Movable Seat Ventilation Cover for Cooling Contact Areas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat ventilation systems struggle to effectively cool the areas of contact between a seat occupant's body and the seat due to airflow being diverted through paths of least resistance, such as above the shoulders and between the legs, resulting in insufficient cooling.
Innovation Solution
A seat design with a flow passage and an actuator that moves a portion of the outer cover away from or towards the occupant, allowing convective and conductive cooling by creating a gap for airflow and direct contact with the seat surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a fixed seat design with ventilation openings is used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the cooling effectiveness is insufficient because airflow follows paths of least resistance and does not reach contact areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the outer cover portion movable rather than fixed. The outer cover can dynamically adjust its position between contacting the occupant and moving away, allowing the ventilation system to adapt to different operational states. This movement enables the opening to be positioned optimally for airflow during non-contact phases while maintaining comfort during contact phases, thereby improving cooling effectiveness without requiring complex additional components.
2Temperature
If the outer cover remains in constant contact with the occupant, then comfort is maintained, but convective cooling is blocked because airflow cannot reach the occupant's body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through the oscillating movement of the outer cover between contact and non-contact positions with the occupant. During non-contact phases, convective cooling airflow reaches the occupant's body effectively. During contact phases, comfort is restored. This periodic alternation between the two states enables both cooling effectiveness and comfort to be achieved over time, resolving the contradiction between maintaining continuous contact and enabling convective cooling.
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
Provides effective convective and conductive cooling by ensuring airflow around the occupant's body and direct heat transfer, enhancing cooling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
An actuator can be operatively connected to the seat body to cause a portion of the outer cover including the opening to move away from a seat occupant. In this way, convective cooling can be provided to a seat occupant in a region corresponding to the portion.
Implementation Method 2
A flow passage can be defined in the seat body. The flow passage can include an opening defined in the outer cover.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat can provide improved ventilation to a seat occupant. The seat can have a seat body including a core and an outer cover defining an outer surface of the seat. A flow passage can be defined in the seat body. The flow passage can include an opening defined in the outer cover. The portion of the seat body including the opening can be caused to move away from a seat occupant. Thus, convective cooling can be provided to the seat occupant in a region corresponding to the portion.