System and method for thermal regulation of a vehicle seat assembly

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle (100). The vehicle (100) comprises a seat assembly (104), the seat assembly (104) being supported onto a frame member (102) of the vehicle (100). The vehicle (100) further comprises one or more thermal regulating members (106) coupled with the seat assembly (104). The vehicle (100) further comprises a control unit (108) in communication with the one or more thermal regulating members (106). The control unit (108) is configured to: receive first characteristics from a first source (S1), the first characteristics being indicative of an environmental condition of a location (L) of the vehicle (100); receive second characteristics from a second source (S2), the second characteristics being indicative of an operating condition of the seat assembly (104); and generate a signal for regulating operation of the one or more thermal regulating members (106) based on the received first characteristics and the second characteristics.

Description

[0001] TITLE OF INVENTION A VEHICLE

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle, more particularly it relates to a vehicle seat with one or more thermal regulating members.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005]

[0002] Generally, motorcycle riders frequently encounter an issue of wet seats due to rain or dew, which significantly affects both comfort and safety. The problem of wet seats is common and persistent in view of changing weather conditions across the globe, yet current motorcycle designs do not offer any built-in solutions to address this issue.

[0006]

[0003] Conventionally, riders are left with the task of manually drying the seat before they can ride. The manual drying process is not only inconvenient but also often inefficient, frequently leaving the seat still damp and uncomfortable.

[0007]

[0004] A wet seat can greatly deteriorate the overall riding experience. The discomfort caused by a damp seat can be distractive and often the safe riding posture may be interrupted. Moreover, prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to longer-term issues, such as seat damage. Over time, this can result in increased maintenance costs. Given these concerns, there is a need for an efficient and reliable solution to ensure that motorcycle seats remain dry and comfortable under varying weather conditions. Such a solution would enhance rider comfort, improve safety and reducing maintenance expenses over time by protecting the seat from moisture- related damage.

[0008]

[0005] Ensuring that motorcycle seats remain dry despite weather conditions would improve the overall riding experience. Riders could enjoy their journeys without the worry of discomfort from a wet seat. So, addressing the issue of wet motorcycle seats is crucial for enhancing rider comfort, safety, and the longevity of the motorcycle seat.

[0009]

[0006] Typically, the seat assembly of a saddle type vehicle, is disposed over a utility space which may contain user’s personal objects, or even over vehicle electronics such as the battery or controllers. It is often observed during maintenance or servicing, a damp or moist seat leads to percolation or accumulation of the moisture in the area adjoining the bottom portion of the seat assembly. The percolation of moisture or water often tends to dilapidate the user’s personal objects or even the vehicle electronics. The vehicle electronics conventionally covered by the seat assembly may include controllers such as regulator rectifier, vehicle control unit, or even the wiring harness of the vehicle.

[0010]

[0007] In one existing method of regulating a thermal control system is provided in the vehicle’ s cabin. The method for regulating a thermal control system of a cabin of a vehicle comprises steps of controlling the thermal unit according to a main command, with the aim of having an inside ambient temperature in the user compartment equal to a target temperature; collecting a so-called “sun data” representative of at least one parameter which is related to the sun and which may influence a first local temperature in the user compartment, around the driver seat; depending on said sun data, providing a corrective command to the thermal unit for correcting the main command, in order to reduce the gap between the first local temperature and the target temperature; detecting whether a passenger is present, i.e. occupies the passenger seat, or not; if a passenger is present, providing a modulating command to the thermal unit for modulating the corrective command, in order to reduce the gap between the first local temperature and a second local temperature in the user compartment, around the passenger seat. This kind of method may be directed to reduce temperature in the user compartment around the passenger seat. However, the method operates only when the passenger is present in the compartment of the vehicle. In addition, this method is not concerned with regulating temperature of the passenger seat, instead it is focused on reducing the temperature of the passenger compartment of a car when compared with an outside temperature. Therefore, this known art of the method of regulating a thermal control system is provided in the vehicle’s cabin, may be deemed inapplicable to vehicle’s having a constant exposure to the external environment such as saddle type vehicles, unhooded vehicles, convertible vehicles with the hood down.

[0008] In another known art, the vehicle may be equipped with seat warmers, however the seat warmers only regulate the temperature of the seat and can be activated or triggered post vehicle start. The concern of the present subject matter arises in providing a comfortable vehicle riding situation, which permits the rider to alight onto an optimum temperature moisture free seat, without excessive power consumption in achieving the same.

[0011]

[0009] In view of the above, there is a need for a vehicle having a vehicle seat with a thermal regulating member to overcome one or more limitations stated above.

[0012] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013]

[0010] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.

[0014] Figure 1 shows a side view of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 shows a magnified view of a seat assembly of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 3 shows a schematic block diagram of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the vehicle in communication with a cloud server and a Personal Digital Assistant device / mobile phone through a communication network, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 5 shows a flowchart of a method of operating the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0020] [Oi l] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle. The vehicle comprises a seat assembly. The seat assembly is supported onto a frame member of the vehicle. The vehicle further comprises one or more thermal regulating member coupled with the seat assembly. The vehicle further comprises a control unit in communication with the one or more thermal regulating member. The control unit is configured to receive first characteristics from a first source. The first characteristics are indicative of an environmental condition of a location of the vehicle. The control unit is further configured to receive second characteristics from a second source. The second characteristics are indicative of an operating condition of the seat assembly. The control unit is further configured to generate a signal for regulating operation of the one or more thermal regulating member for a predetermined time based on the received first characteristics and the second characteristics.

