Vehicle Seat PCM Cooling for Hot Cabin Conditions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle occupants experience discomfort due to heated seats when the vehicle interior temperature is elevated, as the seats can transfer heat to the occupant instead of providing cooling, especially when the vehicle's air conditioning system is insufficient.
Innovation Solution
Integration of phase change material elements within the vehicle seat padding, which are movable between positions to absorb heat from the occupant and then transfer it to the exterior when the occupant is not seated, utilizing a mounting tray mechanism to facilitate cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the vehicle air conditioning system is used to cool the seats, then the seat temperature can be reduced, but the cooling effect is insufficient when the ambient temperature is high and the vehicle interior is hot
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase change material elements that transition between solid and liquid phases to absorb and store thermal energy. When the occupant contacts the seat, the PCM elements absorb body heat through phase transition (melting), providing active cooling without requiring continuous energy input from the air conditioning system. This resolves the contradiction by providing effective cooling in high ambient temperatures through a passive thermal energy storage mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase change material elements automatically absorb and store thermal energy from the occupant without requiring external control or continuous energy input. The system serves itself by utilizing the natural phase transition process to provide cooling, eliminating the need for continuous operation of the air conditioning system and improving cooling effectiveness while reducing energy loss.
2Temperature
If phase change material elements are integrated into the seat padding, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the mounting tray mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting tray mechanism is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing the phase change material elements to be dynamically positioned. The tray can move between a first position (when unoccupied) that exposes PCM elements to ambient air for heat dissipation, and a second position (when occupied) that brings PCM elements into contact with the occupant for cooling. This dynamic positioning simplifies the overall system by using a single mechanism to achieve both cooling and heat dissipation functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting tray mechanism serves multiple functions: it positions the PCM elements for occupant contact during cooling, exposes them to ambient air for heat dissipation when unoccupied, and potentially controls the timing and duration of PCM element exposure. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by consolidating multiple operations into a single mechanism rather than requiring separate systems for each function.
3Temperature
If the phase change material elements remain in contact with the occupant, then cooling is maintained, but the phase change material elements cannot dissipate heat to the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting tray mechanism implements periodic action by automatically or manually moving the PCM elements between different positions based on occupancy status. When the occupant is present, the tray positions PCM elements for contact and cooling. When the occupant leaves, the tray moves to expose PCM elements to ambient air for heat dissipation. This periodic switching between cooling and heat dissipation modes ensures that the PCM elements can perform both functions effectively without compromising either occupant cooling or environmental heat transfer.
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 phase change material elements effectively absorb and dissipate heat, providing comfort to the occupant by cooling them during use and efficiently transferring heat away from the seat when not in use, thus addressing the issue of heated seats in high ambient temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
at least one phase change material element supported in a passage formed within the at least one padding member
Implementation Method 2
the phase change material elements effectively absorb and dissipate heat, providing comfort to the occupant by cooling them during use
Implementation Method 3
efficiently transferring heat away from the seat when not in use
Implementation Method 4
the phase change material elements effectively absorb and dissipate heat
Data Source
AI summary
A seat for a vehicle is provided includes a padding member and at least one phase change material element supported in a passage formed within the padding member. The at least one phase change material element is supported in the passage so as to be movable between a first location in which the at least one phase change material element is spaced apart from an occupant support side of the padding member when the seat is unoccupied, and a second location in which at least a portion of the at least one phase change material element is at least level with the occupant support side of the at least one padding member when the seat is unoccupied. The at least one phase change material element is structured to absorb heat from a vehicle occupant, thereby cooling the occupant.