Vehicle Seat Air Distribution via Segmented Cushion Webs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle seat air conditioning systems require complex air duct structures to distribute air effectively, which can alter the cushioning properties and compromise comfort under load.

Innovation Solution

The air distribution space is divided into partial areas by separating elements, with an air outlet plate that directs airflow to each area, eliminating the need for complex ducts and ensuring defined air distribution without additional flow paths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If air duct structures are used to distribute air in the air distribution space, then air distribution is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and cushioning properties are altered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair distribution effectivenessVSAvoidair duct structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air distribution space is divided into multiple partial areas by separating elements (webs) that extend from the top layer to the bottom layer. This segmentation allows air to be distributed to different seat regions without requiring complex duct structures, as each partial area receives air directly through its own air outlet opening in the air outlet plate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the air distribution space are assigned different functions through the separating elements. Each partial area can be optimized for specific air distribution requirements, allowing targeted ventilation to different seat zones while maintaining a simple overall structure without extensive ductwork.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If additional flow paths are added to distribute air to different areas, then air distribution is improved, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair distribution controlVSAvoidflow path structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air distribution space is segmented into multiple partial areas by separating elements, allowing independent air flow control to each region. This segmentation provides effective air distribution control without requiring additional complex flow paths or ducts, as each partial area is served directly by the air outlet plate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If the air distribution space is divided into partial areas, then targeted air distribution is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair distribution targetingVSAvoidseparating element structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air distribution space is divided into multiple partial areas by separating elements (webs) that extend vertically through the cushioning element. This segmentation enables precise targeting of air distribution to different seat regions, with each partial area receiving controlled air flow through dedicated air outlet openings, achieving manufacturing precision without excessive structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each partial area in the air distribution space is optimized for specific air distribution requirements, allowing targeted ventilation to different zones of the seat. This local optimization achieves precise air distribution control while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through the use of separating elements rather than complex ductwork.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

This solution allows for targeted air distribution to different seat areas without complex ducts, maintaining cushioning properties and comfort even under load, while ensuring efficient airflow.

Implementation Method 1

air is supplied to or sucked out of the air distribution space, which is then released from or sucked out of the top layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir flow:

Data Source

PatentEP3293042B1Vehicle seat
Publication Date: 2019.07.17 I G BAUERHIN GMBH
  • EP3293042B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3293042B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3293042B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

Vehicle seat with a seat cushion part and a backrest part, each comprising a cushion element, of which at least one part has an air conditioning device with a fan unit and an air conditioning insert, wherein the air conditioning insert has an air distribution space which is bounded on one side by at least one top layer, wherein air is supplied to the air distribution space by the fan unit via the underside opposite the top layer and the air is discharged from the air distribution space via the top layer.The air distribution space is divided into at least two sub-areas by at least one separating element extending between the top layer and the bottom layer; an air outlet plate assigned to the fan unit, which has at least one air outlet opening, is positioned against the plane of the separating element assigned to the underside of the air distribution space in such a way that the at least one air outlet opening supplies air to both the one and the other sub-area.