[0021]

[0012] In an embodiment, the first source is configured to send the environmental condition. The environmental condition comprises at least one of a geolocation of the vehicle, an ambient light of the external environment, a humidity of the external environment, and precipitation rate over a pre-defined time period.

[0022]

[0013] In an embodiment, the second source is configured to send the operating conditions, the operating conditions comprises at least one of: disposition of individual thermal regulating members of the one or more thermal regulating members, an operating voltage of the individual thermal regulating member, an operating current of the individual thermal regulating member, an available charge in one or more energy sources of the vehicle, a temperature of the seat assembly and a humidity of the seat assembly.

[0023]

[0014] In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to trigger the one or more energy sources of the vehicle to supply a predetermined power to the one or more thermal regulating members for regulating the operating conditions of the seat assembly for the predetermined time, when at least one of: the environmental conditions being beyond a user desired environmental range; and the operating parameters being beyond a user desired operating range.

[0024]

[0015] In an embodiment, the control unit comprises a look-up table. The look-up table comprises one or more environmental conditions, the available power in the energy source and the associated time required to regulate the one or more thermal regulating members to achieve the user desired operating range based on available power in the one or more energy sources.

[0025]

[0016] In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine a regulating rate of operating of the one or more thermal regulating members based on the lookup table.

[0026]

[0017] In an embodiment, the vehicle comprises a manual override switch. The manual override switch is operable by the user to activate the one or more thermal regulating members for heating the seat assembly or deactivate the one or more thermal regulating members for stopping the heating of the seat assembly.

[0027]

[0018] In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to regulate operation of the one or more thermal regulating members at a predetermined rate basis the available power in the energy source for the predetermined time “T”.

[0028]

[0019] In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to actuate a heating operation of the one or more thermal regulating members when at least a humidity content of the seat assembly is greater than a humidity threshold. The control unit is configured to actuate cooling operation of the one or more thermal regulating members when the humidity content being less than the humidity threshold and user desired temperature being less than a temperature of the seat assembly.

[0029]

[0020] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of operating a vehicle. The method comprises receiving, by a control unit, first characteristics from a first source. The first characteristics are indicative of an environment condition of a location of the vehicle. The method further comprises receiving, by the control unit, second characteristics from a second source. The second characteristics are indicative of an operating condition of a seat assembly of the vehicle. The method further comprises generating, by the control unit, a signal for regulating operation of one or more thermal regulating members for a predetermined time based on the received first characteristics and the second characteristics.

[0030]

[0021] In an embodiment, the method comprises triggering by the control unit one or more energy sources of the vehicle to supply a predetermined power to the one or more thermal regulating members for regulating the operating conditions of the seat assembly for the predetermined time when at least one of the environmental conditions are beyond a user desired environmental range; and operating parameters being beyond a user desired operating range.

[0031]

[0022] In an embodiment, the method comprises determining by the control unit a regulating rate of operating of the one or more thermal regulating members based on a look-up table. The look-up table comprises one or more environmental conditions, the available power in the energy source and the associated time required to regulate the thermal regulating member to reach the user desired operating range based on the available power in the one or more energy sources.

[0032]

[0023] In an embodiment, the method comprises activating, by a user, a manual override switch to activate the one or more thermal regulating members for heating the seat assembly or deactivating the one or more thermal regulating members for stopping the heating of the seat assembly.

[0033]

[0024] In an embodiment, the method comprises regulating by the control unit operation of the one or more thermal regulating members at a predetermined rate basis the available power in the energy source for the predetermined time.

[0034]

[0025] In an embodiment, the method comprises actuating, by the control unit, a heating operation of the thermal regulating member when at least a humidity content of the seat assembly is greater than a humidity threshold; and actuating, by the control unit, cooling operation of the thermal regulating member when the humidity content is less than the humidity threshold and user desired temperature is less than a temperature of the seat assembly.

[0035] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036]

[0026] The present invention relates to a vehicle, more particularly it relates to a vehicle seat with one or more thermal regulating member. In an embodiment, the vehicle can be a two-wheeled vehicle, a three- wheeled vehicle, or a multi- wheeled vehicle.

[0037]

[0027] One objective of the present invention is to address problems relating to discomfortability in vehicles due to wet seat assembly of the vehicle. In other words, the objective is to increase comfort to rider in different environmental conditions.

[0038]

[0028] Yet another objective of the present invention is to increase durability of the seat assembly of the vehicle.

[0039]

[0029] Yet another objective of the present invention is to increase comfort of the vehicle by eliminating wet condition of the seat assembly of the vehicle. In rainy or dewy conditions there will be water accumulation over the seat assembly having a foam material. Typically, a waste cloth or a cloth piece are used to dry the wet seat assembly. Sometimes the riders may ride over the wet seat assembly. The water absorption in the foam type seat assembly may lead to water percolation in electrical components or a utility space disposed below the seat assembly. The present invention is aimed to reduce the water percolation on the seat assembly.

[0040]

[0030] Yet another objective of the present invention is providing a power optimized method without the usage of any other components such as motors and / or Peltier modules in the seat assembly of the vehicle cost-effective solution. In some other embodiments, the thermal regulating member may be a resistive heater, or any other thermal regulating device known in the art.

