Seat Heater and Biological Sensor Stacking to Limit EMI
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat technologies face constraints in heater arrangement leading to decreased thermal efficiency and potential interference with radio wave sensors, such as piezoelectric film sensors, which may be shielded by electromagnetic interference.
Innovation Solution
A seat design with a meandering heater element and a first biological sensor that emits electromagnetic waves in a specific direction, allowing the heater and sensor to be arranged in different positions to minimize interference and enhance thermal efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor is arranged in the center of the seat with heater elements on the left and right sides, then the sensor can detect biological information, but the heater arrangement is constrained which decreases thermal efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement (sensor in center, heaters on left and right) to a three-dimensional stacked arrangement (sensor above or below heater elements in the thickness direction). This dimensional change allows the heater elements to be positioned directly against the seat cushion surface for optimal thermal contact, eliminating the constraint that previously reduced heating efficiency while maintaining the sensor's biological detection capability.
2Measurement precision
If piezoelectric film sensors are used for biological sensing, then biological information can be detected, but radio waves may be shielded causing electromagnetic interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dielectric member as an intermediary between the sensor and heater elements. This dielectric member serves as a mediator that prevents direct contact between the sensor and heater, thereby blocking the heater from shielding radio waves and causing electromagnetic interference with the sensor's biological detection function.
3Device complexity
If the sensor and heater are arranged in overlapping positions, then the seat structure is compact, but the heater may shield radio waves affecting sensor operation
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric member acts as an intermediary that enables the sensor and heater to be arranged in overlapping positions within the seat structure while preventing harmful electromagnetic interference. The dielectric material blocks the heater from shielding radio waves, allowing compact integration without compromising sensor reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and electromagnetic parameters of the materials used - specifically selecting a dielectric member with appropriate permittivity characteristics. This parameter change allows the heater elements to be positioned in overlapping arrangement with the sensor while the dielectric properties of the intermediate material prevent electromagnetic shielding effects.
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 design suppresses constraints on heater arrangement, increases thermal efficiency, and stabilizes biological information measurement by minimizing electromagnetic interference.
Implementation Method 1
a first biological sensor including a first emission region which, in operation, emits a first electromagnetic wave in a first direction
Implementation Method 2
a heater element that meanders
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a seat that includes: a heater element that meanders; and a first biological sensor including a first emission region which, in operation, emits a first electromagnetic wave in a first direction. The first emission region has a dimension in a second direction, which is a direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a dimension in a third direction, which is a direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction, where the dimension in the second direction is smaller than the dimension in the third direction. The heater element and the first emission region are arranged in different positions in the second direction.