DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present subject matter is related, in general to a seat assembly of a vehicle, and more particularly, but not exclusively to a seat assembly embedded with a thermoelectric assembly to provide heating and cooling effect in the seat assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Drivers and passengers of automobiles and trucks have access to air conditioning systems within the vehicle and, in many cases, have the luxury of heated and/or cooled seats. Temperature controlled seats provide increased comfort. A two-wheeler seat is subjected to extreme weather conditions comprising extreme heat of the sun, exposure to rain, exposure to cold temperatures during night driving. In an embodiment, during summer the seat absorbs more heat and thus a rider or a pillion rider will feel extremely uncomfortable.
[0003] Open-air vehicles, such as a motorcycle generates a large amount of heat close to the rider and specifically under the seat. With an engine so close to the rider, air from under the seat is at a relatively high temperature and not suitable for cooling the seat. Further, with higher capacity engines, the engine size increases and the seat base becomes more closer to the engine. Further, as the engine base is closer to the rider thighs, it leads to discomfort to the rider.
[0004] Conventional temperature control systems are often too large to be mounted within, below or around vehicle seats. Conventional systems may have a squirrel cage fan five or six inches in diameter generating an air flow that passes through a duct to reach a heat exchanger that adjusts the temperature of the air. The heat exchanger is several inches wide and long, and at least an inch or so thick. From the heat exchanger the air is transported through ducts to the bottom of the seat cushion and to the back of the seat cushion. Such systems are bulky and difficult to fit underneath or inside car seats.
[0005] In some other state of the art systems, temperature controlled seats circulate a refrigerant through a coil in the seat, where the refrigerant can expand and cool the seat and any occupant. However, there is risk of damage to the coil which may lead to leakage of the refrigerant and damage the seat.
[0006] With recent advancements, cooling units are provided within the rider seat however, the cooling units reduce foam thickness of the rider seat and such reduced thickness of the foam causes discomfort to the rider. Thus, when the rider sits on such cooling enabled seats the seat foam is compressed and as the foam thickness is less, hence the rider can feel the hard surface of the cooling units while siting on the seat.
[0007] Thus, one of the major technical problems in the conventionally cooled seats is that positioning of the cooling units is improper which leads to discomfort of the rider. Additionally, reduced thickness of the foam causes discomfort to the rider. Further, an amount of space available within, below and around the seat for such temperature control systems is severely limited.
[0008] Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of described systems with some aspects of the present disclosure, as set forth in the remainder of the present application and with reference to the drawings.
SUMMARY
[0009] 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.
[00010] According to embodiments illustrated herein, there is provided a seat assembly for a vehicle. The seat assembly comprises a seat base and a seating portion comprising a first permeable portion and a second permeable portion, and the seating portion being assembled onto the seat base. The seat assembly further comprises one or more thermoelectric assembly being disposed into one or more chambers of the second permeable portion. The seat assembly further comprises a first connector placed between the first permeable portion and the second permeable portion. In an embodiment, the one or more thermoelectric assembly is abuttingly connected to the first connector. The seat assembly further comprises a controller unit configured to control functioning of the one or more thermoelectric assembly.
[00011] According to embodiments illustrated herein, there is provided a method for controlling temperature of a seat assembly of a vehicle. The method is implemented by a controller unit. The method comprises receiving one or more inputs from a rider of the vehicle using a switch assembly. In an embodiment, the one or more inputs comprises a heat effect, a cooling effect, adjusting intensity of heating effect, or adjusting intensity of cooling effect. In an embodiment, the rider is seated on a seating portion comprising a first permeable portion and a second permeable portion and the seating portion being assembled onto a seat base. The method further comprises controlling a polarity of a peltier plate of one or more thermoelectric assembly (306) based on the received one or more inputs. In an embodiment, the one or more thermoelectric assembly (306) being disposed into one or more chambers (204) of the second permeable portion (104). In an embodiment, the one or more thermoelectric assembly (306) is abuttingly connected to a first connector (202) placed between the first permeable portion (102) and the second permeable portion (104). The method further comprises providing at least one of a cool air or hot air to the rider of the vehicle based on the controlling. The method further comprises adjusting an intensity of at least one of the cool air or the hot air based on the received one or more inputs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00012] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein
[00013] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a seat assembly of a vehicle incorporating the invention.
[00014] Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the seat assembly of the vehicle according to the present invention.
[00015] Figure 3 shows a cross sectional view of the seat assembly of the vehicle according to the present invention.
[00016] Figure 4 illustrates a seat base of the seat assembly of the vehicle according to the present invention.
[00017] Figure 5 illustrates a first connector of the seat assembly of the vehicle according to the present invention.
[00018] Figure 6 shows an elevated perspective view of the seat assembly of the vehicle incorporating the invention.
[00019] Figure 7 shows a first permeable portion of the seat assembly of the vehicle incorporating the invention.
[00020] Figure 8 shows a shape of a conducting sheet of the seat assembly of the vehicle incorporating the invention.
