U.S. patent application number 11/395532 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-02 for control system for seat.
This patent application is currently assigned to Johnson Controls Technology Company. Invention is credited to Ronald G. Bedro.
Application Number | 20060244289 11/395532 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37233755 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060244289 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bedro; Ronald G. |
November 2, 2006 |
Control system for seat
Abstract
A control system for use with a ventilated portion of a seat
includes a control module and a humidity sensor. The control module
is configured to be coupled to at least one of an air mover and a
heater of the ventilated portion. The humidity sensor is coupled to
the control module and is configured to be located near the
occupant when the occupant is seated on the seat. The humidity
sensor is configured to send a signal to the control module
representative of the humidity level in the area of the humidity
sensor. The control module is configured to control the operation
of the at least one of the air mover and the heater based at least
in part on the signal received from the humidity sensor.
Inventors: |
Bedro; Ronald G.; (Plymouth,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FOLEY & LARDNER LLP
777 EAST WISCONSIN AVENUE
MILWAUKEE
WI
53202-5306
US
|
Assignee: |
Johnson Controls Technology
Company
|
Family ID: |
37233755 |
Appl. No.: |
11/395532 |
Filed: |
March 31, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60667630 |
Apr 2, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
297/180.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/5621
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/180.1 |
International
Class: |
A47C 31/00 20060101
A47C031/00 |
Claims
1. A seat assembly for use by an occupant, comprising: a seat
having a backrest portion and a seat cushion portion, at least one
of the backrest portion and the seat cushion portion including a
ventilated portion, the ventilated portion including at least one
of an air mover and a heater; and a control system including: a
control module coupled to the at least one of the air mover and the
heater; and a humidity sensor coupled to the control module and
located near an area of the seat an occupant contacts when the
occupant is seated on the seat, the humidity sensor being
configured to send a signal to the control module representative of
the humidity level in the area of the humidity sensor, wherein the
control module controls the operation of the at least one of the
air mover and the heater based at least in part on the signal
received from the humidity sensor.
2. The seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the control system further
comprises a temperature sensor coupled to the control module, the
temperature sensor being configured to send a signal to the control
module representative of the temperature in the area of the
temperature sensor.
3. The seat assembly of claim 2, wherein the control module
controls the operation of the at least one of the air mover and the
heater based at least in part on the signals received from the
humidity sensor and from the temperature sensor.
4. The seat assembly of claim 3, wherein the control module
controls the operation of both the air mover and the heater based
at least in part on the signals received from the humidity sensor
and from the temperature sensor.
5. The seat assembly of claim 2, wherein the temperature sensor is
a plurality of temperature sensors.
6. The seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the humidity sensor is a
plurality of humidity sensors.
7. The seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the
air mover and the heater is part of an HVAC system of a
vehicle.
8. The seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the humidity sensor is
located within the seat and proximate a surface of the seat.
9. The seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the humidity sensor is
located in an area between the backrest portion and the seat
cushion portion of the seat.
10. The seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the humidity sensor is
configured to send a signal to the control module representative of
the humidity level of the air in the area around the occupant when
the occupant is seated on the seat.
11. The seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the control system
further comprises a user interface coupled to the control module,
the user interface configured to send a signal to the control
module representative of commands provided by the occupant.
12. The seat assembly of claim 11, wherein the control module
controls the operation of the at least one of the air mover and the
heater based at least in part on the signals received from the
humidity sensor and from the user interface.
13. A control system for use with a ventilated portion of a seat
configured to receive an occupant, the ventilated portion including
at least one of an air mover and a heater, the control system
comprising: a control module configured to be coupled to the at
least one of the air mover and the heater; and a humidity sensor
coupled to the control module and configured to be located near the
occupant when the occupant is seated on the seat, the humidity
sensor being configured to send a signal to the control module
representative of the humidity level in the area of the humidity
sensor; wherein the control module is configured to control the
operation of the at least one of the air mover and the heater based
at least in part on the signal received from the humidity
sensor.
14. The control system of claim 13, wherein the control system
further comprises a temperature sensor coupled to the control
module, the temperature sensor being configured to send a signal to
the control module representative of the temperature in the area of
the temperature sensor.
