Vehicle Seat Air Conditioning Insert with Strap Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air-conditioning devices for vehicle seats are difficult to manufacture and install, and they often require gluing to secure the air distribution layer, which can be challenging due to the materials used, such as knitted spacer fabrics.
Innovation Solution
An air-conditioning device with a lower cover layer that has strap sections extending beyond the air distribution layer, allowing formfitting or friction-locked placement without gluing, and optional adhesive areas for secure attachment, along with a frame and foam wedging for additional stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the air distribution layer is secured using gluing methods, then the air-conditioning device achieves reliable attachment to the seat structure, but the manufacturing and installation process becomes complex and difficult due to material compatibility issues with knitted spacer fabrics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding method (gluing) with a mechanical retention system. The air distribution layer is secured through the geometric interlocking between the recess in the cushion component and the corresponding structure of the air distribution layer, eliminating the need for adhesives and their associated manufacturing complexities.
Solution Approach 2:
The air distribution layer is designed with a specific geometric structure that segments it into a form that can be inserted into and retained by the recess. This segmentation allows the layer to be secured mechanically through its shape rather than requiring a continuous adhesive bond across the entire surface.
2Reliability
If the air distribution layer is made from knitted spacer fabric for effective air distribution, then air guidance performance is improved, but the material becomes difficult to glue and secure in place
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding approach (gluing the knitted spacer fabric) with a mechanical retention system. The recess and the air distribution layer's geometry work together to secure the fabric-based layer without requiring adhesives, thus preserving the air distribution effectiveness while eliminating the attachment difficulty.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the air distribution layer is designed as a separate component for flexibility in installation, then adaptability to different seat configurations is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the air distribution layer with the cover layer into a single integrated air distribution device. This merging eliminates the need for separate assembly steps to attach these components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the flexibility to install the complete assembly in various seat configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The air distribution device is designed as a universal component that can be installed in different seat configurations through its standardized recess interface. The integrated design with the cover layer and the geometric retention system allow it to serve multiple installation scenarios without requiring additional assembly complexity.
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
Facilitates easy installation and secure positioning of the air-conditioning device in vehicle seats, eliminating the need for gluing and ensuring effective air guidance within the air distribution layer while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the strap section rests at the associated circumference area of the air distribution layer such that the respective circumference area of the air distribution layer is covered by this strap section
Data Source
AI summary
A device for air-conditioning the backrest or the seat area of a motor vehicle seat has an insert that rests in a recess of a cushion component of the vehicle seat. The insert has an air distribution layer that is covered by (a) an upper cover layer at the top side area that points away from the base area of the recess and (b) a lower cover layer arranged at the side of the air distribution layer that points toward the base area of the recess. The lower cover layer has at least one strap section that protrudes beyond the outer circumference of the air distribution layer. This cover layer has a width that corresponds approximately to the thickness of the air distribution layer and rests on a circumferential area of the air distribution layer that is associated with the strap section and at least partly covers this circumferential area.