Ventilated Seat Climate Control with Sequenced Thermoelectric Modules

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing climate control systems for vehicles and furniture lack individualized temperature control, leading to discomfort, as they typically cool or heat entire spaces rather than specific areas, such as seats or beds, resulting in inefficient energy use and delayed temperature adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A climate-controlled seat assembly incorporating multiple thermoelectric devices (TEDs) and a blower system with a control scheme that selectively activates or deactivates TEDs, allowing for continuous air delivery with temperature regulation, using a control system that can be pre-programmed, user-selectable, or sensor-driven to maintain user comfort while reducing energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the entire vehicle or space is cooled or heated as a unit, then the overall environmental temperature is controlled, but individualized temperature control for specific areas like seats is delayed and energy-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseat temperatureVSAvoidtime to achieve temperature control

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The climate control system is segmented into multiple independent thermoelectric devices (TEDs) distributed across different seat zones. Each TED can be individually controlled to provide localized temperature modification, enabling instantaneous seat temperature adjustment without waiting for entire vehicle climate control to take effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by providing differentiated temperature control to specific seat areas through individually controlled TEDs. Different zones of the seat can be heated or cooled independently based on local thermal requirements, achieving personalized comfort without affecting the entire vehicle environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Temperature

If multiple thermoelectric devices are operated simultaneously to provide comprehensive seat climate control, then complete coverage is achieved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseat temperature coverageVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically adjusts TED operation based on real-time conditions including user presence detection, ambient temperature, and desired setpoint. TEDs are activated or deactivated in sequence or simultaneously based on current thermal requirements, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining comfortable temperature coverage across the seat.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic action through sequential activation of TEDs in different zones. Instead of running all TEDs continuously, the system cycles through activating different TED groups based on detected thermal needs, providing comprehensive temperature control over time while reducing peak energy consumption compared to simultaneous operation of all devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 instantaneous and selective heating or cooling, reducing energy consumption and capital costs by optimizing TED operation, ensuring consistent user comfort and quick temperature adjustments, while minimizing energy spikes and maintaining thermal inertia.

Implementation Method 1

two or more thermoelectric devices in fluid communication with the blower

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

at least one blower, two or more thermoelectric devices in fluid communication with the blower

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentUS7877827B2Operational control schemes for ventilated seat or bed assemblies

Publication Date: 2011.02.01 SLEEP NUMBER CORP

AI summary

A climate controlled seat, bed or other assembly configured to receive a person includes a blower and two or more thermoelectric devices or other conditioning fluid modules. According to one embodiment of an operational scheme, a control system for the seat or bed is configured to continuously discharge air from the blower through the thermoelectric devices. In one arrangement, the thermoelectric devices are sequenced between an activated and a deactivated position. Consequently, the desired cooling and/or cooling effect can be maintained while reducing energy consumption of the climate control system.