Seating Assembly with Permeable Foam Heater Mat and Ventilation Control Bag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vehicle seating with climate control features is bulky and heavy, leading to decreased interior space and reduced fuel efficiency due to its thick and rigid construction.
Innovation Solution
A seating assembly with a permeable foam heater mat and ventilation control bag, integrated with a vent fan assembly and spacer fabric, providing climate control and comfort while maintaining a leaner design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional thick and rigid construction with matrix of springs is used, then structural strength and support are improved, but weight and bulk increase leading to decreased fuel efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional thick rigid foam and matrix of springs with a thin film membrane structure that provides both structural strength and flexibility. The membrane forms a load-bearing framework that supports the seating assembly while maintaining a thin profile, eliminating the need for heavy conventional cushioning materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction by integrating the membrane structure with climate control components (heating elements, cooling channels, sensors) to create a multi-functional assembly. This composite approach consolidates structural support, comfort, and climate control functions into a single lightweight unit, reducing overall weight compared to separate traditional components.
2Strength
If traditional thick and rigid construction is used, then structural support is improved, but interior space in vehicle decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane structure provides structural support in a thin profile, replacing thick conventional foam and spring assemblies. This thin-film approach maintains necessary structural integrity while dramatically reducing the volume occupied by the seating assembly, thereby increasing available interior space in the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the seating assembly into modular functional zones within the membrane structure, allowing optimized distribution of support functions across different regions. This segmentation enables structural support to be provided where needed without uniform thickness throughout, reducing overall volume while maintaining support capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional thick construction with climate control features is used, then climate control functionality is improved, but weight increases leading to loss of fuel efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges climate control components (heating elements, cooling channels, temperature sensors) directly into the membrane structure and foam heater mat, eliminating the need for separate heavy climate control systems. This integration achieves full climate control functionality while maintaining lightweight construction that improves fuel efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a permeable foam heater mat with porous structure that provides heating functionality while allowing air circulation. The porous material delivers climate control benefits through thermal regulation and breathability without requiring the thick solid foam constructions traditionally used, reducing overall weight.
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 solution enhances comfort and climate control for occupants while minimizing weight and bulk, thereby improving fuel efficiency and interior space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
A vent fan assembly is operably coupled with the seatback carrier. A ventilation control bag is in communication with the vent fan assembly.
Implementation Method 2
A permeable foam heater mat is disposed over the spacer fabric
Implementation Method 3
A permeable foam heater mat is disposed over the spacer fabric and includes first and second independent forward thigh support regions
Data Source
AI summary
A seating assembly includes a seat assembly having a seat carrier. A ventilation control bag is disposed on the seat carrier and includes independent forward thigh support regions. A spacer fabric is disposed over the bag and includes independent forward thigh support regions. A permeable foam heater mat is disposed over the spacer fabric and includes independent forward thigh support regions. A permeable seat trim cover is disposed over the mat. A seatback assembly includes a seatback carrier having upper and lower regions. The upper region is pivotable relative to the lower region. A vent fan assembly is operably coupled with the seatback carrier. A ventilation control bag is in communication with the fan assembly. A spacer fabric is disposed over the bag. A permeable foam heater mat is disposed over the spacer fabric. A permeable seatback trim cover is disposed over the mat.