Vehicle Seat Insert for Zoned Heating, Cooling, and Ventilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automotive vehicle seat designs lack effective integration of heating, cooling, and ventilation systems to enhance occupant comfort, with existing solutions often being inefficient or cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
An insert system for automotive vehicle seats that includes a spacer material with open spaces and impermeable barrier layers, integrated with air movers to provide heating, cooling, or ventilation, using air-permeable trim surfaces and various attachment methods to ensure efficient air flow and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If heating, cooling, or ventilation systems are integrated into seat designs, then occupant comfort is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seat is divided into multiple inserts that can be independently installed in different locations (seat cushion, backrest, headrest). Each insert contains its own air mover and barrier layer configuration, allowing selective deployment of heating, cooling, or ventilation functions in specific zones without requiring a completely integrated complex system throughout the entire seat.
Solution Approach 2:
The same insert design can provide multiple functions (heating, cooling, ventilation) depending on the configuration of barrier layers and air mover placement. The insert structure itself is universal and can be applied to different seat components (cushion, backrest, headrest), reducing overall system complexity through standardized multi-functional components.
2Manufacturing precision
If barrier layers are added to control airflow, then temperature control precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier layers are implemented as flexible thin films or sheets that can be easily formed, sealed, and integrated into the insert structure. These flexible barrier layers conform to the insert geometry and can be sealed using simple perimeter sealing methods, avoiding complex rigid structures while maintaining effective airflow control and temperature precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier layers are nested within the insert structure, with the air mover positioned within the insert and the barrier layer enclosing the air mover and defining the airflow path. This nested configuration allows multiple functional elements (air mover, barrier layer, spacer material) to be integrated in a compact manner, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining precise temperature control.
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
The insert system effectively distributes air for heating, cooling, or ventilation across the seat surface, enhancing occupant comfort by providing targeted temperature control and airflow, while minimizing noise and vibration transmission.
Implementation Method 1
An air mover is also typically in fluid communication with the open space within the insert
Implementation Method 2
a spacer material creating an open space within the insert
Implementation Method 3
Each ventilated component should have an air-permeable trim surface at the occupant contact areas of the seat
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed an insert suitable for use within a seating system of an automotive vehicle.