[0041]

[0031] In the present invention, drying of seat assembly is primarily driven by practical challenges that riders of vehicle (scooters or motorcycles) face in maintaining a comfortable seat assembly, especially during rainy or cold weather conditions. Riders often encounter discomfort when their seats become wet due to rain or accumulate moisture from dew on the seat early morning in cold weather condition, which can make riding uncomfortable and sometimes even unsafe. This challenge presses the need for a solution that ensures a dry and comfortable seat regardless of the weather conditions.

[0042]

[0032] In the present invention, use of heated and cooled seats in automobiles is obtained. The control unit in the vehicle allows for temperature control by creating a heat flux between two different materials. The technology's ability to either heat or cool the seat assembly based on rider preference shows the potential for enhancing rider comfort through temperature management systems. Further, the current trend in automotive technology, which increasingly focuses on optimized power consumption that offers additional advantage of value for money. By ensuring that the seat assembly remains dry and comfortable in all weather conditions, this adds value to the vehicles, maximizing rider comfort and convenience, prioritizing comfort and reliability.

[0043]

[0033] Further, a manual mode through the manual override switch allows riders to activate the drying or cooling process whenever the user feels that it is necessary, providing them with complete control.

[0044]

[0034] The present invention is driven by emerging technology trends and a need for a comfortable ride to enhance the rider's overall experience. With the increasing interest on rider’s comfort and safety, it became an important that addressing the issue of a wet seat assembly in the vehicle is essential. The discomfort and inconvenience caused by the wet seat assembly highlights the necessity for a practical and an effective solution. Additionally, the competitive market in the automotive (motorcycle) industry pushed for method and systems that could differentiate products by offering comfort and usability. Constantly looking for ways to stand out and integrating advanced technology to address common rider issues became a considering point. This prompted a direct response to these market dynamics, aiming to provide a more comfort and a safer riding experience.

[0045]

[0035] With new materials and smart systems becoming more accessible, the opportunity to develop a solution that could automatically keep seat assembly of the vehicles dry under various weather conditions became feasible. So, the development of the present invention was driven by a combination of emerging technology trends and the competitive need to offer enhanced rider comfort. By focusing on these factors, the aim was to create a solution that would significantly improve the riding experience, ensuring that the seat assembly of the vehicle remains dry and comfortable regardless of the weather conditions. In some other cases, the seat assembly may be cooled in order to provide comfort ride during a hot / a sunny weather condition.

[0046]

[0036] The terms “vehicle”, “two-wheeled vehicle” and “motorcycle” as used herein are interchangeably used in this disclosure. However, both the terms “vehicle”, “two- wheeled vehicle” and “motorcycle” are one and the same. The term “vehicle” may be used in place of “two-wheeled vehicle” and “motorcycle” more often for brevity. In some exemplary embodiment, the illustrated vehicle is a motorcycle, where a fuel tank is mounted onto a frame member, and it is located between rider’s seat and a handlebar of the vehicle. In some other embodiments, the motorcycle may be driven by electric power from a source like battery pack (not shown). The battery pack may be supported onto the frame member of the vehicle. In yet another embodiment, the motorcycle may be driven by a combination of the electric power and the power from the fuel energy through an internal combustion engine. The vehicle as per the present disclosure may also be individually powered by fuel energy through an internal combustion engine.

[0047]

[0037] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 100 comprises one or more components including, but not limited to, a front wheel 12, a rear wheel 14, and a frame member 102. The frame member 102 includes a head pipe 102 A, a main tube (not shown), a down tube 102B, and a pair of seat rails (not shown). A headlamp 16 and an instrument cluster 18 are arranged on an upper portion of the head pipe 102A. Further, the head pipe 102A supports a steering shaft (not shown) disposed inside the head pipe 102A. A front suspension 26 coupled to the steering shaft is provided at a front of the vehicle 100, and the front wheel 12 is supported by the front suspension 26. An upper portion of the front wheel 12 is covered by a front fender 20 mounted to a lower portion of the front suspension 26. A handlebar 22 is operatively coupled to the steering shaft and can rotate about the head pipe 102 A for steering the vehicle 100.

[0048]

[0038] The vehicle 100 may be powered by an internal combustion engine 24 or an electric motor (not shown) through one or more batteries or a hybrid-electric motor as per the requirement. The vehicle 100 includes a prime mover (not shown) that is adapted to provide a motive force for movement of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the prime mover can be the electric motor (not shown). In an embodiment, the prime mover can be the internal combustion engine 24. A swingarm 30 is connected to the frame member 102 to swing vertically, and the rear wheel 14 is connected to a rear end of the swingarm 30. The swingarm 30 is coupled to the vehicle 100 by a rear suspension 32 at a position rearwardly of a pivot point of the swingarm 30 on the frame member 102 of the vehicle 100. A grab rail 28 and a taillight 34 are provided at a rear of the vehicle 100. A rear fender 36 is disposed above the rear wheel 14. The rear wheel 14 rotates by the motive force generated by the prime mover and the rear wheel 14 is arranged below a seat assembly 104 of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the seat assembly 104 (also shown in Figure 2) is supported onto the frame member 102 of the vehicle 100.

