Seat Airflow Routing With Passive Dual-Outlet Volume Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle seat air-conditioning devices are limited in their ability to provide enhanced comfort by only blowing air to the neck and back, leading to increased manufacturing costs and weight due to the need for multiple components and actuators, and they fail to effectively manage air distribution for optimal thermal comfort.
Innovation Solution
A seat air-conditioning device with a blower, first and second ventilation paths, and an air-volume control mechanism that passively controls the air volume blown out from multiple outlets, allowing for adjustable air distribution to the upper body, reducing the need for on-off valves and actuators, and optimizing air flow based on cabin temperature and user comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional on-off valves and actuators are used to control air distribution, then air flow control functionality is achieved, but manufacturing cost and device weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air distribution flaps are designed to automatically adjust air flow distribution based on thermal feedback from temperature sensors, eliminating the need for external actuators. The system self-regulates by using thermal energy from the cabin environment to drive the adjustment mechanism, reducing component count while maintaining control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical on-off valve systems with a thermal-driven flap mechanism. Instead of using electric actuators to control air distribution, the system uses thermal expansion and contraction of bimetallic strips or thermal actuators that respond to temperature changes, substituting complex mechanical control systems with simpler thermal-mechanical elements
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple on-off valves and actuators are installed for precise air control, then air distribution precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves precise air distribution by dynamically changing the position parameter of air distribution flaps based on thermal conditions. Instead of using multiple fixed-position valves, a single adjustable flap system modifies its geometry and position in response to temperature changes, providing continuous variable control with fewer components
Solution Approach 2:
The air distribution flaps serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as flow control elements, temperature sensors (through integrated thermal elements), and adjustment mechanisms. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require separate components into a single integrated structure, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining precision
3Adaptability or versatility
If air is blown to multiple body areas with multiple outlets, then user comfort is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The seating surface is divided into multiple thermal zones with independent air distribution flaps for different body contact areas. Each segment can independently adjust air flow to local regions (backrest, seat cushion, headrest), providing targeted comfort control without requiring a fully complex multi-path ventilation system for the entire seat
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 reduces manufacturing costs and weight while improving user comfort by allowing for customizable air distribution, effectively cooling and warming the body through passive air-volume control, enhancing thermal comfort without the need for additional components.
Implementation Method 1
an air-volume control mechanism that is provided in the seat, and passively controls a first air volume of air blown out from the first outlet and a second air volume of air blown out from the second outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A seat air-conditioning device is for use in a seat, and includes: a blower provided in the seat; a first ventilation path that is provided in the seat and leads, to an upper body of a person seated in the seat, air blown by the blower and to be blown out from a first outlet; a second ventilation path that is provided in the seat and leads, to the upper body of the person seated in the seat, air blown by the blower and to be blown out from a second outlet; and an air-volume control mechanism that is provided in the seat, and passively controls a first air volume of air blown out from the first outlet and a second air volume of air blown out from the second outlet.