Gentherm Gmbh

Amerigon Incorporated

Scott Wolas

Ioannis Androulakis

Dmitri Kossakovski

Darren Andrew Schumacher

Wayne Swoyer Kauffman, Iii

Maurice Edward Phillips Gunderson

Michael Maass

Masahiko Inaba

Daniel Charles Guerithault

Kenneth D Turner

Chad Vincent Pacilli

Rodolfo Ernesto Uribe Palafox

Amey Pise

Steven C Giffin

Ken Turner

An air distribution device that includes an air inlet (), a first air outlet (), a second air outlet (), and a door (). The door () is configured to move relative to the first air outlet () and the second air outlet () to adjust an airflow provided through the air inlet (), the first air outlet () and the second air outlet (). The air distribution device may be used in a vehicle seat, a vehicle, or both.

Air distribution device for a vehicle seat

A system for thermally conditioning and moving a fluid includes a thermoelectric device to convert electrical energy into thermal energy and produce a temperature change in response to an electrical current being applied thereto. The thermoelectric device can include a main-side and a waste side. A fluid moving device can produce a fluid flow that is in thermal communication with the thermoelectric device so that the thermal energy generated by the thermoelectric device is transferred to or from the fluid flow. A flow control valve selectively can direct the fluid flow along a main-side fluid flow path and/or a waste side fluid flow path.

Thermoelectric conditioning system and methods

Features for a vapor compression system configured to cool and/or cat (i.e. thermally condition) two or more distinct climate controlled vehicle interior components via a common thermal bus are disclosed. Some embodiments employ a single compressor. Some embodiments employ multiple compressors and/or thermal buses, each servicing components located within respective interior thermal zones of a vehicle, for example a front row seat zone, second and/or third row seat zones, and/or an overhead zone and/or a trunk zone.

Thermal conditioning systems and methods for vehicle regions

Systems and methods for controlling a thermal conditioning system of a vehicle are disclosed. The system services multiple components in a vehicle, including at least one passenger component, such as a first seat and/or a second seat, and at least one auxiliary component, such as a storage enclosure, a first cup holder and/or a second cup holder. The system uses a vapor compression system as the thermal energy source. The control methods prioritize thermal conditioning of one or more of the various components based on one or more thermal criterion and apply component-specific control routines to the thermal conditioning based on that prioritization.

Systems and methods for controlling thermal conditioning of vehicle regions

Features for a vapor compression system configured to cool and/or heat (i.e. thermally condition) two or more distinct climate controlled vehicle interior components via a common thermal bus are disclosed. Some embodiments employ a single compressor. Some embodiments employ multiple compressors and/or thermal buses, each servicing components located within respective interior thermal zones of a vehicle, for example a front row seat zone, second and/or third row seat zones, and/or an overhead zone and/or a trunk zone.

A method for thermally conditioning a space adjacent a seat assembly includes activating a heating element positioned within the seat assembly beneath a seat covering. A fluid module that includes a fluid supply device and a thermoelectric element is activated to direct heated air from the fluid module to a space adjacent the seat assembly through a distribution system formed at least partially in the seat cushion. After a period of time, the heating element is deactivated.

Systems and methods for climate controlled seats

A conditioned air delivery system for a vehicle seat includes a seat and an air distribution plenum associated with the seat. A seat adjuster is configured to move the seat between multiple positions. An adjustable duct has a fixed duct portion and a movable duct portion that is configured to slide relative to the fixed duct portion as the seat moves between the multiple positions. The adjustable duct is configured to receive air from a conditioned air supply source and supply the air to the air distribution plenum. The fixed duct portion has a first opening and the movable duct portion includes a second opening that is in fluid communication with the first opening. The adjustable duct provides a forward/aft path of longitudinal sliding movement. A seal has terminal ends spaced apart from one another in the forward/aft path. The fixed and movable duct portions and the seal are configured to maintain fluid communication between the first and second openings throughout the longitudinal sliding movement of the seal along the forward/aft path.

Vehicle seat with slidable air coupling

A temperature conditioning modulehaving an integrated waste heat cooling circuit, comprising; a housinghaving at least one air inletand a firstand secondspaced apart air outlets, one or more motor driven impellersA,B, one or more fluid recirculation pumps: one or more thermoelectric devicesthat is located in the first passageof the housing between the one or more motor driven impellers and the first air outlet, one or more heat exchangersthat is located in the second passageof the housing, between the at least one motor driven impeller and the second air outlet; and a fluid circulation circuitthat is contained entirely within the housing, and passing fluid in thermal communication with the waste side of the one or more thermoelectric devicesto thereby absorb at least a portion of the waste heat and then to expel it to the heat exchanger

Liquid cooled thermoelectric device

A conditioned air delivery system for a vehicle seat includes a conditioned air supply source and a static support structure. A seat is mounted to the static support structure. The seat includes an exterior surface and an air distribution plenum that is in fluid communication with the exterior surface. A seat adjuster is operatively connected between the seat and the static support structure. The seat adjuster is configured to move the seat between multiple positions. An adjustable duct has a fixed duct portion and a movable duct portion that is configured to slide relative to the fixed duct portion as the seat moves between the multiple positions. The adjustable duct is configured to supply air from the conditioned air supply source to the air distribution plenum.

A climate controlled seat assembly includes an outer frame and one or more layers of fabric. A panel member attached to the opposite side of the frame defines an inner space located between the panel member and the fabric. One or more channels attached to or formed, in part, by the panel member are in fluid communication with an opening in the panel member and a plurality of orifices located on the channels. Air from a fluid module or other device enters the channels and is discharged through the orifices in the direction of the fabric. The air passes through the fabric and reaches an occupant situated on the seating assembly.

Chair with air conditioning device

A climate controlled seat assembly comprises a chamber defined by a substantially fluid impermeable layer, the fluid impermeable layer having a first side and second side, the first side comprising a plurality of openings, a support structure positioned within the chamber, the support structure being configured to substantially maintain the shape of the chamber, a fluid transfer device configured to provide a volume of fluid to the chamber, a fluid inlet in fluid communication with both the chamber and the fluid transfer device, a fluid distribution layer positioned adjacent to the first side of the fluid impermeable layer and a seat covering positioned along the fluid distribution layer. In some embodiments, the fluid distribution layer is configured to generally distribute fluid from the openings toward the seat covering.

Ventilation system for seat

A climate control device comprises a housing, the housing having a first intake port, a first exhaust port, and a second exhaust port, wherein the first exhaust port opens in a different direction than the second exhaust port. A fan is disposed within the housing and is configured to draw air through the first intake port and expel air towards the first exhaust port and the second exhaust port. a separate insert piece configured to be inserted within the housing and adapted to direct substantially all the expelled air through one of the first or second exhaust ports.

Insert duct piece for thermal electric module

A conduit for a climate controlled seat assembly. A first port is at a first end of the body and is in communication with the fluid passage. A second port is at a second end of the body and is in communication with the fluid passage, An attachment device comprising a base that is coupled to the body and a strap that is configured to be wrapped around a wire bundle and be secured to the base.

Growing community of inventors

Newbury Park, CA, United States of America

Scott Wolas