Flexible Vehicle Seat Ventilation Ducts for Comfort
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat ventilation systems using rigid plastic ducts compromise user comfort due to mechanical stiffness and air resistance issues, while flexible alternatives like knitted spacers increase energy consumption for airflow efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Employing ducts made from flexible materials like ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM), butadiene-acrylonitrile (NBR), or polyolefin foam, which deform elastically under pressure and absorb mechanical vibrations, combined with a thermoformed non-woven material for a balance of rigidity and flexibility, allowing for uniform air displacement and improved manufacturing simplicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid plastic ducts are used in the ventilation system, then mechanical strength and structural stability are improved, but user comfort deteriorates due to the ducts resisting user movement against the padding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by replacing the rigid plastic duct with a flexible duct made of elastomeric material that can deform under user pressure, eliminating the resistance felt by the user while maintaining the ventilation function. The flexible duct conforms to the padding and user body, providing comfort without sacrificing structural integrity for its intended purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter of the duct from rigid plastic to flexible elastomeric material, fundamentally altering the mechanical properties. This parameter change allows the duct to adapt to user pressure and movement, resolving the comfort issue while maintaining sufficient strength through the elastomeric material's inherent properties.
2Ease of operation
If knitted spacer is used instead of rigid ducts, then user comfort is improved due to flexibility, but air permeability deteriorates resulting in reduced airflow and increased energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a flexible elastomeric duct that maintains a defined tubular structure rather than the open mesh structure of knitted spacers. This allows the duct to be flexible and comfortable while still providing a continuous pathway for airflow with minimal resistance, unlike the restrictive knitted spacer structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction combining an elastomeric base material with integrated air channels or porous structures that maintain flexibility while optimizing airflow characteristics. This composite approach achieves both comfort through flexibility and energy efficiency through controlled air permeability.
3Productivity
If rigid ducts are used, then airflow efficiency is maintained, but device complexity increases due to the need to balance rigidity and flexibility requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the device by changing the material parameter to flexible elastomeric, which inherently provides both the necessary flexibility and sufficient structural integrity. This eliminates the need for complex rigid structures with multiple components or intricate assembly procedures, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining airflow efficiency through the material's inherent properties.
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
Enhances user comfort by reducing the duct's mechanical resistance and maintaining airflow efficiency, while simplifying the manufacturing process of the ventilation system.
Implementation Method 1
the duct, made of a flexible material, is able to deform elastically when the user applies pressure to the padding. Furthermore, the flexible material has the property of absorbing the mechanical vibrations produced by the fan when it is directly attached to the duct.
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3~4C
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The seat element (40, 60) comprises a load-bearing structure (42, 64), padding (44, 66) resting on the load-bearing structure (42, 64) and configured to provide support for a user (54), and a ventilation system (10, 62) including at least one fan (12, 68) and at least one duct (11, 11A, 72) connecting the padding (44, 66) and the fan (12, 68). The duct (11, 11A, 72) is made of a flexible material preferably comprising polyolefin foam and/or ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) and/or butadiene acrylonitrile (NBR).