Seat Heater Shutdown Using a Non-Return Temperature Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seat heaters in vehicles, especially hybrid and electric vehicles, face challenges in maintaining comfort and safety due to overheating issues when increasing output and heat density, as return-type overheating-prevention units can reactivate heaters when temperatures drop, potentially leading to discomfort and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A seat heater design utilizing a non-return type temperature switch as the overheating-prevention unit, connected in parallel with the heating units, ensures safe operation by maintaining heaters OFF even after temperature abnormalities, and includes a heating unit to activate the prevention unit at a higher temperature, preventing reactivation until safe conditions are met.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the output and heat density of the seat heater are increased to improve warming performance, then the warmup performance is improved, but the risk of overheating and safety hazards increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary protective action by installing an overheating-prevention unit with a temperature switch that activates before dangerous overheating occurs. This preventive mechanism is set to turn off the heater at a predetermined safe temperature threshold, preventing the harmful effect of overheating before it can manifest, thus allowing higher output operation without compromising safety.
2Ease of operation
If a return type temperature switch is used as the overheating-prevention unit, then the heater can be automatically reactivated when temperature returns to normal, but the heater may be reactivated after temperature abnormalities causing discomfort and safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the temperature control function into two distinct systems: a primary temperature control unit for normal operation and a separate overheating-prevention unit for safety. This segmentation allows the prevention unit to independently monitor and interrupt heater operation when temperature abnormalities occur, ensuring that even if the primary control fails or the temperature drops after an abnormality, the heater remains off to prevent safety hazards.
3Productivity
If the temperature control unit fails and cannot turn the heaters OFF, then the heating function is maintained, but the temperature exceeds the predetermined temperature causing safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by providing a redundant overheating-prevention unit that acts as a backup safety mechanism. This unit is designed to independently detect temperature abnormalities and interrupt power supply to the heater, providing a cushioning protective layer against the harmful effect of uncontrolled overheating that would occur if the primary temperature control unit fails.
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 enhances safety and comfort by preventing overheating and ensuring reliable heater shutdown during temperature abnormalities, allowing for higher output and heat density without compromising safety, suitable for vehicles with low exhaust heat.
Implementation Method 1
a heating unit that heats the overheating-prevention unit
Implementation Method 2
a first warming heater that warms a seat section of a seat; a second warming heater that warms a back section of the seat
Data Source
AI summary
The seat heater of the present invention comprises: a warming heater provided in a seat section of a seat; a warming heater provided in a back section; an overheating-prevention unit; and a heating unit that heats the overheating-prevention unit, the overheating-prevention unit being configured by a non-return type temperature switch. This configuration allows activating the non-return type overheating-prevention unit prior to reaching an unsafe event, and turns the warming heaters OFF reliably, whereby a seat heater with an aim of implementing both high output and safety can be provided.