Vehicle Seat Heating Circuit with Bypass Conductor for Breakage Resilience
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat heating and occupancy detection systems are prone to failure due to breakage of the single conductor electrical grid, leading to loss of both heating and occupancy detection capabilities, which can result in airbag deployment issues or unnecessary deployment.
Innovation Solution
A parallel circuit configuration with multiple conductors and a bypass conductor connected between two of them ensures that there is always a closed circuit path for electrical current and signals, maintaining heating and occupancy detection functionality even if one conductor breaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single conductor electrical grid is used for heating and occupancy detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates because breakage of the single conductor disables both heating and occupancy detection capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical grid is segmented into multiple parallel conductors (first conductor and second conductor) instead of using a single conductor. This segmentation allows the system to maintain functionality even if one conductor breaks, as the other conductor can still carry current for heating and occupancy detection, thereby improving reliability while maintaining relatively simple device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a bypass circuit that is预先 (in advance) configured to activate when a conductor breakage is detected. This beforehand cushioning mechanism ensures that when one conductor fails, the bypass circuit automatically provides an alternative current path, preventing complete system failure and maintaining both heating and occupancy detection capabilities
2Ease of manufacture
If a single conductor is used, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the robustness deteriorates due to susceptibility to breakage from weaknesses or repeated usage
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical grid is divided into multiple parallel conductors (first conductor and second conductor) rather than using a single conductor. This segmentation distributes the mechanical and electrical stress across multiple paths, reducing the likelihood that a single weakness or repeated usage will cause complete system failure, thereby improving robustness while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized parallel conductor configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass circuit is预先 configured to provide immediate alternative current paths when conductor breakage occurs. This beforehand cushioning approach ensures that the system is prepared for potential conductor failures before they happen, maintaining robustness by preventing complete system disablement while keeping the manufacturing process relatively simple
3Device complexity
If a single conductor configuration is used, then the circuit design is simpler, but the security deteriorates due to inability to provide backup paths for critical functions
Solution Approach 1:
The occupancy detection system is segmented into multiple parallel conductors, each capable of independently detecting occupancy. This segmentation ensures that if one conductor fails, the other conductor can still detect occupancy and trigger airbag deployment, thereby improving security and reliability of the critical occupancy detection function while maintaining relatively simple circuit configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass circuit is预先 configured to activate when conductor breakage is detected, providing immediate backup capability for the occupancy detection function. This beforehand cushioning approach ensures that the critical safety function of occupancy detection remains reliable even when conductors fail, preventing both false negatives (failure to detect occupant) and false positives (incorrect detection)
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 the robustness and reliability of the system by providing a backup path for electrical current and signals, preventing heating system failure and incorrect airbag deployment, while minimizing the risk of occupant discomfort or fire from partial conductor breakage.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the conductors is configured to generate heat in response to receiving an electrical current
Implementation Method 2
Each of the conductors is configured to generate an electrical field in response to receiving an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, assemblies and circuits are provided for combined heating and occupancy for vehicle seats wherein a plurality of conductors are arranged in a parallel circuit configuration with respect to each other and are attached to a seat mat. Each of the conductors is configured to generate heat in response to receiving an electrical current. Each of the conductors is configured to generate an electrical field in response to receiving an electrical signal and with the electrical field being recognizable for determining presence of an occupant on the seat. At least one bypass conductor is connected between two of the conductors to preserve heating and/or occupancy detection capabilities of the circuit in the event of breakage in any one or more of the conductors.