15. The control system of claim 14, wherein the control module is
configured to control the operation of the at least one of the air
mover and the heater based at least in part on the signals received
from the humidity sensor and from the temperature sensor.
16. The control system of claim 15, wherein the control module is
configured to control the operation of both the air mover and the
heater based at least in part on the signals received from the
humidity sensor and from the temperature sensor.
17. The control system of claim 13, wherein the humidity sensor is
configured to be located within the seat and proximate a surface of
the seat.
18. The control system of claim 13, further comprising a user
interface coupled to the control module, the user interface
configured to send a signal to the control module representative of
commands provided by the occupant.
19. The control system of claim 18, wherein the control module is
configured to control the operation of the at least one of the air
mover and the heater based at least in part on the signals received
from the humidity sensor and from the user interface.
20. A method for controlling the operation of a seat assembly
having a ventilated portion, the seat assembly including an
occupant contact area configured to receive an occupant, the
ventilated portion including at least one of an air mover and a
heater, the method comprising the steps of: detecting a humidity
level at a location near the occupant contact area; generating a
signal representative of the humidity level; and controlling the
operation of the at least one of the air mover and the heater based
at least in part on the signal representative of the humidity
level.
21. The method of claim 20, further comprising the step of
measuring the temperature at a location proximate the occupant
contact area.
22. The method of claim 21, further comprising the step of
controlling the operation of the at least one of the air mover and
the heater based at least in part on the measured humidity level
and the measured temperature.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of, and priority to,
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/667,630, filed Apr. 2,
2005, which is incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of
seating for vehicles. More particularly, the present invention
relates to systems for controlling the operation of ventilated
seats.
[0003] Ventilated and similar types of seats that adjust the
environment around the occupant of the seat in some manner
(hereinafter referred to collectively or individually as
"environmental seats") are being offered as a feature in more of
today's vehicles. The precise manner of operation of environmental
seats varies from seat to seat. Many of these seats utilize a
system that includes a heater and a fan that blows or moves air
through certain portions of the seat. Some systems blow air through
the seat and onto the occupant of the seat. Other systems are
configured to draw air from around the occupant through the seat
and discharge it into the vehicle cabin. Still other systems blow
or draw air into one portion of the seat and the air travels
through the seat and exits via a discharge opening, typically
directed away from the occupant. The primary object of each system
is to provide a more comfortable environment for the occupant of
the seat. To continuously maintain a comfortable environment for
the occupant, the point at which the blower, fan, or heater is
activated, the extent to which the blower or heater is activated,
and the time during which the blower or heater is activated need to
be controlled in some fashion.
[0004] Different techniques have been devised to control the manner
in which the blower, fan, and heater operate. For example, in some
systems, control of the fan and heater is dictated completely by
the occupant, who turns the fan and heater on and off to manually
adjust the setting of each feature as desired. Although these
systems give the occupant control over the operation of the systems
by allowing the occupant to set the output of the fan or heater to
given set points, it may become burdensome on the occupant of the
seat to continually adjust the output of the fan and/or heater.
Other systems utilize a thermal switch or control module that turns
the heater and/or the blower or fan off when the seat reaches a
certain temperature. Still other systems make use of a control
module or thermal switch to turn off one of the features of the
environmental seat (e.g., the heater) but leave another feature in
the complete control of the occupant (e.g., the fan).
[0005] Although temperature is an important factor in the comfort
of the occupant, it is not the only factor that affects the comfort
of the occupant. Accordingly, those environmental seating systems
that control the operation of the fan and/or heater based solely on
temperature, such as the temperature at the heating or cooling
element, may not be controlling the environmental seating system in
a manner that provides the most comfort and convenience for the
occupant.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an environmental seat
assembly according to one exemplary embodiment.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the control system of
an environmental seat assembly according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating the operation of the fan
relative to the humidity levels for a control system according to
one exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY AND ALTERNATIVE
EMBODIMENTS
[0009] How various objects or features of the present inventions
are accomplished, individually, collectively or in various
subcombinations will be described below in conjunction with the
figures. Generally, however, they are accomplished by controlling
the operation of an environmental seat with a control system that
bases the operation of a portion of the seat that alters the
environment on or around the seat at least in part on the level of
humidity on, around, or near the occupant of the seat. For
simplicity, the portion of the seat that alters the environment on
or around the seat will be referred to generally as the "ventilated
portion" of the seat, it being understood that the term is not
intended to be a term of limitation and that the so-called
"ventilated portion" could include any combination of environment
altering components (e.g., heaters, air conditioners, blowers,
fans, air movers, and/or other components, regardless of whether
they are dedicated solely to the seat or used for other purposes as
well (e.g., the HVAC system of the vehicle)).