[0049]

[0039] Figure 2 shows a magnified view of the seat assembly 104 of the vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050]

[0040] Figure 2 illustrates disposition of the one or more thermal regulating member 106 in the seat assembly 104 of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the one or more regulating member 106 may be disposed in a cavity of the cushion of the seat assembly 104, whereby heat from the one or more regulating members 106 may permeate towards the contact surface of the seat assembly 104 with the user’s body. In an aspect, the one or more regulating members 106 may be strategically disposed to optimally regulate the temperature along the entire length and breadth of the seat assembly 104.

[0051]

[0041] The vehicle 100 comprises one or more thermal regulating member 106 coupled with the seat assembly 104. In an embodiment, the seat assembly 104 can be segmented into one or more segments 104B, 104C, 104D, 104E (shown in Figure 2) and can be accommodated with one or more thermal regulating members 106. The one or more thermal regulating members 106 can be controlled independently by a control unit 108 for heating or cooling the one or more segments 104B, 104C, 104D, 104E of the seat assembly 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the thermal regulating member 106 may be a Peltier module, which may be used for heating or cooling purposes. In some embodiments, in view of eliminating moisture the seat assembly 104 may get heated or overheated. Therefore, post moisture elimination the same Peltier module may be configured to initiate seat cooling. In the illustrated embodiment, the one or more thermal regulating members 106 are installed at a cushion member 104A (shown in Figures 2 and 3) of the seat assembly 104. In some embodiment, the cushion member 104A of the seat assembly 104 would be placed below a seat cover (not shown) of the seat assembly 104.

[0052]

[0042] Figure 3 shows a schematic block diagram of the vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated, the vehicle 100 includes the control unit 108 in communication with the one or more thermal regulating members 106.

[0053]

[0043] In some embodiments, the control unit 108 may include one or more additional components such as, but not limited to, a memory unit (not shown), an input / output module (not shown), a pre-processing module (not shown) etc. In yet another embodiment, the vehicle 100 may include more than one of same or similar control unit(s). In another embodiment, the control unit 108 may include only a processor which may be required to process the received instructions / signals from one or more inputs device like sensors, server etc., and process the same. In yet another embodiment, the control unit 108 may be in communication with an analytic module (not shown) which is configured to perform additional analysis of the communication information received from the sensors, server, PDA device, mobile device etc.

[0054]

[0044] In some embodiments, the memory unit in communication with the control unit 108 is capable of storing machine executable instructions. Further, the control unit 108 is capable of executing the machine executable instructions to perform the functions described herein. The control unit 108 is in communication with components such as the pre-processing module and the analytic module. In another embodiment, the control unit 108 is embodied as a multi-core processor, a single core processor, or a combination of one or more multi-core processors and one or more single core processors. For example, the control unit 108 is embodied as one or more of various processing devices, such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processing circuitry with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices including integrated circuits such as, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, or the like. In yet another embodiment, the control unit 108 is configured to execute hard-coded functionality. In still another embodiment, the control unit 108 is embodied as an executor of instructions, where the instructions are specifically configured to the control unit 108 to perform the steps or operations described herein for regulating temperature of the one or more thermal regulating members 106 in the seat assembly 104.

[0055]

[0045] In some other embodiments, the control unit 108 may further be configured to communicate a signal to an ECU (EMS ECU) or a Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) of the vehicle for regulating temperature of the one or more thermal regulating members 106 in the seat assembly 104. The embodiment of the ECU or the VCU can be configured for regulating temperature of the one or more thermal regulating members 106 in the seat assembly 104 should not be meant to be limiting the scope of the present invention. In some embodiments, the control unit 108 may be disposed in the instrument cluster of the vehicle 100 or may be an interface with a personal digital assistance (PDA) device of the user. In the illustrated embodiment, the control unit 108 is in communication with a first source “SI”. The control unit 108 in communication with the first source “SI” may be communicated through wired or wireless communication known in the art. In an exemplary embodiment, the first source “SI” may include, but not limited to, one or more sensors 112 (for example: a rain sensor, a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor and an ambient light sensor), navigation data, and a real-time weather prediction server. In some embodiments, the vehicle 100 may include one or more first sources “SI”. Thus, the illustrated number of first sources “SI” should not be meant to be limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0056]

[0046] In some embodiments, the PDA device or a mobile phone 114 may be configured to send a signal to the control unit 108 for heating the seat assembly 104 when ignition condition of the vehicle 100 is “OFF”. In other words, the instrument cluster is typically operating on a sleep mode in case of ignition “OFF” state. Therefore, the heating of the seat assembly 104 for moisture evaporation may be initiated remotely via the PDA device or the mobile phone 114 of a user or a rider. That is to say, the PDA or the mobile device may be operated to trigger the activation of heating the seat assembly 104 through the control unit 108.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first source “SI” like the rain sensor, the humidity sensor, the temperature sensor, the ambient light sensor, may be disposed onto the vehicle 100 at a suitable location (for example: vicinity of an instrument cluster, style panels, vicinity of the seat assembly 104) in the vehicle 100. It should be understood that the location of sensor 112 as illustrated in the Figure 4 should not be meant to be limiting the scope of the present invention. However, the location of the sensor 112 in the vehicle 100 should be such that the sensor 112 should be exposed to the environment or outside surroundings to obtain the necessary data of first characteristics. The control unit 108 is configured to receive first characteristics from the first source “SI”. In an embodiment, the first characteristics is indicative of an environmental condition of a location “L” (shown in Figure 4) of the vehicle 100. The term location “L” as used herein in the present disclosure relates to a location or a place of the vehicle 100 at which the vehicle 100 is parked. In an embodiment, the first source “SI” is configured to send the data indicative of the environmental condition to the control unit 108. In an exemplary embodiment, the data indicative of the environmental condition comprises, but not limited to, a geolocation of the vehicle 100, an ambient light of the external environment, a humidity of the external environment, and precipitation rate over a pre-defined time period. The term “pre-defined time period” as used herein is defined as an average time taken by a user to return to the vehicle parked location. In an example, the vehicle parked outside user’s home at a nighttime may be required by the user again during the morning time for travel. Thus, the pre-defined time period is the time average required by the user to walk from the home to the parked location is the pre-defined time period.

