There is disclosed an insert suitable for use within a seating system of an automotive vehicle.

Automotive vehicle seat insert

There is disclosed an automotive vehicle seating comfort system for providing heating, cooling, ventilation or a combination thereof to an individual in an automotive car seat. The system typically includes an insert, a blower and a tubular structure for providing fluid communication between the insert and blower for providing ventilation and/or cooling for the individual. Preferably, the insert includes a heater or heater layer for providing heat for the individual.

Automotive vehicle seating comfort system

Disclosed is a system for thermally conditioning and pumping a fluid. The system includes a thermoelectric heat exchanger having a thermoelectric device configured to pump heat. Heat exchangers are provided for transferring heat to and from the thermoelectric device and for generating a fluid flow across the thermoelectric device. The conditioned fluid may be placed in thermal communication with a variety of objects, such as a vehicle seat, or anywhere localized heating and cooling are desired. Thermal isolation may also be provided in the direction of flow to enhance efficiency.

Thermoelectric heat exchanger

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of perforating the cover layer or soft skin of an automotive trim panel such as an instrument panel with a laser to allow light to bleed through the perforations. The light source would preferably be a low heat generating or “cool” type source such as an LED. The light source would be attached to a suitable substrate or incorporated in to a flexible printed circuit and coupled to the vehicle electrical system. This method would enable fill switch integration to a trim panel and provide a seamless styling opportunity regarding the electrical controls. This method would help reduce cost and weight, improve quality, and promote new seamless styling theme.

Backlighting method for an automotive trim panel

A vehicle seat with a backrest ( 16 ) that has a backrest cushion ( 18 ) and a rear backrest cover ( 20 ), and an air-handling device that is associated with the backrest ( 16 ) and is connected to an air distribution device ( 30, 32 ) in the seat. The rear backrest cover ( 20 ) is at least partially air permeable, and covers at least one passage ( 27 ) of the air-handling device ( 23 ). The air exchanged between the environment and the air-handling device ( 23 ) passes for the most part through the air-permeable regions of the backrest cover ( 20 ).

Vehicle seat and associated air conditioning apparatus

A seating construction (10) with a plurality of plenums (14) and (20) into which is received temperature conditioned air (5). The air passes through the seat via a plurality of channels (14, 16 and 17) formed in the foam (30) of the seat cushion. The air then migrates through a reticulated foam layer (40) that is itself covered with an air permeable layer of material (42). The reticulated foam (40) and stitching of the seat fabric (42) facilitate diffusion of the air from the foam channel conduits (14, 16 and 17). The air then convectively circulates against and near the occupant of the seat to facilitate climate control around the occupant.

Variable temperature seat

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device for controlling the temperature of a seat of an occupant. SOLUTION: A seat structure 10 has conduits 14 and 20. Temperature-adjusted conditioned air 5 is stored in its conduits. The air passes through the seat via a plurality of conduits 14, 16 and 17 formed in foam 30 of a cushion of the seat. Then, the air moves via a net-like foam layer 40 covered with an air permeable material layer 42. The air from the conduits of the foam is easily diffused by the net-like foam 40 and cloth 42 of the seat. Then, the air is exhausted to the occupant side of the seat for easily controlling the temperature around the occupant. COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

David H. Heller

Papers

Variable temperature seat

Device realizing variable seat temperature