TECHINCAL FIELD
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to seat of a vehicle. More particularly  the embodiments relate to a seat system to provide cabin comfort by controlling temperature inside a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF DISCLOSURE
Presently  automobiles or vehicles are equipped with heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units for occupants comfort. During worst ambient conditions the HVAC unit performs the cooling or heating of the automobile cabin at its maximum capacity.

The comfort for all occupants inside an automobile cabin should be similar to all seating locations whether it is front row or rear row of a vehicle. In order to achieve this  some of the currently available automobiles are equipped with dual AC system  where separate AC system serves for driver  co-driver rows and separate system for rear passenger. The stated dual AC system needs big size HVAC unit configuration. These systems add complexity as well as more parasitic loads on engine because of the size.

The conventional available single AC system are mounted under dash and are serve with the front row occupants  that is for driver and co-driver of the vehicle effectively at initial stage of cabin cooling/ heating. Whereas  second row occupants of the vehicle suffer most of the time  as the cooling/ heating does not reach out initially for the second row occupants of the vehicle.

Hence  there is a need of a solution which can enhance the thermal comfort of the occupants in the rear seat of an automobile. Further  the solution needs to be energy efficient  simple and minimal hardware usage.

OBJECTIVES OF THE DISCLOSURE
The objective of the present disclosure is to provide thermal comfort of the occupants inside a vehicle.

Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a seat system that enhances thermal comfort for the occupants at rear seats in a vehicle.

Yet another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a method of controlling temperature of a cabin for occupants comfort inside a vehicle.

SUMMARY
The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the provision as claimed in the present disclosure.

Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one embodiment  the disclosure provides a seat system of a vehicle comprising one or more thermoelectric modules located at predefined locations in a seat. Each of the one or more thermoelectric modules is integrated with at least one fan to supply air from one side of the one or more thermoelectric modules to rear side of the seat in the vehicle. Also  the seat system comprises at least one duct connected to the one or more thermoelectric modules for conveying air out of the vehicle cabin from other side of the one or more thermoelectric modules. Further  the system comprises a control unit being capable of operating the one or more thermoelectric modules based on one or more operational instructions received from a user. The one or more thermoelectric modules are each operable independently from one another.

In one embodiment  the disclosure provides a method for controlling temperature within a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The method comprises receiving one or more operational instructions from a user by a control unit  wherein the operation instructions are at least one controlling speed or direction of air in the vehicle and controlling air mode selection. Thereafter  sending one or more operational instructions to one or more thermoelectric modules by the control unit  the one or more thermoelectric modules are integrated to at least one fan located at a predefined location in a seat to supply air from one side of the one or more thermoelectric modules to rear side of the seat. Also  the method comprises operating the one or more thermoelectric modules based on the operational instructions received from the user to supply the air to the rear side of the seat wherein at least one duct is connected to the one or more thermoelectric modules for conveying air out of the vehicle cabin from other side of the one or more thermoelectric modules.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects  embodiments  and features described above  further aspects  embodiments  and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES
The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself  however  as well as a preferred mode of use  further objectives and advantages thereof  will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described  by way of example only  with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure 1 shows a thermoelectric module.

Figure 2 is an arrangement of seat with thermoelectric module  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

Figure 3 shows a thermoelectric module integrated with a fan  in accordance with an embodiment; and

Figure 4 is a flow chart of working of the thermoelectric module based on the instructions by a control unit  in accordance with one embodiment.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure  both as to its organization and method of operation  together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood  however  that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

Referring now to the drawings wherein the drawings are for the purpose of illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure only  and not for the purpose of limiting the same.

To overcome the drawbacks mentioned in the background  the disclosure provides a seat system of a vehicle and a method of controlling temperature inside a vehicle using the seat system.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure  occupant comfort in a motor vehicle is addressed by controlling the temperature of the cabin air and by regulating the temperature of seating surfaces. Thermally conditioned air ordinarily discharged from the vehicle""s heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is routed through passages in the vehicle seats i.e. via ducts provided inside the vehicle seats  and air handling modules including thermoelectric (TE) devices or modules draw cabin air over the TE units and deliver the heated or cooled cabin air to passages in the vehicle seats. However  a more effective approach is to install a TE module in series between the HVAC system and the vehicle seat passages. This dramatically improves the transient thermal regulation of the seats  providing significantly faster cool-down when the HVAC system is in a cooling mode and significantly faster warm-up when the HVAC system is in a heating mode.

