Conductive convective climate controlled seat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing climate control systems for vehicle seats lack efficient individualized temperature control, often leaving occupants uncomfortable due to uneven heating or cooling, especially in extreme weather conditions, as they rely on bulk air conditioning that may not quickly adjust to individual preferences.
Innovation Solution
A climate-controlled assembly incorporating a thermoelectric device with a conductive member, where a blower draws air adjacent the support surface while the thermoelectric device cools the conductive member, which is conductively coupled to the thermoelectric device's main side, allowing for simultaneous convective and conductive thermal conditioning of the seat surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If bulk air conditioning is used for vehicle seats, then the entire vehicle interior can be cooled or heated, but individualized temperature control for the seat is not achieved and response time is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The seat is divided into multiple independent thermal zones with separate heating/cooling elements embedded in the seat cushion and backrest. Each zone can be controlled independently by its own motor-driven air mover, allowing individualized temperature control for different areas of the seat without requiring bulk air conditioning of the entire vehicle interior.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional bulk air conditioning system with a localized thermal management system that uses motor-driven air movers to circulate air through channels in the seat structure. This mechanical approach provides rapid response time and precise individualized control compared to the slow thermal response of bulk air conditioning.
2Temperature
If conventional heating or cooling systems are used, then the entire vehicle interior is conditioned, but the seat surface does not reach desired temperature quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-cools or pre-heats air in reservoirs located within the seat structure before delivering it to the seat surface. This preliminary thermal conditioning of the air allows the seat surface to reach the desired temperature more quickly than conventional systems that rely on gradual heat transfer from the vehicle interior.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a network of air channels and reservoirs embedded in the seat structure to rapidly transport thermally conditioned air to the seat surface. This pneumatic system enables fast heating or cooling response by directly delivering temperature-modified air to the contact surfaces, bypassing the slow thermal conduction of conventional systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If air channels and passages are formed in the seat, then individualized temperature control is achieved, but the seat structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The seat structure integrates multiple functions into unified components: the seat cushion and backrest serve both as structural support and as thermal management devices with embedded air channels and reservoirs. The motor-driven air movers also function as both air circulation devices and thermal control actuators, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining individualized climate control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The air channels and reservoirs are nested within the existing seat structure rather than being added as separate external components. The thermal management system is integrated into the seat cushion and backrest layers, with air channels formed within the foam or structural elements, creating a compact multi-functional assembly that minimizes structural complexity.
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 solution provides rapid and uniform heating or cooling of the seat surface, enhancing occupant comfort by efficiently conditioning the air and conducting heat through a flexible conductive member, such as a braid, to match individual temperature preferences.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric device disposed on the support member and including a main side and a waste side; a heat exchanger conductively coupled to the waste side of the thermoelectric device; and a conductive member conductively coupled to the main side of the thermoelectric device
Implementation Method 2
a blower configured to draw air adjacent the support surface of the support member; during operation, the blower draws air adjacent the support surface at the same time the thermoelectric device cools the conductive member
Data Source
AI summary
A climate controlled assembly includes a support member having a first surface configured to support an occupant, a channel within the support, the channel extending from the first surface through a portion of the support, a thermoelectric device positioned within the channel, a heat exchanger conductively coupled to a first side of the thermoelectric device, the heat exchanger positioned within the channel and a flexible conductive member conductively coupled to a second side of the thermoelectric device, a portion of the flexible conductive member extending along the first surface of the support member.