Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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ACTIVE VENTILATION SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLE SEATS
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application
nos. 60/654,032,
filed February 17, 2005; 60/694/476, filed June 28, 2005; and 60/735,325,
filed November 10,
2005, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to devices, systems, method of using and
methods of
malcing ventilation systems for vehicle seats; more particularly, the
invention relates to providing
temperature conditioned air and ventilation to a vehicle seat.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Market forces have created a need for cost effective and energy
efficient systems for
heating, cooling or ventilating of transportation vehicles, and particularly
the passenger
coinpartxnents of vehicles. Known systems include compartment wiTe systems and
well as
localized system that provide temperature control or ventilation more directly
to the vehicle
operators and passengers. Exemplary localized systems include comfort systems
that heat, cool
or ventilate portions of seats in the vehicle. Seat comfort systems may be
tied into the HVAC
systein of the vehicle or may be self contained in that heating, cooling or
ventilation may be
provided by components not connected to the HVAC system and mainly located in
or around the
seat. Known systems, however, are difficult to reliably install in a cost
effective manner.
[0004] The present invention overcomes one or more of these problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The presen.t invention includes a seat ventilator with an air diffuser,
preferably one
with sections. The air difftiser has a spacer material and ventilation holes
on its occupant side. A
temperature conditioner with a temperature conditioning device (such as a TED)
and a blower
provide temperature conditioned air. One conduit coru-iects the diffuser to an
inlet of the blower,
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while another duct connects the diffuser and an outlet of the TED. The blower
moves air for its
inlet to the TED and then from the outlet of the TED to the diffuser. The
present invention also
includes methods controlling the temperature of a vehicle seat by drawing air
from a diffuser in a
vehicle seat through at least one conduit and blowing air to the diffuser
through at least another
conduit, where the blown air has been temperature conditioned. The present
invention also
includes methods of asseinbling ventilated vehicle seat that include inserting
a nozzle of diffuser
into a plug received in the socket of a cushion or threading a tether through
a manifold of the
temperature conditioner to fluidly connect oiie or more conduits to the
temperature conditioner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] In the drawings:
[0007] Fig. 1 schematically shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0008] Fig. 2 schematically shows a second embodiment of the present
invention.
[0009] Fig. 3 schematically shows a third embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] Fig. 4 shows one embodiment of the present invention in a seat,
[0011] Fig. 5 shows one embodiment of a blower useful in the present
invention.
[0012] Fig. 6 shows another embodiment of the present invention in a seat.
[0013] Figs. 7-9 show the plug embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] Fig. 10 shows the membrane einbodiment of the present invention.
[0015] Fig. 11 shows the tether embodiment of the present invention installed
on a seat.
[0016] Fig. 12 shows a close up of the tether embodiment install on a seat.
[0017] Figs. 13-17 show various aspects of the tetlier embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] The vehicle seat of the present invention includes an air diffuser
located on a surface
of a cushion. In a specific embodilnent, the difftiser is allocated underneath
a trim cover and
above a cushion. The diffuser is fluidly comiected to a teinperature
conditioner through at least
two conduits, nainely at least a first conduit and a second conduit. As part
of the temperature
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conditioner, a blower and a teinperature conditioning device cooperate to blow
air that that has
been temperature conditioned (e.g. warmed, cooled, dehumidified or the like)
to the air diffuser.
In a specific embodiment, the blower also draws air from the air diffuser.
[0019] While discussed primarily in relation to the area of the vehicle seat
where the buttocks
and thighs of the occupant touch (i.e. the seat portion), it also contemplated
that the systems and
methods are applicable to the backrest portion of the vehicle seat.
[0020] The tenns underside and occupant side are use as a convenience and it
should be
understood that these terms are used relatively.
[0021] As seen in the embodiments shown schematically in Figs. 1-3, several
arrangements
may be used to both blow air to and draw air from the air diffusers. In Fig.
1, the first conduit 10
and second conduit 12 are connected to the air diffuser (not shown). The
temperature
conditioner includes a blower 14 and a thermoelectric device (TED) 16. The
blower in this
embodiment may be a dual impeller type in which both impellers move air in the
same direction.
A single impeller device may be used, as well as a device with more than two
impellers.
Desirably, the two air streams created by the impeller are separate from each
other. This may be
accomplished, for example, by a divider wall 18 that roughly aligns with where
the impellers
come together. The first conduit connects to an intalce 20 of the blower to
draw air from the air
diffuser. The blower moves this air stream across a waste side 22 of the TED
and exhausts the
air stream, such as to an area away from the occupant, or recirculates it to
elsewhere in the
system. The blower also includes at least another intake 24 for a second air
stream. The blower
moves the second air stream across an active side 26 of the TED to the second
conduit, which is
connected to the air diffuser. In this way, a (e.g. a dual impeller blower)
blower both draws air
from the air diffuser and provides temperature conditioned air to the air
diffuser.
[00221 In Fig. 2, the first conduit 10 and second conduit 12 are connected to
the air diffuser
and the temperature conditioner includes a blower 14 and a TED 16. Here, only
a single iinpeller
is needed on the blower 14 to initially produce a single air streain. One
portion of the air stream
crosses a waste side 22 of the TED and another portion crosses an active side
26 of the TED.
The first conduit comzects to an intake 20 of the blower to draw air from the
air diffuser and
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optionally through an intake vent 28 in the conduit separate from the air
diffuser. The optional
vent (or valve) may be used to dilute warm air from the diffuser with possibly
cooler ambient air,
to increase efficiency of the TED. The blower moves this air stream across one
or both of the
active 26 and waste side 22 of the TED, preferably splitting the air stream.
The waste side air
stream may be exhausted (or recirculated elsewhere in the system), while the
active side air
stream typically passes to the second conduit and the air diffuser.
[0023] In Fig. 3, as in the other embodiments, the first conduit 10 and second
conduit 12 are
connected to the air diffuser and the temperature conditioner includes a
blower. 14 and a TED 16.
Here, the blower includes dual impellers that create separate air streams
through the use of a
divider wall 18. While shown moving air in multiple directions (i.e. the
impellers are opposed),
the impellers may also move air in the same direction (as in Fig. 1). The
first conduit connects to
an intake 20 of the blower to draw air from the air diffuser and this air
stream is exhausted or
recirculated through an outlet 30. The blower includes another intake 32 for a
second air stream.
The blower moves the second air streain across both the active side 26 and the
waste side 22 of
the TED. At least a portion of the air stream from the active side passes to
the second conduit
and the air diffuser, while the waste air stream is exhausted (or recirculated
elsewhere in the
system).
