 2010 / 0289303, and / or 20070176471, all of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. The thermal device may be a cooling pad that may include one or more cooling elements. The one or more cooling elements may be one or more graphite / graphene strips, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,033,058 and U.S. Publication No. 20200025424A1, both of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0036] A pneumatic device can be a system configured to provide lumbar massage to an occupant of a vehicle seat. The pneumatic device may include one or more elements configured to be inflated and deflated to apply and release pressure on the vehicle seat and occupant. For example, the one or more elements may be one or more air chambers, airbags, pouches, sacs, or combinations thereof. The pneumatic system may be of the type disclosed in US2012 / 0313420, US21013 / 0127226, and / or US 10,906,442B2, all of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0037] A haptic device can be configured to generate one or more audio, visual, and / or haptic alarms to alert an occupant before, after, or during one or more events. The haptic device may include one or more alarm or feedback elements. These alarm or feedback elements may be one or more motors, speakers, lights, sirens, low-frequency musical effects, and / or other devices configured to alert or provide feedback to an occupant by alerting them before, during, and / or after an event. One or more haptic elements may be or may include noise generating devices. These haptic elements may be or may include one or more blocks, one or more permanent magnets, one or more coils, or combinations thereof. When the haptic element is activated, the block may vibrate against a housing or other substrate, which may produce low-frequency vibrations or music. Examples of haptic devices may be of the type disclosed in US 7676324B2, US 7714701B2, and / or US 20070241595A1, all of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0038] One or more wires associated with the effector device (i.e., pneumatic, tactile, or both) may be attached to, supported on, or carried by any of the attachment devices disclosed herein to a bracket, spacer, or both. The effector device wires may be located on the same side of the bracket as the thermal device wires. In other configurations, the effector device wires may be located on one or the other side of the bracket opposite the thermal device wires. By including the thermal device wires on one side of the bracket or spacer and the wires for the effector device on the other side of the bracket or spacer, wire “crossing” can be avoided. If wires “cross” or overlap, interference may occur and / or the thermal wires may overheat and burn out the effector device wires. Wiring for the tactile device may be in a separate circuit (e.g., a single circuit for each alarm or feedback element) or in a circuit with multiple alarm or feedback elements in a “daisy-chain” configuration in parallel or series.

[0039] The effector device may be a thermal device, a pneumatic device, a tactile device, any other device disclosed herein, or a combination thereof, or any combination thereof. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 It is a side view of a vehicle including one or more vehicle seats.

[0041] Figure 2 It is a 3D diagram of the vehicle seats.

[0042] Figure 3 It is a perspective view of the support surface of the vehicle seat and the comfort components on surface A of the support surface, based on these teachings.

[0043] Figure 4 This is a schematic front view or side A of the comfort components.

[0044] Figure 5 This is a schematic rear view or side B of the comfort components.

[0045] Figure 6 This is a side view of the comfort components and pads.

[0046] Figure 7 This is a side view of the comfort components and pads.

[0047] Figure 8 This is a schematic top view of an attachment device that attaches one or more wires and / or tubes to the brackets and / or spacers of the comfort component.

[0048] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a comfort component that includes heating devices and effector devices.

[0049] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a comfort component that includes heating devices and effector devices.

[0050] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a comfort component that includes heating devices and effector devices.

[0051] Figure 12 This is a side view of the comfort components and pads.

[0052] Figure 13 This is a top view of the partition layer.

[0053] Figure 14 This is a side view of the comfort components and pads.

[0054] Figure 15 This is a side view of the comfort component attached to the pad.

[0055] Figure 16 This is a side view of the comfort component attached to the pad.

[0056] Figures 17A-17D The illustration shows the steps for installing the comfort components into the pad.

[0057] Figure 18 This is a side view of the comfort components and pads. Detailed Implementation

[0058] Figure 1 The figure shows vehicle 10. Vehicle 10 includes one or more vehicle seats 12.

[0059] Figure 2The figure shows a vehicle seat 12. The vehicle seat 12 includes a seating portion 14 and a backrest portion 16. The seating portion 14 and the backrest portion 16 include a support surface 18. The support surface 18 may be a pad or may include a pad.

