Seat thermal management and positional sensing
US12043151B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 4, 2021 |
| Grant date | Jul 23, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 19, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH05B2214/04
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle seat system is provided that includes heating, cooling, and occupant sensing functionality in a single unit. The system includes carbon nanotube (CNT) elements disposed adjacent the seat surface. The CNT elements may be woven or stitched to a vehicle seat cover, or may be disposed in a mat that is placed between a seat cushion and the seat cover. The CNT elements may be used for heating, cooling, and occupant sensing, without requiring separate units or circuits. The system may include Peltier elements attached to the CNT elements, with the Peltier elements transferring heat between the CNT elements and a heat bank. The heat bank may be in the form of a heat sink, or the heat bank may be the seat rails of the vehicle seat, with the Peltier elements attached to the seat rails.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.