Vehicle Seat Air Supply Device Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air-supply devices for vehicle seats consume high energy before the vehicle is started, even when the interior temperature is above a certain threshold, leading to inefficient energy use and potentially unpleasant cold air streams during the heating-up phase.
Innovation Solution
The air-supply device is designed to activate the heating element and fan only when a switch-on signal is present, with the fan operating at a minimum speed if the interior temperature is below a preset threshold, and increasing speed based on temperature changes or a timer, optimizing energy use and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the heating element and fan are activated before the vehicle is started (preconditioning), then the air stream is pleasantly temperature-controlled when the air-supply device is switched on, but the vehicle's electrical system is subjected to high load and energy consumption occurs even before the vehicle is started up
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is activated in advance (preconditioning) when the vehicle is unlocked and/or opened and the exterior temperature drops below a threshold value, so that when the air-supply device is switched on, the air stream is already pleasantly temperature-controlled. This preliminary heating action resolves the contradiction by preparing the temperature in advance rather than continuously operating both heating and fan before vehicle start.
Solution Approach 2:
The fan speed is dynamically adjusted based on interior temperature: when interior temperature is below a threshold, the fan operates at minimum speed; when temperature rises above the threshold, the fan speed is increased. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to provide comfortable air streams while optimizing energy consumption based on actual thermal conditions.
2Speed
If the fan is operated at high speed to provide sufficient air flow, then the air stream reaches the head, shoulder and neck region effectively, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fan speed is dynamically controlled based on interior temperature conditions. When the interior temperature is below a threshold value, the fan operates at minimum speed. When the temperature rises above the threshold, the fan speed is increased to provide sufficient air flow. This dynamic speed adjustment ensures effective air delivery while minimizing energy consumption during cold conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the fan operating parameter (speed) based on temperature conditions. By adjusting the fan speed parameter from minimum to higher levels depending on whether the interior temperature is below or above a threshold, the system optimizes the balance between air flow effectiveness and energy consumption.
3Temperature
If the heating element is activated in advance to warm the air, then pleasant temperature conditions are achieved when switched on, but the electrical system is subjected to high load before the vehicle is started
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is activated in advance only when specific conditions are met: the vehicle is unlocked and/or opened and the exterior temperature drops below a stored threshold value. This conditional preliminary heating provides pleasant temperature conditions when needed while avoiding unnecessary electrical load during warm conditions or when the vehicle is already in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously. It is activated during preconditioning phases when temperature thresholds are not met, and its operation is controlled in dependence on temperature signals during vehicle operation, reducing overall electrical system load while maintaining comfort.
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 reduces energy consumption and ensures pleasant temperature-controlled air delivery to the driver's head, shoulder, and neck region while minimizing energy waste and discomfort from cold air streams.
Implementation Method 1
The air stream can be heated via a heating element
Implementation Method 2
The air stream can be adjusted by way of a control unit, by control or regulation of a speed of a fan
Data Source
AI summary
An air supply device and a method of operating same are provided for a vehicle seat having an air discharge opening provided in the upper region of the vehicle seat, via which opening a head, shoulder, and neck region of the seat occupant can be supplied with an airflow. The airflow is adjustable by a control unit for controlling or regulating a fan rotational speed of a blower and can be heated via a heating element. The control unit is supplied at least one activation signal for activating the air supply device and a temperature signal that provides information about the interior temperature. The control unit activates the heating element and the blower according to the activation signal and then controls at least the blower as a function of the interior temperature.