[0057]

[0048] In some other embodiments, the environmental condition may include, but not limited to, vehicle 100 parked in a shaded location or partial shelter or nonshaded (fully exposed to environment). In some embodiments, the enviromental condition may be accessed via a telematics unit or bluetooth connected to the mobile phone. In some other embodiments, the environment condition may also be accessed via the cloud server 116 centrally connected to the one or more sensors

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment of Figure 3, the control unit 108 is in communication with a second source “S2”. In an embodiment, the second source “S2” may include, but not limited to, a humidity sensor. The humidity sensor may be disposed at a suitable location (for example: vicinity of the instrument cluster, the style panels, vicinity of the seat assembly 104) in the vehicle 100. The control unit 108 in communication with the second source “S2” may be communicated through wired or wireless communication known in the art. The control unit 108 is configured to receive second characteristics from the second source “S2”. The second characteristics is indicative of an operating condition of the seat assembly 104. Thus, the second source “S2” is configured to send the operating conditions of the seat assembly 104 to the control unit 108. The operating conditions comprise, but not limited to, at least one of: disposition of individual thermal regulating members 106 of the one or more thermal regulating members 106, an operating voltage of the individual thermal regulating members, an operating current of the individual thermal regulating members, an available charge in one or more energy sources 110 (battery) of the vehicle 100, a temperature of the seat assembly 104 and a humidity of the seat assembly 104.

[0058]

[0050] Further, the control unit 108 is configured to generate a signal for regulating operation of the one or more thermal regulating members 106 for a predetermined time “T” based on the received first characteristics and the second characteristics. In some embodiments, the predetermined time “T” for heating the one or more thermal regulating members (Peltier module) may be determined based on wattage of the one or more thermal regulating members and moisture content present in the seat assembly 104. In an exemplary embodiment, if the wattage is 12, the time required would be 5 minutes to 10 minutes based on the humidity present in the seat assembly 104. In some other exemplary embodiments, the predetermined time “T” is based on multiple factors, including, but not limited to, precipitation level on the seat assembly 104, humidity of the environment, temperature of the environment. For example, if the precipitation level of the moisture on the seat assembly 104 is more and formed snow or ice onto the seat assembly 104, then the predetermined time “T” required to remove the snow from the seat assembly 104, thereby Winterize the vehicle 100 may be about 15 minutes. Similarly, if the humidity level is more, then the predetermined time “T” required to remove the moisture from the seat assembly 104, may be about 10 minutes. Further, if the temperature of the environment is less than the user desired level (20 - 25 degrees Celsius), for example 5 - 10 degrees Celsius, then the predetermined time “T” required to remove the moisture from the seat assembly 104, may be about 5 minutes.

[0059]

[0051] The control unit 108 is configured to trigger the energy source 110 of the vehicle 100 to supply a predetermined power to the thermal regulating member 106 for regulating the operating conditions of the seat assembly 104 for the predetermined time “T”, when at least one of the environmental conditions being beyond a user desired environmental range; and operating parameters being beyond a user desired operating range. In some exemplary embodiments, the user desired humidity range is 0 - 5 % and the user desired temperature is 20 - 40 degrees Celsius, preferably, 20 degrees Celsius. In another exemplary embodiment, the predetermined power may be determined such that, in the event a low state of charge of the energy source is present in the vehicle, only those thermal regulating units in vicinity of the rider’s or user’s body are selectively operated.

[0060]

[0052] The control unit 108 comprises a look-up table. In some embodiments, the look-up table may be stored in the cloud server 116 (shown in Figure 4) communicatively coupled to the control unit 108 through a communication network. The look-up table comprises a data including, but not limited to, one or more environmental conditions, the available power in the energy source 110 and the associated time required to regulate the thermal regulating member 106 to achieve the user desired operating range based on available power in the energy source 110. In some exemplary embodiments, the look-up table comprises data like, Wattage ranges for example, 5W, 10W, 15W, and the time taken (predetermined time “T”) required for evaporating or removing 80%, 90% and 100 % moisture would be ranging from 15 minutes, 10 minutes and 5 minutes respectively. In some other exemplary embodiment, in an event of low power [State of Charge (SOC)] in the energy source 110, the control unit 108 is configured to regulate the temperature of the thermal regulating member 106 which is closer or vicinity to the user’s body contact. Thus, making the selective (or also ON or OFF) thermal regulation of the thermal regulating members and thereby, achieving an optimized power consumption basis the real-time weather conditions and user’s requirements.