[0060] The support surface 18 may be a single support surface or pad for both portions 14, 16. The support surface 18 may be one or more discrete or separate pieces for each of the seating portions 14, 16. The support surface 18 has a front portion, A side or A surface, and an opposing rear portion, B side or B surface. When an occupant is seated on the vehicle seat 12, the front portion or A side of the support surface 18 is closest to the occupant. Therefore, the term "support surface" as used herein may refer to the seating portion 14, the backrest portion 16, or both. A covering or trim layer 20 may cover the support surface 18. The covering or trim layer 20 may be perforated leather, cloth, or other fabric-type material suitable for use in vehicle interiors and on the vehicle seat 12.

[0061] The vehicle seat 12 may include one or more comfort components 100. Comfort components 100 may be or may include heating devices, effector devices, or both. Effector devices may be or may include pneumatic devices and / or tactile devices. Comfort components 100 may also be referred to herein as a combined comfort system, device, or component, as it may include features from two or more of heating devices, effector devices, pneumatic devices, and / or tactile devices, or additional comfort devices or monitoring devices.

[0062] See now Figure 3 Comfort component 100 is attached to, or mounted on, or supported by, the front or A side of support surface 18 or pad. However, in some configurations, comfort component 100 or its components may be attached to, or mounted on, or supported by the rear or B side of support surface 18 or pad. For example, one or more motors, valves, controllers, wiring, tubing, systems for operating the comfort component, other sensors or devices associated with comfort component 100 or any comfort device disclosed herein may be attached at least partially or completely to, or supported by, one or more sides of support surface 18, or the rear or B side of support surface 18.

[0063] Although Figure 3 The support surface illustrated herein may be referred to as a pad used with the backrest portion 18; however, unless otherwise stated, the teachings associated with the support surface or pad may be equally applied to the pad used with the seating portion 14.

[0064] Figure 4The figure illustrates a comfort component 100. The comfort component 100 includes a bracket 102. A heating device 104 is attached to, supported on, or borne by, a first side 106 of the bracket 102. The heating device 104 may include one or more heating wires 110 located on or within the thickness of the bracket 102 (i.e., between the first and second sides of the bracket 102). See briefly. Figure 5 The bracket 102 also includes a second side or B side 108 opposite to the first side or A side 106 of the bracket 102. See also [link to previous section] Figure 3 After the comfort system 100 is installed on the support device 18, the first side or A side 106 of the bracket 102 may be the side of the bracket 102 configured to face away from the front or A surface of the support device 18, and the second side or B side 108 of the bracket 102 may be configured to contact the front or top of the A side of the support device 18 or the pad, or rest on the front or top of the A side of the support device 18 or the pad. In some configurations, this orientation may be reversed.

[0065] See Figure 4 The heating device 104 includes one or more heating wires 110. The heating wires 110 may be attached to, supported on, or borne by the bracket 102 via one or more attachment devices 112. The one or more attachment devices 112 may be configured to attach or secure the one or more heating wires 110 to the bracket 102. The one or more attachment devices 112 may be configured to attach or secure the one or more heating wires to the bracket 102 such that movement of the heating wires 110 or other separation from the bracket 102 is restricted or prevented. The heating wires 110 may be on a first side or A side 106 of the bracket, on a second side or B side 108 of the bracket, and / or within the thickness of the bracket 102 (between the A and B sides of the bracket 102).

[0066] Comfort component 100 may include connector 114. Connector 114 may be configured to connect comfort component 100 to a system 142 for operating comfort component 100. For example, the system for operating comfort component 100 may be or include a power supply or a controller or both. The system for operating comfort component 142 may be configured to operate one or more comfort devices of the comfort component. Connector 114 may be configured to electrically connect a heating device, effector device, pneumatic device, haptic device, or any other comfort device associated with comfort component 100 to the system, computer, controller, power supply, or any combination thereof for operating comfort component 100. Advantageously, connector 114 may be a single connector that allows for single and quick connection and disconnection of comfort component 100 and controller, power supply, or vehicle. Advantageously, connector 114 may be a single connector that allows control of comfort component 100, and more specifically, allows control of two or more components of comfort component 100, such as heating devices, effector devices, pneumatic devices, haptic devices, etc.

[0067] Figure 5 The figure illustrates a comfort component 100. The comfort component 100 includes a bracket 102 and an effector device 115 attached to, on, or supported by, the rear, B-side, or opposite second side 108 of the bracket 102. The effector device 115 may be a pneumatic device 116, which may be or may include a massage device, a lumbar support device, or both.

[0068] The effector device 115 or pneumatic device 116 includes one or more air chambers 118. The effector device 115 or pneumatic device 116 and / or one or more air chambers 118 may be attached to, supported on, or borne by the second side 108 of the bracket 102. The second side 108 of the bracket 102 may be the side of the bracket 102 opposite to the first side or A side 106 of the bracket 102 (see...). Figure 4 ).

