Seat Conditioning Hood Assembly Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat conditioning systems for vehicles, which include ventilated, heated, and cooled seats, are complex and costly to assemble due to the connection of multiple components, such as air movers and distribution systems, requiring a simpler and more efficient method for installation.
Innovation Solution
A hood article with an air-impermeable housing featuring multiple apertures and snap features that connects an air mover to an air distribution system, allowing for fluid communication and easy assembly by providing a sealing interface between the air mover and the collar device of the distribution system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple components are assembled to create a seat conditioning system, then the system functionality is achieved, but the assembly complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hood article merges multiple functions into a single component: it provides fluid communication between the air mover and distribution system, incorporates sealing surfaces to prevent leakage, includes positioning features for accurate alignment, and provides structural support. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts and assembly steps while maintaining complete system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The hood article serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as a fluid conduit, a sealing element, a positioning device, and a structural component. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, thereby reducing assembly complexity and cost while ensuring reliable system operation.
2Productivity
If multiple components are connected during seat assembly, then the conditioning system is complete, but the assembly time and consistency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hood article is pre-configured with integrated sealing surfaces, positioning features, and connection points during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex alignment and sealing operations during final assembly, thereby increasing assembly speed while maintaining consistent results through built-in precision features.
Solution Approach 2:
The hood article serves as an intermediary component that simplifies the connection between the air mover and distribution system. Its integrated design with pre-formed sealing and positioning features acts as a mediator that ensures consistent, precise connections while reducing the time and skill required for assembly.
3Ease of operation
If a simple connection method is used, then assembly is easier, but the sealing and fluid communication reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hood article combines sealing surfaces and fluid communication pathways into a single integrated component. This merging allows for easy assembly through simple connection actions while the integrated sealing surfaces ensure reliable fluid-tight connections without requiring complex separate sealing operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A hood article and a method of use for a seat conditioning assembly. The hood article including an air-impermeable housing with an internal hollow chamber and at least a first aperture adapted and a second aperture to connect an air mover to a collar device of an air distribution system assembly. The hood article used for fluidly connecting the air mover to the air distribution system assembly.