Permeable Heater Assembly for Space-Efficient Seat Temperature Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle seating assemblies that provide heating and cooling occupy significant space, making it desirable to develop a system that efficiently utilizes seat space for temperature control.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seating assembly with a permeable heater between the cushion and trim layer, in fluid communication with an air mover, allows for heating or cooling of the seating surface, utilizing a laminate structure with carbon nanotubes and multiple temperature control zones, and a controller to activate the heater and air mover based on input indications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional heating and cooling elements are used in vehicle seating assemblies, then temperature control function is provided, but significant seat space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a permeable heater that allows air to pass through it while still providing heating functionality. This porous structure enables the heating element to be integrated into the seating assembly without requiring additional space, as the air flow paths are incorporated within the heater structure itself rather than requiring separate channels
Solution Approach 2:
The permeable heater serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides heating, allows air flow for cooling, and maintains structural integrity of the seating assembly. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate heating and cooling infrastructure, thereby conserving seat space
2Ease of operation
If heating and cooling elements are integrated into the seat, then passenger comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heating element and air flow pathway into a single integrated permeable heater structure. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining both heating and cooling capabilities for passenger comfort
3Volume of moving object
If a permeable heater is used to save space, then space utilization is improved, but manufacturing complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The permeable heater is constructed as a composite structure combining heating elements with a permeable matrix that allows air flow. This composite approach enables the heater to be manufactured as an integrated component rather than assembling multiple separate parts, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while achieving space-efficient design
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 enables efficient space utilization for temperature control, allowing for quick and uniform heating or cooling of the seating surface, reducing the time to reach desired temperatures and maintaining comfort without excessive space consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The permeable heater is operable to direct heat toward a seating surface
Implementation Method 2
The air mover is operable to pull air from the seating surface and through the permeable heating substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seating assembly includes a cushion and a trim layer. A permeable heater is disposed between the cushion and the trim layer. An air mover is in fluid communication with the permeable heater. The permeable heater and the air mover are operable to respectively heat or cool a seating surface.