Integrated Seat Heater Layout for Protected Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat heaters face issues with damage from load shifts, uneven temperature distribution, and complex installation due to separate components for the seat cushion and backrest, which can lead to discomfort and increased part count.
Innovation Solution
A seat heater design with a planar base member, heater wire, and temperature control integrated into the cushion member, where the temperature control is positioned within a recess to avoid direct load and interference, and the heater wires are arranged to deform with the seat material, reducing damage and improving comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the temperature control means is disposed on the seat cushion surface portion, then the temperature control can be easily integrated with the heater, but the temperature control is apt to be damaged due to load shifts and causes unevenness affecting comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The seat is divided into two functional zones: the seat cushion surface portion for heating and the recessed portion for housing the temperature control means. This spatial segmentation protects the temperature control from load shifts while maintaining integration with the heater system.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature control means is relocated from the two-dimensional seat cushion surface to a three-dimensional recessed portion below the surface. This dimensional transition moves the temperature control away from the load-bearing surface while maintaining functional integration.
2Temperature
If separate seat heaters are attached to both the cushion member and backrest, then heating coverage is improved, but the installation work becomes complicated and the number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seat heater is designed as a single integrated unit that simultaneously heats both the seat cushion surface portion and the backrest surface portion. This merging of heating functions into one component reduces the total number of parts and simplifies installation while maintaining comprehensive heating coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The single seat heater unit performs multiple functions: heating the seat cushion surface portion and heating the backrest surface portion. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate heaters, reducing installation complexity and part count.
3Device complexity
If the seat heater is made integral to cover both cushion and backrest, then the number of parts is reduced, but the pulling force from load shifts may deform the heater
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated seat heater is divided into distinct heating regions: the seat cushion surface side portion and the backrest surface side portion. This segmentation allows each region to independently accommodate load shifts without transmitting deformation forces across the entire heater structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature control means is positioned in a recessed portion below the seat cushion surface, creating a spatial buffer that prevents load-induced pulling forces from directly affecting the heater elements. This dimensional separation protects the heater's structural integrity.
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 prevents damage to the temperature control and heater components, enhances comfort by reducing load on the temperature control, and simplifies installation by integrating components, while maintaining effective heating and durability.
Implementation Method 1
a heater wire disposed in the seat cushion surface side portion, an insertion portion heater wire extended from the seat cushion surface side heater wire, and a backrest surface side heater wire disposed in the backrest surface side portion
Data Source
AI summary
A seat comprises a cushion member, a seat heater, and a skin material. The seat heater has a planar base member disposed on the cushion member, a heater wire fixed to the base member, and a temperature control that controls the temperature of the heater wire. The skin material covers both the cushion member and the seat heater. The cushion member includes a seat cushion surface portion for a sitting person and a recess formed in a surface located on the side opposite to the seat cushion surface portion. The base member includes a seat cushion surface-side portion disposed on the seat cushion surface portion. The heater wire includes a seat cushion surface-side heater wire disposed in the seat cushion surface-side portion and an insertion portion heater wire extended from the seat cushion side heater wire. At least a part of the temperature control is connected to the insertion portion heater wire and is disposed within the recess of the cushion member.