[0024] The air diffuser is configured for placement within or on a seat to
provide heating,
cooling, ventilation or a combination thereof to a seat occupant. The air
diffuser may be any
structure, material or combination of materials and/or structures that permits
air flow through an
open space while also providing a measure of support for a seat occupant.
Examples are of the
type such as disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,629,724; 6,840,576; 6869140;
6,976,734; 6,893,086;
and 6,857,697 and U.S. Patent Publication 2002-0096931, hereby incorporated by
reference. In
general the diffuser will include a first surface, a second surface and a
spacer structure
therebetween. Desirably the diffuse is a bag that is sealed about some or all
of its peripheral
edges.
[0025] The air diffuser will include at least one layer, but preferably
includes multiple (e.g.
tliree) layers and each of the layers may be a monolayer or a plurality of
layers (e.g. a laminate).
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The plurality of layers need not be attached to each other but preferably are.
The layers may be
mechanically attached through sewing, brads or snap fit fasteners, although
the use of at least
some adhesive (e.g. a hot melt adhesive) is preferred. Infrared, radio
frequency, ultrasonic or
some other joining or welding techniques may be used as well.
[0026] When used, the adhesive may be provided as a web (e.g. a tape) or
otherwise and may
be continuous or non continuous (e.g., may be applied in drops (such as by a
spray), dabs or the
like). The adhesive may include polyamides, polyesters, elastomers, urethanes,
olefin polymers,
vinyls, vinyl acetate, (meth)acrylics, silicones, epoxies or a combination
thereof. Moreover, the
adhesives may be formulated as desired for particular processing parameters or
conditions.
Preferably, the adhesive is substantially free of anti-blocking solutions,
blowing additives,
process contaminants or the like which might interfere with adhesive
performance. As an
example, one suitable hot melt adhesive is commercially available as a non-
woven web under the
tradename SPUNFAB from Spunfab, Ltd. 175 Muffin Lane, Cuyahoga Falls, OH
44223.
[0027] In the alternative to, or in combination with, mechanical attachinents
and adhesives,
welding techniques may be used to attach one or more of the layers together,
either by welding
alone or with other attachment teclmiques (e.g. sewing and/or adhesive).
Exemplary welding
techniques include infrared, radio frequency and ultrasonic welding. These
techniques may be
applied in a continuous manner (e.g. to form a bead) or as spot welds.
[0028] The layers of the air diffuser may be attached to each other at least
at their edges to
form an edge-sealed bag. Alternately, the diffuser may be an open edged
laminate, e.g.
consistent with the teaching of U.S. Patent Nos. 6,869,139 and 6,857,697,
hereby incorporated by
reference. The layers of the diffuser are typically co-extensive, although
partial layers that are
not co-extensive with the other layers may also be suitable. For example it is
possible that a
plurality of blocks of spacer material may be carried on a common substrate.
[0029] In one embodiment, the open space of the diffuser is one or more
plenums. An
example of an air plenuin may be found in U.S. Patent No. 6,786,541 to Haupt,
hereby
incorporated by reference.
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[0030] In another embodiment, the open space of the diffuser is in a spacer
material, with this
second embodiment being preferred. In one embodiment, the air diffuser is
located on the
occupant side of the cushion and the diffuser should not completely collapse
under the weight of
a seat occupant, although some elastic compression is to be expected. In
another embodiment,
the air diffuser is located on the underside of the seat cushion. Here, a
diffuser that is less sturdy
may be used because it does not have to support the weight of the occupant.
[0031] The spacer material may be made of rubber, plastic, natural fibers, or
the like, and
combinations thereof. In one aspect, the spacer material may include a
reticulated foam.
[0032] The spacer material may also include a plurality of members or fibers
that are
preferably spaced apart from each other to provide open space therebetween
while still being
close enough together to provide cushion and support. One preferred spacer is
formed of
polymeric (e.g., polyester) strand material that is interwoven to provide
opposing honeycomb
structures (e.g., fabric panels), which are interconnected by several
additional polymeric strand
materials to provide open space between the structures while still providing
cushion and support.
As an exainple, one preferred material is sold under the tradename 3MESH0 and
is
commercially available from Muller Textil GmbH, Germany or Muller Textiles,
Inc., Rhode
Island, USA.
[0033] Another suitable spacer material is formed of a polymeric material in a
helix held
between two sheets of material. Preferably, the helix is oblong in order to
provide increased area
on the helix for attachment of the helix to the sheets of material, although
round helices are also
suitable. The helix may be tightly wound such that adjacent courses of the
helix touch or loosely
wound such that there is no touching of adjacent courses of the helix.
Typically, multiple helices
are placed adjacent (abutting or otherwise) to one another in order to form a
spacer. Exemplary
helical material is discussed in inteniational applications PCT/DE04/000540
and
PCT/DE04/000541, both files March 17, 2004, both of which are incorporated by
references.
The helical material may be used, alone or in coinbination with other
materials, to provide
relatively unobstructed flow paths within the air diffuser.
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[0034] Another suitable spacer material is a grooved material that may be
adapted for the
present systems. The grooved material includes a plurality of hills and
valleys, where the hills
have through holes. The grooved material may include any suitable material
such as a molded or
shaped foam or plastic. The through holes may be made before, at the same
time, or after the
hills and valleys. Air flow to or from the spacer material is directed to the
through holes, while
the valleys provide passageways generally perpendicular to the through holes
in which air may
flow. This would increase the distribution of air (temperature conditioned or
otherwise) through
the diffuser, with the foam providing the need occupant support. See for
exainple U.S. Patent
Publication 20050067862, hereby incorporated by reference.
[0035] Another suitable spacer material may include the use of metal or
plastic springs that
are laid parallel to the occupant surface of the cushion.
[0036] Combinations of the above described materials may be used to afford the
open space
of the air diffuser. In one embodiment, multiple helices of material are
placed adjacent to one
another, with polymeric strand material used in the remainder of the diffuser.
In another
embodiment, different portions of the air diffuser include different spacer
materials. For
example, the blowing portion of the diffuser may include a foam (e.g.
reticulated foam), while
the drawing portions of the diffuser include the polymeric stand material.
[0037] While the spacer material of the diffuser is typically co-extensive
with the occupant
contact areas of the cushion, this is not necessarily the case and the spacer
may cover only a
portion of the occupant contact area of the cushion or hang over the edges of
the cushion.
[0038] In addition to the air plenum or spacer material (or combinations
thereof), one or
more barrier layers may be used. The barrier layer is typically formed of a
plastic or polymeric
material that softens or melts upon exposure to heat to assist its adherence
to one or more other
layers of the diffuser. Alternatively, the barrier layer may be formed of
fabrics, woven or non-
woven textiles (e.g., Goretex or microfibers), nylon, closed pore foam or
other the like.
