Ventilated Heated Vehicle Seat Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat ventilation and heating systems lack efficient air flow and temperature control mechanisms, particularly in designs that integrate both cooling and heating functions within the seat cushion and back, leading to suboptimal comfort and temperature regulation for occupants.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat assembly featuring a seat cushion and seat back with integrated heating and cooling systems, including an impervious insert with channels and apertures, a ventilation system with a fan, and a honeycomb support structure, which allows for efficient air flow and temperature control through the use of electrically conductive resistance wires and a computer-based control unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate heating elements and ventilation systems are used independently, then each function can be implemented, but the system complexity increases and space requirements multiply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines heating elements and ventilation channels into a single integrated structure where the heating wires are embedded within the seat cushion material that also contains the ventilation channels. This merging allows both heating and cooling functions to coexist in the same spatial envelope, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The seat cushion structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, contains ventilation channels for air flow, and embeds heating elements for thermal control. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated structures for each function, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity
2Temperature
If heating elements are embedded in the seat cushion, then heating function is achieved, but air flow paths may be blocked reducing ventilation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The heating elements are strategically positioned within specific regions of the seat cushion rather than uniformly distributed, allowing air flow channels to maintain open paths in critical areas while providing heating where most needed. This localized placement ensures both thermal control and ventilation efficiency without mutual interference
3Productivity
If ventilation channels are created through the seat cushion, then air flow is improved, but structural integrity and support may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation channels are formed by creating voids or cavities within the foam structure of the seat cushion, utilizing the flexible nature of the foam material. The surrounding foam acts as a flexible shell that maintains structural integrity while accommodating the air flow paths, preventing collapse under load while allowing efficient ventilation
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 provides precise temperature control and efficient air flow, ensuring occupant comfort by maintaining desired temperatures and airflow, even when the seat is compressed, through the combination of heating elements, ventilation systems, and smart control units.
Implementation Method 1
The heating element is typically connected to a power supply unit which delivers power to the heating element such that it can be heated to a suitable temperature
Implementation Method 2
Both the driver's seat and the other vehicle seats can be adapted for cooling ventilation by blowing air in or drawing air out by means of a fan
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat assembly in which an impervious insert (41, 141) including a heating element and having a plurality of channels (42, 142) extending from an aperture (44, 144) positioned on a first side of at least one of a seat cushion (22) and a seat back (124) and in which a ventilation system (60) is coupled to a second side of the at least one of the seat cushion and the seat back for drawing air along the plurality of channels through the aperture and through a hole (30, 130) in the seat cushion or seat back for controlling the temperature of the seat assembly.