Vehicle Seat Heating Mat with Optical Fiber Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heated vehicle seats can experience non-uniform heat distribution, leading to localized overheating, which may damage the heating elements and seat components.
Innovation Solution
A temperature-sensing structure, such as an optical fiber, is integrated adjacent to the heating element to monitor temperature and prevent overheating by discontinuing heat generation when excessive temperatures are detected, using a controller to manage the heating system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a heating element with electrical resistance is used to generate heat, then heating function is provided for occupant comfort, but non-uniform heat distribution occurs leading to localized overheating
Solution Approach 1:
An optical sensing structure is installed adjacent to the heating element before operation begins. This sensing structure is configured to detect temperature conditions and provide signals to a controller, enabling preventive action before overheating damage occurs. The controller can discontinuate power to the heating element when excessive temperature is detected, preventing the harmful effect of localized overheating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the optical sensing structure continuously monitors temperature conditions and provides real-time signals to the controller. The controller adjusts power delivery to the heating element based on this feedback, maintaining uniform heat distribution and preventing localized overheating by dynamically responding to actual temperature conditions throughout the heating mat.
2Power
If electrical current flows through the heating element, then heat is generated for comfort, but resistance non-uniformity causes non-uniform heat distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensing structure provides continuous feedback on temperature distribution to the controller. When non-uniform heat distribution is detected due to resistance variations in the heating element, the controller can adjust power delivery or activate compensatory heating zones to maintain uniform temperature distribution across the seat surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters by adjusting the electrical power supplied to different sections of the heating element based on real-time temperature feedback. This allows compensation for resistance non-uniformity by varying current or voltage parameters to achieve uniform heat distribution despite variations in the heating element's electrical properties.
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
Prevents damage from overheating by ensuring uniform heat distribution and providing protection for the vehicle seat components, while maintaining occupant comfort through controlled heat management.
Implementation Method 1
the sensing structure may include an optical fiber, and the characteristic of the sensing structure may be an amount of light transmitted through the optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
the electrically conductive wire generates heat, which is radiated through the heating mat and the vehicle seat to the occupant
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat includes a seat portion having a heating element, such as an electrically conductive wire. A sensing structure having a characteristic that is responsive to a temperature of the heating element is provided adjacent to the heating element, such as by being helically wrapped thereabout or extending parallel thereto. For example, the sensing structure may include an optical fiber, and the characteristic of the sensing structure may be an amount of light transmitted through the optical fiber. A controller is responsive to the characteristic of the sensing structure for determining when the temperature of the heating element exceeds a predetermined value.