Preferably, the barrier layer is at least partially impermeable to air, except
at a plurality of
ventilation holes and ports. The barrier layers may be placed above and below
the spacer
material and facilitate the direction of air flow through the spacer material;
e.g. tluough the ports
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to the ventilation holes or vice versa. In one embodiment, the barrier layers
may be sealed to
each other to form an edge sealed trim bag.
[0039] Dimensionally, for a barrier layer, it is preferable for the film
thickness to be about
0.1 mm to about 2.0 mm thick and more preferably about 0.7 mm to about 1.0 mm
thick. Of
course, it is contemplated that the barrier layer may have a variable
thickness and may be outside
of the aforementioned ranges.
[0040] The ventilation holes of the barrier layer provide fluid communication
between the
diffuser (or sections of the diffuser) and the occupant and typically are
found on the occupant
side of the diffuser. The ventilation holes preferably vary in size to produce
a gradient of air flow
across the diffuser. Typically, the ventilation holes will be smaller near the
ports in the diffuser
as compared to the ventilation holes further from the ports; however, this is
not necessarily the
case. By creating a gradient of hole size, air flow througll the diffuser at
various locations may
be selectively controlled; this also pennits a generally even air flow across
the diffuser no matter.
the distance from the port. In another preferred layout, the ventilation holes
roughly correspond
to the area of the seat where an occupant would make contact with the seat.
For a diffuser found
on the underside of the cushion, each ventilation hole in the diffuser has a
one or more through
channels located in the seat cushion to provide air flow to and from the
occupant.
[0041] In another einbodiment, the diffuser does not include ventilation
holes, but rather the
occupant side of the diffuser is open to the material above it, whether that
is cushion, additional
spacer materials (e.g. polymeric strand materials or reticulated foam), trim
covers or the like.
Thus, a barrier layer is omitted in favor of the spacer material, the trim
cover or otherwise. For
the underside embodiment, the diffuser may need to be sealed to the seat
cusliion to achieve
adequate air flow between the diffuser and the occupant.
[0042] The air diffuser includes a plurality of ports that provide fluid
communication
between the temperature control system and the diffuser and typically are
found along the sides
of, on the underside of the diffuser or both. The first and second conduits
attach to the diffuser
via the ports and provide the fluid communication between the temperature
conditioner and the
diffuser.
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[0043] The air diffuser may be divided into a plurality of sections. Each
section may form an
open space that is separated from the open spaces of the other sections. In
one embodiment, each
section may be physically separate from the other section such that each
section is a diffuser of a
smaller size than the overall diffuser. For example, two or three sealed edge
diffusers may be
used on the occupant surface of a cushion. Thus, effectively a single common
substrate caiTies a
plurality of edge sealed diffusers. Each of the trims bags includes
ventilation holes and at least
one port. In another embodiment, the open space of an air diffuser is divided
to form sections.
The division of the diffuser may include placing or forming air impermeable
barriers between the
sections. For example, as seen in Fig. 4, the diffuser 50 is divided into
three sections 52, 54, and
56. Each section comprises a spacer material (not shown) with the sections
separated from one
another by barriers 58 and. In this embodiment, these barriers are formed by
sealing together the
barrier layers on top and bottom of the spacer material.
[0044] An optional layer for the diffuser includes a heater. Various different
types of heaters
are suitable for incorporation into a vehicle seat and it is contemplated that
any of such heaters
may be incorporated into the diffusers. Such heaters typically incorporate
flexible, electrical
heating elements that are preferably thin, flat, non-obtrusive or a
combination thereof. As
examples, a lay-wire heater, a carbon fiber heater, a printed heater (e.g. a
positive thermal
coefficient (PTC) heater), a thermoelectric heater or the like, which are
typically supported with a
backing (e.g., a cloth, a film or a fabric type substrate) may be used within
or on the diffuser. In
a preferred embodiinent, the heater is a carbon fiber type heater with a
backing (e.g., a non-
woven layer). One exeniplary preferred heater is sold under the tradename
CARBOTEX and
commercially available from W.E.T. Automotive Systems, Inc. in Germany. An
example of such
a heater is disclosed in U.S. Patent 6,064,037, issued May 16, 2000, herein
expressly
incorporated by reference for all purposes. Other exemplary heaters include
wires with
individual insulated strands and those that include a heat activable adhesive
on the wire, such as
U.S. Patent Publication 2004-0094534 and related applications, hereby
incorporated by
reference. A combination heater/cooler in the fonn of a flexible sheet of TEDs
niay be a suitable
optional layer. Flexible sheet TEDs include those discussed in U.S. Patent No.
6,700,052, which
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is incorporated by reference. In another embodiment, the heater is not
incorporated into the
diffuser but is otherwise located between the diffuser and the trim cover. In
one embodiment, the
heater comprises an air impermeable substrate that includes ventilation holes.
In this way, the
heater replaces the use of a barrier layer.
[0045] The diffuser may be a separate unit that is assembled in a space
between the cushion
and the trim cover, integrally formed in the cushion, integrally formed in the
trim cover, or any
combination thereof. Preferably, the diffuser is attached to the cushion
through the use of double
sided tape, hook and loop fastener, adhesive, mechaiiical fasteners, welding,
or any combination
thereof.
[0046] The cushion includes a shaped foam bun that provides the primary
support for the
occupant of the vehicle seat as well as for the diffuser. The cushion may
include valleys, open
top channels, grooves, passageways, sub-passageways, conduits or the like, cut
or formed in the
foam. These channels, etc. may be used to accommodate other components of the
system
including the air diffuser, the first and second conduits, the temperature
conditioner or the like.
For example, the first and/or second conduits may be laid in the channels of
the cushion.
Moreover, these channels, etc. may operate as the first and/or second conduits
or portions
thereof. For exainple, a first conduit may connect to the underside of the
cushion and a channel
through the cushion connects to the air diffuser on the occupant side of the
cushion, where
together the through chamiel and conduit form portions of the first conduit to
fluidly connect the
air diffuser to the temperature conditioner.
[0047] In one embodiment, the foam of the cushion is treated over some or all
of its surface
to reduce the permeability of the foain to air or to create an air impermeable
barrier, or otherwise
help minimize air loss through the foam. In another embodiment, an air
impermeable lining or
conduit may be placed with a chaiulel of the foam to achieve the needed flow
characteristics of
the foam and/or system.