[0069] The effector device 115 and / or pneumatic device 116 includes one or more tubes and / or wires 120. One or more tubes and / or wires 120 can connect the pneumatic system 116 and / or one or more air chambers 118 to one or more air sources, pumps, actuators, inflators, canisters, controllers, power supplies, or combinations thereof 144. One or more tubes or wires 120 can be attached to, supported on, or carried by the second side 108 of the bracket 102 via one or more attachment devices 112.

[0070] The effector device 115 may include a tactile device 122 attached to, supported on, or resting on the opposite second side or B side 108 of the bracket 102. The tactile device 122 may be an alarm or feedback system for providing alerts or notifications to occupants of the vehicle seat. The tactile device 122 may include one or more alarm elements 124. The tactile device 122 and / or one or more alarm or feedback elements 124 may be attached to, supported on, or resting on the second side 108 of the bracket 102 via one or more attachment devices 112. The one or more alarm or feedback elements 124 may be one or more motors, vibration devices, sirens, lights, speakers, inflators, or combinations thereof, configured to alert or provide feedback to the occupant by warning the occupant before, during, and / or after an event. The tactile device 122 includes one or more wires 126. One or more wires 126 can connect the tactile device 122 and / or one or more alarm elements 124 to the connector 114, one or more controllers, one or more power supplies, a system for operating the tactile device, or a combination thereof 144. One or more wires 126 can be attached to, supported on, or carried by the second side 108 of the bracket 102 via one or more attachment devices 112.

[0071] The heating device 104 may be attached to, supported on, or rest upon the first side or A side 106 of the bracket 102, and before the comfort component 100 is mounted on the A surface of the cushion 18 of the vehicle seat 12, the effector device 115, the pneumatic device 116, and / or the tactile device 112 may be attached to, supported on, or rest upon the second side or B side 108 of the bracket 102. In other words, one or more heating wires 110 of the heating device 104 may be located on one side of the bracket 102, and one or more tubes or wires 120 of the pneumatic device 116, one or more air chambers 118 of the pneumatic device 116, one or more vibrating elements, and one or more wires 126 of the tactile device 122 may be located on the other side of the bracket 102. One or more heating wires 110 can be arranged between the A and B surfaces of the bracket 102 within the thickness of the bracket 102.

[0072] Comfort component 100 or bracket 102 may include one or more spacers 128. Spacers 128 may be disposed below pneumatic device 116 and / or one or more air chambers 118 of pneumatic device 116 or effector device 115. Spacers may be disposed below tactile device 122 and / or one or more alarm elements 124 of tactile device 122 or effector device 115. Spacers 128 may be breathable or impermeable. Spacers 128 may be attached to, supported on, or borne by bracket 102 via one or more attachment devices 112. In some configurations, spacers may be disposed above pneumatic device 116 and / or one or more air chambers 118 of pneumatic device 116 or effector device 115. Spacers 128 may be attached to side B of bracket 102 via one or more attachment or fastening devices disclosed herein (i.e., welds, tape, double-sided tape, etc.).

[0073] Figure 6 The comfort component 100 is illustrated. The comfort component 100 is partially disassembled. The comfort component 100 includes a bracket 102 having a first side 106 and an opposing second side 108. In the vehicle position, the first side or A side 106 of the bracket 102 may be arranged closer to the trim layer or cover layer 20, and the second side or B side may be provided on or attached to the A side of the support device or pad 18, or supported on, above, or by the A side of the support device or pad 18.

[0074] The first side 106 of the bracket 102 includes a heating device. More specifically, heating wires 110 of the heating device are attached to the first side 106 of the bracket 102 and / or may be disposed within the thickness of the bracket 102. The second side or B side 108 of the bracket 102 includes a pneumatic device. More specifically, one or more air chambers 118 of the pneumatic device are attached to, supported on, or borne by the second side 108 of the bracket 102.

[0075] The bracket 102 includes one or more recesses or depressions 130, in which at least a portion of the effector system 115, the pneumatic device, and / or one or more air chambers 118 are received.