[0010] A typical environmental seat generally includes a ventilated
portion that provides the seat with the ability to alter or adjust
the environmental parameters on or around the seat and make the
occupant more comfortable. The configuration of the ventilated
portion of the environmental seat may vary from seat to seat, but
according to various exemplary and alternative embodiments includes
structure that allows air to move through the seat, a fan or blower
to push or pull the air through the seat, a seat heater, and/or
other components.
[0011] According to one exemplary embodiment, the control system is
configured to control the operation of the fan, the heater, and
optionally other components of the ventilated portion of the
environmental seat. The control system includes at least one
humidity sensor and a control module. The humidity sensor is
generally located within the seat, near where the occupant contacts
the seat, and is configured to measure the humidity levels around
the occupant. The control module monitors the humidity levels
sensed by the humidity sensor, and based on a preset or owner
programmed set of operating instructions, controls the operation of
the fan, the heater, and/or other components of the ventilated
portion of the environmental seat. The control system may
optionally include one or more temperature sensors or other sensors
that are also monitored by the control module and that also affect
how the control module controls the operation of the fan, the
heater, and/or the other components of the ventilated portion of
the seat.
[0012] The control system may be configured so that the control
module automatically operates the ventilated portion of the seat,
without any input or with only minimal input from the occupant of
the seat. The control system may alternatively or additionally be
configured so that an occupant may interact with an interface of
the control system and at least partially dictate the operation of
the ventilated portion of the environmental seat through the
interface, such as by turning the ventilated portion on or off, by
setting a comfort point, etc.
[0013] Referring generally to the figures and in particular to FIG.
1, an environmental seat assembly 10 is shown according to one
exemplary embodiment. Environmental seat assembly 10 includes a
seat 12 and a control system 14.
[0014] Seat 12 generally includes a backrest portion 16 and a seat
cushion portion 18. Backrest portion 16 and seat cushion portion 18
may each take any one of a variety of well known or novel
configurations. Generally, however, each of backrest portion 16 and
seat cushion portion 18 is constructed primarily of a frame and a
foam core that are surrounded by a trim layer of fabric, leather,
or other material. One or both of backrest portion 16 and seat
cushion portion 18 may include a ventilated portion 20. Ventilated
portion 20 includes the structure and components that provide
backrest portion 16 and/or seat cushion portion 18 with the ability
to change the environmental parameters of seat 12. The structure
and components of ventilated portion 20 may be configured to direct
air toward or away from an occupant of seat 12, to condition (e.g.,
heat, cool, filter, etc.) the air that moves through ventilated
portion 20, to heat or cool the portions of backrest portion 16 and
seat cushion portion 18 that an occupant of seat 12 contacts while
seated on seat 12, and/or to otherwise alter the environment around
seat 12.
[0015] According to various alternative and exemplary embodiments,
the ventilated portion may take any one of a variety of different
configurations and may include one of a variety of different
components and features. For example, according to various
alternative and exemplary embodiments, the ventilated portion may
include one or more fans or blowers (e.g., air movers) for pushing
or pulling air through the ventilated portion (and/or through other
portions of backrest portion 16 and seat cushion portions 18), may
include various layers of different materials to allow the
ventilated portion to support the weight of an occupant while at
the same time allowing air to move through the ventilated portion,
may be coupled to the existing heating/ventilation/air conditioning
system of the vehicle, may include a device for heating or cooling
the air that moves through the ventilated portion or for heating or
cooling a portion of the ventilated portion, and may be
incorporated into backrest portion 16 and/or seat cushion portion
18 or may be configured to rest upon backrest portion 16 and/or
seat cushion portion 18. For example, according to one exemplary
embodiment, the ventilated portion may take the configuration
described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/755,505, filed
Jan. 5, 2001, which is incorporated by reference herein. According
to another exemplary embodiment, the ventilated portion may take
the configuration described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/755,506, filed Jan. 5, 2001, which is incorporated by reference
herein. According to still another exemplary embodiment, the
ventilated portion may take the configuration described in U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 09/755,637, filed Jan. 5, 2001, which
is incorporated by reference herein. According to other various
alternative and exemplary embodiments, the ventilated portion may
take any one of a variety of different known or novel
configurations.