[0048] The vehicle seat also preferably includes one or more trim covers that
may be part of
the diffuser or separate therefrom, but generally separate the diffuser from
the seat occupant. The
trim cover may be any suitable material, including but not limited to, at
least one of a synthetic
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material, a natural material (e.g., wool, leather or otherwise), or
combination thereof. In one
embodiment, the trim cover includes perforations over at least a portion of
the seating surface
through which air may pass. For example, perforated leather may be used to
separate the seat
occupant fiom the diffuser. The trim cover may also include an additional
spacer material (e.g.
reticulated foam). The additional spacer and the trim cover may have an area
that is co-extensive
with the diffuser or they may have areas that are greater or lesser than that
of the diffuser.
[0049] In additional to the diffuser, the present invention also comprises a
temperature
conditioner. The temperature conditioner may include any temperature
conditioning device that
heats or cools air. The temperature conditioning device may be a combination
of devices where
one component provides heating and another component provides cooling.
Preferably, one
device or system provides both heating and cooling, such as an external device
like the HVAC
system of the vehicle. Alternately, an internal temperature conditioning
device may be used,
meaning that the device is separate from the HVAC system for vehicle where the
seat is located.
In addition to providing temperature conditioning the fluid conditioning
device may also
dehumidify air.
[0050] Preferably, the temperature conditioning device is a self contained
and/or solid state
device that both cools and heats air. The most preferred device is a peltier
or thermoelectric
device (TED). TEDs are devices that provide solid state heating and cooling by
passing
electricity through the device. TEDs include a waste side and an active side,
which are relative
designations depending upon whether wann or cool temperature conditioned air
is desired. The
TED may be combined with any useful heat dissipation device; e.g. heat sinks,
heat exchangers,
fans, heat pipes or the like.
[0051] In addition to TEDs, an absorption refrigeration system may also be
used as the
teinperature conditioning device. Suitable absorption refrigeration system may
be found in U.S.
Patent application No. 11/232, 172, filed on Septeinber 21, 2005, hereby
incorporated by
reference. Such systems have the benefit of reducing the overall energy
consuinption of the
ventilation system.
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[0052] The temperature conditioner further comprises a blower to provide
motive force to
move air (whether conditioned, ambient, pushed, pulled and combinations
thereof) through the
air diffuser, as schematically shown in Figs. 1-3. The blower comprises one or
more set of
vanes, where the vanes may be fan blades or impellers, although impellers are
preferred. In one
embodiment, shown in Fig. 2 needs only a single impeller, while the
embodiments shown in figs.
1 and 3 utilize two impellers. The vanes of each impeller in Fig. 1 are
congruent to each other,
such that they move air in the same direction. The vanes of each impeller in
Fig. 3 are opposed to
each, such that they move air in opposite directions. The dual iinpeller may
be replaced with
separate single impeller blowers. In one such einbodiment, a single motor
drives both of the
impellers (shown in Fig. 5), while in other embodiments, each impeller uses
its own motor. Of
course, a single motor could also be used with multiple dual impeller blowers.
In the
embodiments the use them, dual impellers are preferred over separate single
impellers because a
packaging size with a smaller volume may be achieved. Separate single
impellers with a single
motor are preferred over separate single impellers with individual motors
because fewer
components are required and a smaller packaging size may be achieved.
[0053] The components of the temperature conditioner may be integrally formed
into a single
housing or may be contained in separate housings. In any case, the temperature
conditioning
device is downstream from the blower meaning that the blower moves air to
temperature
conditioning device typically through a connecting conduit, although the
outlet of the blower may
be substantially adjacent to the inlet of the teinperature conditioning
device. A connecting
conduit is used to fluidly connect the blower to the temperature conditioning
device. In one
einbodiment, the connecting conduit is a flexible conduit such that the two
components may
move in space independently of each other. In another embodiment a relatively
rigid conduit
and/or housing is used. For this embodiment, a pivot point may be incorporated
into the
connecting conduit, such as seen in Fig. 6 and discussed below. The pivot
point permits the
teinperature conditioning device and the blower to move somewhat independently
of each other.
The ability to independently move eases the installation of the temperature
conditioner, while
also reducing noise during operation as fewer vibrations are transmitted
between the components.
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[0054] The conduits of the present invention provide fluid communication
between the
temperature conditioner and the diffuser. The conduits may take the form of
any components
with a hollow interior that has a sufficient cross section to move enough air
to provide thermal
comfort to the occupant.
[0055] In one embodiment, the conduits are hoses, tubes or bellows that
connect to the ports
on the diffuser. The conduits are typically flexible but sturdy enough to
resist kinking during
installation and operation. In another embodiment, channels etc. of the seat
cushion may be used
as portions of the conduit. In this embodiment with foam cushions, the foam
may be treated to
render it substantially impenneable to air.
[0056] The conduits may be threaded through or held within holes in other
components of
the vehicle seat such as the seat pan or cushion. Alternately, or in
combination, the conduits may
lay in channels or grooves of the seat cushion. In one embodiment, one conduit
is at least
partially threaded through a portion of the other conduit. Also, the conduits
may extend into the
open space of the diffuser so as to provide air flow to or from a location in
the diffuser that is
remote from where the conduit enters or exits the diffuser.
[0057] In one embodiment, the assemblies of the present invention coinprise at
least two
conduits. The first conduit fluidly connects the air diffuser to an intake of
the temperature
conditioner, more preferably to an intake of the blower. The blower draws air
through the first
conduit and from the air diffuser. The second conduit fluidly connects the air
diffuser to an
exhaust of the teinperature conditioner, more preferably to an exhaust of the
temperature
conditioning device (e.g. TED). The blower blows temperature conditioned air
through the
second conduit aizd to the air diffuser.
[0058] Several embodiments exist for making the coiulection between the
various
components of the present invention. Of particular concern is the ease of
assembly of the
components together and ease of installation into a vehicle. The installation
needs to have a
short cycle time, wllile also providing the installer with confidence that the
installation (the
particular step of the installation) is complete. Installation may be manually
by a laborer, by a
robotic device or both.
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[0059] In one embodiment, shown in Figs. 7 and 8, a plug 70 is used to connect
the diffuser
72 to the cushion 74. The plug is similar to a corlc that is permanently or
temporarily inserted
into a socket. The plug, in turn, may also connect to additional conduits, the
temperature
conditioning assemblies, or the seat pan 76 of the seat. The diffuser 72
includes a nozzle 78 on
its underside. The nozzle includes through holes 80 (e.g. 2 or more) that act
as portions of the
first and second conduits. In a diffuser that includes sections, each through
hole preferably
provides access to a separate section. A plug 72 is insertable in a
complementarily shaped socket
82 in the underside 84 of the cushion 74. The nozzle 78 of the diffuser is
then received in the
plug 72 to attach the diffuser and plug together about the cushion. A snap
fit, interference fit,
friction fit, interlock mechanical fastener or any combination thereof is
preferred to maintain the
connection of the plug and nozzle. Adhesive may also be used on the nozzle or
plug, but this is
not preferred. Further, adhesive, double sided tape, hook and loop fastener
may be used on the
diffuser and/or cushion to keep the diffuser from moving after installation.