[0076] One or more air chambers 118 include a top surface 132. The top surface 132 of one or more air chambers 118 may be the surface of the air chamber 118 arranged in the vehicle position closest to the A side of the support or pad 118. As illustrated in Example I, the top surface 132 of one or more of their air chambers 118 may be substantially flush with the second side 108 or flat surface of the bracket 102. As illustrated in Example II, the top surface 132 of one or more of their air chambers 118 may substantially protrude or extend below or beyond the second side 108 or flat surface of the bracket 102. As illustrated in Example III, the top surface 132 of one or more of their air chambers 118 may be substantially sub-flush or extend below the second side 108 or flat surface of the bracket 102. In any of these Examples I, II, and II, one or more air chambers may be in an active configuration (air is inside one or more chambers), a pre-activated configuration, or an inactive configuration (no air is inside one or more air chambers), or in a usage configuration in which air or fluid is supplied to or extracted from one or more air chambers. According to these teachings, the bottom side of one or more air chambers 118 may be supported on a substrate or bracket 119.

[0077] Figure 7 The figure illustrates a comfort component 100. A bracket 102 includes a spacer layer 128 disposed on a second side or B side 108 of the bracket 102. The spacer layer 128 may be between the bracket 102 and one or more air chambers 118 of an effector device, pneumatic device, and / or pneumatic device. The spacer layer 128 may include a top surface or a flat surface 138. According to these teachings, one or more air chambers 118 may be supported on a base plate or bracket 119.

[0078] The spacer layer 128 may include one or more recesses or depressions 136, into which at least a portion of the pneumatic system 116 and / or one or more air chambers 118 are received.

[0079] One or more air chambers 118 include a top surface 132. The top surface 132 of one or more air chambers 118 may be the surface of the air chamber 118 arranged to be closest to the A side of the support 118 in the vehicle position. As illustrated in Example I, the top surface 132 of one or more of their air chambers 118 may generally protrude or extend below or beyond the top surface or flat surface 138 of the spacer layer 12. Although this Example I illustrates a recess or depression 136 in which no air chamber 118 is arranged (instead, the air chamber 118 is arranged on top of the spacer layer 128), a recess or depression may be included in the spacer layer 128. As illustrated in Example II, the top surface 132 of one or more of their air chambers 118 may be generally flush with the top surface or flat surface 138 of the spacer layer 128. As illustrated in Example III, the top surface 132 of one or more of their air chambers 118 may be generally sub-flush or below the top surface or flat surface 138 of the spacer layer 12. In any of these Examples I, II, and II, one or more air chambers may be in an active configuration (air is inside one or more chambers), a pre-activated configuration, or an inactive configuration (no air is inside one or more air chambers), or in a usage configuration in which air or fluid is supplied to or extracted from one or more air chambers.

[0080] Figure 8 The illustration shows an attachment device 112 that attaches one or more wires and / or tubes of a comfort device to a bracket 102 or spacer 128 of the comfort component. The attachment device 112 may be a strip attached to, supported on, or borne by the bracket or spacer 128. One or more wires or tubes 110, 120, 126 of a heating device, effector device, tactile device, and / or pneumatic device are partially below, above, and through the attachment device 112, and then again routed below the attachment device 112. The attachment device 112 itself may be attached to, supported on, or borne by the bracket or spacer 128 via one or more attachment devices (such as using stitching, welding, adhesive, etc.).

[0081] Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 11This is a schematic diagram of a comfort component 100 based on these teachings. The comfort component 100 includes a bracket 102. The bracket 102 may include a single layer or may include one or more additional layers, such as one or more spacer layers disclosed herein. The comfort component 100 includes a heating device comprising heating wire 110. The heating wire 100 is attached to, supported on, or assisted by the bracket 102 via one or more of any attachment means and / or methods disclosed herein. An effector device 115 (which may be pneumatic, tactile, or both) includes one or more wires 120, 126 for connecting the effector device 115 to a controller or power source. Figure 9 As illustrated, wires 110 and 120, 126 do not cross each other. This could be because wires 110 and 120, 126 are located on opposite sides of bracket 102 (e.g., on the front and rear sides of bracket 102). Alternatively, it could be because heating wire 110 is bent or arranged outside of wires 120, 126 of the effector device 115. However, in Figure 10 and Figure 11 There is a slight overlap between wires 110 and 120 / 126. Figure 11 In this configuration, the heating wire 110 can be configured as a heating effector device 115 to provide additional heating to the effector device 115 to further enhance the comfort of the vehicle seat occupants.

