Vehicle Seat Thermal Module Control With Reduced Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing climate control systems for vehicle seats are complex, costly, and require numerous electrical connections, making them difficult to integrate into existing seat designs and increasing installation complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A climate control system utilizing thermoelectric devices and fluid transfer systems with integrated sensors and control units to condition and distribute air, reducing the need for multiple electrical connections and simplifying the design by integrating control functions within the thermal modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If advanced climate control systems allow individual control for each seat with multiple thermal modules, then climate control precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to numerous wires and electrical connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions into a single integrated control module that manages both seat cushions and backrests. This consolidation reduces the number of separate control units and wire connections from seven or more per thermal module to a unified control architecture, thereby maintaining individualized climate control precision while significantly reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The control module is designed with multi-functionality to handle various control tasks including temperature regulation, fan speed control, and coordination between multiple thermal modules through a single interface. This universal control approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated control circuits for each thermal module, reducing wire count while preserving individual seat and backrest control capabilities
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wires extend between control modules and thermal modules, then control capability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to increased installation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control signals and power connections into a consolidated wiring architecture where a single control module communicates with multiple thermal modules through reduced connections. This integration maintains full control capability over individual seats and backrests while dramatically simplifying the wiring harness requirements for installation
3Adaptability or versatility
If seven or more wires extend between control modules and each thermal module, then individualized climate control is improved, but loss of time increases due to complex system layout and installation
Solution Approach 1:
The control system merges multiple control functions and communication channels into a unified module that can manage multiple thermal modules simultaneously. This consolidation reduces the time required for system layout and installation by eliminating the need to individually route and connect seven or more wires to each thermal module, while preserving individualized climate control for each seat and backrest
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 provides efficient and selective temperature control for vehicle seats with reduced complexity and cost, minimizing the number of electrical connections and enhancing integration with existing seat structures.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric device to convert electrical energy into thermal energy producing a temperature change in response to an electrical current being applied thereto
Data Source
AI summary
A climate control device includes a first and a second thermal module. The first module is configured to provide climate conditioned air to a first portion of a seat. The second module is configured to provide climate conditioned air to a second portion of the seat. A control system is provided for controlling the climate control device. The control system includes an input device for providing a set point for the system. A first control unit of the control system is provided for the first thermal module and a second control unit is provided for the second thermal module.