The plug also
comprises a connector 85 to attach additional lengths of conduit or the
temperature conditioner to
the plug, and thus to the rest of the systein. The connector shown on the
underside of the plug
may be accepted through a hole or connector 87 in the seat pan 76 such that
the seat pan
separates the plug from the additional conduits or the temperature
conditioner.
[0060] In another embodiment, the underside of the cushion contains the plug
that is received
in a socket attached to one or more of the conduits, as shown on the underside
of cushion in Fig.
9.
[0061] The plug may be made of any suitable material. In one approach, the
plug is one that
approximates the rigidity of the surrounding cushion, so as not to be
uncomfortable to the
occupant. Exemplary materials include cork, plastic foam and the like.
Preferably, the plug is
sized and shaped to fit snuggly into the hole of the cushion such that
additional adhesive is not
required. For example, the plug may be conical such that the perimeter of the
occupant side is
smaller than the underside. The plug may include flat surfaces, although a
round or oval shape is
preferred. Alternately, snap fit fasteners may be used to secure the plug to
the cushion and/or the
seat pan.
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[0062] Although typically only a single plug will be used per seat, multiple
plugs are
contemplated, especially for systems the include two through holes in the seat
pan. More over,
plugs may be used with any type of diffuser or insert used in a ventilated
seat.
[0063] In another embodiment, as shown in Fig. 10, for connecting the cushion
to the seat
pan, a connector 90 is attached to a membrane 92 that is slidable held within
a slot 94 of the
cushion 96 that has portions of conduits through the cushion. The slot
traverses from the
underside to the occupant side of the cushion. In one embodiment, the conduit
is not completely
formed by the material of the cushion; rather the membrane may be used as a
portion of the wall
to separate one conduit from another. Use of the membrane in the slot or as
part of conduit wall
is advantageous because the membrane increases the air impenneability of the
cushion, thus
decreases the amount of cross flow between the conduits. During installation,
a snap fit fastener
attaches the connector to the seat pan. Next, the installer pulls on the
membrane or pushes on the
cushion to force the seat to contact the connector at its underside. Attaching
the membrane to the
top surface of the cushion will help insure a tight connection between the
cushion and the
comzector. The air diffuser may then be placed on the occupant surface of the
cushion and the
temperature condition system attached under the seat pan.
[0064] In another embodiment, a shown in Fig. 11, a tether is used to install
a conduit into
another conduit of the seat. By pulling on the tether, the installer can cinch
down the diffuser
onto the cushion and/or seat pan, while also creating the necessary
connections amount the
conduits and the temperature conditioner. A diffuser 100 with three sections
102, 104, 106 is
placed on top of a cushion 108 having a through hole 110 and a groove 112. In
this embodiment,
the through hole 110 acts as a conduit to draw air from the diffuser. In the
groove lies a branched
conduit 114 to blow air to the diffuser. The designation of the conduits is
relative in that air
could be blown to the diffuser by way of through hole and drawn through the
conduit in the
groove. In one einbodiment, the temperature conditioner may be located under
the cushion and
seat pan and may include a manifold 116 (or other chainber) that houses both
conduits so that
only a single passageway in the cushion and seat pan is needed. The manifold
includes a top
conduit 118 and a bottom conduit 120 separated by a wall 122. This is also
shown in Fig. 12.
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[0065] By way of example, the tether may be an extended flexible length of
material that
permits the installer to pull on the branched conduit from the underside of
the cushion and seat
pan. The tether 124 is threaded through a first aperture 126 in the wall 122
between the conduits
of the manifold and througll a second aperture 128 in an outside wall 120 of
the bottom conduit.
The branched conduit creates a relatively air tight seal with the wall around
the first aperture to
separate the top and bottom conduits from each other. The branched conduit
also creates a
relatively air tight seal with the wall around the second aperture for
avoiding leakage from the
bottom conduit. The branched conduit includes one or more openings 130 in the
flow path of the
bottom conduit. In this way, the branched conduit provides fluid communication
between the
bottom conduit and the air diffuser.
[0066] In one specific embodiment, the tether may optionally include a stop
(e.g. a section of
increased thickness or a section of increased frictional resistance) to
prevent the installer from
over pulling on the branched conduit. The stop may also prevent the branched
conduit from
backing out of the apertures, thus insuring that the openings remain in the
bottom conduit. The
tether also comprises an indicator that alerts the installer that the tether
and/or branched conduit
are properly installed. In one embodiment, the stop and the indicator on the
tether are one and
the same; alternatively, separate structures are used for the stop and the
indicator.
[0067] As seen in Fig. 12-17, the stop may include a wedge 132 that lodges in
the second
aperture in combination with a locking device, where the locking device
prevents the conduit
from backing out of the apertures. The locking device may take on any suitable
shape such as a
wedge 134 beneath the wall of the bottom conduit (seen in Figs. 12 and 13),
fingers 136 beneath
the wall of the bottom conduit (seen in Fig. 14), or snap fit features 138
connecting to the wall
between the top and bottom conduits (seen in Fig. 15). The indicator may be a
color change 140
or a shoulder 142 that is visual from the underside of the manifold, as seen
in Figs. 16 and 15
respectively, or the locking device itself, as seen in Figs. 11-13. After
installation, the tether
beneath the locking device or indicator may be cut, broken off or otherwise
detachable. In one
einbodiment, the tether is designed to detach after a cer-tain load is applied
to the tether; such as
the tether breaking or a magnetic detaching for a metal piece. Alternately,
the tether may be
16
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released from a loop at the end of the installed conduit (as seen in Fig. 17).
Subsequent
disassembly (if necessary) is easily carried out by cutting off the locking
device (as seen, e.g. in
Fig. 14).
[0068] Althougli discussed in the context of a branched conduit, the tether
may also be used
with an un-branched conduit.
[0069] One embodiment of the present invention is shown in Fig. 4. The vehicle
seat 150
comprises an air diffuser 50 divided into three sections 52, 54, and 56. Each
of the section of the
diffuser includes a plurality of ventilation holes 152. The diffuser is
supported by a cushion 154
made of a shaped foam. The cushion is supported by a seat pan 156, with the
temperature
conditioner 158 located under the seat pan. The temperature conditioner
comprises a blower (not
shown) and a TED (not shown).
