Porous Mesh Support Layer for Vehicle Seat Cushion Circuits
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle seat cushions face issues with stiffening and hygrothermal discomfort due to support layers, and ink absorption affecting electric circuit reliability.
Innovation Solution
A cushioning system with a support layer formed by an inner mesh layer or an additional mesh layer between the inner layer and the padding, which is highly expandable and porous, preventing stiffening and ink absorption, and allowing for reliable electric circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a support layer (thermoplastic film or non-woven) is used, then the electric circuit can be deposited on it, but the cushioning becomes stiff and hygrothermal comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a porous mesh support layer instead of solid thermoplastic films or dense non-wovens. The mesh structure provides porosity that prevents stiffening while maintaining mechanical support, allows hygrothermal exchange for comfort, and provides sufficient surface area for reliable conductive ink deposition of electric circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining the mesh support layer with conductive ink to form the electric circuit. The mesh provides mechanical integrity and porosity while the conductive ink provides electrical functionality, achieving both circuit reliability and cushioning comfort.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a non-woven support layer is used, then the cushioning structure is maintained, but the ink is absorbed through blotting effect reducing circuit characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh support layer's controlled porosity differs from non-woven structures. The mesh geometry provides open spaces that do not create the blotting effect seen in non-wovens, preventing unwanted ink absorption while maintaining structural stability for circuit deposition.
3Reliability
If a sealed thermoplastic film support layer is used, then the electric circuit is protected, but hygrothermal comfort is detrimental
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh support layer is inherently porous and cannot be sealed like thermoplastic films. This porosity allows hygrothermal exchange (moisture and heat transfer) that maintains comfort while the mesh structure still provides mechanical support and protection for the electric circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh support layer acts as an intermediary between the electric circuit and the external environment. It provides mechanical support and circuit protection while simultaneously allowing hygrothermal exchange, mediating between protection and comfort requirements.
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 mesh support layer enhances comfort and reliability of the cushioning system by maintaining flexibility and preventing ink absorption, ensuring effective heating and occupant detection for safety deployment.
Implementation Method 1
the support layer, through the porous nature thereof, is not detrimental to the hygrothermal comfort of the cushioning or cushion
Implementation Method 2
the support layer, through the mesh nature thereof, is highly expandable; the ink also being expandable, the support layer does not contribute to stiffening the cushioning or cushion
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a cushion or cushioning comprising, a cover an outer covering layer, a middle foam layer and an inner mesh layer. The cushion also includes an electric circuit connected to an electric generator, the circuit being made from conductive ink deposited on a support layer. The circuit extends opposite the complex; a block of elastically compressible padding, the support layer being formed either by the inner layer, or by an additional mesh layer interposed between the inner layer and the block.