[00021] Figure 9 shows an elevated perspective view of a thermoelectric assembly disposed within the seat assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00022] Figure 10 shows one or more parts of the thermoelectric assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00023] Figure 11 illustrates a switch assembly disposed on a side portion of the seat assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00024] Figure 12 illustrates the thermoelectric assembly being attached to the first connector using a second connector, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00025] Figure 13 illustrates a side view of the thermoelectric assembly after being attached to the first connector using the second connector, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00026] Figure 14 shows a protective sheet installed around the thermoelectric assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00027] Figure 15 depicts a flowchart illustrating a method performed by a controller unit for controlling temperature of the seat assembly of the vehicle, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00028] The present disclosure may be best understood with reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. Various embodiments are discussed below with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed descriptions given herein with respect to the figures are simply for explanatory purposes as the methods and systems may extend beyond the described embodiments. For example, the teachings presented and the needs of a particular application may yield multiple alternative and suitable approaches to implement the functionality of any detail described herein. Therefore, any approach may extend beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown.
[00029] References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.
[00030] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with different embodiments. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather those embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
[00031] The present invention provides a cooling effect or a heating effect in a seat assembly of a vehicle that increases the rider comfort. A thermoelectric assembly is mounted in the vehicle seat such that rider should not perceive the modules while sitting on the seat assembly. The present invention without compromising on the stiffness and strength of the seat provides improved comfort to the rider. Further, a complexity of the foaming process during manufacturing of the seat assembly is reduced. The present invention utilizes conduction property of thermoelectric assembly by making contact with the rider and provides heating or cooling effect to the rider. Thus, the present invention blows cool air or hot air from inside the seat and provides comfort to the rider. Further, the seat assembly foam or the permeable portion is split into two portions to provide easy assembly of the thermoelectric assembly inside the foam. Additionally, the present invention provides a first connector to disburse the rider load from the thermoelectric assembly to an overall portion of the seat assembly so that tearing of the foam is avoided due to concentrated force.
[00032] The present invention may be implemented in a motorcycle type vehicle. However, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that the present invention is not limited to a motorcycle type vehicle and certain features, aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present invention can be used with other types of two wheelers, such as scooter type vehicle, step thru, and the like. In an embodiment, the scooter type vehicle comprises a low floor board type vehicle and the term scooter as used herein should not be inferred to restrict the maximum speed, the displacement amount or the like of the vehicle. The disclosed seat assembly may be installed in any type of vehicle such as a bicycle, a motorcycle type vehicle, a scooter type vehicle, a step thru vehicle or a four-wheeler vehicle.
[00033] The object of the present subject matter is to provide a seat assembly for a vehicle and a method for controlling temperature of the seat assembly of the vehicle that provides comfort to a rider of the vehicle. Further, the design of the seat assembly and placement of the components within the seat assembly aims at overcoming the technical problems mentioned above and the disadvantages in the existing art.
[00034] Another aspect of the present subject matter provides a controller unit configured to control a polarity of a peltier plate of one or more thermoelectric assembly based on one or more inputs received from the rider. Another aspect of the present subject matter provides a first connector placed between a first permeable portion and the second permeable portion. Yet another aspect of the present subject matter provides a conducting sheet attached to a coin which is further attached to the peltier plate to conduct temperature from the coin to a rider sitting area. Still another aspect of the present subject matter provides a switch assembly for controlling the temperature of the seat assembly. Another aspect of the present subject matter provides method for controlling temperature of a seat assembly of a vehicle.
[00035] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a seat assembly 100 of a vehicle incorporating the invention.
[00036] In an embodiment, the vehicle, such as a motorcycle, comprises a front wheel, a rear wheel, a front fork, a seat assembly (100), a rear fork, a leg shield made of resin or metal, a headlight, a tail light, an aesthetic covering, a battery fitted inside the aesthetic covering, a fuel tank, and a handle bar. Further, a main frame extends along a center of a body of the vehicle from a front portion of the vehicle and extending in a rearwardly direction. The main frame is made up of a metallic pipe. In an embodiment, in order to enhance style of the motorcycle, a plastic part is installed on the front fork, in the region of front fork between the upper bracket and a lower bracket.
[00037] In a racing type motorcycle, in order to improve the racing capacity, size of the air filter is increased. The canister is mounted between a style panel cover and a frame. Specifically, the canister is placed at a left side of the vehicle and in between frame and a style panel cover. The canister is mounted above an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) mounting bracket using snap-fit between ECU mounting bracket and a rubber boot provided in the canister assembly. The rubber boot arrests the rotational movement of the canister. Further, the boot has slots on both sides to mount the canister. Such a mounting of the canister improves the vehicle driveability and increases the engine speed. Also, it is possible to commonize the purge control valve.
[00038] In an embodiment, the vehicle comprises an instrument cluster that houses various displays and indicators that enable a rider to operate the vehicle. In case of a connected cluster, all the caller information is displayed on a display unit of the cluster during an incoming call. Several gauges that comprise a speedometer, odometer, tachometer, oil pressure gauge, fuel gauge, start-stop mode ON lamp, idle restart lamp, idle stop lamp, and the like are included in the instrument cluster. Further, the instrument cluster connects to a personal digital assistant, such as a mobile device through wireless communication means.
[00039] In an embodiment, the vehicle may be a scooter type vehicle and may have main frame that extends along a center of the body of the vehicle from a front portion of the vehicle and extending in a rearwardly direction. The main frame is made up of a metallic pipe and the main frame is provided under the floor board for a scooter type vehicle. A swing type power unit is coupled to the rear end of the main frame for a scooter type vehicle. A rear wheel is supported on one side of the rear end of the swing type power unit. In an embodiment, the swing type power unit is suspended in the rear of a body frame for a scooter type vehicle. In an embodiment, a style part is mounted on pillion foot rest tube to prevent mud and water entry.
