Self-protecting switch apparatus for controlling a heat element of a vehicle seat and a method for providing the apparatus

An apparatus for controlling current flow to a load from a power source and for protecting itself upon a reverse polarity connection of the power source, said apparatus comprising:

• transistor means for controlling the current flow to the load, said transistor means having a source terminal connected to the load, a drain terminal connectable to the power source, and a gate terminal;
• control switch means for controlling the electrical voltage at said gate terminal of said transistor means, said control switch means including a terminal connectable to the power source;
• and
• a resistor, having a terminal connectable to the power source, for providing electrical energy to said gate terminal of said transistor means upon the reverse polarity connection of the power source to effect current flow through said transistor means.

A method for providing an apparatus for controlling current flow to a load from a power source and for protecting itself upon a reverse polarity connection of the power source, said method comprising:

• providing current direction sensitive switch means for controlling the current flow to the load, including providing a first terminal of the switch means for connection to the load, providing a second terminal of the switch means for connection to the power source, and providing a third terminal of the switch means for receiving a control signal;
• providing control means for controlling the signal at the third terminal of the switch means so as to controllably switch the switch means and control current flow to the load;
• and
• providing a resistor, having a terminal connected to electrical ground to provide electrical energy to the third terminal of the switch means upon the reverse polarity connection of the power source to effect current flow through the switch means.