Vehicle Occupant Armrest with Thermoelectric Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle occupants often lack personalized comfort for their arms while seated, as existing armrests do not provide effective temperature control, leading to discomfort during varying environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A thermoelectric armrest system integrated into a vehicle seat, utilizing thermoelectric modules, heat sinks, and a blower fan to provide heating or cooling based on occupant-sensed temperature, with a temperature control system allowing users to adjust the temperature through a switch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional armrests are used without thermal control, then the device complexity is low, but the occupant comfort and temperature control capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by integrating thermoelectric modules that can dynamically adjust the temperature of the armrest surface. By changing the electrical parameters (current direction and magnitude) supplied to the thermoelectric modules, the armrest temperature can be switched between heating and cooling modes, providing personalized thermal comfort without requiring a completely complex system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The armrest is designed with multi-functionality by combining the structural support function with thermal control functions (both heating and cooling). The same armrest structure serves as both a mechanical support and a thermal regulation device, eliminating the need for separate heating and cooling systems and thereby reducing overall device complexity while providing comprehensive temperature control
2Adaptability or versatility
If thermoelectric modules are integrated into the armrest, then personalized climate control is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the armrest into distinct functional zones: the armrest surface, the thermoelectric modules, the heat sinks, and the control system. This modular segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently, then assembled into the final product. The thermoelectric modules can be positioned in specific segments of the armrest to provide localized climate control, and the segmented design simplifies the manufacturing process by enabling standardized production of individual components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses heat sinks as intermediary components between the thermoelectric modules and the external environment. The heat sinks facilitate efficient heat dissipation during cooling operation and can be integrated into the armrest structure, serving as a mediator that simplifies the thermal management process. This intermediary approach allows the thermoelectric modules to operate more efficiently and extends their lifespan, thereby reducing manufacturing and maintenance complexity
3Manufacturing precision
If thermoelectric modules with heat sinks and blower fan are used, then temperature uniformity across the armrest surface is improved, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a control system that dynamically adjusts the operation of the blower fan and thermoelectric modules based on real-time temperature sensing. The system monitors temperature distribution across the armrest surface and activates the blower fan only when and where needed to achieve uniform temperature. This dynamic control prevents continuous operation of energy-consuming components, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining temperature uniformity during thermal transients
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action through cyclic control of the blower fan and thermoelectric modules. Rather than continuous operation, the system uses periodic cycles of heating/cooling followed by rest periods, with the blower fan activated in periodic pulses to enhance heat distribution. This periodic operation reduces average energy consumption compared to continuous operation, while still achieving the desired temperature uniformity across the armrest surface over each complete cycle
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
The system enhances occupant comfort by allowing personalized climate control for the arm, maintaining desired temperature uniformity across the armrest surface, thereby improving the overall seating experience.
Implementation Method 1
The thermoelectric module includes a first side and a second side. The thermoelectric module is configured to transfer heat between the first side and the second side
Implementation Method 2
The heat sink is coupled to the second side of the thermoelectric module
Implementation Method 3
The blower fan is configured to blow air across the heat sink
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 6~8
AI summary
An occupant armrest is configured for use in a vehicle. The occupant armrest includes a substrate, a cover, and a thermoelectric module. The substrate is configured to support an arm of an occupant of the vehicle. The cover is arranged around the substrate. The thermoelectric module is configured to provide at least one of heating and cooling the arm of the occupant.