US20140131343A1 - Convective heating device - Google Patents
Convective heating device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140131343A1 US20140131343A1 US14/046,448 US201314046448A US2014131343A1 US 20140131343 A1 US20140131343 A1 US 20140131343A1 US 201314046448 A US201314046448 A US 201314046448A US 2014131343 A1 US2014131343 A1 US 2014131343A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- heat transfer
- heating device
- heater
- assembly
- fluid
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 285
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 223
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 136
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 claims description 53
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 26
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 18
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 13
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 13
- 239000004519 grease Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 abstract description 59
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 abstract description 59
- 239000003570 air Substances 0.000 description 62
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 32
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 19
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 18
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 18
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 18
- 230000037361 pathway Effects 0.000 description 14
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 12
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 12
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 10
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 10
- 230000001143 conditioned effect Effects 0.000 description 9
- 230000003750 conditioning effect Effects 0.000 description 9
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 8
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 8
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 8
- 238000007639 printing Methods 0.000 description 7
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 7
- 229910045601 alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 6
- 239000000956 alloy Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 6
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000000976 ink Substances 0.000 description 6
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000007747 plating Methods 0.000 description 6
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silver Chemical compound [Ag] BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- -1 Volara®) Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000012080 ambient air Substances 0.000 description 5
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 5
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000010408 film Substances 0.000 description 5
- 229910052709 silver Inorganic materials 0.000 description 5
- 239000004332 silver Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000005507 spraying Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000002349 favourable effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 3
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000004593 Epoxy Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004642 Polyimide Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000003575 carbonaceous material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000151 deposition Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000003618 dip coating Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000011152 fibreglass Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000002955 isolation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000012811 non-conductive material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000123 paper Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920001721 polyimide Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000011253 protective coating Substances 0.000 description 2
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 2
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000010409 thin film Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000013022 venting Methods 0.000 description 2
- KJTLSVCANCCWHF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ruthenium Chemical compound [Ru] KJTLSVCANCCWHF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002390 adhesive tape Substances 0.000 description 1
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005266 casting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910010293 ceramic material Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000000748 compression moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000009969 flowable effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010097 foam moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910002804 graphite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010439 graphite Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011810 insulating material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001788 irregular Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002991 molded plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001151 other effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013021 overheating Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000002952 polymeric resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011241 protective layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008439 repair process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052707 ruthenium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004616 structural foam Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052717 sulfur Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229920003002 synthetic resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000003856 thermoforming Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010792 warming Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H3/00—Air heaters
- F24H3/02—Air heaters with forced circulation
- F24H3/04—Air heaters with forced circulation the air being in direct contact with the heating medium, e.g. electric heating element
- F24H3/0405—Air heaters with forced circulation the air being in direct contact with the heating medium, e.g. electric heating element using electric energy supply, e.g. the heating medium being a resistive element; Heating by direct contact, i.e. with resistive elements, electrodes and fins being bonded together without additional element in-between
- F24H3/0429—For vehicles
- F24H3/0452—Frame constructions
- F24H3/0482—Frames with integrated fan
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H3/00—Air heaters
- F24H3/002—Air heaters using electric energy supply
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H3/00—Air heaters
- F24H3/02—Air heaters with forced circulation
- F24H3/04—Air heaters with forced circulation the air being in direct contact with the heating medium, e.g. electric heating element
- F24H3/0405—Air heaters with forced circulation the air being in direct contact with the heating medium, e.g. electric heating element using electric energy supply, e.g. the heating medium being a resistive element; Heating by direct contact, i.e. with resistive elements, electrodes and fins being bonded together without additional element in-between
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F3/00—Plate-like or laminated elements; Assemblies of plate-like or laminated elements
- F28F3/02—Elements or assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with recesses, with corrugations
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F3/00—Plate-like or laminated elements; Assemblies of plate-like or laminated elements
- F28F3/02—Elements or assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with recesses, with corrugations
- F28F3/025—Elements or assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with recesses, with corrugations the means being corrugated, plate-like elements
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D1/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators
- F28D1/02—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid
- F28D1/0233—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with air flow channels
- F28D1/024—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with air flow channels with an air driving element
Definitions
- This application generally relates to heating devices and systems, and more specifically, to convective heating devices and systems configured for use in climate controlled (e.g., heated, ventilated, etc.) seating assemblies.