[0061]

[0053] In an embodiment, the control unit 108 is further configured to determine a regulating rate of operating of the thermal regulating member 106 based on the look-up table. In some exemplary embodiments, the look-up may be associated with an amount of rainfall to the time required to eliminate the moisture on the seat assembly 104. Thus, the heating may be continued until ambient temperature of the seat assembly is reached. In an exemplary embodiment, the ambient temperature may be contingent on dimensions of the seat assembly 104 (length, type of vehicle, shape of the vehicle and shape of the seat assembly).

[0062]

[0054] In an embodiment as shown in Figure 3, the vehicle 100 further comprises a manual override switch “MS”. The manual override switch “MS” is operable by the user to activate the thermal regulating member 106 for heating the seat assembly 104 or deactivate the thermal regulating member 106 for stopping the heating of the seat assembly 104. In some embodiments, the manual override switch “MS” is operable by the user to activate the thermal regulating member 106 for cooling the seat assembly 104 or deactivate the thermal regulating member 106 for stopping the cooling of the seat assembly 104.

[0063]

[0055] The control unit 108 is further configured to regulate operation of the thermal regulating member 106 at a predetermined rate basis the available power in the energy source 110 and a time duration. In some exemplary embodiments, in case the thermal regulating member is operable at 8 amperes, however, the energy source 110 can only supply 5 amperes, the predetermined time “T” for achieving the desired temperature may be increased by 30 % for heating the seat assembly 104 to remove the moisture from the seat assembly 104.

[0064]

[0056] In an embodiment, the control unit 108 is further configured to actuate a heating operation of the thermal regulating member 106 when at least a humidity content of the seat assembly 104 is greater than a humidity threshold and user desired temperature being less than a temperature of the seat assembly 104. In some exemplary embodiment, the desired humidity range is 0 - 5 % and the desired temperature range is 20 - 40 degrees Celsius.

[0065]

[0057] In some other embodiments, the control unit 108 is further configured to actuate cooling operation of the thermal regulating member 106 when the humidity content being less than the humidity threshold and user desired temperature being less than a temperature of the seat assembly 104. In some exemplary embodiment, an optimum temperature of the seat assembly 104 is ranging from 20 - 25 degrees Celsius for a normal weather condition (no rainy or no cold weather conditions or no sunny / hot weather condition). However, if the weather is sunny or hot, the temperature of the seat assembly 104 may be above the ambient or desired temperature of 20 - 25 degrees Celsius, for example: 30 - 50 degrees. Thus, the second source “S2” humidity sensor disposed in the vehicle 100 communicates the second characteristics to the control unit 108. In other words, the control unit 108 is configured to receive second characteristics of operating condition of the seat assembly 104, which would be temperature of the seat assembly 104 being 30 - 50 degrees Celsius. Upon receiving the operating condition of the seat assembly 104, the control unit 108 is configured to generate a signal for reducing / cooling the temperature of the one or more thermal regulating members 106 for a predetermined time “T” to bring down the temperature to the desired temperature of 20 - 25 degrees Celsius.

[0066]

[0058] In another aspect, present invention relates to a method 500 of operating a vehicle 100. When ignition key of the vehicle 100 is turned “ON”, the method 500 starts. The method 500 at a step 502 comprises receiving, by a control unit 108, first characteristics from a first source “SI”. The first characteristics is indicative of an environment condition of a location “L” of the vehicle 100. That is to say, the environmental condition of the location “L” is checked for live weather data to determine if it is raining. In an embodiment, if the weather data or forecast is determined to be raining, the control unit 108 is configured to send a signal to the energy source (battery) 110 to supply power to the one or more thermal regulating members 106 for heating the seat assembly 104 for a predetermined time “T”. The predetermined time “T” for heating the seat assembly 104 may be configured during manufacturing of the vehicle 100.

[0067]

[0059] The method 500 at a step 504 comprises receiving by the control unit 108, second characteristics from a second source S2. The second characteristics is indicative of an operating condition of the seat assembly 104 of the vehicle 100.

[0068]

[0060] The method 500 at a step 506 comprises generating, by the control unit 108, a signal for regulating operation of the one or more thermal regulating member 106 for a predetermined time “T” based on the received first characteristics and the second characteristics.

[0069]

[0061] The method 500 comprises triggering by the control unit 108 the energy source 110 of the vehicle 100 to supply a predetermined power to the thermal regulating member 106 for regulating the operating conditions of the seat assembly 104 for the predetermined time “T”, when at least one of the environmental conditions being beyond a user desired environmental range; and operating parameters being beyond a user desired operating range.

[0070]

[0062] The method 500 comprises determining by the control unit 108 a regulating rate of operating of the thermal regulating member 106 based on a look-up table. The look-up table comprises one or more environmental conditions, the available power in the energy source 110 and the associated time required to regulate the thermal regulating member 106 to reach the user desired operating range based on the available power in the energy source 110.

[0071]

[0063] The method 500 comprises activating, by a user, a manual override switch “MS” to activate the thermal regulating member 106 for heating the seat assembly 104 or deactivating the thermal regulating member 106 for stopping the heating of the seat assembly 104.

[0072]

[0064] The method 500 comprises regulating by the control unit 108 operation of the thermal regulating member 106 at a predetermined rate basis the available power in the energy source 110 for the predetermined time “T”.

[0073]

[0065] The method 500 comprises actuating, by the control unit 108, a heating operation of the thermal regulating member 106 when at least a humidity content of the seat assembly 104 being greater than a humidity threshold; and actuating, by the control unit 108, cooling operation of the thermal regulating member 106 when the humidity content being less than the humidity threshold and user desired temperature being less than a temperature of the seat assembly 104.

