Structure based fluid distribution system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing climate control systems for vehicle seats often compromise comfort and appearance by positioning the distribution system near the top surface, leading to the need for additional components like cover layers and cushioning material.
Innovation Solution
A climate-controlled assembly featuring a cushion with air passages extending from one side to the other, supported by a frame with integrated distribution channels, allowing for fluid communication and air distribution without the need for additional components, thus improving comfort and appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the distribution system is positioned along or near the top surface of the cushion, then climate control function is achieved, but comfort and appearance are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution system is repositioned from the top surface (horizontal dimension) to the bottom surface of the cushion (vertical dimension), allowing air passages to extend through the cushion thickness. This dimensional shift enables climate control functionality while eliminating the need for additional cover layers and cushioning materials, thereby preserving comfort and appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of positioning the distribution system at the top surface of the cushion as in conventional designs, the system is inverted and positioned at the bottom surface. The air passages extend upward through the cushion, reversing the traditional flow direction and component arrangement. This inversion resolves the contradiction by achieving climate control without compromising the top surface integrity.
2Shape
If additional components such as cover layers and cushioning material are added to mask the distribution system, then appearance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution system is extracted and repositioned to the bottom surface of the cushion, separating it from the top surface components. This extraction eliminates the need for additional cover layers and cushioning materials that would otherwise be required to mask the distribution system, thereby improving appearance without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution system is merged with the bottom surface structure of the cushion, integrating the air passages directly into the cushion framework. This merging eliminates the need for separate cover layers and additional cushioning materials, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining aesthetic appearance.
3Ease of operation
If the distribution system is repositioned to the bottom surface, then comfort and appearance are improved, but manufacturing alignment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The climate control system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the distribution system at the bottom surface and the air passages within the cushion. This segmentation allows for independent manufacturing and assembly of each module, reducing the overall alignment precision requirements while maintaining the benefits of the repositioned distribution system.
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
This solution enables efficient and instantaneous heating or cooling of the seat, enhancing occupant comfort without compromising the seat's appearance or requiring additional components, addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid transfer device is positioned between at least a portion of the support member and at least a portion of the cushion
Implementation Method 2
The at least one channel defines at least part of a distribution passage that is in fluid communication with the at least one air passage
Data Source
AI summary
A climate controlled seat assembly includes a seat cushion that has an outer surface with a first side for supporting an occupant in a seated position and a second side, which generally faces in an opposite direction than the first side. An air passage extends from the first side to the second side of the seat cushion. A support member has a first side that is configured to provide support to the seat cushion and a second side. the first side and the second side of the support member generally face in opposite directions. A distribution passage is in communication with the air passage and is formed at least in part by a recess formed at least in part in one of the first side of the support member and the second side of the seat cushion.