- climate controlled e.g., heated, ventilated, etc.
- Temperature modified air for environmental control of an automobile, other vehicles or any other living or working space is typically provided to relatively extensive areas, such as an entire automobile interior, selected offices or suites of rooms within a building (e.g., houses, hospitals, office buildings, etc.) and the like.
- a building e.g., houses, hospitals, office buildings, etc.
- the interior space is typically heated and/or cooled as a unit.
- more selective or restrictive air temperature modification is desirable. For example, it is often desirable to provide an individualized climate control for a seat assembly so that substantially instantaneous heating or cooling can be achieved.
- a vehicle seat, chair or other seat assembly situated in a cold environment can be uncomfortable to the occupant.
- it may be desirable to quickly warm the seat to enhance the occupant's comfort especially where other heating units (e.g., automobile's temperature control system, home's central heater, etc.) take a relatively long time to warm the ambient air. Therefore, a need exists to provide a heating system to selectively heat one or more portions of a climate-controlled vehicle seat, bed, other seat assembly and/or other item or device.
- other heating units e.g., automobile's temperature control system, home's central heater, etc.
- a heating device comprises a heater having a first surface and a second surface, with the second surface being generally opposite the first surface.
- the heater is configured to receive an electrical current and convert it to heat.
- the heating device additionally includes at least one heat transfer assembly positioned along the first and/or second surface of the heater.
- the heat transfer assembly includes a plurality of fins that generally define a plurality of fin spaces therebetween through which fluids may pass.
- the heating device comprises an outer housing that at least partially surrounds the heater and one or more of the heat transfer assemblies. Heat generated by the heater is transferred to the fins of the heat transfer assembly. In addition, fluids passing through the fin spaces are selectively heated when electrical current is provided to the heater.
- the heating device further includes a connector that is in electrical communication with the conductive leads of the heater.
- the connector is configured to connect to a coupling for delivering electrical current to the heater.
- the heat transfer assembly comprises a ceramic, metal and/or any other material.
- the heater comprises a resistive heater, a thick-film heater and/or any other type of heater.
- the outer housing comprises foam (e.g., Volara®), fiberglass, other polymeric materials and/or the like.
- the heating device further includes a second heat transfer assembly, so that the heater includes a heat transfer assembly on both of its surfaces.
- the heater and one or more heat transfer assemblies are secured to each other using one or more clips, screws, bolts, other mechanical fasteners, adhesives and/or the like.
- the heater and at least one heat transfer assembly form a unitary structure.
- the heater is generally disposed along a base of the heat transfer assembly.
- a convective heating device for thermally conditioning a fluid includes a heat transfer assembly having a base.
- a base can include a first side and a second side generally opposite the first side.
- the first side includes a plurality of fins or other heat transfer members that generally define a plurality of fin spaces therebetween through which a fluid may pass.
- the fins or other heat transfer members can have generally vertical orientation and may attach to the base along one end.
- the fins comprise a folded design, with adjacent fins being parallel or non-parallel with each other.
- the heating device further includes at least one electrically conductive member configured to receive an electrical current and convert such current to heat.
- the heater is positioned along the second side of the base of the heat transfer assembly such that the heat transfer assembly and the heater comprise a generally unitary structure.
- heat generated by the heater is transferred to the fins of the heat transfer assembly. Air or other fluids passing through the fin spaces can be selectively heated when electrical current is provided to the heater.
- the convective heating device further includes a housing adapted to at least partially surround the heat transfer assembly and the heater.
- the heat transfer assembly comprises ceramic, metal or any another material having favorable heat conductive properties.
- the convective heating device additionally comprises a connector in electrical communication with at least one electrically conductive member of the heater. In some arrangements, such a connector is configured to connect to a coupling for delivering electrical current to the heating device.
- a climate control system for a seating assembly comprises a heating device having a heater.
- the heater includes a first surface and a second surface generally opposite of the first surface. Further, the heater is configured to receive an electrical current and convert such current to heat.
- the heating device further comprises at least one heat transfer assembly positioned along the first and/or second surface of the heater.