[00040] The center of the body for a scooter type vehicle forms a low floor board for functioning as a part for putting feet and a under cowl which is located below a rider's seat and covers at least a part of the engine. In an embodiment, the under cowl is made up of metal or resin. The under cowl is hinged to the seat. Further, a utility box opens from the rear end to hinged portion. In an embodiment, a rubber part is placed between a fender front top and a fender stay to avoid water entry in to a space between the fender and the fender stay to avoid corrosion. The scooter type vehicle has metal parts in fender and if water or mud enter enters fender part then it may lead to corrosion. Hence extra care is taken for corrosion control. Therefore, to stop entry of mud or foreign particles between the fender and the fender stay, rubber part is used as a stopper.
[00041] In conventional scooter type vehicles, a lock cable for opening the seat runs along the left-hand side seat rail. Further, the lock cable is fastened on the left-hand seat rail by using brackets. However, there are a few challenges, such as easy tampering of the lock cable and use of additional brackets for fastening the seat cable leading to cost increase. Hence, in the present invention a hole is drilled in the seat rail to route the cable through the inside of the seat rail. In this way, the tampering of the seat lock cable is prevented and the need for extra brackets used for holding the seat latch cable is eliminated.
[00042] In conventional vehicle, a rear-view mirror does not have the provision of lengthwise adjustment. Due to this, there are chances of mirror breakage in parking or by other vehicles on narrow road. Also, the non-adjustable mirrors are challenging for riders having tall or short height. The present invention provides an adjustable mirror with ball detent mechanism in the mirror stem. Using ball detent mechanism, the length of the mirror is adjusted in two positions on the stem.
[00043] In an embodiment, the utility box is provided under the seat extending longitudinally of a vehicle body and the inside of the utility box has a large capacity so that a large article, such as a helmet can be housed. Additionally, in a scooter type vehicle, side covers both on left and right sides, cover the utility box and other parts of the vehicle, thereby providing a good appearance to the vehicle. Further, the scooter type vehicle comprises the seat assembly (100). In an embodiment, the seat assembly may be provided to a rider of the scooter type vehicle and further may also be provided to a pillion rider of the scooter type vehicle.
[00044] The seat assembly (100) comprises a first permeable portion (102) and a second permeable portion (104). Further, the seating portion being assembled onto a seat base (302). For example, the first permeable portion (102) and a second permeable portion (104) comprises of a foam type material. The first permeable portion (102) and the second permeable portion (104) have a porous structure which enables flow of air through the first permeable portion (102) and the second permeable portion (104).
[00045] Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the seat assembly (100) of the vehicle according to the present invention. The exploded view shows the first permeable portion (102), the second permeable portion (104), a first connector (202), and one or more chambers (204) of the second permeable portion (104). In an embodiment, the first connector (202) is installed in a cavity provided on the second permeable portion (104). Further, the seat assembly (100) comprises one or more thermoelectric assembly (306) being disposed into one or more chambers (204) of the second permeable portion (104). The one or more thermoelectric assembly (306) is positioned in a forward position of the seat assembly (100) and close to a vehicle centre plane and partially away from a rider loading area
[00046] In an embodiment, the one or more thermoelectric assembly (306) is abuttingly connected to the first connector (202) using a second connector (902) and one or more fasteners or a snap fitting mechanism. The first permeable portion (102) conceals the one or more thermoelectric assembly (306) disposed in the second permeable portion (104). Further, the first permeable portion (102) and the second permeable portion (104) are attached using an adhesive material. In an embodiment, the first connector (202) has a flat portion in a center region and a curled portion towards edges to provide support and less perceivable to a rider.
[00047] In an embodiment, a first density of the first permeable portion (102) is greater than a second density of the second permeable portion (104) to provide better support to the rider of the vehicle. As the first density of the first permeable portion (102) is greater than the second density of the second permeable portion (104) hence when the rider sits on the seating portion even after depression of the first permeable portion (102) due to the weight of the rider, the rider feels comfortable and does not feel the thermoelectric assembly (306) or the first connector (202).
[00048] Figure 3 shows a cross sectional view (300) of the seat assembly (100) of the vehicle according to the present invention. Referring to figure 3, figure shows the first permeable portion (102), the second permeable portion (104), the first connector (202), a seat base (302), a controller unit (304), one or more thermoelectric assembly (306), a conducting sheet (308), a plurality of inlet holes (310), and a plurality of exhaust holes (312).
[00049] The seat assembly (100) comprises the seat base (302). In an embodiment, the seat base (302) is made of hard plastic material. The seat base (302) comprises the plurality of inlet holes (310) is configured to receive cool air to enter a cool area when providing a cooling effect to the rider of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the plurality of inlet holes (310) is configured to receive hot air to enter a hot area when providing a heating effect to the rider of the vehicle. The seat base (302) comprises the plurality of exhaust holes (312) configured to direct hot air from the thermoelectric assembly (306) away from the seat assembly (100). Such hot air is directed via the plurality of exhaust holes (312) while providing the cooling effect to the rider of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the cool air is directed via the plurality of exhaust holes (312) while providing the heating effect to the rider of the vehicle.
[00050] Further, the seat base (302) comprises a wiring routing hole (406) configured to arrange a plurality of wires of the thermoelectric assembly (306) and the controller unit (304). In an embodiment, the plurality of inlet holes (310) size is optimized in a smaller shape and by doing that the seat base strength and stiffness is increased. Further, a gap between the inlet holes and exhaust holes in the seat base material is available to provide strength during loading. In an embodiment, the plurality of inlet holes (310) is positioned partially away from the rider loading area to keep strength in control. To prevent the foam degradation by the water and dust entry by the inlet holes the foam bottom surface is covered by water resistant member and is glued to bottom foam.
