Air-Guiding Layer Pattern for Vehicle Seat Ventilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat ventilation systems fail to achieve targeted airflow, limiting the ability to enhance seating comfort through climate control.
Innovation Solution
The seat cushion design features an air-guiding layer with a pattern of air-permeable and air-impermeable areas, combined with an air-permeable padding layer and a cover, allowing for controlled airflow from the air duct layer to the seat surface, facilitated by a fan and air inlet points, and optionally includes a seat heater for further comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an air-guiding layer with a pattern of air-permeable and air-impermeable areas is implemented, then targeted airflow control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air-guiding layer is segmented into distinct air-permeable and air-impermeable areas, creating zones that direct airflow along predetermined paths. This segmentation allows targeted climate control in different seating zones without requiring separate ventilation systems for each area.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the upholstery are given different air permeability properties. The air-guiding layer incorporates both air-permeable zones (for airflow passage) and air-impermeable zones (for flow direction), creating local quality variations that enable targeted airflow control while maintaining a unified structure.
2Ease of operation
If open-pored air-permeable soft foam is used in the padding layer, then seating comfort is improved, but airflow control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The padding layer combines open-pored soft foam for comfort with an overlying air-guiding layer that provides precise airflow control. The air-guiding layer's patterned structure compensates for the foam's diffuse airflow characteristics, creating localized flow paths that maintain precision despite the soft, permeable underlying layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The upholstery employs a composite structure combining open-pored soft foam (for comfort and general permeability) with a patterned air-guiding layer (for precise flow control). This composite approach allows both comfort and precision to coexist by assigning different functions to different layers.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple layers with different air permeability are combined, then airflow distribution is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The upholstery is divided into functional layers with distinct roles: the air-guiding layer handles flow distribution through its patterned structure, while the padding layer provides comfort and general support. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently and assembled in a standardized sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The air-guiding layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes airflow across the seating surface, directs flow along predetermined paths through its patterned structure, and works with the padding layer to maintain both comfort and climate control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design enables adjustable airflow and improved seating comfort by effectively ventilating and regulating the seat surface, enhancing the climate control functionality of vehicle seats.
Implementation Method 1
The surface of the air-guiding layer 2 facing the cushioning layer 3 has a pattern of air-permeable and air-impermeable areas. These areas are preferably formed by an air-impermeable film 5 lying on the air-guiding layer 2, in which perforations have been introduced.
Implementation Method 2
The air-guiding layer 2 can be designed, for example, as a spacer fabric or rubber hair mat.
Implementation Method 3
The air is supplied or discharged to the air routing layer 2 via air inlet points 7 introduced into the air-impermeable layer 6 by means of a fan arranged below the motor vehicle seat
Implementation Method 4
The air-permeable padding layer 3 is a layer of open-pored soft foam.
Implementation Method 5
In order to further improve the seating comfort, a seat heater 8 can also be provided.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The upholstered seat has a three-dimensionally formed air circulation layer (2), an air-permeable pad layer (3) covering air circulation layer and an air-permeable cover (4) covering the pad layer. The upper surface of the air circulation layer is turned to the pad layer and has a sample of air-permeable and air-impermeable portions.