Vehicle Seat Heating Shielding for EM Radiation Exposure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle seat heating devices generate electromagnetic fields that can pose health risks, and current shielding solutions are either ineffective or compromise seating comfort.

Innovation Solution

A flat material with transition metals like copper, zinc, or nickel is placed between the cushion surface and the heating device to shield against electromagnetic radiation, providing effective protection while maintaining comfort and flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a heating device is integrated into the vehicle seat, then seating comfort is improved, but electromagnetic radiation exposure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseating comfortVSAvoidelectromagnetic radiation exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A flat shielding material is introduced as an intermediary layer between the heating device and the cushion surface. This material contains transition metals (copper, zinc, or nickel) that reflect and block electromagnetic radiation while allowing heat to pass through, thus protecting occupants from EMF exposure without compromising heating functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The shielding material is constructed as a composite combining flat substrates (such as foam or nonwoven fabric) with embedded transition metal particles or layers. This composite structure provides both the mechanical properties needed for seating comfort and the electromagnetic shielding properties needed to block radiation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If shielding material is added between cushion surface and heating device, then electromagnetic protection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic protectionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flat shielding material serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electromagnetic radiation shielding, maintains flexibility for seat contours, and can be integrated into existing seat structures without requiring separate mounting systems. This multi-functionality prevents complexity multiplication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If metal particles are embedded in substrate with lamellae, then shielding effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshielding effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The substrate is designed with a lamellae structure containing numerous interstices that naturally trap and hold transition metal particles. This porous architecture provides high shielding effectiveness through multiple reflections and absorptions of electromagnetic waves, while the particles are retained simply by the physical structure rather than requiring complex fixation mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The manufacturing process leverages the physical and chemical properties of transition metals, which can be applied as bulk material or powder and adhere to the substrate through inherent adhesion or simple adhesive bonding. The lamellae orientation can be optimized during manufacturing to enhance shielding while maintaining production efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution effectively reduces electromagnetic exposure to safe levels without impairing seating comfort or the functionality of the heating device, achieving optimal occupant protection with minimal effort.

Implementation Method 1

electrically conductive materials, such as metals, reflect high-frequency electromagnetic fields. Metal foils or metal meshes, as well as metal-deposited substrates, can therefore completely or partially shield high-frequency electromagnetic fields

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a material suitable for shielding against electromagnetic radiation is arranged flatly between the cushion surface and the heating device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

In principle, every electrical voltage generates electric fields, and every electric current generates magnetic fields

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 4

These mats contain wires that heat up when electrically powered. The resulting heat is transferred directly to the occupant via the vehicle seat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3737583B1Vehicle seat having an electric heating device

Publication Date: 2024.03.13 VOLKSWAGEN AG

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AI summary

The invention relates to a vehicle seat (1) having a cushion surface (2) and an electric heating device (3), wherein a material suitable for shielding against electromagnetic radiation is arranged in a planar manner between the cushion surface (2) and the heating device (3). Shielding required for optimal protection of the vehicle passengers is achieved by placing a plurality of layers of a planar material comprising components of a transition metal, such as copper or nickel, having corresponding shielding suitability against electromagnetic radiation.