[0074]

[0066] Advantageously, the present invention keeps motorcycle seats dry. By solving the problem of wet seats caused by rain or dew, which can make riding uncomfortable and unsafe. The seat heating up technology is used which can heat up the seat surface when needed. When the seat is heated, the moisture evaporates, leaving the seat dry and comfortable. Further, the vehicle is operated using live weather data (if it’s raining) to dry the seat as needed.

[0075]

[0067] The present invention increases rider comfort and convenience since the wet / moisture content on the seat assembly is eliminated before the start of riding the vehicle by the rider / user.

[0076]

[0068] In the present invention, the heating process is to be controlled to ensure that the seat assembly reaches a comfortable / user desired temperature and maintains the temperature for the predetermined time without using an excessive energy from the energy source 110. Once the seat assembly heating is completed for the predetermined time “T”, the control unit stops the heating process, and thus concludes the heating cycle / heating operation. This ensures that the heating of the seat assembly is applied only when necessary and for the right amount of time, providing comfort to the rider during rainy weather or when the user manually activates the system. In other words, the present invention prevents and limits drainage of battery pack since the control unit sends the signal to the battery pack to stop supplying the power when the seat assembly is dried based on the wet condition or cooled based on the desired coolness on the seat assembly.

[0077]

[0069] If, however, neither user input is activated nor the weather forecast indicates rain, the control unit determines that heating of the seat assembly is not required. In this case, the control unit does not send any signal to the energy source or battery, conserving energy and avoiding unnecessary heating of the seat assembly. In some cases, when the battery threshold voltage is reached during ignition “OFF” operation, thermal regulating member (Peltier heating / cooling) is disabled.

[0070] In the present invention, pre-heating and drying of the seat assembly of the vehicle is made when it gets wet due to rain, dew or any other possible way of wet seat assembly. Power from energy source to heat the seat assembly or seat assembly surface is supply evaporating any accumulated moisture. On Ignition key activation, the preheat can be activated by current weather data indicating rain, the control unit activates the thermal regulating member embedded in the seat assembly to achieve drying of the seat assembly. Further, the control unit in the vehicle increases the seat's temperature, causing the moisture to evaporate efficiently. Drying of the seat assembly ensures that the seat assembly remains dry and comfortable for the rider, even in unpredictable weather conditions.

[0078]

[0071] In the present invention, since it provides a proactive solution to the common issue of wet seat assembly of the vehicle, it not only enhances rider comfort by keeping the seat assembly dry but also ensures the seat assembly is warm, providing additional comfort during cold and wet conditions.

[0079]

[0072] In the present invention, the control unit is configured to operate a regulated or controlled rate of pre-heating or heating of the seat assembly. In other words, substantial (approximately 80%) of the heating can be conducted under faster heating rate and remaining (approximately 20%) heating can be conducted at a slower heating rate for improving energy source’s (battery’s) life.

[0080]

[0073] In the present invention, the control unit is configured to operate the thermal regulating member such that the thermal regulating member is operated based on real-time weather data. Further, the present invention continuously monitors weather updates and specifically prediction of rain. When such conditions are anticipated and live weather data shows raining, the control unit automatically activates the thermal regulating member for drying the seat assembly based on the ride pattern of the customer ensuring the seat assembly is dry and ready for use even before the rider approaches the vehicle. This further minimizes the need for rider intervention, providing a convenient experience.

[0081]

[0074] The present invention incorporates a predetermined heating time for heating the seat assembly, which is calculated based on the average duration required to effectively dry the seat assembly. The predetermined heating time ensures that the seat assembly is sufficiently dried without wasting energy. By optimizing the heating duration, the present invention operates avoiding unnecessary power consumption while ensuring the seat assembly remains dry and comfortable. The predetermined heating time is determined through testing, ensuring it is long enough to evaporate moisture but not so long that it wastes energy. Thus, maintaining energy efficiency and consistent performance. By setting a specific duration for the heating process, the present invention can reliably dry the seat assembly without the need for continuous monitoring or manual intervention.

[0082]

[0075] The present invention provides real-time and remote based activation of moisture elimination on the seat assembly and thus increases the easiness of operating the vehicle for removing the moisture from the seat assembly or cooling the seat assembly in case of hot surface on the seat assembly.

[0083]

[0076] The present invention considers the amount of rainfall in the environment and based on which a predetermined time duration of heating the seat assembly via Peltier modules are activated. Further, the present invention also considers the temperature of the seat assembly, the temperature of the seat may be mapped with the amount of rainfall outside. Therefore, in instances where the vehicle is parked in a shaded area with limited water percolating over the seat assembly, the seat temperature with environmental rainfall may be compared for initiation of the heating. Thus, providing an optimal utilization of energy source and minimizing the time required for heating the seating assembly.

[0084]

[0077] The foregoing description of the invention has been set merely to illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Since the modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the invention may occur to the person skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the disclosure.