[00051] The seat assembly (100) comprises the seating portion comprising the first permeable portion (102) and the second permeable portion (104) and the seating portion being assembled onto the seat base (302). The first permeable portion (102) conceals the one or more thermoelectric assembly (306) disposed in the second permeable portion (104). The first permeable portion (102) and the second permeable portion (104) are attached using an adhesive material. A first density of the first permeable portion (102) is greater than a second density of the second permeable portion (104) to provide better riding comfort to the rider of the vehicle.
[00052] In an embodiment, the one or more thermoelectric assembly (306) is disposed into the one or more chambers (204) of the second permeable portion (104). The one or more thermoelectric assembly (306) is positioned in a forward position of the seat assembly (100) and close to a vehicle centre plane and partially away from a rider loading area. A protective sheet (1400) is installed around the one or more thermoelectric assembly (306) disposed within the one to more chambers (204) to avoid degradation of the seating portion and the thermoelectric assembly (306).
[00053] Further, the first connector (202) is placed between the first permeable portion (102) and the second permeable portion (104). The first connector (202) is installed in a cavity provided on the second permeable portion (104). In an embodiment, the first connector (202) is placed on the top of the second permeable portion (104) and can be glued, insert moulded, or secured by pins.
[00054] In an embodiment, the one or more thermoelectric assembly (306) is abuttingly connected to the first connector (202) using a second connector (902) and one or more fasteners or a snap fitting mechanism. In an embodiment, the first connector (202) has a flat portion in a center region and a curled portion towards edges to provide support and less perceivable to a rider.
[00055] The thermoelectric assembly (306) comprises a peltier plate (1000), a coin (904), a heat sink (1002), a fan casing (1004), a fan embedded within the fan casing (1004), a deflector (906), and a second connector (902). In an embodiment, the deflector (906) is positioned around the peltier plate (1000) and protrudes in a downward direction up to bottom of the seat base (302). In an embodiment, the deflector (906) separates the one or more chambers (204) of the second permeable portion (104) into the hot area and the cool area.
[00056] The thermoelectric assembly (306) operates according to the Peltier effect. The effect creates a temperature difference by transferring heat between two electrical junctions. A voltage is applied across joined conductors to create an electric current. When the current flows through the junctions of the two conductors, heat is removed at one junction and cooling occurs. Heat is deposited at the other junction. The main application of the Peltier effect is cooling. However, the Peltier effect can also be used for heating or control of temperature. In every case, a DC voltage is required.
[00057] The peltier plate (1000) has a first side and a second side. The first side and the second side are configured to absorb heat or dissipate heat based on a polarity assigned to each of the first side and the second side using a switch assembly (1100). The internal structure of the peltier plate (1000) comprises semiconductor pellets fabricated from N-type and P-type Bismuth Telluride materials. The array of pellets is electrically connected in series, but thermally arranged in parallel to maximize thermal transfer between the hot and cold ceramic surfaces of the module.
[00058] In an embodiment, in order to achieve the heating or cooling effect a voltage is applied across the peltier plate (1000). The current flow around the circuit causes the peltier plate (1000) to absorb or dissipate heat, resulting in the first side heating up and the second side cooling down based on the polarity of the current flow. In an embodiment, the controller unit (304) reverses the direction of current flow to control the heating and cooling effects. Depending on the direction of the DC current flow it's possible to cool and heat with Peltier elements without changing the connectors or mechanical setup. Further advantages are that small designs can be realized and there are no moving parts. The current supplied to the Peltier element is controlled by the controller unit (304).
[00059] Further, the heat sink (1002) is abuttingly connected to the second side of the peltier plate (1000) using a thermal paste, and the fan embedded within the fan casing (1004) is mounted on the heatsink. The peltier plate (1000) is mounted at a center region within the second permeable portion (104) such that the first side faces towards an upper portion of the second permeable portion (104) and the first side being configured to provide cool air to the rider of the vehicle. Further, the second side faces towards a lower portion of the second permeable portion (104) and the second side is configured to provide hot air to the rider of the vehicle. The first side is exposed to a rider seating area via one or more cuts (702) provided in the first permeable portion (102). The first side of the peltier plate (1000) is attached to the coin (904), and the coin (904) is further attached to a conducting sheet (308) to conduct temperature from the coin (904) to a rider sitting area. In an embodiment, the conducting sheet (308) is made of graphite.
[00060] Further, the seat assembly comprises the controller unit (304). The controller unit (304 comprises suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and/or code that is configured to control functioning of the one or more thermoelectric assembly (306). The controller unit (304) is mounted at a rear lower region within the second permeable portion (104). The controller unit (304) is configured to change polarity of the peltier plate such that the first side either absorbs heat or dissipates heat based on one or more inputs received from the switch assembly (1100).
[00061] The one or more inputs comprise a heat effect, a cooling effect, adjusting intensity of heating effect, or adjusting intensity of cooling effect. In an embodiment, when the first side absorbs heat then the cooling effect is provided to the rider by pulling cool air inside via the plurality of inlet holes and hot air is directed away from the seat base in a downward direction via the deflector (906). In an embodiment, when the first side dissipates heat then the heating effect is provided to the rider by pulling hot air inside via the plurality of inlet holes and cool air is directed away from the seat base (302) in a downward direction via the deflector (906).
