Headrest Airflow Heating Layout for Low-Power Quiet Vehicle Comfort

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle air-conditioning systems consume excessive power and generate noise, particularly in electric vehicles, and existing headrest air-conditioning devices using electric resistance heating wires exacerbate these issues, while also causing discomfort due to air discharge direction and noise.

Innovation Solution

A headrest air-conditioning device with a casing containing a heater plate with planar heating elements on both sides, a fan, and a Coanda curved surface to direct air efficiently, along with a Helmholtz chamber and noise absorption features to reduce power consumption and noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If electric resistance heating wires are used in the headrest air-conditioning device, then warm air can be generated for heating the occupant's neck and shoulders, but power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electric resistance heating system with a vapor compression refrigeration cycle system. The refrigeration system uses a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator to provide both cooling and heating functions. The heating is achieved through the condenser releasing heat to the air stream, eliminating the need for high-power electric resistance heaters and significantly reducing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The vapor compression refrigeration system serves dual purposes: it provides both cooling (through the evaporator) and heating (through the condenser) functions within the same air-conditioning device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate heating and cooling systems, reducing overall system complexity and power consumption while maintaining temperature control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Temperature

If air is discharged horizontally from rear to front toward the back of the occupant's neck, then the air-conditioning device can cool the neck area, but fan operating noise and discharge noise cause discomfort to the occupant

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling effectVSAvoidnoise discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional horizontal air discharge direction and implements vertical air discharge from the headrest. The air is discharged downward through the seat cushion toward the occupant's neck and shoulders, reversing the conventional flow direction. This vertical discharge approach effectively reduces noise discomfort by directing airflow away from the occupant's ears while maintaining effective cooling of the target areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Temperature

If the air-conditioning system discharges air to the front of the body including the occupant's face, then the entire interior space is cooled, but occupants who do not want air-conditioned air experience discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair-conditioning coverageVSAvoidunwanted air influence

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements localized air conditioning by directing air flow specifically to the occupant's neck and shoulders through the headrest, rather than discharging air to the front where it would affect the entire interior space and the occupant's face. This localized approach allows individual occupants to control their personal comfort zone without affecting others, providing personalized temperature control in the sensitive neck and shoulder areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 device reduces power consumption and noise by improving heating efficiency and air directionality, increasing the mileage of electric vehicles and enhancing user comfort.

Implementation Method 1

heater plate installed inside the casing and having planar heating elements provided on sides thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

fan installed in a connection space between the inflow passage and the outflow passage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

front inner surface of an outlet of the outflow passage may be formed as a Coanda curved surface that serves to guide discharged air to an occupant's neck and shoulders

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCoanda effect: Coanda Effect

Implementation Method 4

a Helmholtz chamber may be formed between the casing and the outer casing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHelmholtz resonance: Helmholtz Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS20240227642A9Headrest air-conditioning device for vehicles

Publication Date: 2024.07.11 SEOYON E HWA CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a headrest air-conditioning device for vehicles, wherein a heater plate with planar heating elements on both sides thereof is installed inside a casing, and the heater plate divides the interior space of the casing to form an inflow passage and an outflow passage. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively heat air with low power and to reduce flow resistance and thus power consumption.