[0082] Figure 12 The diagram illustrates a comfort component 100. The bracket 102 includes a spacer layer 128 supported on, located on, or by a second side or B side 108 of the bracket 102. Figure 12 In this configuration, spacer 128 is configured as strips or segments 140 of material supported on, above, or by the bracket 102. The strips or segments 140 are spaced apart to define a recess 136 therebetween. At least a portion of the effector system 115 may be received in the recess 136. The height of the strips or segments 140 (the distance extending from the bracket 102) may allow the top surface of an element of the effector system (here, air chamber 118) to be substantially flush with, raised above, or extending below the top or plane surface of the segments 140 of spacer 12.

[0083] Figure 13The figure illustrates spacer layer 128. Spacer layer 128 includes substrate 142 and a plurality of recesses 136. The recesses are configured for one or more elements of a receiver effector system. One or more of the recesses 136 may be completely free of material relative to the surrounding substrate 142; one or more of the recesses 136 may have a reduced height, wherein the material thickness in the recesses 136 has been reduced relative to the adjacent substrate 142; or combinations thereof. Spacer layer 128 may be supported at, on, or by a bracket as disclosed herein.

[0084] Figure 14 The figure illustrates a comfort assembly 100. The comfort assembly includes a bracket 102, a heating device 104, a pneumatic device 116, and one or more spacers 128 disposed between or sandwiched between the bracket 102 and the pneumatic device 116. The bracket 102 may include one or more heating wires 110 of the heating device 104. The bracket 102, the heating device 104, one or more spacers 128, and the pneumatic device 116 may be connected or attached together to form an integral comfort assembly 100. To form the integral assembly 100, the elements of the comfort assembly 100 may be connected or secured together via one or more fastening devices disclosed herein (e.g., tape, double-sided tape, pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), or any combination thereof).

[0085] See also: Figure 15 and Figure 16 After the elements of the comfort component 100 are attached or connected, the comfort component 100 can be inserted into, attached to or at least partially supported in one or more recesses or cavities 22 defined in the A surface of the pad or support surface 18.

[0086] The recesses or cavities 22 may be configured or sized to accommodate one or more air chambers 118 and / or one or more spacer layers 128 and / or one or more heating elements 104. One or more air chambers 118 are located in one or more recesses or cavities 22 defined in the pad 18, such that during use, the one or more air chambers expand directly into the trim or cover layer 20 to provide massage and / or lumbar support to a user seated in the vehicle seat. One or more spacer layers 128 may be plush pads disposed above the one or more air chambers 118 and within one or more of the recesses or cavities 22 of the pad 18. The one or more spacer layers 128 may be configured to reduce or prevent the one or more air chambers 118 from penetrating the trim or cover layer 20 of the vehicle seat and / or to provide additional padding or support for the occupant of the vehicle seat.

[0087] The size and shape of one or more recesses 22 in the pad may be approximately similar to the size and shape of the spacer layer 128. See also Figure 17CFor example, the size and shape of the recess 22 are approximately the same as the size and shape of the spacer layer 128.

[0088] Spacer 128 has a top surface covered by heating device 104 or bracket. Spacer 128 has a bottom surface 129, which supports an effector device or air chamber 118 connected to the bottom surface 129. Effector device or air chamber 118 extends from the bottom surface 129 of the spacer towards the bottom surface 24 of a recess or cavity 22 defined in the pad.

[0089] In other configurations, such as Figure 15 As illustrated, one or more recesses may be sized and configured to receive one or more air chambers 118 and spacer layers 128, and heating element 104 may extend across the top of two or more adjacent recesses or cavities 22. In such configurations, the top surface of one or more air chambers and / or spacer layers 128 may be raised, flush, or sub-flush (below) the top surface of the adjacent pad or support surface 18. In other configurations, only one or more air chambers may be received or supported in the recesses or cavities, and one or more spacer layers and / or one or more heating elements 104 may extend across two or more adjacent recesses or cavities 22. A decorative layer or spacer layer 20 may then be provided above the heating element 104.

[0090] The pad 18 may include one or more recesses 22. The pad 18 may include a first recess, a second recess, etc. The first recess may be configured to receive one or more air chambers 118 and one or more spacer layers 128. The second recess may be configured to receive one or more other air chambers 118 (different from the air chambers received in the first recess) and one or more other spacer layers 128 (different from the spacer layers received in the first recess) of the effector device.

[0091] The bracket 102 or the heating device 104 can be configured to simultaneously cover multiple recesses defined in surface A of the pad.

