Vehicle Seat Heating Control Using Master-Slave Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat heating devices face issues with unequal heating between the seat bottom and backrest portions, excessive power consumption, and complex wiring that can lead to reliability and cost concerns, as well as potential overheating due to multiple feedback elements.
Innovation Solution
A device with a master-slave temperature control unit configuration, where each unit has a logic part, pulse generators, and switch units to alternately actuate heating elements based on temperature selection and measurement comparisons, using a single control signal conductor to reduce power consumption and prevent uncontrollable activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If heating elements are connected in series with joint control, then wiring complexity is reduced, but heating uniformity deteriorates and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into independent control zones (seat bottom and backrest) with separate temperature control, allowing each zone to be optimized independently while maintaining simplified wiring through the master-slave controller architecture
2Temperature
If heating elements are connected in parallel with individual controllers, then heating uniformity is improved, but power consumption increases and wiring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The master and slave controllers are merged into a single integrated control unit that manages both heating elements, eliminating the need for separate controllers and reducing overall power consumption while maintaining independent temperature control for each zone
3Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are used for feedback, then temperature control precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to multiple failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensing function is extracted and centralized in the master controller, which receives temperature feedback from sensors in both zones and coordinates heating accordingly, reducing the number of independent control circuits and potential failure points while maintaining precise temperature control
4Power
If large conductors are used to accommodate high current, then power delivery capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating elements are operated in alternating periodic cycles rather than simultaneously, allowing the use of smaller conductors since only one heating element draws full power at a time, thus reducing material costs and wiring complexity while maintaining effective heating capability
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 ensures balanced heating, reduces power consumption peaks, and enhances reliability by limiting power to each heating element, minimizing the risk of overheating and simplifying wiring, thus improving occupant comfort and device reliability.
Implementation Method 1
heating element comprising an electrically resistive conductor that generates heat upon an electric current being passed through it
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat having a first temperature control unit and a second temperature control unit. Each control unit has power-input terminals for receiving power from a vehicle electrical power system and power-output terminals. The first control unit has a logic part for comparing received temperature selection and temperature measurement values along with a first pulse generator connected to a first output terminal of the logic part and a second pulse generator connected to a second output terminal of the logic part as well as a first switch unit coupled to the first pulse generator. The second temperature control unit includes a second switch unit coupled to the second pulse generator. First and second heating elements are coupled to the temperate control units. An occupant switch is coupled to the first temperate control unit. A first temperature sensor monitors the thermal output of the first heating element.