Vehicle Headrest Thermoelectric Conditioning for Heating and Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle headrests primarily focus on heating the air for occupant comfort, lacking a comprehensive solution for both heating and cooling, which limits temperature regulation in the neck area.
Innovation Solution
A thermoelectric module integrated into the seat portion, with a blower and fluid passage system, provides both heating and cooling capabilities through a thermoelectric device that utilizes the Peltier effect, allowing for temperature control via current direction, and includes a housing with distinct outlets for conditioned air and waste air management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a PTC heating element is used to heat air in the headrest, then heating capability is improved, but cooling capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the single-function PTC heating element with a thermoelectric module that can perform both heating and cooling functions. The thermoelectric module uses the Peltier effect to transfer heat in either direction depending on current flow direction, enabling the headrest to provide both heated and cooled air to the occupant's neck area, thus achieving multi-functionality and resolving the contradiction between heating capability and temperature regulation versatility.
2Device complexity
If a single fluid outlet is used in the headrest, then device complexity is reduced, but waste air management deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single fluid outlet into two separate outlets: a first fluid outlet positioned to direct conditioned air toward the occupant's neck area, and a second fluid outlet positioned to exhaust waste air away from the occupant. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each outlet's function, ensuring effective waste air removal while maintaining comfortable conditioned air delivery, thus resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and waste air management effectiveness.
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
Enables effective temperature regulation in the neck area by providing both heated and cooled air, enhancing occupant comfort and convenience by efficiently directing conditioned air and waste air.
Implementation Method 1
A thermoelectric module is arranged in the passage between the fluid inlet and the first and second fluid outlets. The thermoelectric module is configured to both heat and cool an air supply to provide the conditioned air
Data Source
AI summary
A seat thermal conditioning device includes a seat portion having a vent configured to provide conditioned air to a seat occupant neck area. A thermoelectric module is arranged in the seat portion. The thermoelectric module is configured to both heat and cool an air supply to provide the conditioned air.