Semi-Rigid Vented Envelope for Vehicle Seat Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seating systems lack efficient air flow distribution, leading to discomfort and inefficiencies, particularly when using non-standard foam types or designs, as they often rely on vents that direct air through foam, causing inefficiencies and are limited in adaptability to different materials.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seating assembly featuring a semi-rigid shell with a non-permeable membrane and air channel system, where a fan moves air through perforations in the membrane and a spacer material, providing airflow to passengers while maintaining structural integrity and adaptability to various foam types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If air is directed through foam using traditional vents, then ventilation is provided to passengers, but air flow efficiency is reduced and adaptability to different foam types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The shell is divided into multiple segments including a backrest shell and a seat cushion shell, with air channels distributed throughout each segment. This segmentation allows independent optimization of air flow paths in different regions and enables adaptation to various foam configurations without requiring complete redesign of the ventilation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation system is designed with a universal air channel network that can function effectively with different foam types (memory foam, gel foam, traditional foam) and different seat configurations. The air channels are positioned to bypass foam variations and deliver consistent air flow to passenger contact surfaces regardless of the specific foam material used.
2Strength
If a rigid shell structure is used for structural integrity, then strength is improved, but flexibility and adaptability to different seat designs are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shell structure implements local quality by providing rigid structural support in areas requiring strength (such as the overall framework and air channel pathways) while incorporating flexible elements in contact areas. The backrest shell and seat cushion shell have different structural characteristics optimized for their specific functions, allowing the system to maintain integrity while adapting to various seat design requirements.
3Productivity
If air channels are extended into leg supports, then air flow distribution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air channels are nested within the shell structure itself, with channels in the backrest shell and seat cushion shell integrating with the overall ventilation system. The leg support air channels are positioned to receive air flow from the main channels, creating a nested distribution network that expands coverage without proportionally increasing system complexity.
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
Enhances passenger comfort by providing efficient and adaptable air flow distribution, improving ventilation and structural support, and allowing for easy integration with different seat designs and materials.
Implementation Method 1
A fan is in communication with the air channel and is configured to move air through the channel, the spacer material, and the plurality of perforations
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat back and a seat base. A shell is disposed in the seat base and includes a left leg support and a right leg support. A membrane is disposed over the shell and includes a plurality of perforations. The membrane and the shell define a cavity. An air channel is defined in a bottom wall of the shell. The air channel extends at least partially into the left leg support and the right leg support. A spacer material is disposed in the cavity. A fan is in communication with the air channel and is configured to move air through the channel, the spacer material, and the plurality of perforations.