[0085] List of Reference Numerals and Characters

[0086] 12: Front wheel

[0087] 14: Rear wheel

[0088] 16: Headlamp 18: Instrument cluster

[0089] 20: Front fender

[0090] 22: Handlebar

[0091] 24: Internal combustion engine

[0092] 26: Front suspension

[0093] 28: Grab rail

[0094] 30: Swingarm

[0095] 32: Rear suspension

[0096] 34: Taillight

[0097] 36: Rear fender

[0098] 100: Vehicle 102: Frame member 102A: Head pipe 102B: Down tube 104: Seat assembly 104A: Cushion member

[0099] 106: Thermal regulating member 108: Control unit 110: Energy source 112: Sensor

[0100] 114: PDA or Mobile phone 116: Cloud server 500: Method

[0101] 502 - 506: Steps S 1 : First source S2: Second source

[0102] L: Location

[0103] T: Predetermined time

[0104] MS: Manual override switch

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A vehicle (100), the vehicle (100) comprising: a seat assembly (104), the seat assembly (104) being supported onto a frame member (102) of the vehicle (100); one or more thermal regulating member (106) coupled with the seat assembly (104); and a control unit (108) in communication with the one or more thermal regulating member (106), the control unit (108) being configured to: receive first characteristics from a first source (SI), the first characteristics being indicative of an environmental condition of a location (L) of the vehicle (100); receive second characteristics from a second source (S2), the second characteristics being indicative of an operating condition of the seat assembly (104); and generate a signal for regulating operation of the one or more thermal regulating member (106) for a predetermined time (T) based on the received first characteristics and the second characteristics.

2. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first source (SI) is configured to send the environmental condition, the environmental condition comprising at least one of: a geolocation of the vehicle (100), an ambient light of the external environment, a humidity of the external environment, and precipitation rate over a pre-defined time period.

3. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second source (S2) is configured to send the operating conditions, the operating conditions comprising at least one of: disposition of individual thermal regulating members (106) of the one or more thermal regulating members (106), an operating voltage of the individual thermal regulating members (106), an operating current of the individual thermal regulating members (106), anavailable charge in one or more energy source (110) of the vehicle (100), a temperature of the seat assembly 104 and a humidity of the seat assembly 104.

4. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (108) being configured to trigger one or more energy sources (110) of the vehicle (100) to supply a predetermined power to the one or more thermal regulating members (106) for regulating the operating conditions of the seat assembly (104) for the predetermined time (T), when at least one of the: environmental conditions being beyond a user desired environmental range; and operating parameters being beyond a user desired operating range.

5. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (108) comprises a look-up table, the look-up table comprising one or more environmental conditions, the available power in the energy source (110) and the associated time required to regulate the one or more thermal regulating member (106) to achieve the user desired operating range based on available power in the energy source (110).

6. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the control unit (108) being configured to determine a regulating rate of operating of the thermal regulating member (106) based on the look-up table.

7. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising a manual override switch (MS), the manual override switch (MS) being operable by the user to activate the thermal regulating member (106) for heating the seat assembly (104) or deactivate the thermal regulating member (106) for stopping the heating of the seat assembly (104).

8. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (108) being configured to regulate operation of the thermal regulating member (106) at apredetermined rate basis the available power in the energy source (110) for the predetermined time “T”.

9. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (108) being configured to one of: actuate a heating operation of the thermal regulating member (106) when at least a humidity content of the seat assembly (104) being greater than a humidity threshold; and actuate cooling operation of the thermal regulating member (106) when the humidity content being less than the humidity threshold and user desired temperature being less than a temperature of the seat assembly (104).

10. A method (500) of operating a vehicle (100), the method (500) comprising: receiving (502), by a control unit (108), first characteristics from a first source (SI), the first characteristics being indicative of an environment condition of a location (L) of the vehicle (100); receiving (504) by the control unit (108), second characteristics from a second source (S2), the second characteristics being indicative of an operating condition of a seat assembly (104) of the vehicle (100); and generating (506), by the control unit (108), a signal for regulating operation of one or more thermal regulating member (106) for a predetermined time (T) based on the received first characteristics and the second characteristics.

11. The method (500) as claimed in claim 10 comprising triggering by the control unit (108) one or more energy sources (110) of the vehicle (100) to supply a predetermined power to the one or more thermal regulating members (106) for regulating the operating conditions of the seat assembly (104) for the predetermined time (T), when at least one of the: environmental conditions being beyond a user desired environmental range; and operating parameters being beyond a user desired operating range.

12. The method (500) as claimed in claim 10 comprising determining by the control unit (108) a regulating rate of operating of the one or more thermal regulating members (106) based on a look-up table, the look-up table comprising one or more environmental conditions, the available power in the energy source (110) and the associated time required to regulate the one or more thermal regulating members (106) to reach the user desired operating range based on the available power in the energy source (110).

13. The method (500) as claimed in claim 10 comprising activating, by a user, a manual override switch (MS) to activate the one or more thermal regulating members (106) for heating the seat assembly (104) or deactivating the one or more thermal regulating members (106) for stopping the heating of the seat assembly (104).

14. The method (500) as claimed in claim 10 comprising regulating by the control unit (108) operation of the one or more thermal regulating members (106) at a predetermined rate basis the available power in the energy source (110) for the predetermined time “T”.

15. The method (500) as claimed in claim 10 comprising: actuating, by the control unit (108), a heating operation of the one or more thermal regulating members (106) when at least a humidity content of the seat assembly (104) being greater than a humidity threshold; and actuating, by the control unit (108), cooling operation of the one or more thermal regulating members (106) when the humidity content being less than the humidity threshold and user desired temperature being less than a temperature of the seat assembly (104).

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