Graphite Diffusion Layer for Vehicle Seat Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle seat heating and/or cooling devices face inefficiencies in heat distribution and power consumption, with limitations in accessing all seat areas and potential moisture buildup, while requiring modifications to assembly techniques and control circuits.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a heat and/or cold diffusion layer, preferably made of graphite, interposed between the padding and the heat and/or cold generation elements, which extends beyond the generation elements and may be perforated, along with a thermally reflective layer, to enhance thermal conductivity and accessibility, reducing power needs and assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If heating and/or cooling devices are integrated into motor vehicle seats using conventional methods, then heating and cooling functions are provided, but heat distribution is inefficient and power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
A diffusion layer made of graphite material is introduced as an intermediary between the heating/cooling elements and the seat padding. This diffusion layer has high thermal conductivity and acts as a mediator to distribute heat or cold uniformly across the seat surface, improving heat distribution efficiency while reducing the power needed by the generation elements
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal conductivity parameter of the seat structure is enhanced by incorporating graphite-based diffusion layers with superior thermal properties. This parameter change allows for more efficient heat transfer and distribution, reducing energy losses and improving overall system efficiency
2Ease of manufacture
If heat and/or cold generation elements are placed only in accessible areas of the seat, then assembly is simplified, but areas of the seat element which do not enable to provide generation elements cannot access heating and cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The diffusion layer extends in the lateral dimension beyond the generation elements, allowing thermal energy to reach areas that are not directly accessible to the heating/cooling elements. This dimensional extension ensures comprehensive coverage of the seat surface while maintaining simple assembly of the generation elements themselves
Solution Approach 2:
The diffusion layer serves as a mediator that transfers thermal energy from the localized generation elements to the broader seat area, enabling indirect heating and cooling of regions that cannot accommodate generation elements directly
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional heating and cooling devices are used without diffusion layers, then assembly techniques remain simple, but moisture builds up at the level of the cover
Solution Approach 1:
The diffusion layer incorporates a porous structure that allows moisture vapor to pass through while still providing effective thermal diffusion. This porous design prevents moisture buildup at the cover level without complicating the assembly process, as the porous material can be integrated into the existing layered structure
4Reliability
If graphite diffusion layers are used to improve heat distribution, then thermal conductivity increases, but mechanical resistance decreases making handling during assembly more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The diffusion layer is designed as a composite material combining graphite particles or flakes with a binder matrix. This composite structure provides the necessary mechanical strength for handling and assembly while maintaining the high thermal conductivity of graphite for effective heat distribution
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 solution improves heat distribution, reduces power consumption, and prevents moisture buildup, allowing for effective heating and cooling of previously inaccessible areas without modifying seat assembly techniques or control circuits, while providing mechanical resistance and a heat accumulator effect.
Implementation Method 1
the heat and/or cold diffusion layer is made of graphite... provide a heat and/or cold accumulator effect
Implementation Method 2
the heat and/or cold diffusion layer is made of graphite... provide a heat and/or cold accumulator effect
Implementation Method 3
the seat element comprises a plurality of heat and/or cold generation elements formed of Peltier-effect elements... be able to heat up or cool down
Implementation Method 4
the heat generation element is a heating resistor
Implementation Method 5
a thermally reflective layer is provided in addition to the diffusion layer... this reflective layer is made of aluminum
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle seat element successively including: a pad; a heating and/or cooling device including at least one heat and/or cold generation element and at least one heat and/or cold diffusion layer; and a cover.