Variable Length Bellows Duct for Vehicle Seat Ventilation Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat ventilation systems face challenges in maintaining sealing between the seat pad and seat frame when the gap between them changes, leading to air leakage and an increased layout size due to the thickness of rubber bellows used for connection.
Innovation Solution
A ventilation apparatus with a main duct connected to a blower and a seat frame, and a connecting duct in a bellows shape with variable length, formed by combining annular films, which maintains sealing and reduces volume even when the gap between the seat frame and seat pad changes, using a connector with a through-hole and flow path cover to ensure air flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rubber bellows are used to connect the duct and seat pad, then sealing can be maintained when the gap changes, but the thickness of the rubber bellows leads to an excessively large layout of the seat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin film connecting duct made of flexible material instead of thick rubber bellows. This thin film connecting duct maintains sealing between the seat pad and seat frame while having minimal thickness, thus preventing excessive layout size. The flexible nature of the thin film allows it to accommodate gap changes between the seat pad and seat frame.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the gap between the seat pad and seat frame is made variable for posture adjustment, then seat comfort is improved, but sealing of the duct connecting the blower and seat pad becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic connecting duct made of flexible thin film material that can dynamically adjust its shape and length in response to gap changes between the seat pad and seat frame. This dynamic adaptation maintains sealing effectiveness while allowing the seat to achieve various postures through gap adjustment.
3Reliability
If multiple connector structures are used to connect the rubber bellows, then sealing can be maintained, but the assembly process becomes complex and the layout size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sealing function and connection function into a single thin film connecting duct structure. This integrated design eliminates the need for multiple separate connector structures, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining reliable sealing between the duct and seat pad across variable gaps.
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 simplifies the assembly process, reduces the overall thickness of the seat, and prevents air leakage by maintaining sealing between the seat frame and seat pad, even when the gap changes, enhancing occupant comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a connecting duct configured such that a first end thereof is connected to the second end of the main duct and a second end thereof is connected to a seat pad, and formed in a bellows shape having a variable length so as to allow air to flow between the seat frame and the seat pad even if a spacing distance between the seat frame and the seat pad is changed
Data Source
AI summary
A ventilation apparatus for a seat of a vehicle includes: a main duct configured such that a first end thereof is connected to a blower and a second end thereof is coupled to a seat frame so as to allow air to flow therebetween; and a connecting duct configured such that a first end thereof is connected to the second end of the main duct and a second end thereof is connected to a seat pad, and formed in a bellows shape having a variable length so as to allow air to flow between the seat frame and the seat pad even if a spacing distance between the seat frame and the seat pad is changed.