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a seat system of a vehicle comprising one or more thermoelectric modules located at predefined locations inside a seat. Each of the one or more thermoelectric modules is integrated with at least one fan to supply heating air or cooling air for rear side of the seat in the vehicle cabin. Also  the seat system comprises at least one duct that is connected to the one or more thermoelectric modules for conveying the heating air and cooling air out of vehicle cabin. Further  the system comprises a control unit being capable of operating the one or more thermoelectric modules based on one or more operational instructions received from a user. The one or more thermoelectric assemblies are each operable independently from one another.

Figure 1 shows a thermoelectric device or module 100  in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. By applying a low voltage DC power to a thermoelectric module across the two terminals 101 and 102  heat will be moved through the module from one side 106 to the other side 107. One side of the module will be cooled  while the opposite side is simultaneously heated. This phenomenon may be reversed whereby a change in the polarity 101 and 102 (plus and minus) of the applied DC voltage will cause heat to be moved in the opposite direction. Thereby  a thermoelectric module 100 may be used for both heating and cooling thereby making it highly suitable for precise temperature control applications. A thermoelectric module can also be used for power generation.

As shown in the figure 1  a thermoelectric module 100 consists of two or more elements of n and p-type doped semiconductor material 103 that is connected electrically in series and thermally in parallel. The thermoelectric elements 103 and their electrical interconnects typically are mounted between two ceramic substrates 105. The substrates hold the overall structure together mechanically and electrically insulate the individual elements from one another and from external mounting surfaces.

In one embodiment  controlling air temperature inside a vehicle cabin or passenger compartment of vehicle depending upon weather conditions at rear seat with the help of locating thermoelectric device with fan arrangement of suitable dimension inside cabin compartment at convenient location  as an example seat headrest  which will act as a medium for temperature control and will blow cooled air or heated air through fans on the face of the rear passenger.

Figure 2 is an illustration of a seat system 200 in a vehicle with thermoelectric module 204  in accordance with an embodiment. The seat system 200 consists of one or more thermoelectric modules 204 located at predefined locations inside a seat. The predetermined locations are one of headrest 201 or seat backrest 202. Each of the thermoelectric modules 204 is integrated with at least one fan to supply one of heating air and cooling air for rear side of the seat. The thermoelectric module is integrated with a fan is shown in figure 3. The thermoelectric module 204 along with one or more fans maintains or controls the temperature inside the passenger cabin or compartment of the vehicle.

The seat system 200 consists of at least one duct 205 connected to the thermoelectric module 204 for conveying or discharging the heating air and cooling air out of vehicle cabin through an exhaust 208 of the vehicle. The non return flap 207 does not allow the discharges into the vehicle via the exhaust 208. Also  the seat system 200 comprises a control unit that is being capable of operating the one or more thermoelectric modules based on one or more operational instructions received from a user. The one or more operational instructions provided by a user are at least one of selecting one of heating air or cooling air  movement of the heating air or cooling air and switching ON/ OFF of the seat system 200. The thermoelectric modules are each operable independently from one another. The seat system is mounted on a vehicle base 206.

In an example embodiment  if the passenger cabin is in hot condition then a DC power supply is applied to the thermoelectric module located 204 in the headrest 201 of the seat system 2000. The passenger cabin of the vehicle needs to be operated in cold air mode during this condition. Upon applying the power supply  heat will be moved through the thermoelectric module 204 from one side to the other side. The fan integrated with the thermoelectric module 204 will provide cool air to the passenger at the rear seat of the vehicle. The hot air moved from one side to the other side of the thermoelectric module 204 is moved outside the cabin or vehicle through the duct provided inside passenger seat via the exhaust or exit 208 provided at suitable location outside the cabin or vehicle  as shown in figure 2.

