Vehicle Seat Heating Device Segmented Electrical Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle seats with linked backrest and seat pose safety risks due to long electric wires required for heating devices when transitioning from functional to retracted positions, as these wires can be damaged or cause tripping hazards.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat design featuring a heating device with a first electrical connection element secured to the backrest and a second element secured to the seat, allowing for separation and disconnection to facilitate the retraction process, utilizing a male/female interaction with elastically deformable lamellas for secure and reversible electrical connections, and a main electrical connector integrated with the backrest for efficient current routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If long electric wires are used to supply the heating device during seat retraction, then the heating function can be maintained, but safety risks increase due to wire damage or tripping hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection system is segmented into a fixed connection element on the backrest and a movable connection element on the seat. This segmentation allows the heating circuit to be divided into separate segments that can be independently managed during retraction, eliminating the need for long continuous wires that pose safety hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
A coupling device acts as an intermediary between the fixed and movable connection elements. This intermediary mechanism enables safe electrical connection during retraction by providing a controlled interface that eliminates the need for trailing wires, thereby resolving the safety hazard while maintaining heating function.
2Volume of stationary object
If the seat and backrest are physically separated for retraction, then space efficiency is improved, but the electrical connection for heating becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection system is divided into fixed and movable segments that correspond to the physical separation of backrest and seat. This segmentation mirrors the spatial separation, allowing simple connection elements on each part that couple together, thereby maintaining low complexity despite physical separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection system is made dynamic through the movable connection element on the seat that can move with the seat during retraction. This dynamic adaptation allows the electrical connection to automatically adjust to the changing spatial configuration, simplifying the overall system compared to fixed complex wiring.
3Device complexity
If a fixed electrical connection is used between seat and backrest, then electrical connection simplicity is maintained, but the seat cannot be freely moved to retracted position
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection system transitions from a fixed static connection to a dynamic connection where the movable connection element on the seat can move with the seat during retraction. This dynamic design maintains connection simplicity while enabling full seat position flexibility, resolving the contradiction between fixed connection and movement freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection is segmented into fixed and movable parts, allowing the movable segment to accommodate seat movement while the fixed segment remains simple. This segmentation enables both connection simplicity and position flexibility by distributing the functional requirements across separate segments.
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
Enables safe and efficient retraction of the seat while maintaining a functional heating system, avoiding safety hazards and simplifying assembly with standard components, ensuring a fluid transition between positions without compromising passenger safety.
Implementation Method 1
each compartment comprises an elastically deformable lamella capable of conducting electric current, each pad penetrating into a compartment by deforming said lamella by contact
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~5B
Figure 6~7
AI summary
A vehicle seat (1) comprising a seat cushion (2), a backrest (3), and a heating device for said seat cushion (2) and backrest (3), said seat (1) being capable of moving from a functional position to a retracted position by means of separating the seat cushion (2) and the backrest (3). Said heating device comprising a first electrical connection element (9) attached to the backrest (3) and a second electrical connection element (10) attached to the seat cushion (2), said two elements (9, 10) cooperating together when the seat (1) is in the functional position, and being capable of being separated to allow said seat (1) to be in the retracted position.