Vehicle Seat Air Outlet Deflection for Rear Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seat air-conditioning systems for vehicles fail to adequately satisfy the comfort of rear seat occupants by simply blowing conditioned air upward, which does not effectively target both the upper and lower body regions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle air-conditioning apparatus with a rear seat outlet divided into upper and lower regions by an air flow deflection member, allowing air to be blown in a switching manner to address both body regions, improving comfort by directing air flow specifically to the upper and lower body areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If air is blown upward from a single rear seat outlet, then the structure is simple, but the comfort of the occupant is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The rear seat outlet is divided into multiple outlets (first rear seat outlet and second rear seat outlet) positioned at different heights. The air flow deflection member partitions the single air source into separate upper and lower flow paths, directing air to different body regions. This segmentation allows the system to maintain structural simplicity while improving comfort through targeted air distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the rear seat outlet are designed with different functions: the first rear seat outlet (upper region) directs air toward the upper body, while the second rear seat outlet (lower region) directs air toward the lower body. This local differentiation of air flow characteristics addresses the comfort needs of different body zones without requiring a completely complex system.
2Device complexity
If air is blown in a single direction from the rear seat outlet, then the device is simple to control, but it cannot effectively target both upper and lower body regions
Solution Approach 1:
The air flow deflection member is designed to dynamically switch between directing air flow through the first passage (to upper body) and the second passage (to lower body). This dynamic switching capability allows the system to adapt to different comfort needs while maintaining simple control architecture, as the switching mechanism automatically routes air to the appropriate outlet based on operational conditions.
3Device complexity
If a single air flow path is used from the duct to the rear seat outlet, then the ventilation resistance is low, but the wind speed and air distribution effectiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The air flow path is segmented into multiple passages (first passage and second passage) that diverge at different angles. This segmentation allows each passage to be optimized for its specific function: the first passage provides a more direct path for upper body cooling, while the second passage is configured for lower body air distribution. The segmented structure maintains acceptable ventilation resistance while improving air flow speed and effectiveness to targeted zones.
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 enhances occupant comfort by allowing targeted air distribution, increasing wind speed and reducing ventilation resistance, thereby improving the overall air-conditioning experience.
Implementation Method 1
an air flow deflection member that partitions the rear seat outlet into an upper first region and a lower second region to define a first passage through which the air flows from the duct through the first region in a first direction in a vehicle cabin and a second passage through which the air flows from the duct through the second region in a second direction more downward than the first direction in the vehicle cabin
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle air-conditioning apparatus includes: a duct disposed in a seat of a vehicle, air flowing through the duct from an air conditioning unit; a rear seat outlet formed on a back face of a backrest portion of the seat to blow out the air from the duct toward a rear seat of the vehicle; and an air flow deflection member that partitions the rear seat outlet into a first region and a second region to define a first passage through which the air flows from the duct through the first region in a first direction in a vehicle cabin and a second passage through which the air flows from the duct through the second region in a second direction more downward than the first direction in the vehicle cabin.