[0092] Figures 17A-17D The illustration depicts steps for mounting a comfort component 100 within a pad or support device 18. The pad or support device 18 may include one or more recesses 22 defined in its A surface. (See above.) Figure 14 , 15 As discussed in section 16, the comfort component 100 can be pre-assembled. The pre-assembled comfort component 100 can be positioned or placed in the recess 22 before the trim layer or cover layer 20 is arranged or stretched over the comfort component 100 and the pad 18.

[0093] In another configuration, the elements of the comfort component 100 can be individually mounted on the pad 18. For example, in Figure 17BIn this configuration, the pneumatic device 116 or air chamber 118, supported on the bracket or base plate 119, can be placed within the recess 22. Then, the spacer layer 128 can be placed above the pneumatic device 116 or air chamber 128. Figure 17C Then, in Figure 17D In this configuration, the bracket 102 or the heating device 104 may be positioned or disposed above and simultaneously cover the spacer 128, the pneumatic device 116, the air chamber 118, and the recess 22.

[0094] Figure 18 The figure illustrates a comfort component 100 and a pad 18. The pad 18 includes an A side or A surface and an opposing B side or B surface. The pad 18 includes one or more recesses or cavities 22. These recesses or cavities 22 may be defined within the A surface of the pad 18. The recesses or cavities 22 may be absent or the thickness of the pad 18 may be reduced. The comfort component 100 is configured to be at least partially received within the recesses 22.

[0095] Comfort component 100 includes a bracket 102 and a heating device 104, which is attached to, supported on, or borne by a first side 106 of the bracket 102, and / or within the thickness of the bracket 102. The first side of the bracket 102 may be a top side, on which a trim or cover layer of the vehicle seat may be disposed or covered. The bracket 102 may be made of wool or fabric, and the heating device 104 may be one or more heater or resistor wires supported on, borne by, or within the thickness of the bracket 102 or the wool material.

[0096] Below the bracket 102 or heating device 104, the comfort component may include one or more spacer layers 128. These spacer layers may be foam padding or plush padding. The spacer layers may be configured not to generate heat. The spacer layers 128 may be positioned against the underside or rear side of the bracket 102. The spacer layers 128 may be attached to the underside of the bracket 102 via one or more attachment devices 112. The one or more attachment devices 112 may be any attachment device disclosed herein, including but not limited to adhesives, tapes, two-way tapes, welds, ultrasonic welds, etc. The attachment devices 112 may be located between the spacer layer 128 and the underside of the bracket 102.

[0097] Below the isolation layer 128, the comfort component 100 may include one or more effector devices. These one or more effector devices may be one or more air chambers 118. The one or more air chambers 118 may be supported on a bracket or base plate 119. One or more tubes and / or wires 120 in fluid communication with the one or more air chambers 118 may be supported or attached to the bracket or base plate 119. The one or more air chambers 118 may be attached to a first side of the bracket or base plate 119, and one or more tubes and / or wires 120 may be attached to an opposite second side of the bracket or base plate 119 via one or more attachment devices 112.

[0098] The bracket 102 or wool material may include one or more tabs, fingers, extensions, flaps, or excess material 121 that may extend at least partially around the spacer layer 128 and one or more air chambers 118 and be attached to one side or bottom of the bracket 119. One or more tabs, fingers, extensions, flaps, or excess material 121 of the bracket 102 may be attached to one side or bottom of the bracket 119 via one or more attachment devices. One or more attachment devices 112 may be any attachment device disclosed herein, including but not limited to adhesives, tapes, two-way tapes, welds, ultrasonic welds, etc. Thus, one or more attachment devices 112 may attach the bracket 102 to an effector device or air chamber 118 or the bracket 119 of the air chamber 118. One or more air chambers 118 are configured to expand in the direction of the decorative or covering layer and compress the spacer layer 128 against the bottom of the bracket 102.

[0099] One or more tabs, fingers, extensions, or flaps or excess material 121 of bracket 102 may be of the type illustrated and described in co-owned PCT application No. PCT / US2024 / 039306, filed July 24, 2024 (which claims priority to US63 / 528,676, filed July 25, 2023), all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. In the aforementioned PCT application, one or more tabs, fingers, extensions, or flaps or excess material are identified by reference numerals 118, 120.

[0100] Before the comfort component 100 is installed on the top side of the cushion 18 of the vehicle seat or into a recess or cavity 22 defined in the cushion 18, one or more air chambers or effector devices are attached to the bracket 102 via one or more attachment devices 112.

