Vehicle Seat Airflow Switching for Adjustable Air Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle seat air-conditioning devices have complex structures due to duct connections and fixed air volume ratios, making it difficult to adjust air temperature for a comfortable environment for the occupant.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat air-conditioning device with a blower, ventilation path selection switch, and controller that allows air to be drawn in from multiple inlets and discharged through an outlet, enabling different temperature settings by switching between modes to optimize air conditioning for the occupant's comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ventilation paths with switching capability are provided, then air temperature adjustability and occupant comfort are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system is divided into multiple independent ventilation paths (first ventilation path for cooling air, second ventilation path for heating air, third ventilation path for air conditioning air), each with its own blower and control mechanism. This segmentation allows independent control of different air streams while maintaining overall system simplicity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation path selection switch enables dynamic reconfiguration of air flow paths based on operational mode. The system can switch between different ventilation path configurations (first mode: first and second paths connected; second mode: second and third paths connected; third mode: all three paths connected), providing adaptability without requiring physical reconfiguration of the entire system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If air is drawn from multiple inlets with different temperatures, then comfortable air-conditioned environment is provided, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system controls the operating parameters (rotation speed, air flow rate) of multiple blowers independently to optimize energy consumption. By adjusting bower rotation speeds according to the selected ventilation mode and temperature requirements, the system achieves efficient air mixing while minimizing energy use. The controller dynamically modifies bower parameters based on real-time operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes naturally available temperature differences between air sources (cool air from lower inlet, warm air from upper inlet) without requiring active heating or cooling mechanisms. The blowers simply move and mix these air streams, allowing the system to provide temperature-controlled ventilation by leveraging environmental temperature variations rather than consuming energy for active temperature adjustment.
3Device complexity
If ventilation paths are provided inside the seat, then structure is simplified, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation paths are integrated into the seat structure itself, with the seat serving multiple functions: structural support, air flow conduit, and mounting platform for blowers and sensors. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate ventilation ducts and external components, simplifying overall structure while the modular seat design facilitates standardized manufacturing processes.
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 configuration simplifies the vehicle's structure, allows for adjustable air temperature, and provides a comfortable air-conditioned environment with reduced energy consumption by drawing in and blowing air from multiple sources, ensuring optimal comfort for the occupant.
Implementation Method 1
a blower; a first ventilation path that leads air drawn in from a first inlet by the blower
Data Source
AI summary
In a vehicle seat air-conditioning device, at least a first inlet, a second inlet, and an outlet are provided in a seat, and at least a first ventilation path, a portion of a second ventilation path, a ventilation path selection switch, a blower, and a third ventilation path are provided inside of the seat. To lead air to the third ventilation path, the ventilation path selection switch has: a first mode in which the first ventilation path is connected to the third ventilation path; a second mode in which the second ventilation path is connected to the third ventilation path; and a third mode in which the first ventilation path and the second ventilation path are connected to the third ventilation path. A controller switches between the modes of the ventilation path selection switch by selecting one of the first mode, the second mode, or the third mode.