[0070] A first conduit 160 attaches to the underside of the middle section 54
of the diffuser.
In this embodiment, the first conduit is generally oval in shape and held
within the cushion foam.
An inlet 162 to the blower draws air from the diffuser, as shown by the
arrows. The second
conduit 164 attaches to an exhaust of the TED and to the underside of the
diffuser. The second
conduit branches to provide connection points 168 to the two remaining
sections 52 and 56 of the
diffuser. A portion 170 of the second conduit is accommodated within the first
conduit 160 and
a portion 172 is accommodated within grooves 174 in the cushion.
[0071] In this embodiment, only a single through hole in the cushion is needed
as both
conduits traverse the cushion in the same locale, meaning that a tether
connection would be well
suited for use in combination with this embodiment. Furthermore, the use of
the plug to connect
the conduits to temperature conditioner may also be utilized. Moreover, this
embodiment is
general in that this layout of components may be used with any of the three
schemes illustrated in
Figs. 1-3.
[0072] As seen in this embodiment, the portion 170 of the second conduit held
within the
first conduit has a portion with an arcuate shape (e.g. an S-shape or a C-
shape) which decreases
the chances of the second conduit collapsing under the weigllt of the occupant
because it may
flex under weight. In addition, the location of the inlet 162 and the location
where the second
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conduit attaches to the temperature conditioner may be switched such that the
inlet is behind the
conduit connection point. Further bellows or a corrugated portion may be
included over some or
all of the length of the conduits.
[0073] Several gaskets 176 may be utilized to help create relatively air
impermeable
connections between the conduits and the diffuser, between the conduits and
the temperature
conditioner, or the like. Moreover, flanges may be used on the conduits and
connectors to help
create relatively air tight connections between the diffuser and the plug, the
diffuser and the
conduits, the seat cushion and the underside conduits and the like.
[0074] Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in Fig. 6. The
vehicle seat
comprises an air diffuser mounted on the occupant side of a cushion. Both the
diffuser and the
cushion are not shown in the drawing in order to provide a clearer view of the
temperature
conditioner 180. A blower, and more specifically, a dual impeller blower 182
is mounted under
or within the cushion and optionally to a seat pan, seat frame 184, lumbar
guide wire, or the like.
One impeller of the blower draws air from the diffuser through a bellows 186
that serves as the
first conduit and exhausts the air stream through an outlet 188. The other
impeller of the blower
draws air through an air intake 190 on its underside. This air stream goes to
the TED 191, where
it is split. One portion of the air stream crosses the active side of the TED
and is directed through
a bellows 192, which acts as the second conduit. The other portion of the air
streain cross the
waste side of the TED and is exhausted through an outlet 194. The TED
component of the
temperature conditioner may be supported by a support wire 196. This
embodiment is well
suited for use in the backrest of the vehicle seat where the second conduit is
located relatively
higher up on the backrest than the first conduit because the support wire can
assist in stabilizing
the temperature conditioner without the need for a seat pan.
[0075] This embodiment also utilizes a TED 191 that is pivotally connected to
the blower
182 at a pivot point 198. The pivot point flexes and provides for independent
moveinent
between the two components of the teniperature conditioner so that fluid
communication can be
maintained between the coinponetlts. The pivot point may be a ball-and-socket
joint that offers a
full range of motion. In addition, the pivot point may provide a location
where the components
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may be comiected during installation of the system, thus reducing the
complexity of the
installation.
[0076] In addition to the components discussed above, the present invention
may be used in
combination with a variety of other components such as sensors and control
units. A variety of
sensors may be included in the system such as temperature sensors, humidity
sensors, current
sensors, occupant detection sensors, weight sensors or the like. Sensors may
be placed
throughout the system. For example, temperature sensors may be place within
the diffitser,
between the diffuse and the trim cover, within the conduits, within the
temperature conditioner,
and combinations thereof.
[0077] One or more control units may be used to receive inputs from the
sensors or a user
control device, to issue instructions to the temperature conditioner, and/or
to otherwise
coordinate the operation of the system.
[0078] The control unit may effect automatic operation of the system based on
sensor inputs.
For example, the system may automatically turn on (e.g. heat, cool or both)
when an occupant
sits in the seat. Automatic operation may also take place when the vehicle is
started and the
ambient temperature inside or outside the vehicle is at a certain threshold;
e.g. heating turns on
when a cold temperature is sensed.
[0079] Manual operation of the system is also conteinplated where the occupant
selected the
desired temperature and amount of air provided to the diffuser or drawn from
the diffuser.
Moreover, a blend of manual and automatic control is also contemplated. For
example, the
occupant selects a temperature and the control unit issues the instruction to
reach the selected
temperature and also subsequent instructions needed to maintain the selected
temperature, such
as through cycling the operation of the temperature conditioner, the blower,
the heater layer, and
combinations thereof.
[0080] 1n one embodiment, a system includes a temperature sensor below the
trim cover and
in signaling communication with the control unit. Advantageously, the control
unit is
programmed to instnict the system to provide less heat and even cooling in
situations where the
sensor senses a temperature above one or more predetermined threshold levels.
In operation, the
19
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control unit may be programmed to instruct the system to provide less cooling
or even heating
when the sensor senses a temperature below one or more predetermined threshold
levels. In a
preferred operation mode, when the blower is drawing air from the diffuser or
blowing cool air to
the diffuser, the control unit is programmed to instruct a heater layer to
turn on and provide heat
while the blower remains on if a first undesirably low predetermined
temperature is sensed by the
sensor. Then, if a second predetermined temperature is sensed below the first
predetermined
temperature, the control unit instructs the blower to turn off while the
heater layer continues to
provide heat. For each of these situations, the heater layer will typically be
instructed by the
control unit to continue to provide heat until the temperature sensed by the
sensor is at or above
the first predetermined temperature and may provide heat until a third
predetermined temperature
above the first predetennined temperature is sensed.
[0081] In another preferred operation mode, when the heater layer is providing
heat, the
control unit is programmed to instruct the blower to turn on and draw or blow
air (temperature
conditioned air or otherwise) while the heater layer remains on if a first
undesirably high
predetermined temperature is sensed by the sensor. Then, if a second
predetermined temperature
is sensed above the first predetermined temperature, the control unit is
programmed to instruct
the heater layer to turn off while the blower continues to draw or blow air.
For each of these
situations, the blower will typically be instructed by the control unit to
continue to draw or blow
air until the temperature sensed by the sensor is at or below the first
predetermined temperature
and may blow air until a third predetermined temperature below the first
predetermined
temperature is sensed.