In one embodiment  the seat system is operated during hot air mode i.e. for cold climatic condition inside the vehicle cabin. During this condition  by changing in the polarities of the power supply i.e. plus and minus terminals of the applied DC voltage will make hot air to be projected on passenger face. Thereby  the cool air is removed from the passenger cabin or vehicle through the duct provided inside the seat system. Integration of thermoelectric module or device inside the cabin compartment of the vehicle will require additional supply lines from vehicle battery.

In one embodiment  a control module or unit will be placed in between first row seats or at suitable location to select hot/cold air mode selection  speed of air and switching the device ON/OFF. A user can provide suitable instructions i.e. one or more instruction to the control unit to operate the seat system.

In another embodiment  the disclosure provides a method for controlling temperature within a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The method comprises receiving one or more operational instructions from a user  wherein the operation instructions are at least one controlling movement of air in the vehicle and controlling air mode selection. The air mode selection is either supplying one of heating air and cooling air for rear side of the seat. Thereafter  sending one or more operational instructions to one or more thermoelectric modules which is performed by a control unit  for providing predetermined air supply to the passenger cabin inside the vehicle  as shown in the figure 4.

The thermoelectric module converts the electric energy into thermal energy. By applying a low voltage DC power to a two terminals of the thermoelectric module  heat will be moved through the module from one side to the other side. One side of the module will be cooled  while the opposite side is simultaneously heated. Also  this phenomenon may be reversed by changing the polarities (plus and minus) of the applied DC voltage to the two terminals of the thermoelectric module  which will make heat to be moved in the opposite direction. The thermoelectric module is integrated with at least one fan at a predefined location of a seat. The fan located at the predefined location of the vehicle provides cold or hot air to the passengers or individual occupants on the rear seat. Also  the method comprises operating the one or more thermoelectric modules based on the operational instructions by the control unit.

The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particular embodiments described in this application  which are intended as illustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and scope  as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Functionally equivalent methods and devices within the scope of the disclosure  in addition to those enumerated herein  will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims  along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only  and is not intended to be limiting.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein  those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

In addition  where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups  those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein  other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting  with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

We claim
1. A seat system of a vehicle comprising:
one or more thermoelectric modules located at predefined locations in a seat  wherein each of said one or more thermoelectric modules are integrated with at least one fan to supply air from one side of the one or more thermoelectric modules to rear side of the seat;
at least one duct connected to the one or more thermoelectric modules for conveying air out of the vehicle cabin from other side of the one or more thermoelectric modules; and
a control unit being capable of operating the one or more thermoelectric modules based on one or more operational instructions received from a user.

2. The seat system as claimed in claim 1  wherein the predefined locations is one of headrest and seat backrest.

3. The seat system as claimed in claim 1  wherein the one or more operational instructions received from a user are at least one of selection of one of heating air or cooling air  movement of the heating air or cooling air and switching ON/ OFF of the seat system.

4. The seat system as claimed in claim 1  wherein the one or more thermoelectric module draws power supply from a vehicle battery.

5. The seat system as claimed in claim 1  wherein each of the one or more thermoelectric modules is a heating  ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) module.

6. The seat system as claimed in claim 1  wherein the at least one duct is placed inside back rest of the seat system.

7. The seat system as claimed in claim 1  wherein the seat system comprises a non return flap at an exhaust of the duct to block air discharged out of the vehicle.

8. A method of controlling temperature inside a vehicle using a seat system  said method comprising:
receiving one or more operational instructions from a user by a control unit;
sending one or more operational instructions to one or more thermoelectric modules by the control unit  said one or more thermoelectric modules are integrated to at least one fan located at a predefined location in a seat to supply air from one side of the one or more thermoelectric modules to rear side of the seat; and
operating the one or more thermoelectric modules based on the operational instructions to supply the air to the rear side of the seat wherein at least one duct connected to the one or more thermoelectric modules for conveying air out of the vehicle cabin from other side of the one or more thermoelectric modules.

9. The method as claimed in claim 8  wherein the operations instructions are at least one of selection of one of heating air or cooling air  controlling speed and direction of the heating air or cooling air and switching ON/ OFF of the seat system.

10. The method as claimed in claim 8  wherein the predefined locations in the seat is one of headrest and seat backrest.