Vehicle Seat Cushion Layers for Heating and Occupancy Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat air conditioning and occupancy detection systems face interference issues due to the close proximity of heating elements and detector devices, leading to inaccurate measurements, increased costs, and reduced comfort, as well as complexity in integration and production.
Innovation Solution
An air-conditioning device with a porous, flexible air-guiding layer and a companion layer that houses a heating element and detector device, allowing for efficient temperature control and user monitoring while minimizing interference and production costs, featuring a fan for air circulation and a PTC heating element with a temperature sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heating elements and detector devices are arranged close to the contact surface for reliable and efficient operation, then both systems work reliably, but they produce mutual interference causing measurement errors and requiring more expensive homogeneous heating materials
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the seat cushion into multiple functional layers: an air-permeable cushioning layer with heating elements, a separate detector device layer, and intermediate air-guiding layers. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently while minimizing thermal interference, as the detector device is positioned in a separate layer rather than directly on the heating element.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces air-guiding layers and intermediate cushioning materials between the heating elements and detector device. These intermediary layers act as thermal buffers that allow heat to reach the contact surface while preventing excessive heat from directly affecting the detector device, thus maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Reliability
If heating elements are thermally insulated by a detector device arranged above them, then the detector device is protected, but higher thermal output is required and more expensive homogeneous heating material must be used
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different thermal insulation properties to different regions: the area beneath the detector device has reduced insulation compared to other areas, allowing heat to pass through to the contact surface. This localized variation in thermal properties ensures the detector device is protected while maintaining efficient heat transfer where needed.
3Ease of manufacture
If heating elements and detector devices are fixed together through adhesion, then the two systems are integrated, but the seat cushion becomes harder and positioning becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses flexible, removable connections between layers rather than permanent adhesion. The detector device layer can be positioned and adjusted independently, and the air-guiding layers provide flexible coupling that maintains comfort while enabling integration. This dynamic approach allows for easy positioning and maintenance of comfort properties.
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 provides effective temperature control and user monitoring with reduced production costs and increased comfort by minimizing interference between heating and detection systems, allowing for simpler integration and universal application across different seat designs.
Implementation Method 1
a PTC heating element integrated into the seat cushion
Implementation Method 2
A fan blows air into the cushioning, circulates the air around the heating elements, and blows the heated air to the seat surface
Implementation Method 3
efficient heat transfer and air circulation
Implementation Method 4
The at least one companion layer includes one or two edges affixed to at least one edge of the at least one air-conditioning layer and forming an insertion pocket therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an air-conditioning device for conditioning/controlling the temperature of a surface contacted by a user at least occasionally, especially the surface of a vehicle interior component, which can be monitored by means of a corresponding detector device for detecting contact, use, or both. It is provided that the air-conditioning device has at least one air-conditioning layer, which extends at least partially along the surface, at least one companion layer, which extends at least partially along the air-conditioning layer and is connected to the air-conditioning layer at least in some sections in order to form an insertion pocket, and that at least one detector device can be inserted into the insertion pocket.