[0016] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, control system 14 is a
system of sensors, processors or controllers, interfaces, etc. that
controls the operation of ventilated portion 20 based on input from
the occupant of seat 12 and/or preset or programmed operating
instructions. According to one exemplary embodiment, control system
14 includes a temperature sensor 22, a humidity sensor 24, a
control module 26, a power supply 28, and an interface 30.
[0017] Temperature sensor 22 (e.g., detector, sensing element,
etc.) is a device that senses the temperature of the surrounding
environment and converts the sensed temperature into an input
signal that is sent to control module 26. According to one
exemplary embodiment, control system 14 includes at least one
temperature sensor 22 intended to sense or measure the temperature
of ventilated portion 20 or the occupant near where the occupant
contacts ventilated portion 20. In order to provide an accurate
reading of that temperature, temperature sensor 22 is preferably
located within ventilated portion 20 at a position on or near where
the occupant contacts ventilated portion 20 (e.g., such as in a
portion of the trim layer of seat 12).
[0018] Humidity sensor 24 (e.g., detector, sensing element,
moisture sensor, etc.) is a device that senses the humidity of the
surrounding environment and converts the sensed humidity into an
input signal that is sent to control module 26. According to one
exemplary embodiment, control system 14 includes a single humidity
sensor 24 intended to sense or measure the humidity of ventilated
portion 20 (or the air within ventilated portion 20 or the air
around the occupant) near where the occupant contacts ventilated
portion 20. In order to provide an accurate reading or estimate of
that humidity level, humidity sensor 24 is preferably located
within ventilated portion 20 at a position on or near where the
occupant contacts ventilated portion 20 (e.g., such as in a portion
of the trim layer of seat 12).
[0019] According to various exemplary and alternative embodiments,
the control system may include one or more temperature sensors
and/or humidity sensors at different locations within the
ventilated portion, the backrest portion, and/or the seat cushion
portion of the seat. For example, one or more temperature sensors
and/or humidity sensors may be provided in both of the backrest and
seat cushion portions of the seat, in only one of the backrest and
seat cushion portions of the seat, under a perforation in the trim
layer of the seat, in a seam between one or more of the different
bolsters of the seat, in a biteline of the seat, within or under a
membrane applied to the trim layer of the seat, within the path of
air flowing through the ventilated portion, within the core of
either or both of the backrest and seat cushion portions of the
seat, and/or in other locations on, in, or around the seat in order
to obtain a reading of the temperature and/or humidity levels of
the air, a portion of the seat, or the occupant. According to other
various alternative and exemplary embodiments, the temperature
sensors and/or the humidity sensors may take one of a variety of
different sizes, shapes, and configurations.
[0020] Control module 26 (e.g., processor, microprocessor,
computer, controller, electronic control unit, microcontroller,
etc.) is an electronic device (or multiple electronic devices
coupled together) that monitors or measures the value or values of
one or more variable quantities or conditions and that sends
signals to (e.g., output signals), or controls the operation of,
one or more components of ventilated portion 20 based on the value
of the variable quantities or conditions. According to one
exemplary embodiment, control module 26 monitors or measures the
state of temperature sensor 22, humidity sensor 24, and interface
30 and controls the operation of one or more components of
ventilated portion 20 based on the state of temperature sensor 22,
humidity sensor 24, and interface 30. Depending on the precise
configuration of ventilated portion 20, control module 26 may be
configured to control the speed of any fan or blower, the direction
in which the fan or blower blows the air, the operation of any seat
heating device, the operation of any vents or valves that control
the flow of air that may be provided from a source not dedicated
solely to ventilated portion 20 (e.g., the vehicle's HVAC system);
or the operation of other components of ventilated portion 20.