[0101] These teachings also disclose a method of manufacturing a comfort component 100, wherein, before the comfort component is mounted on the top side of a pad 18 or in a recess 22 defined in the top or A side of the pad 18, the method includes: arranging a heating device 104 on a bracket 102; arranging a spacer layer 128 on the bottom side of the bracket 102; attaching the spacer layer 128 to the bottom side of the bracket 102 with a first attachment device 112, the first attachment device 112 including an adhesive or a weld; arranging an effector device on the spacer layer 128 such that the spacer layer 128 is between the effector device and the opposite bottom side of the bracket 102, the effector device including one or more air chambers 102; and attaching the effector device to the bracket 102 using one or more attachment devices 112, wherein one or more attachment devices 112 include a weld or an adhesive. The top side of the pad 18 has one or more recesses 22, and the method includes positioning the comfort component 100 on the top side of the pad 18 such that at least some of the plurality of air chambers 118 are at least partially located in one of the plurality of recesses 22. The recesses 22 extend only partially through the entire thickness of the pad 18.

[0102] The explanations and descriptions presented herein are intended to enable others skilled in the art to understand the invention, its principles, and its practical applications. The above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can adapt and apply the invention in various forms, as best suited to the requirements of a particular application.

[0103] Therefore, the specific embodiments of the invention described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting. Consequently, the scope of the teachings should not be determined by referring to this specification, but rather by referring to the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents. Any omission of any aspect of the subject matter disclosed herein in the appended claims is not an abandonment of such subject matter, nor should it be construed as the inventors not considering such subject matter to be part of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

[0104] Multiple components or steps can be provided by a single integrated component or step. Alternatively, a single component or step can be divided into multiple separate components or steps.

[0105] The use of "a" or "one" to describe an element or step is not intended to exclude additional elements or steps. For example, the disclosure of "a motor" does not limit the teaching to a single motor. Rather, for example, the disclosure of "a motor" may include "one or more motors".

[0106] While the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe different elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or segment from another. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the use of terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms herein does not imply sequence or order. Therefore, without departing from this teaching, the first element, first component, first region, first layer, or first segment discussed below may be referred to as a second element, second component, second region, second layer, or second segment.

[0107] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as “inside,” “outside,” “below,” “under,” “lower,” “above,” and “upper” are used herein to describe the relationship of an element or feature as illustrated in the figures to other elements or features. Spatial relative terms may be intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation other than those depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features would be oriented as “above” other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” could include both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations) and the spatial relative descriptors used herein shall be interpreted accordingly.

[0108] The invention disclosed herein may be practiced in the absence of any elements not specifically disclosed herein.

[0109] Any element, component, region, layer, and / or segment disclosed herein is not necessarily limited to a single embodiment. Rather, any element, component, region, layer, and / or segment disclosed herein may be replaced, combined, and / or modified with any element, component, region, layer, and / or segment disclosed herein to form one or more embodiments that may or may not be specifically illustrated or described herein.

[0110] All publications and references (including patent applications and publications, test specifications) are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Other combinations are also possible, such as those gathered from the appended claims, which are also hereby incorporated by reference in this written description.

Claims

1. A comfort component for a vehicle seat including a cushion, the comfort system comprising: The bracket includes a heating device; A spacer layer, the spacer layer being attached to the bracket via one or more attachment devices; An effector device is disposed below the spacer layer such that the spacer layer is located between the effector device and side B of the bracket; One or more attachment devices, the one or more attachment devices being configured to attach the bracket to the effector device; The effector device is attached to the bracket before the comfort component is mounted onto surface A of the cushion of the vehicle seat.

2. The comfort component according to claim 1, wherein, The effector device is a pneumatic device, which includes one or more air chambers supported on a substrate, the one or more air chambers being configured to expand and contract to provide massage and / or lumbar support to an occupant supported in the vehicle seat, and the heating device including one or more heating wires configured to generate heat.

3. The comfort component according to claim 2 or any of the preceding claims, wherein, The effector device includes one or more tubes and / or wires for connecting the effector device to a system for operating the pneumatic device, wherein the comfort component includes one or more attachment devices for securing the one or more tubes and / or wires to the base plate.

4. The comfort component according to claim 3 or any of the preceding claims, wherein, The pad includes one or more recesses, at least a portion of the comfort component is received in the one or more recesses, the one or more recesses being defined in side A of the pad.

5. The comfort component according to claim 3 or any of the preceding claims, wherein, The bracket and / or the spacer layer include TPU foil, thermal wool pad, PU film, comfort foam, plush cushion, 3D fabric and / or spunbond material, and / or the spacer layer is breathable or non-breathable.