[00062] The seat assembly further comprises the switch assembly (1100) comprises of at least two switches. A first switch is used to turn ON/OFF the thermoelectric assembly (306) and to control a temperature mode of the seat assembly. In an embodiment, the temperature mode comprises a heating mode and a cooling mode. A long press of the first switch turns on a heating mode of the seat assembly and a subsequent short press of the first switch turns on a cooling mode of the seat assembly. A second switch is used to control intensity of the heating or the cooling of the seat assembly.
[00063] The switch assembly (1100) is connected to the controller unit (304) and disposed within a depression of a side region of the seat assembly (100). In an embodiment, the switch assembly may be provided on an instrument cluster. The switch assembly (1100) is utilized to provide one or more inputs comprising the heat effect, the cooling effect, adjusting the intensity of heating effect, or adjusting the intensity of cooling effect. In an embodiment, the controller unit (304) and the switch assembly (1100) are powered by a battery of the vehicle.
[00064] In an embodiment, the thermoelectric assembly may be utilized to provide heated grips on handle bar of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the thermoelectric assembly may be utilized to provide a cooling effect withing a utility box of the vehicle,
[00065] A person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the system elements, system modules, and sub-modules have been illustrated and explained to serve as examples and should not be considered limiting in any manner. It will be further appreciated that the variants of the above disclosed system elements, modules, and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined to create other different systems or applications.
[00066] Figure 4 illustrates a seat base (302) of the seat assembly (100) of the vehicle according to the present invention. As shown in figure 4, the seat base (302) comprises the plurality of inlet holes (310) configured to receive cool air to enter a cool area. Further, the seat base (302) comprises the plurality of exhaust holes (312) configured to direct hot air from the thermoelectric assembly (306) away from the seat assembly (100). The wiring routing hole (406) is configured to arrange the plurality of wires of the thermoelectric assembly (306) and the controller unit (304).
[00067] Figure 5 illustrates a first connector (202) of the seat assembly (100) of the vehicle according to the present invention. The first connector (202) is placed between the first permeable portion (102) and the second permeable portion (104). In an embodiment, the one or more thermoelectric assembly (306) is abuttingly connected to the first connector (202) using the second connector (902) and one or more fasteners or a snap fitting mechanism. The first connector (202) is installed in a cavity provided on the second permeable portion (104). The first connector (202) has a flat portion in a center region and a curled portion towards edges to provide support and less perceivable to the rider of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the first connector (202) is placed on the top of the second permeable portion (104) and may be glued, insert molded, secured by pins.
[00068] Figure 6 shows an elevated perspective view of the seat assembly (100) of the vehicle incorporating the invention. Figure 6 specifically shows the one or more chambers (204) of the second permeable portion (104) within which the one or more thermoelectric assembly (306) is disposed.
[00069] Figure 7 shows a first permeable portion (102) of the seat assembly (100) of the vehicle incorporating the invention. The first permeable portion (102) has one or more cuts (702) which is exposed to a rider seating area. In each cut, the coin is placed, and a bottom side of the coin is abuttingly connected with the first side of the thermoelectric assembly (306). Further, a top side of the coin is abuttingly connected to the conducting sheet, such as a graphite sheet.
[00070] Figure 8 shows a shape of the conducting sheet (308) of the seat assembly of the vehicle incorporating the invention. After the graphite sheet is installed then then the complete seating portion is covered with a seat cover to cover all the components of the seat assembly (100) and to provide more ergonomic and comfortable seating experience to the rider of the vehicle.
[00071] Figure 9 shows an elevated perspective view of the thermoelectric assembly (306) disposed within the seat assembly (100), in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 9 illustrates the second connector (902), the coin (904), and the deflector (906). The one or more thermoelectric assembly (306) is abuttingly connected to the first connector (202) using the second connector (902) and one or more fasteners or a snap fitting mechanism.
[00072] Figure 10 shows one or more parts of the thermoelectric assembly (306), in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00073] The thermoelectric assembly (306) comprises a peltier plate (1000), a coin (904), a heat sink (1002), a fan casing (1004), a fan embedded within the fan casing (1004), a deflector (906), and a second connector (902). In an embodiment, the deflector (906) is positioned around the peltier plate (1000) and protrudes in a downward direction up to bottom of the seat base (302). The deflector (906) separates the one or more chambers (204) of the second permeable portion (104) into the hot area and the cool area.
[00074] The peltier plate (1000) comprises the first side and the second side. The first side and the second side are configured to absorb heat or dissipate heat based on a polarity assigned to each of the first side and the second side using a switch assembly (1100). The heat sink (1002) is abuttingly connected to the second side of the peltier plate (1000) using a thermal paste, and the fan embedded within the fan casing (1004) is mounted on the heatsink (1002). The first side of the peltier plate (1000) is attached to the coin (904), and the coin (904) is further attached to the conducting sheet (308) to conduct temperature from the coin (904) to a rider sitting area.
[00075] Figure 11 illustrates a switch assembly (1100) disposed on a side portion of the seat assembly (100), in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00076] The switch assembly (1100) is connected to the controller unit (304) and disposed within a depression of a side region of the seat assembly (100). The switch assembly (1100) is utilized to provide one or more inputs comprising a heat effect, a cooling effect, adjusting intensity of heating effect, or adjusting intensity of cooling effect.
[00077] The switch assembly (1100) comprises of at least two switches. The first switch is used to turn ON/OFF the thermoelectric assembly (306) and to control a temperature mode of the seat assembly. The temperature mode comprises a heating mode and a cooling mode. A long press of the first switch turns on a heating mode of the seat assembly and a subsequent short press of the first switch turns on a cooling mode of the seat assembly. The second switch is used to control intensity of the heating or the cooling of the seat assembly.
[00078] Figure 12 illustrates the thermoelectric assembly (306) being attached to the first connector (202) using the second connector (902) and a snap fitting mechanism, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, a plurality of screws may be utilized to connect the first connector (202) and the second connector (902).
