Condensation and humidity sensors for thermoelectric devices
US8256236B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 2, 2009 |
| Grant date | Sep 4, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 16, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF28D15/00
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
According to certain embodiments disclosed in the present application, a climate controlled seating assembly includes a thermal module. The thermal module comprises at least one inlet channel, at least one outlet channel and a thermoelectric device (e.g., Peltier circuit) positioned upstream of the outlet channel. In one embodiment, the seating assembly includes a sensor positioned within an interior of the thermal module and configured to detect the presence of a liquid, such as water, condensation or other fluids, on or near said sensor. In certain arrangements, the sensor is configured to detect the presence of a liquid by measuring an electrical resistance or capacitance across a portion of the sensor. A climate control system can include a separator gasket located within a housing of a fluid module and at least partially between the cold passage and the hot passage. In some embodiments, the separator gasket comprises one or more wicking materials. The separator gasket can be configured to transport liquids from the cold passage to the hot passage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.