Thermoelectric fabric
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermoelectric fabrics used in vehicle seats face challenges in achieving thermal efficiency and mechanical stability when connected to air ducts, leading to potential thermal short circuits and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A thermoelectric fabric with temperature control elements, such as pin or needle-like structures, is integrated into the duct wall to establish thermal connection with the coolant, allowing for efficient heat transfer without requiring the duct to be open, ensuring mechanical stability and preventing air from entering the fabric.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the cooling duct is designed open to allow thermal coupling between the thermoelectric fabric and the cooling medium, then thermal efficiency is improved, but mechanical stability deteriorates and the fabric may fall into the duct interior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces temperature control elements as intermediary components that extend from the thermoelectric fabric through the cooling duct wall into the coolant flow. These elements serve as a mediator that transfers heat from the fabric to the coolant without requiring the fabric to be directly exposed to the coolant or to open the duct, thus maintaining both thermal efficiency and mechanical stability.
2Ease of operation
If the thermoelectric fabric is made flexible for ease of installation, then ease of operation is improved, but mechanical strength deteriorates and it cannot permanently close the cooling duct
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control elements act as intermediaries that transfer the thermal load from the flexible fabric to the rigid cooling duct structure. This allows the fabric to remain flexible and easy to install while the duct wall provides the necessary mechanical strength and structural support.
3Strength
If the cooling duct is closed to maintain mechanical stability, then mechanical strength is improved, but thermal coupling between the fabric and cooling medium deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar heat transfer interface (fabric directly contacting coolant) to a three-dimensional solution where temperature control elements extend through the duct wall. This dimensional change allows heat transfer to occur through the wall thickness, maintaining duct closure while enabling thermal coupling.
4Ease of operation
If air enters the thermoelectric fabric, then ease of operation is improved during installation, but thermal short circuits occur and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control elements extending through the duct wall create a controlled thermal pathway that prevents uncontrolled air ingress into the fabric. The elements act as barriers that maintain the thermal integrity of the system while allowing proper installation.
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 configuration enhances the thermal efficiency of the thermoelectric fabric by allowing effective heat discharge from the hot side to the coolant, maintaining mechanical stability, and preventing thermal short circuits, making it suitable for vehicle seat temperature control.
Implementation Method 1
The thermoelectric elements are based on the Peltier effect when they convert electric energy into heat
Implementation Method 2
the temperature control elements of which project into the coolant path so that they can enter into thermal interaction with the coolant
Data Source
AI summary
A thermoelectric fabric may include a plurality of first threads and second threads. The first threads may be alternately formed by p-doped and n-doped thread portions and electrically conductive first thread portions and second thread portions arranged in between. The first thread portions may form a hot side of the fabric, and the second thread portions may form a cold side. The first threads may form one of warp threads or weft threads of the fabric, and the second threads may form the other of the warp threads or weft threads. On at least one of the first thread portions of at least one of the plurality of first threads, a temperature control structure with at least one temperature control element for cooling the hot side may be present.