6. The comfort component according to claim 5 or any of the preceding claims, wherein, After the comfort component is mounted onto surface A of the pad, a decorative layer or cover layer is disposed above the heating device.

7. The comfort component according to claim 6 or any of the preceding claims, wherein, The one or more air chambers are configured to expand in the direction of the decorative layer or covering layer.

8. The comfort component according to claim 7 or any of the preceding claims, wherein, The spacer layer is a plush foam, which is configured to reduce or prevent the one or more air chambers from showing through the decorative or covering layer.

9. The comfort component according to claim 8 or any of the preceding claims, wherein, The comfort component includes a single connector for connecting the comfort component to a vehicle controller or power source, wherein the single connector is electrically connected to the heating device and the effector device.

10. The comfort component according to claim 1 or any of the preceding claims, wherein, The comfort component includes a single connector for connecting the comfort component to a vehicle controller or power source, wherein the single connector is electrically connected to the heating device and the effector device.

11. The comfort component according to claim 2 or any of the preceding claims, wherein, The pad includes a recess, and at least a portion of the one or more air chambers and the spacer layer are configured to be disposed in the recess.

12. The comfort component according to claim 11 or any of the preceding claims, wherein, The size and shape of the recess are approximately similar to the size and shape of the spacer layer.

13. The comfort component according to claim 1 or any of the preceding claims, wherein, The bracket includes one or more tabs or fingers extending around the spacer layer and the effector device, the tabs or fingers being attached to the substrate of the effector device via one or more attachment means.

14. The comfort component according to claim 13 or any of the preceding claims, wherein, The one or more attachment devices include welded portions.

15. The comfort component according to claim 1 or any of the preceding claims, wherein, The spacer layer is a plush cushion, and the effector device is a pneumatic device comprising one or more air chambers configured to expand and contract to provide massage and / or lumbar support to an occupant supported in the vehicle seat, wherein the cushion includes a recess, and wherein a portion of the plush cushion and at least one of the one or more air chambers are configured to be disposed in the recess.

16. A method of manufacturing a comfort component according to claim 1 or any of the preceding claims, wherein, Before mounting the comfort component onto surface A of the pad, the method includes: The heating device is arranged on the bracket; The spacer layer is arranged on side B of the bracket; and The effector device is arranged on the spacer layer such that the spacer layer is located between the effector device and an opposite second side, the effector device including an air chamber; The pad includes a recessed A surface, and the method includes positioning the comfort component on the A surface of the pad such that the air chamber and the plush cushion are at least partially located in the recess.

17. A comfort component for a vehicle seat including a cushion, the comfort system comprising: A bracket including a heating device, the bracket including a top side and an opposing bottom side, wherein the vehicle seat includes a decorative layer or covering layer disposed on the top side of the bracket; A spacer layer positioned against the bottom side of the bracket; the spacer layer includes a foam pad. A first attachment device is located between the spacer layer and the bottom side of the bracket to attach the spacer layer to the bottom side of the bracket; An effector device disposed below the spacer layer such that the spacer layer is located between the effector device and the bottom side of the bracket; and One or more attachment devices that attach the bracket to the effector device, the one or more attachment devices including a welded portion; Specifically, the effector device is attached to the bracket by one or more attachment devices before the comfort component is installed on the top side of the cushion of the vehicle seat.

18. The comfort component of claim 17, wherein, The spacer layer does not generate heat, and the first attachment device includes an adhesive.

19. A method of manufacturing a comfort component according to claim 1 or any of the preceding claims, wherein, The method includes, prior to attaching the comfort component to the top side of the pad: The heating device is arranged on the bracket; The spacer layer is arranged on the bottom side of the bracket; The spacer layer is attached to the bottom side of the bracket using a first attachment device, wherein the first attachment device includes an adhesive; The effector device is arranged on the spacer layer such that the spacer layer is located between the effector device and the opposite bottom sides of the bracket, the effector device including a plurality of air chambers; and The effector device is attached to the bracket using one or more attachment devices, wherein the one or more attachment devices include a welded portion; The pad has a plurality of recesses on its top side, and the method includes positioning the comfort component on the top side of the pad such that at least some of the plurality of air chambers are at least partially located in one of the plurality of recesses; and The recess extends only partially through the entire thickness of the pad.

20. A vehicle seat comprising a comfort component according to any one of the preceding claims.

Images