Integrated Blower Distribution Insert for Seat Climate Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing climate control devices for support devices, such as seats and recliners, face challenges including space constraints, increased cost and weight due to additional components, noise, and limited air distribution, which affect occupant comfort.

Innovation Solution

A climate control device with a distribution insert and an air mover featuring multiple diverter openings, securely attached via RF welding, which can be integrated into a cushion cavity to reduce space requirements, minimize noise and vibrations, and enhance air distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a climate control device is attached to the seating portion or backrest portion of a support device, then heating, cooling, and ventilation functions are provided to the occupant, but additional space is required that may not be readily available in applications such as automobile cabins

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclimate control functionVSAvoidpackaging space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The climate control device is nested within the cushion cavity of the support device. The distribution insert is received within the cushion cavity, allowing the climate control device to be integrated into the existing cushion structure rather than requiring additional external space. This nesting approach enables the climate control device to utilize the internal volume of the cushion, thereby reducing the overall packaging space required while maintaining heating, cooling, and ventilation functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a climate control device is attached to the seating portion or backrest portion, then climate control functions are provided, but additional components such as ductwork and fasteners are required which add cost and weight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclimate control functionVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The climate control device is merged with the distribution insert, which is already integrated into the cushion structure. The air mover is positioned within the distribution insert, and the housing is formed as a single piece that integrates with the cushion cavity. This merging eliminates the need for separate ductwork and reduces the number of fasteners required, thereby reducing both cost and weight while maintaining climate control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a climate control device is attached to the seating portion or backrest portion, then climate control functions are provided, but noise and vibrations are created that may be heard and felt by the occupant

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclimate control functionVSAvoidnoise and vibration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The air mover is positioned within the cushion cavity, which is surrounded by cushion material that acts as acoustic and vibration damping. The cushion material is placed beforehand to cushion the air mover, reducing the transmission of noise and vibrations to the occupant. This prior cushioning approach allows the climate control device to function effectively while minimizing harmful noise and vibration effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Productivity

If an air mover has only a single opening directed towards the occupant or support device, then the structure is simple, but the amount of air passed towards the occupant or removed from the vicinity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair distribution capacityVSAvoidnumber of openings

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air mover is provided with multiple openings (first opening, second opening, and third opening) that are distributed at different locations and orientations. This segmentation of the single opening into multiple openings allows air to be distributed to multiple locations within the cushion and support device, thereby increasing the overall air distribution capacity and productivity while maintaining a relatively simple structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 provides improved comfort by efficiently distributing air, reducing noise and vibrations, and simplifying manufacturing while minimizing components and weight, thus addressing the limitations of existing climate control devices.

Implementation Method 1

an air mover (i.e., a fan or blower) with only a single opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

The climate control device may RF welded directly to the support device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRF welding:

Data Source

PatentUS9854915B2Fluid distribution insert with an integral blower

Publication Date: 2018.01.02 GENTHERM GMBH

AI summary

Disclosed is a climate control device, comprising a distribution insert and an air mover attached to the distribution insert. The air mover includes two or more diverter openings moving a fluid through the distribution insert and through a support device.