Method and mechanisms to use phase change material to improve occupant comfort in automobiles

An apparatus structured to be positioned in vehicle passenger compartment, the apparatus comprising:

• an outer shell having a wall defining an interior of the outer shell, the outer shell wall having an exterior surface structured and positioned for physical contact with a skin surface of a vehicle occupant, the outer shell wall also having a plurality of through-holes formed therein;
• a phase change material element positioned within the outer shell interior, the phase change material element including a stretchable, thermally-conductive outer wall and a quantity of phase change material positioned within, and in physical contact with, the phase change material element outer wall;
• and
• a pressurization mechanism operatively coupled to the phase change material element, the pressurization mechanism being structured to pressurize the phase change material element so as to force portions of the phase change material element to extend from the interior of the outer shell into associated through holes of the plurality of through holes and past the outer shell wall exterior surface.