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US 10,589,647 B2Granted
Systems and methods for climate controlled seats
AssigneeGentherm Incorporated
InventorsScott Richard Wolas, Michael Maass
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method for thermally conditioning a space adjacent a seat assembly includes activating a heating element positioned within the seat assembly beneath a seat covering. A fluid module that includes a fluid supply device and a thermoelectric element is activated to direct heated air from the fluid module to a space adjacent the seat assembly through a distribution system formed at least partially in the seat cushion. After a period of time, the heating element is deactivated.
Claims25
A method for thermally conditioning a space adjacent a seat assembly that includes a support structure that defines a support surface, the method comprising:
- during a first conditioning mode or period, activating a conductive heating element positioned within, along, or below the support surface until a first target temperature is reached, thereby conductively heating the support surface;
- during a second conditioning mode or period, activating a fluid module that includes a fluid supply device and a convective temperature conditioning device until a second target temperature is reached, wherein in the second conditioning mode or period, the fluid supply device provides air to the convective temperature conditioning device and the convective temperature conditioning device heats air;
- directing heated air from the fluid module to the support surface through a distribution system formed at least partially in a seat cushion supported by the support structure to convectively heat a space adjacent the support surface;
- and
- when the first target temperature is reached, deactivating the conductive heating element;
- wherein the first conditioning mode or period precedes or is used concurrently with the second conditioning mode or period;
- and
- wherein the conductive heating element is configured to be cycled at least twice between at least two different levels between a maximum conductive heating element target temperature and a minimum conductive heating element target temperature during operation of the second conditioning mode or period.
5 more elements
A method of thermally conditioning a climate controlled seat assembly using feedback control, comprising:
- receiving instructions regarding a desired operational setting for the seat assembly;
- sensing a temperature associated with a level of thermal conditioning occurring at the seat assembly using at least one temperature sensor;
- providing the desired operational setting and the sensed temperature to a control module;
- wherein the control module is adapted to selectively regulate a heating element and a fluid module to thermally condition a space adjacent the seat assembly based on the desired operational setting and the sensed temperature, the fluid module comprising a fluid transfer device and a thermoelectric device;
- activating or deactivating at least one of the heating element, the fluid transfer device and the thermoelectric device using the control module;
- and
- cycling the heating element at least twice between at least two different levels during operation;
- wherein the heating element is positioned near a support surface of the seat assembly and is configured to conductively heat the support surface;
- wherein the fluid module is configured to selectively direct heated or cooled air through a fluid distribution system at least partially formed within a seat cushion of the seat assembly, the seat cushion supported by a support structure of the seat assembly, to convectively heat or cool a space adjacent the support surface;
- wherein the control module is adapted to selectively activate or deactivate at least one of the heating element, the fluid transfer device and the thermoelectric device to maintain the desired operational setting;
- and
- wherein the control module is configured to receive a signal that indicates a status of an ignition system of a vehicle comprising the seat assembly, the control module being adapted to activate at least one of the heating element, the fluid transfer device and the thermoelectric device when the ignition system is turned on.
9 more elements
A method of thermally conditioning a climate controlled seat assembly using feedback control, comprising:
- receiving instructions regarding a desired operational setting for the seat assembly;
- sensing a temperature associated with a level of thermal conditioning occurring at the seat assembly using at least one temperature sensor;
- providing the desired operational setting and a sensed temperature to a control module;
- selectively regulating a heating element and a fluid module to thermally condition a space adjacent the seat assembly using the control module, the seat assembly comprising a seat cushion to which the space is adjacent, the fluid module comprising a fluid transfer device and a thermoelectric device;
- and
- operating at least one of the heating element and the fluid module in a heating mode of operation when the sensed temperature is less than a desired set point temperature, wherein the heating element is configured to be cycled at least twice between at least two different levels during operation of the heating mode;
- operating at least one of the heating element and the fluid module in a cooling mode of operation when the sensed temperature is more than the desired set point temperature;
- switching operation of at least one of the heating element and the fluid module from a heating mode of operation to a cooling mode of operation when the sensed temperature exceeds the desired set point temperature by a predetermined delta for a predetermined time period;
- and
- switching operation from a cooling mode of operation to a heating mode of operation when the sensed temperature is below the desired set point temperature by a predetermined delta for a predetermined time period.
7 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.