Vehicle Seat Plenum Structure for Even Airflow Without Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air distribution systems for vehicle seats often fail to effectively distribute air from a blower to the rear surface of a cushion, lacking a efficient mechanism to guide air to predetermined locations.
Innovation Solution
A distribution system comprising a plenum with a flexible cap layer and a rigid support layer, where the cap layer is made of fleece to guide air and the support layer is impermeable, connected to a blower to direct air through the cushion and seat cover, preventing air from escaping to unintended locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If air is moved from a remote location to the insert to distribute air, then air distribution is achieved, but air leakage to unintended locations occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The plenum acts as an intermediary component between the blower and the cushion insert. It includes a cap layer made of fleece material that guides air flow through predetermined paths, and a support layer that provides structural integrity. This intermediary structure prevents air from escaping to unintended locations while effectively distributing air from the blower to the insert.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap layer is made of a flexible fleece material that can conform to the cushion geometry while maintaining air flow guidance. This flexible film structure allows the plenum to adapt to the cushion shape and prevent air leakage along the rear surface of the cushion, while still permitting air to reach predetermined locations through the flexible membrane.
2Productivity
If a blower is connected to the seat frame with a tail connecting to the insert, then air distribution is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plenum merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: it serves as the air distribution chamber, the structural support element, and the air flow guidance mechanism. By combining the cap layer and support layer into one plenum assembly that connects directly to the blower, the system eliminates the need for separate tails and complex routing structures, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If air is distributed along the rear surface of the cushion, then occupant comfort is improved, but air flow control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The plenum incorporates local quality variations through its layered structure. The cap layer made of fleece material provides localized air permeability and flow guidance properties, while the support layer provides localized structural support. This local differentiation allows air to be effectively distributed along the rear surface of the cushion for occupant comfort without requiring complex overall control mechanisms.
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 system ensures consistent and even air distribution to the occupant by using a fleece cap layer and impermeable support layer, maintaining air flow through the plenum and preventing significant air leakage, enhancing comfort and conditioning.
Implementation Method 1
the cap layer is a flexible material that is connected to the support layer, and air is moved through the support layer to provide conditioning to an occupant
Implementation Method 2
the support layer is a rigid material and the cap layer is a flexible material that is connected to the support layer, and air is moved through the support layer to provide conditioning to an occupant
Data Source
AI summary
A distribution system for a vehicle seat. The distribution system includes one or more plenums that each have a cap layer, a support layer, and an open space formed between the cap layer and the support layer. The support layer is a generally rigid material and the cap layer is a generally flexible material that is connected to the support layer. The open space includes one or more baffles that assist in directing fluid between a blower connected to the one or more plenums and one or more ventilation holes.