According to one exemplary embodiment, control module 26 is
programmed with a set of operating instructions that dictate how
control module 26 will operate the various components of ventilated
portion 20 (e.g., the fan, the heater, etc.) when temperature
sensor 22, humidity sensor 24, and interface 30 detect certain
conditions. According to another exemplary embodiment, control
module 26 may be configured so that an occupant of seat 12 may
program control module 26 to operate ventilated portion 20 in the
manner desired by the occupant. According to another exemplary
embodiment, control module 26 may be programmed with multiple sets
of operating instructions, and an occupant of the vehicle seat may
be able to instruct control module 26 to operate in accordance with
the particular set of operating instructions most preferred by the
occupant.
[0021] According to various alternative and exemplary embodiments,
the control module may monitor or measure one of a variety of
different variables or conditions, and may control the operation of
the ventilated portion of the seat based on one or more different
variables, including the temperatures (e.g., of the seat, of the
air, of the occupant) at different locations within or around the
seat, the humidity levels at different locations within or around
the seat or the occupant, the location of an occupant on the seat,
the flow rate of the air moving into or out of the ventilated
portion, whether the seat is occupied, or one or more of a variety
of other variables. According to other various alternative and
exemplary embodiments, the control module may take one of a variety
of different configurations, and may control or send signals to,
receive signals from, or monitor, one or more of a variety of
different components of environmental seat assembly 10. According
to still other various alternative and exemplary embodiments, the
control module may or may not be programmable.
[0022] Power supply 28 provides a source of power that allows
control module 26 to operate. According to one exemplary
embodiment, power supply 28 is the electrical power supply of the
vehicle in which environmental seat assembly 10 is located, such as
the battery of the vehicle or the alternator of the vehicle.
According to an alternative embodiment, the power supply may be
separate from the electrical power supply of the vehicle. According
to other various alternative and exemplary embodiments, the power
supply may be a portable battery pack, a solar power source, or one
or more of a variety of other available power sources. For example,
a solar power source may be utilized to provide a source of power
to the control module 26 (and to certain components of the
ventilated portion such as a fan or heater) while the vehicle is
not running and the control module 26 may be configured to control
the operation of the ventilated portion of the seat during that
time so that the seat will be comfortable for the occupant when the
occupant returns to the vehicle.
[0023] Interface 30 (e.g., MMI (man-machine interface), HMI
(human-machine interface), switch panel, control panel, other
switch or selector device, etc.) is a device that allows an
occupant of the vehicle to communicate with control module 26 and
thereby adjust the operation of ventilated portion 20 by
manipulating interface 30 in a particular manner. According to one
exemplary embodiment, interface 30 includes a switch or actuation
device that allows the occupant to adjust the speed of a fan or
blower of ventilation portion 20 and a switch or actuation device
that allows the occupant to adjust the amount of heat generated by
a heater of ventilation portion 20. According to various
alternative and exemplary embodiments, the interface may include a
variety of different switches, knobs, and/or other actuation
devices that allow the occupant to control one or more of the
different components of environmental seat assembly 10, including
ventilation portion 20, backrest portion 16, and seat cushion
portion 18.
[0024] For purposes of illustration only, the operation of
environmental seat assembly 10 will now be described in connection
with a particular embodiment of ventilated portion 20 and control
system 14. However, it should be noted that the principles of
operation described in connection with these embodiments may be
applied to other embodiments of seat assembly 10, ventilated
portion 20, and control system 14 and are in no way limited to the
particular embodiment described below.
[0025] According to one exemplary embodiment, ventilated portion 20
includes, in addition to structure that allows for the movement of
air through ventilated portion 20, a multi-speed fan 32 configured
to blow air into and/or out of ventilated portion 20 and a heater
34 configured to heat the surface of ventilated portion 20 in the
area the occupant will contact when he or she sits on seat 12.
Control system 14 includes temperature sensor 22, humidity sensor
24, control module 26, power supply 28, and interface 30.
[0026] In this particular embodiment, control module 26 generally
controls how fan 32 and heater 34 of ventilated portion 20 operate
based on the readings or signals control module 26 receives from
temperature sensor 22, humidity sensor 24, and/or from interface
30. Depending on the signals control module 26 receives from
temperature sensor 22, humidity sensor 24, and on interface 30, and
the programming of control module 26, control module 26 may cause
fan 32 to shut off, turn on, reverse direction, speed up, or slow
down. Similarly, control module 26 may cause heater 34 to shut off,
turn on, increase the generation of heat, or decrease the
generation of heat.
