Vehicle Seat Thermoelectric Airflow Control by Occupant Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal conditioning arrangements for vehicle seats require additional electronic components for closed-loop or open-loop control of air conveyance, which can be complex and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A load-dependent self-regulating thermal conditioning arrangement that uses a thermoelectric device with a Peltier element and a fan, where the air distribution is adjusted based on the weight acting on the upholstered surface, eliminating the need for additional electronic components by tilting the thermoelectric device and air baffle to control air flow through heat exchange surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electronic closed-loop or open-loop modules are used to control air conveyance, then targeted air flow control is achieved, but device complexity increases due to additional electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoelectric device automatically adjusts air distribution between cold and warm sides based on the weight load detected by the spring mechanism, eliminating the need for electronic sensors and control modules. The system serves itself by using mechanical weight detection to trigger appropriate cooling or heating modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electronic control systems with a mechanical spring-based weight detection system. The spring mechanism mechanically detects occupant weight and triggers air flow distribution changes through mechanical means rather than electronic signals, simplifying the overall device architecture.
2Manufacturing precision
If additional electronic components are added for air flow control, then air distribution precision is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically adjusts air distribution precision through mechanical weight detection. The spring mechanism self-regulates the air flow split between cold and warm sides based on detected load, achieving precise control without electronic components that would increase manufacturing complexity.
3Device complexity
If a simplified system without electronic components is used, then device complexity is reduced, but control precision over air conveyance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a mechanical spring system to detect weight with sufficient precision for air flow control purposes. The spring's deformation under load provides accurate weight measurement that directly controls the air distribution ratio, achieving measurement precision adequate for thermal conditioning without electronic sensors.
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 simplifies air conveyance control by adjusting air flow based on weight, increasing airflow through the cold side and optimizing air distribution without the need for additional electronic components, enhancing the thermal conditioning of vehicle seat surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a Peltier element, in particular a semiconductor element, which forms a cold side and a warm side in an operable state and are connected together in a heat conducting manner
Implementation Method 2
In accordance with a weight acting on the upholstered surface, the air distribution is adjusted through the cold side and the warm side
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement comprising an upholstery support structure associated with at least one upholstered surface and a thermoelectric device comprising a cold side and a warm side with heat exchange surfaces opposite one another horizontally, and which are connected together in a heat conducting manner via a Peltier element. A fan fluidically connected to the thermoelectric device via a connecting element forming a cavity. In accordance with a weight acting on the at least one upholstered surface, adjusting air distribution through the cold side and the warm side.