[00079] Figure 13 illustrates a side view of the thermoelectric assembly (306) after being attached to the first connector (202) using the second connector (902), in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00080] Figure 14 shows a protective sheet (1400) installed around the thermoelectric assembly (306) and within the one or more chambers (204), in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The protective sheet (1400) is installed to avoid degradation of the seating portion, the plurality of wires, and the thermoelectric assembly (306).
[00081] Figure 15 depicts a flowchart 1500 illustrating a method performed by a controller unit for controlling temperature of the seat assembly of the vehicle, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00082] The method starts at step 1502 and proceeds to step 1504. At step 1504, the controller unit (304) is configured to receive one or more inputs from a rider of the vehicle using a switch assembly. In an embodiment, the one or more inputs comprises a heat effect, a cooling effect, adjusting intensity of heating effect, or adjusting intensity of cooling effect. In an embodiment, the rider is seated on a seating portion comprising a first permeable portion (102) and a second permeable portion (104) and the seating portion being assembled onto a seat base (302).
[00083] At step 1506, the controller unit (304) is configured to control a polarity of a peltier plate of one or more thermoelectric assembly (306) based on the received one or more inputs. In an embodiment, the one or more thermoelectric assembly (306) being disposed into one or more chambers (204) of the second permeable portion (104). In an embodiment, the one or more thermoelectric assembly (306) is abuttingly connected to a first connector (202) placed between the first permeable portion (102) and the second permeable portion (104).
[00084] At step 1508, the controller unit (304) is configured to provide at least one of a cool air or hot air to the rider of the vehicle based on the controlling. At step 1510, the controller unit (304) is configured to adjust an intensity of at least one of the cool air or the hot air based on the received one or more inputs. Control passes to end step 1512.
[00085] The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “the embodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “some embodiments”, and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the invention(s)” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including”, “comprising”, “having” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.
Advantages
[00086] The disclosed claimed limitations and the disclosure provided herein provides a seat assembly that provides a heating effect and a cooling effect to a rider of the vehicle. The claimed invention provides comfort to the rider as the seating portion is split into two portions with different densities. Also, without any arrangement of parts or addition of new parts, a heating and cooling effect is provided to the rider to provide enhanced comfort to the rider. Further, the structural integrity of the seat assembly is improved by using the first connector. Thus, the claimed invention improves the cooling and heating performance of the seat assembly, improves aesthetics of the seat assembly by placing the thermoelectric assembly inside the second permeable portion. Further, as the seating portion is split into two portions hence manufacturability and ease of assembly is eased. Additionally, the structure of the seat assembly provides a more ergonomic seating arrangement for the rider of the vehicle while providing the heating and cooling effect specially for long rides.
[00087] In light of the above-mentioned advantages and the technical advancements provided by the disclosed method and system, the claimed steps as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed steps enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Further, the claimed steps clearly bring an improvement in the functioning of the device itself as the claimed steps provide a technical solution to a technical problem.
[00088] A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with other does not imply that all such components are required, On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the invention,
[00089] Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter and is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
[00090] 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.
[00091] The present disclosure may be realized in hardware, or a combination of hardware and software. The present disclosure may be realized in a centralized fashion, in at least one computer system, or in a distributed fashion, where different elements may be spread across several interconnected computer systems, a computer system or other apparatus adapted for carrying out the methods described herein may be suited. A combination of hardware and software may be a general-purpose computer system with a computer program that, when loaded and executed, may control the computer system such that it carries out the methods described herein. The present disclosure may be realized in hardware that comprises a portion of an integrated circuit that also performs other functions.
[00092] A person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the systems, modules, and sub-modules have been illustrated and explained to serve as examples and should not be considered limiting in any manner. It will be further appreciated that the variants of the above disclosed system elements, modules, and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined to create other different systems or applications.
[00093] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any of the aforementioned steps and/or system modules may be suitably replaced, reordered, or removed, and additional steps and/or system modules may be inserted, depending on the needs of a particular application. In addition, the systems of the aforementioned embodiments may be implemented using a wide variety of suitable processes and system modules, and are not limited to any particular computer hardware, software, middleware, firmware, microcode, and the like. The claims can encompass embodiments for hardware and software, or a combination thereof.
[00094] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
,CLAIMS:I/We claim:
1. A seat assembly (100) for a vehicle, the seat assembly (100) comprising:
a seat base (302);
a seating member; the seating member comprising a first permeable portion (102) and a second permeable portion (104), the second permeable portion (104) having a one or more chambers (204), the seating member being assembled onto the seat base (302);
one or more thermoelectric assembly (306), the one or more thermoelastic assembly (306) being disposed into the one or more chambers (204);
a first connector (202) placed between the first permeable portion (102) and the second permeable portion (104), wherein the one or more thermoelectric assembly (306) being abuttingly connected to the first connector (202); and
a controller unit (304) configured to control functioning of the one or more thermoelectric assembly (306) for controlling the temperature of the seating member.