[0082] In an embodiment where both the seat and backrest of the seat are
temperature
controlled or ventilated, the control unit is preferably programmed to control
operation of the two
systems independently of each other such that one could be providing heat
while the other could
be providing ventilation or cooling. Of course synchronous operation of the
two systems is also
useful as is independent operation where both heating and cooling happening at
the same time in
the same portion of the seat. For example, the heater layer may operate wliile
the TED is
providing cooled air to the diffuser.
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[0083] Moreover, one or more valves may be used to redirect air flow through
the system to
malce use of unused energy (i.e. the air is hotter than ambient) or energy
capacity (i.e. the air is
colder than ambient) in the fluid. For example, the valves may be used to vent
air to ambient to
dispose of un-needed energy stored in the air. The valves may also be used to
redirect fluid to
components of the system (e.g. the temperature conditioning device) to either
warm or cool such
components. In addition, a valve may be used to optionally recirculate air
within system to create
a closed or partially closed system. The use of a valve in the conduit from
the diffuser may
improve the TED efficiency by diluting the drawn warm air from a diffuser with
colder ambient
air. Moreover, such a valve would provide continuous exhausting of the waste
side of the TED if
the airflow from the diffuser is obstructed. Operation of the valves may be
controlled by the
control unit to accomplish the desired air flow patterns discussed above.
[0084] Moreover, the system may include one or more vents that direct the
exhaust air
streams from the temperature conditioner. These vents may be controlled by the
control unit, or
manual operable so that the occupant can select where the air stream is
directed.
[0085] The attachment component is a frame member that preferably defines a
location for
the attachment of the fan, fluid conditioning device, a conduit or other
coinponent to the diffuser.
It is contemplated that the frame member may be in a variety of configurations
(e.g., annular,
rectangular, square, polygonal or otherwise) and may be formed of a variety of
preferably rigid or
semi-rigid materials (e.g. metal, plastic or the like). In some aspects, the
attachment component
also helps define a port. In one preferred embodiment, the attachment
component cooperates
with structures and/or materials (e.g. snap fit fasteners) on the fan, the
fluid conditioning device
or other components to connect the device or component to the attachment
component.
[0086] In combination with the above disclosed ernbodiments, the temperature
conditioner,
conduits, or various other components and subcomponents, may be permanently or
removably
mounted or affixed to the seat fraine, seat pan or to a back rest portion
(e.g. a lumbar assembly)
of the seat for moveinent in tandem with the seat or one of its components.
The temperature
conditioner may be associated with an underlyirig seat structure, such as a
seat track along which
the seat may be translated from a first position to a second position.
Alteniately, the temperature
21
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conditioner may be mounted or affixed to other components, assemblies, and
fixtures of the seat,
such as the seat cushion, diffuser, seat cover or the like. The temperature
conditioner may also
be remotely located relative to the seat. Any suitable fastening or mounting
mechanisms or
devices (e.g. adhesive, snap-fit mechanical fasteners, etc.) may be used to
attach the components
of the temperature conditioner together or temperature conditioner to the
surrounding structures.
[0087] The present invention also relates to the methods of providing heating,
cooling,
ventilation or combination thereof. The method includes drawing air from the
air diffuser and
blowing temperature conditioned air to the air diffuser. In one embodiment,
the steps include
operating a dual impeller blower where the vanes of the impellers are
congruent. The drawing
step further includes passing the air drawn by one impeller to the temperature
conditioning
device, thus potentially dissipating excess energy or heat; such as passing
the air across the waste
side of the TED and exhausting the drawn air. The blowing step further
includes temperature
conditioning ambient air passed to the device by the other impeller of the
blower; such as by
passing ambient air across the active side of the TED and blowing the
temperature conditioned
air to the air diffuser. In this embodiment, the drawing step may include
drawing ainbient air
tlirough a valve in a conduit from the diffuser to the blower.
[0088] In another embodiment, the drawing and blowing steps include operating
a single
impeller blower. The drawing step includes passing the air drawn from the
diffuser to the
temperature conditioning device. At the temperature conditioning device, the
method includes
both dissipating excess heat of the temperature conditioning device and
temperature conditioning
the air. In one example, the dissipating step includes passing the air across
the waste side of the
TED and the temperature conditioning step includes passing the air across the
active side of the
TED. Further, the metllod includes exhausting the dissipating air and blowing
the temperature
conditioned air to the diffuser, respectively. In this embodiment, the drawing
step may include
drawing ambient air through a valve in a conduit from the diffuser to the
blower.
[0089] In another einbodiment, the drawing and blowing steps include operating
a dual
impeller blower where the vanes of the impeller are opposed. The drawing step
includes
exhausting the drawn air without passing the air to the temperature
conditioning device. The
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blowing step includes passing ambient air to the temperature conditioning
device and both
dissipating excess energy of the temperature conditioning device and
temperature conditioning
the passed air. Further, the method includes exhausting the dissipating air
and blowing the
temperature conditioned air to the diffuser, respectively.
[0090] In the method, the drawing and blowing steps may include passing air to
the same or
different sections of the diffuser.
[0091] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides cooling from
above about
80 C. Also, the present invention provides cooling to below about 37 C, and
more preferably to
below about 27 C, and most preferably below about 25 C. These temperatures may
refer to air
temperature within the diffuser, anywhere within the system or the temperature
at or near the seat
surface. In one preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an
initial burst of cooling
to provide an iminediate sensation to the occupant of cooling. The initial
burst preferably is at a
rate of greater than about 5 C/min, greater than about 10 C/min, greater than
about 15 C/min
and greater than about 20 C/min, greater than about 25 C/min and greater than
about 35 C/min
before stabilizing at a minimum temperature.
[0092] lii another embodiment, the method includes mixing with ambient air the
air that is
being drawn from the diffuser. By mixing drawn air with ambient air, the
temperature of the air
may be reduced. The mixed air stream then would have a higher heat capacity
compared to the
air just drawn from the diffuser. The mixed air can then be used across the
waste side of the
TED to dissipate any heat generated there. The mixing of ambient air with
drawn air is
particularly useful for the schemes shown in Figs. 1 and 2 where drawn air is
provided to the
waste side of the TED.
[0093] The present invention also includes methods of manufacturing vehicle
seats. One
method includes connecting an air diffuser to a temperature conditioning
device by inserting a
nozzle on the underside of the diffuser into the occupant side of a plug
lodged in a through hole
of a cushion. And further including coiulecting a coiuiector on the underside
of the plug to one
or more conduits leading to a temperature conditioning device. In this way, a
plurality of
conduits may be comlected to the diffuser tl-uough one hole in the cushion
and/or seat pan.
