Modular Fan Attachment With Offset Sealing for Carrier Sheets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilated seats face challenges in creating an airtight connection between fan assemblies and carrier sheets without using screws, snap rings, adhesives, or foam/rubber gaskets, which are necessary for adequate airflow.
Innovation Solution
A fan assembly design utilizing a carrier sheet with offset raised portions on opposing housing portions to create a sealed interface, eliminating the need for additional fasteners or adhesives, and using snap pins for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fastening methods (screws, snap rings, adhesives, foam/rubber gaskets) are used to connect fan assembly to carrier sheet, then connection strength and sealing are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing portions are merged with the carrier sheet through direct integration, eliminating the need for separate fastening components. The carrier sheet becomes an integral part of the housing structure, providing both structural support and sealing functions without requiring additional screws, snap rings, adhesives, or gaskets.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional fastening components (screws, snap rings, adhesives, foam/rubber gaskets) are extracted and removed from the assembly. The design achieves connection and sealing through the carrier sheet integration alone, eliminating the complexity associated with multiple fastening methods.
2Reliability
If traditional fastening methods are used, then airtight sealing is achieved, but airflow efficiency is reduced due to additional materials blocking air passages
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged with the carrier sheet structure itself. The carrier sheet provides both structural support and airtight sealing through its integration with the housing portions, eliminating the need for separate gaskets or sealing materials that would obstruct airflow paths.
3Reliability
If multiple fastening components are used, then connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing time and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is merged into the carrier sheet integration design. The housing portions are directly connected to the carrier sheet without requiring sequential assembly of multiple fastening components, significantly reducing assembly time and complexity while maintaining connection reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a carrier sheet associated with one or more fluid bladders and a fan assembly comprising at least a first housing portion positioned on one side of the carrier sheet and a second housing portion positioned on an opposite side of the carrier sheet. At least one first raised portion extends outwardly from one side of the first housing portion, and at least one second raised portion extends outwardly from one side of the second housing portion. The at least one first raised portion is offset from the at least one second raised portion such that a portion of the carrier sheet is captured between the at least one first raised portion and the at least one second raised portion when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are attached to each other.