2. The seat assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seat base (302) comprises a plurality of inlet holes (310) configured to receive cool air, the cool air being enabled to enter a predetermined cool area inside the seating member.

3. The seat assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seat base (302) comprises a plurality of exhaust holes (312) configured to direct hot air from the thermoelectric assembly (306) away from the seat assembly (100).

4. The seat assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seat base (302) comprises a wiring routing hole (406), the wiring routing hole (406) being configured to arrange a plurality of wires of the thermoelectric assembly (306) and the controller unit (304).

5. The seat assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the thermoelectric assembly (306) comprises a peltier plate (1000), a coin member (904), a heat sink (1002), a fan casing (1004), a fan (not shown) embedded within the fan casing (1004), a deflector (906), and a second connector (902), wherein the deflector (906) is positioned around the peltier plate (1000) and protrudes in a downward direction up to bottom of the seat base (302), wherein the deflector (906) separate the one or more chambers (204) of the second permeable portion (104) into a hot area and the cool area.

6. The seat assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the peltier plate (1000) has a first side and a second side, wherein the first side and the second side being configured to absorb heat or dissipate heat based on a polarity assigned to each of the first side and the second side, the polarity being assigned using a switch assembly (1100), wherein the heat sink (1002) being abuttingly connected to the second side of the peltier plate (1000) using a thermal paste, and the fan embedded within the fan casing (1004) is mounted on the heatsink.