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[0094] Another method includes attaching a conduit to the underside of the
diffuser. Next,
the method includes placing the conduit, which includes a tether in a
passageway in a cushion
and a hole of the seat pan (if present). Threading the tether and conduit into
a manifold of the
temperature conditioning device fluidly connects the temperature conditioning
device to the
diffuser. Preferably, the method includes pulling on the tether until a visual
or other indicator
signals that the conduit is properly placed. The method also preferably
includes locking the
conduit into place to prevent the conduit from backing out of the manifold
through the use of a
locking device on the conduit or on the tether. The method may further include
sealing the
conduit to one or more walls of the manifold to reduce air leakage from one
conduit to the other
and/or to reduce leakage from the manifold to the ambient. In this way, a
plurality of conduits
may be connected to the diffuser through one hole in the cushion and/or seat
pan.
[0095] Another method includes pulling on a membrane attached to a connector
or plug,
where the membrane is slidably held within a slot in the cushion. The pulling
forces the
connector or plug against the underside of the cushion thus seating the
connector or plug.
Before, during or after the pulling, a conduit from the temperature
conditioning device may be
attached to the connector or plug.
[0096] Another method includes attaching a blowing conduit and a drawing
conduit to the
underside the diffuser through the use of bellows that are separate from one
another.
[0097] Each of the manufacturing methods may further include attaching the
conduits to the
diffuser, diffuser to the trim cover, diffuser to the cushion, the cushion to
the seat pan, the
conduits to the temperature conditioning device and/or the temperature
conditioning device to the
cushion, seat pan, the seat frame or the like. Suitable techniques include
sewing, adhesives,
double sided tapes, hook and loop fasteners, snap fit fasteners, locating pins
or the like, and
combinations thereof. For example, the diffuser may be secured (e.g., sewn,
adhered or otherwise
attached) to a portion of the seat such as the trim cover (e.g., a perforated
leather cover) or to a
cushion (e.g., foam) of the seat. In one einbodiment, the diffuser is first
secured to the trim cover
and then the trim/diffiiser combination is secured to the seat. In anotller
embodiment, trim cover
may be configured to include a pocket into which the diffuser is inserted.
Alteniatively, it is
24
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contemplated that hook and loop fasteners may be utilized to attach the
diffuser to other portions
(e.g., the cover, frame, or cushion) of the seat. Other techniques may be used
to assemble the
diffuser to the seat such as sewing, adhesives, snap-fit fasteners or locating
pins.
[0098] Generally, for forming the diffuser, it is contemplated that the
various layers of the
diffuser as described above may be combined in a variety of sequences and
according to a variety
of protocols and techniques. Thus, the order in which the various layers and
sub-layers are
combined and the techniques of combining should not in any way limit the
present invention
unless such order or techniques is specifically claimed. Moreover, it is also
contemplated that
there may be greater or fewer layers and that each layer may include greater
or fewer sub-layers.
[0099] In general, a lamination process is preferred to .assemble two or more
of the layers of
the diffuser. U.S. patent application no. 10/434,890, filed on May 9, 2003 now
U.S. Patent No.
6,893,086, hereby incorporated by reference, includes a discussion of one
suitable technique for
assembling the layers of diffusers according to the present invention.
Moreover, techniques that
include welding are particularly preferred.
[00100] Preferably, the system s of the present invention may be included in a
seat used in a
transportation vehicle (e.g. an automotive vehicle seat); however, the system
may be used in a
variety of other seats such as desk chairs, lounge chairs, or the like. Other
suitable transportation
vehicles include class 1 to 8 automotive vehicles, trains, marine vehicles
(e.g. pleasure boats),
submarine vehicles, subterranean vehicles, fixed wing and rotary wing
aircraft, andlor military
vehicles of any sort. The system may be used in seats for operators (e.g.
pilots), other crew
members, or for passengers.
[00101] The embodiments of the diffusers and systems discussed below utilize
air as the
temperature conditioned fluid communicated tlirough the diffuser and/or
system. It should be
understood, however, that other gases and/or liquids may also be utilized in
these embodiments.
Further, filtering and/or purifying devices may also be used to provide air or
fluid to the system
or system components.
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[00102] While most of the embodiments discussed herein illustrate the use of
the TED to
provide cooled air to the diffuser, it should be understood that using the TED
or other
temperature conditioner to provide warmed air to the diffuser or seat.
[00103] It will be further appreciated that functions or structures of a
plurality of components
or steps may be combined into a single component or step, or the functions or
structures of one-
step or component may be split among plural steps or components. Unless stated
otherwise,
dimensions and geometries of the various embodiments depicted herein are not
intended to be
restrictive of the invention, and other dimensions or geometries are possible.
In addition, while a
feature of the present invention may have been described in the context of
only one of the
illustrated embodiments, such feature inay be combined with one or more other
features of other
embodiments, for any given application. It will also be appreciated from the
above that the
fabrication of the unique structures herein and the operation thereof also
constitute methods in
accordance with the present invention. The present invention also encompasses
intermediate and
end products resulting from the practice of the methods herein. The use of
"comprising" or
"including" also contemplates embodiments that "consist essentially of ' or
"consist of" the
recited feature.
[00104] Reference herein to "first" and "second" are not intended as limiting
to combinations
that consist of only first and second items. Where so-referenced, it is
possible that the subject
matter of the present invention may suitably incorporate third, fourth or more
items. Further,
reference to "(meth)acrylate" refers to either or both of acrylate and
methacrylate. Moreover, the
disclosure of "a" or "one" element or step is not intended to foreclose
additional elements or
steps. Use of the term "about" or "approximately" in advance of a range
denotes that both the
upper and lower end and not intended as being bound by the amount recited in
the range (e.g.,
"about 1 to 3" is intended to include "about 1 to about 3"). Unless otherwise
stated, or as dictated
otherwwise by the context of usage, references to "mixtures" or "combinations"
of polymers
contemplates alloys, blends or even co-polyiners of such polymers.
"Comprising", "having",
and "including" and their word fonns also conteinplate the more restrictive
tenns "consisting of'
and "consisting essentially of'.
26
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[00105] It is understood that the above description is intended to be
illustrative and not
restrictive. Many embodiments as well as many applications besides the
examples provided will
be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the above description.
The scope of the
invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above
description, but should
instead be deterrnined with reference to the appended claims, along with the
full scope of
equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles
and references,
including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference
for all purposes.
The omission in the following claims of any aspect of subject matter that is
disclosed herein is
not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it be regarded that the
inventors did not
consider such subject matter to be part of the disclosed inventive subject
matter.
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