Surface temperature-controlling device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface temperature-controlling devices in vehicles suffer from uneven temperature distribution and increased costs due to unidirectional air flow and the use of temperature control lines or heat-conducting inserts, which limit their application and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A surface temperature-controlling device with multiple air inlets and outlets connected through a second air-distributing layer, creating a multidirectional air flow for uniform temperature distribution, using thin material layers and reducing back pressure, and incorporating features like flow constrictions and bypass lines for enhanced performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single inlet and single outlet are used for air flow, then the device structure is simple, but the temperature distribution becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single air inlet into multiple air inlets (first air inlet, second air inlet, etc.) and the single outlet into multiple air outlets. This segmentation allows air to enter and exit at multiple locations, creating a multidirectional flow pattern that distributes heat more uniformly across the temperature-controlled area, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and temperature uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a second air-distributing layer that fluidically connects the air inlets and outlets, adding a vertical dimension to the air flow distribution. This multi-layer structure enables air to flow through multiple paths and directions (transversely and longitudinally), transforming the simple linear flow into a three-dimensional distribution pattern that achieves uniform temperature without excessive structural complexity.
2Temperature
If temperature control lines or heat-conducting inserts are used, then temperature control is achieved, but costs and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional temperature control lines or heat-conducting inserts with a pneumatic system using air flow through multiple air-distributing layers. By using compressible gas (air) to transfer thermal energy instead of solid conductive materials, the system achieves effective temperature control while significantly reducing weight and material costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal control approach from conduction through solid lines/inserts to convection through fluid air flow. This parameter change in the heat transfer mechanism allows for more flexible temperature distribution without the weight and cost penalties of extensive metal or plastic temperature control lines.
3Stability of the object's composition
If thick material layers are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but temperature control time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the air distribution function across multiple thin layers (first air-distributing layer, second air-distributing layer) rather than using a single thick layer. This segmentation allows each layer to be thin and responsive to temperature changes while collectively providing sufficient structural support and uniform temperature distribution, thereby reducing temperature control time without compromising integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin air-distributing layers that function as flexible thermal control films. These thin layers rapidly respond to temperature changes and allow efficient heat transfer, eliminating the thermal mass delay associated with thick material layers while maintaining adequate structural properties through the multi-layer configuration.
4Temperature
If multiple air inlets and outlets are used, then temperature distribution improves, but back pressure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a vertical dimension with the second air-distributing layer positioned above the first layer, creating three-dimensional air flow paths. This multi-level structure provides additional flow routes that reduce resistance and back pressure compared to a single-plane configuration, while still achieving the multidirectional flow needed for uniform temperature distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The second air-distributing layer acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates smooth air flow between the air inlets and outlets. This intermediate layer helps distribute air pressure more evenly and reduces localized pressure buildup, thereby lowering overall back pressure while maintaining the temperature distribution benefits of multiple inlets and outlets.
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 achieves faster temperature control, improved comfort through uniform temperature distribution, reduced weight and cost, and increased durability by simplifying the design and reducing susceptibility to damage.
Implementation Method 1
the fluidic connection of multiple air inlets and multiple air outlets produces a multidirectional flow of the preheated air within the second air-distributing layer
Implementation Method 2
preheated air is introduced into a temperature-controlled area through a single inlet and is discharged out of the temperature-controlled area through a single outlet
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a surface temperature-controlling device, in particular for use in vehicles, comprising a first air-distributing layer which has multiple air inlets extending through the first air-distributing layer and multiple air outlets extending through the first air-distributing layer, and a second air-distributing layer which fluidically connects air inlets and air outlets of the first air-distributing layer, wherein the air inlets are designed to introduce pre-heated or pre-cooled air into the second air-distributing layer, and the air outlets are designed to discharge air out of the second air-distributing layer.