[0027] How control module 26 causes fan 32 and heater 34 to operate
when temperature sensor 22 and/or humidity sensor 24 sense a
specific condition or state, or when the vehicle occupant moves
interface 30 into a certain position, will depend on the
programming or configuration of control module 26. This programming
or configuration of control module 26 may be changed or altered to
provide a comfortable seating system in a variety of different
climates, surroundings, and situations. Thus, a first control
module 26 of a first environmental seat assembly 10 used in a first
environment may be configured to operate differently than a second
control module 26 in a second environmental seat assembly 10 used
in a second environment.
[0028] According to one exemplary embodiment, control module 26
does not include interface 30 and is configured to operate
ventilated portion 20 of seat 12 automatically based solely on the
signals received from temperature sensor 22 and/or humidity sensor
24. In this embodiment, the occupant does not need to turn on or
off, or in any way adjust the operation of, any component of
ventilated portion 20. Instead, control module 26 is configured or
programmed to turn the components on or off, or otherwise adjust
their operation, based on the signals control module 26 receives
from temperature sensor 22 and/or humidity sensor 24. As the
signals from temperature sensor 22 and humidity sensor 24 change,
control module 26 will cause fan 32 and heater 34 to operate in a
manner that maintains a comfortable environment for the occupant of
seat 12. FIG. 3 illustrates graphically one example of how control
module 26 might control the operation of fan 32 based on humidity
readings received from humidity sensor 24. In this example, control
module 26 is configured to cause the speed of fan 32 to increase as
the humidity levels (which are measured by humidity sensor 34)
increase, and to cause the speed of fan 32 to decrease as the
humidity levels decrease. According to other various alternative
and exemplary embodiments, the manner in which control module 26
directs the operation of fan 32 may be based not only on the
humidity levels but also on the temperature levels, and/or other
variables.
[0029] According to another exemplary embodiment, the control
module 26 may be configured to operate ventilated portion 20 either
automatically or in response to user input provided by the user or
occupant of the vehicle at interface 30. Accordingly, through
interface 30, the user may set control module 26 to automatically
control the operation of ventilated portion 20 based on a
predefined (or programmed) set of operating instructions, the
occupant may choose to dictate the operation of ventilated portion
20 by interacting with interface 30, or the occupant may choose to
set control module 26 to automatically control one function of
ventilated portion 20 (e.g., the operation of the heater) and to
dictate the operation of another function of ventilated portion 20
(e.g., the operation of the air mover) by interacting with
interface 30. To allow the occupant to dictate the operation of
ventilated portion 20 from interface 30, interface 30 may include a
switch, knob, or other control device that allows the occupant to
adjust the speed of fan 32, a switch, knob, or other control device
that allows the occupant to adjust the amount of heat generated by
heater 34, and/or one or more other switches, knobs, or other
control devices that allow the occupant to control the operation of
one or more other components of ventilated portion 20. According to
various alternative and exemplary embodiments, one control device
of the interface may control more than one component of the
ventilated portion of the seat.
[0030] Individuals may differ with respect to the environment they
find most comfortable. To account for this, control module 26 may
be programmed to operate differently for different individuals. For
example, when a vehicle has two regular drivers, driver A and
driver B, driver A may prefer ventilated portion 20 to operate in a
slightly different manner than driver B. As just one example,
driver A may prefer a slightly hotter and more humid seat
environment than driver B. According to one exemplary embodiment,
control module 26 may be provided with memory capability and may be
programmed with more than one set of operating instructions that
correspond to the preferences of different users of seat 12. In
this configuration, control module 26 could be programmed to
operate in accordance with a first set of operating instructions
that are based on the preferences of driver A or in accordance with
a second set of operating instructions that are based on the
preferences of driver B. Thus, when driver A or driver B is using
the vehicle, she instructs control module 26, via interface 30, to
operate in accordance with the set of operation instructions that
correspond to her driver A preferences, which are stored in a
memory device in control module 26 or elsewhere, similar to how
multiple seating position preferences of a seat may be stored and
recalled. Similarly, when driver B is using the vehicle, she
instructs control module 26 to operate according to the set of
operating instructions that correspond to her driver B preferences.
