Vehicle Headrest Thermoelectric Venting for Neck Heating and Cooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 applies multi-functionality by integrating both heating and cooling capabilities into a single headrest thermal conditioner. The system uses a thermoelectric module (Peltier device) that can operate in both heating and cooling modes by reversing current direction, replacing the single-function PTC heater with a dual-function device that provides comprehensive temperature regulation for occupant comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the thermal conditioner adjustable and controllable. The system includes controls that allow the occupant to select between heating and cooling modes and adjust the intensity level, transforming a static single-mode heater into a dynamic multi-mode temperature regulation system that adapts to varying thermal needs.
2Productivity
If a large opening is provided in the aesthetic cover for air supply, then air flow is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the air outlet into multiple smaller vents distributed across the headrest surface rather than one large opening. This segmentation maintains sufficient total air flow area while distributing the openings in an aesthetically pleasing pattern that integrates with the headrest design and cover appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by providing air outlets at specific strategic locations on the headrest surface rather than a single large opening. The air flow is distributed to specific areas (neck region) where it is most needed, and the outlets are positioned and sized to maintain aesthetic appearance while achieving effective thermal delivery to the occupant.
3Ease of operation
If heated air is delivered through a vent in the forward facing surface, then comfort is improved, but waste air may affect the occupant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies extraction by separating the waste air exhaust function from the conditioned air delivery function. The system includes dedicated exhaust outlets positioned to extract and vent waste air away from the occupant's neck area, distinct from the air outlets that deliver heated or cooled air, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of waste air exposure while maintaining comfort benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements an intermediary approach by providing separate exhaust pathways and ventilation channels that act as intermediaries between the thermal conditioner and the occupant. The waste air is channeled through dedicated exhaust vents positioned and oriented to direct air flow away from the occupant, serving as an intermediary that prevents harmful waste air from reaching the occupant while still allowing the heating/cooling function to operate effectively.
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 efficient temperature regulation in the neck area by providing both heated and cooled air, enhancing occupant comfort through effective air conditioning, while also directing waste air away from the occupant.
Implementation Method 1
A thermal conditioning device for a seat includes a housing that provides a passage including a fluid inlet and first and second fluid outlets. A thermoelectric module is arranged in the passage between the fluid inlet and the first and second fluid outlets.
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.