7. The seat assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the peltier plate (1000) is mounted at a center region within the second permeable portion (104) wherein the first side faces towards an upper portion of the second permeable portion (104) and the first side being configured to provide cool air to a rider of the vehicle, and the second side faces towards a lower portion of the second permeable portion (104) and the second side being configured to provide hot air to the rider of the vehicle, and wherein the first side is exposed to a rider seating area via one or more cuts (702) provided in the first permeable portion (102).
8. The seat assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first side of the peltier plate (1000) being attached to the coin (904), and the coin (904) being further attached to a conducting sheet (308) to conduct temperature from the coin (904) to a rider sitting area, wherein the conducting sheet (308) being made of graphite.

9. The seat assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the controller unit (304) being configured to change polarity of the peltier plate wherein the first side either absorbs heat or dissipates heat based on one or more inputs received from the switch assembly (1100).

10. The seat assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein when the first side absorbs heat for providing a cooling effect to the rider by pulling cool air inside via the plurality of inlet holes and hot air being directed away from the seat base in a downward direction via the deflector (906).

11. The seat assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein when the first side dissipates heat, a heating effect being provided to the rider by pulling hot air inside via the plurality of inlet holes and cool air being directed away from the seat base in a downward direction via the deflector (906).

12. The seat assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the switch assembly (1100) comprises of at least two switches, wherein a first switch being used to turn ON/OFF the thermoelectric assembly (306) for controlling a temperature mode of the seat assembly, wherein the temperature mode comprises a heating mode and a cooling mode, wherein a long press of the first switch turns on a heating mode of the seat assembly and a subsequent short press of the first switch turns on a cooling mode of the seat assembly, and wherein a second switch being used to control intensity of the heating or the cooling of the seat assembly.

13. The seat assembly (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the switch assembly (1100) being connected to the controller unit (304) and disposed within a depression of a side region of the seat assembly (100), wherein the switch assembly (1100) being utilized to provide one or more inputs comprising a heat effect, a cooling effect, adjusting intensity of heating effect, and adjusting intensity of cooling effect.

14. The seat assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more thermoelectric assembly (306) being connected to the first connector (202) using a second connector (902) and one or more fasteners or a snap fitting mechanism.

15. The seat assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first connector (202) being installed in a cavity provided on the second permeable portion (104).

16. The seat assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein first permeable portion (102) conceals the one or more thermoelectric assembly (306) disposed in the second permeable portion (104), and the first permeable portion (102) and the second permeable portion (104) being attached using an adhesive material.

17. The seat assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller unit (304) being mounted at a rear lower region within the second permeable portion (104).
18. The seat assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first connector (202) has a flat portion in a center region and a curled portion towards edges to provide good support and being less perceivable to a rider.

19. The seat assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a protective sheet (1400) installed around the one or more thermoelectric assembly (306) disposed within the one to more chambers for avoiding degradation of the seating portion and the thermoelectric assembly (306).

20. The seat assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first density of the first permeable portion (102) being greater than a second density of the second permeable portion (104).

21. The seat assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more thermoelectric assembly (306) being positioned in a forward position of the seat assembly (100) and close to a vehicle centre plane and partially away from a rider loading area.

22. A method for controlling temperature of a seat assembly of a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:
receiving (1504), by a controller unit (304), one or more inputs from a rider of the vehicle using a switch assembly, wherein the one or more inputs comprises a heat effect, a cooling effect, adjusting intensity of heating effect, and adjusting intensity of cooling effect, wherein the rider being seated on a seating portion comprising a first permeable portion (102) and a second permeable portion (104) and the seating portion being assembled onto a seat base (302);
controlling (1506), by the controller unit (304), a polarity of a peltier plate of one or more thermoelectric assembly (306) based on the received one or more inputs, wherein the one or more thermoelectric assembly (306) being disposed into one or more chambers (204) of the second permeable portion (104), wherein the one or more thermoelectric assembly (306) being connected to a first connector (202) placed between the first permeable portion (102) and the second permeable portion (104);
providing (1508), by the controller unit (304), at least one of a cool air or hot air to the rider of the vehicle based on the controlling; and
adjusting (1510), by the controller unit (304), an intensity of at least one of the cool air or the hot air based on the received one or more inputs.