B-side distribution system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current air distribution systems for vehicle seats often fail to effectively distribute air from a blower to the rear surface of a cushion, lacking efficient methods to guide air to predetermined locations.
Innovation Solution
A distribution system comprising a plenum with a flexible cap layer and a rigid support layer, where the cap layer is made of fleece to guide air and the support layer is impermeable, connected to a blower to direct air through the cushion and seat cover, ensuring even air distribution without direct adhesion to the seat suspension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid plenum structure is used to connect blower to cushion, then structural support is improved, but air distribution flexibility and guidance to predetermined locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The plenum is divided into two distinct layers: a rigid support layer that provides structural strength and maintains plenum shape, and a flexible cap layer that enables air guidance and distribution adaptability. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specialized function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The plenum combines rigid and flexible materials in a composite structure. The support layer uses rigid material for structural integrity while the cap layer uses flexible material for air guidance, creating a composite system that achieves both strength and flexibility simultaneously.
2Temperature
If air is distributed through the cushion from the blower, then cooling effect is improved, but air leakage and uneven distribution occur
Solution Approach 1:
The cap layer acts as an intermediary between the blower and the cushion, guiding air through predetermined paths and distributing it evenly across the cushion surface. This intermediary structure prevents air leakage and ensures uniform air distribution for consistent cooling effect.
3Ease of manufacture
If the plenum is directly connected to the seat suspension, then installation simplicity is improved, but air leakage and comfort deterioration occur
Solution Approach 1:
The plenum is extracted from direct connection to the seat suspension, creating a separate air distribution system. This separation prevents air leakage through the suspension connection points and allows the plenum to maintain proper air distribution pathways, improving both reliability and comfort.
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 provides effective air distribution along the rear surface of the cushion, maintaining comfort and preventing air leakage, while allowing for integration with various seat configurations and occupant sensors for enhanced user experience.
Implementation Method 1
the cap layer is a flexible material that is connected to the support layer, and air is moved through the support layer to provide conditioning to an occupant
Data Source
AI summary
A distribution system for a vehicle seat The distribution system includes one or more plenums that each have a cap layer, a support layer, and an open space formed between the cap layer and the support layer. The support layer is a generally rigid material and the cap layer is a generally flexible material that is connected to the support layer. The open space includes one or more baffles that assist in directing fluid between a blower connected to the one or more plenums and one or more ventilation holes.