According to various alternative and exemplary embodiments, the
control module may be programmed with three, four, or more than
four sets of operating instructions. According to other various
alternative and exemplary embodiments, each set of operating
instructions may be programmed by a user of the seat, or the
control module may be constructed or preprogrammed with several
different sets of operation instructions form which a user of the
seat may select.
[0031] According to various alternative and exemplary embodiments,
the control system may be configured to control the ventilated
portion(s) of seats having one or more of a variety of different
components or combinations of components, including one or more
fans, one or more seat heaters or cooling devices, one or more air
control valves, or one or more of a variety of other devices. Thus,
the control system may be used to control the operation of
ventilated portions having just one or more fans, ventilated
portions having just one or more seat heaters, ventilated portions
having both fans and heaters, or ventilated portions having
different combinations of fans, blowers, heaters, air conditioners,
and other components. According to other various alternative and
exemplary embodiments, the control system may include one or more
of the same type of sensor, one or more different types of sensors,
or various combinations of the same and different types of sensors,
and the manner in which the control module controls the operation
of the components of the ventilated portion of the seat may be
based on the readings or signals the control module receives from
any one or more of the sensors. Thus, the control system may
include a single humidity sensor, multiple humidity sensors, one or
more humidity and temperature sensors, or one or more different
combinations of humidity sensors, temperature sensors, pressure
sensors, air flow sensors or meters, and other sensors or
meters.
[0032] By incorporating at least one humidity sensor 34 into
control system 14 and basing the operation of various components of
ventilated portion 20 at least in part on the humidity levels,
control system 14 is able to dictate the operation of ventilated
portion 20 based on humidity levels, which is a factor that
influences the level of comfort experienced by the occupant of seat
12. Moreover, locating at least one humidity sensor 34 near the
occupant of seat 12 allows for a more accurate reading of the
humidity that is affecting the comfort of the occupant, and thereby
allows environmental seat assembly 10 to provide a more comfortable
environment for the occupant. Furthermore, a control system that
operates ventilated portion 20 based not only on temperature
readings, but also on humidity readings will be able to more
closely adapt the environment of seat 12 to a state that is the
most comfortable for the particular occupant than would a control
system that operates ventilated portion 20 based on temperature
readings alone. A control system that dictates the operation of
ventilated portion 20 based on humidity readings, either alone or
in combination with temperature readings, is able to automatically
adjust the operation of ventilated portion 20 in a manner that
maintains a comfortable environment for the occupant, without the
need for any occupant input. Moreover, such a control system may be
configured so that it can easily be adapted to the particular
comfort requirements of different occupants.
[0033] It is important to note that the term "seat" is intended to
be a broad term and not a term of limitation. According to various
alternative and exemplary embodiments, the control system may be
used with any of a variety of seats, stools, beds, couches,
furniture, tables, counters, assemblies, arrangements, or other
structures into which it may be desirable to incorporate climate
control features, and is not intended to be limited to use with
automobiles or other vehicles. For example, the seat may be vehicle
seating or any of a variety of seat arrangements or other
arrangements used in airplanes, trains, buses, homes, offices,
theaters, or anywhere a person may wish to maintain or adjust his
or her environment. According to other various alternative and
exemplary embodiments, the control system may be used with
structures other than seats and may be coupled to, or incorporated
into, other systems of the vehicle, building, office, etc.
[0034] It is also important to note that the construction and
arrangement of the elements of the control system as shown in the
exemplary and alternative embodiments are illustrative only.
Although only a few embodiments of the present inventions have been
described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art
who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many
modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions,
structures, operating parameters, shapes and proportions of the
various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements,
materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing
from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter
recited in the claims. For example, a variety of configurations may
be provided for the control system, the humidity sensors, the
temperature sensors, the ventilated portion of the seat, and/or the
seat. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be
included within the scope of the present invention as defined in
the appended claims. The order or sequence of any process or method
steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative
embodiments. In the claims, any means-plus-function clause is
intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the
recited function and not only structural equivalents but also
equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes
and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and
arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments
without departing from the spirit of the present inventions as
expressed in any appended claims.
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