Seat air-conditioning device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle seat air-conditioning devices suffer from decreased air-conditioning efficiency due to the consumption of conditioned air by the seat, leading to inadequate temperature control within the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A seat air-conditioning device with a blower, first and second ventilation paths, and an outlet ventilation path selection switch, which allows for the selection of different airflow paths to optimize air distribution and minimize air consumption by the seat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conditioned air is supplied to the seat for air-conditioning, then the seat temperature is controlled, but the air-conditioning efficiency decreases due to air consumption by the seat
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system is divided into multiple independent paths: a first ventilation path for supplying conditioned air to the seat, and a second ventilation path for directly supplying conditioned air to the user. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously cool the seat structure and deliver cooling air to the user without the conditioned air being consumed by the seat upholstery, thereby resolving the contradiction between seat temperature control and air-conditioning efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
A blower acts as an intermediary device that actively draws conditioned air from the air conditioner and directs it through the ventilation paths. The blower ensures that sufficient conditioned air reaches both the seat and the user, overcoming the air consumption issue by providing active air movement and pressure differential to maintain efficient air-conditioning
2Ease of operation
If air is discharged from the seat, then the seat ventilation function is provided, but warm air discharge causes user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different ventilation modes using a switch mechanism. When the air conditioner is operating and providing conditioned air, the system switches to the second ventilation path to discharge cooled air to the user. When the air conditioner is not operating, it switches to the first ventilation path. This dynamic adaptation prevents warm air discharge during cooling operation, eliminating user discomfort while maintaining ventilation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation system incorporates feedback control based on the air conditioner's operational status. The switch mechanism receives feedback about whether the air conditioner is running and automatically adjusts the ventilation path accordingly, ensuring that conditioned air is discharged to the user only when cooling is available, thus preventing warm air discharge and associated discomfort
3Device complexity
If a single ventilation path is used, then the device structure is simple, but the air distribution cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system is segmented into distinct paths with dedicated functions: the first path handles seat cooling when the air conditioner is off, while the second path handles direct user cooling when the air conditioner is on. This segmentation enables optimized air distribution for different operating conditions, improving productivity without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation system achieves multi-functionality through a single integrated structure that can operate in multiple modes. The same blower and switch mechanism serve both seat ventilation and direct user cooling functions, allowing the system to adapt to different air conditioner operational states while maintaining reasonable structural simplicity
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 device enhances air-conditioning efficiency by directing conditioned air directly to the user, reducing the discomfort caused by warm air discharge and maintaining a comfortable air-conditioned environment with minimal energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a blower; a first ventilation path through which air is led to be drawn in from a first inlet by the blower
Implementation Method 2
an outlet ventilation path selection switch disposed between the blower and the first and second outlets, the outlet ventilation path selection switch being a switch that selects at least one of the second ventilation path or the third ventilation path to which the air led through the first ventilation path is to be led
Data Source
AI summary
A seat air-conditioning device includes: a blower; a first ventilation path through which air is drawn in by the blower from a first inlet in a seat base of a seat on which a person sits; a second ventilation path through which the drawn air is discharged from a first outlet in the seat; a third ventilation path that is different from the second ventilation path and through which the drawn air is discharged from a second outlet in the seat; and an outlet ventilation path selection switch that is between the blower and the first and second outlets and selects at least one of the second and third ventilation path to which the drawn air is to be led. The first inlet is vertically below the first outlet and the second outlet.