- the heat transfer assembly includes a plurality of fins that define a plurality of fin spaces therebetween through which fluids may be directed.
- the heating device additionally includes an outer housing that at least partially surrounds the heater and one or more heat transfer assemblies. Heat generated by the heater is transferred to the fins of the heat transfer assembly, and fluids passing through the fin spaces can be selectively heated when electrical current is provided to the heater.
- the climate control system further includes a fluid transfer device configured to move fluids through the heating device and an outlet conduit located downstream of the heating device and the fluid transfer device. In some embodiments, the outlet conduit is configured to deliver thermally conditioned fluid to a seating assembly.
- the climate control system is configured for use in a vehicle seat, an office chair, a bed, a sofa, a wheelchair or any other seating device.
- the heating device is positioned within a housing of the fluid transfer device. In other configurations, the heating device is positioned upstream or downstream of the fluid transfer device.
- the climate control system additionally includes a thermoelectric device (e.g., Peltier device) to selectively cool fluids being delivered to the outlet conduit.
- a thermoelectric device e.g., Peltier device
- a heating device for convectively heating a fluid includes a first heat transfer assembly comprising a plurality of fins, such that the fins define a plurality of fin spaces therebetween through which fluids can be selectively passed.
- the first heat transfer assembly comprises a base having a first side and a second side generally opposite of the first side.
- the fins or other heat transfer members extend from the first side of the base.
- the heating device additionally includes at least one electrical conducting member positioned along at least a portion of the second side of the base, wherein the electrical conducting member is configured to receive electrical current and convert said electrical current to heat.
- the heating device can additionally include an outer housing that at least partially surrounds the first heat transfer member and/or any other portion of the device.
- heat generated at or near the electrical conducting member is transferred to the plurality of fins of the first heat transfer assembly.
- fluids directed through the fin spaces are selectively heated when electrical current is provided to the heating device.
- the first heat transfer assembly and the one or more electrical conducting members comprise a generally unitary structure.
- the heat transfer assembly and the conducting members can be permanently or removably joined to one another.
- the conducting members are directly formed onto one or more surfaces of the heat transfer assembly.
- at least one electrical conducting member is formed directly on the base of the first heat transfer assembly.
- At least one electrical conducting member is part of a heater (e.g., thick-film heater, thin-film heater, other type of heater, etc.) secured to the base of the first heat transfer assembly.
- at least one electrical conducting member comprises a conductive material positioned on the base of the first heat transfer assembly.
- at least one electrical conducting member comprises a conductive material positioned on an electrically non-conductive base of the first heat transfer assembly.
- the conductive material comprises a metal (e.g., copper, silver, other metals or alloys, etc.).
- the conductive material comprises an electrically conductive carbon material and/or any other conductive material, either in lieu of or in additional to a metal.
- the conductive material comprises a conductive ink.
- the conductive material is deposited on the base using spraying, coating, printing, plating and/or any other method.
- the first heat transfer assembly comprises an electrically non-conductive material (e.g., molded plastic, other polymeric materials, ceramic, etc.).
- the heating device additionally comprises an electrical connector or other coupling in electrical communication with at least one electrical conducting member, wherein such a connector is configured to connect to a coupling for the selective delivery of electrical current to the heating device.
- the heating device further includes at least a second heat transfer assembly.
- a second heat transfer assembly extends in a direction generally away from the second side of the base.
- a Temperature Coefficient of Resistance (TCR) of at least one electrical conducting member is between about 1,500 and 3,500 ppm/° C. (e.g., about 1,500, 1,600, 1,700, 1,800, 1,900, 2,000, 2,100, 2,2000, 2,300, 2,400, 2,500, 2,600, 2,700, 2,800, 2,900, 3,000, 3,100, 3,200, 3,300, 3,400, 3,500 ppm/° C., ranges between such values, etc.).
- the TCR of at least one conducting member is less than 1,500 ppm/° C. (e.g., between about 0 and 1,500 ppm/° C.) or greater than 3,500 ppm/° C. (3,550, 3,600, 3,700, 3,800, 3,900, 4,000, 4,500, 5,000, 5,500, 6,000 ppm/° C., values greater than 6,000 ppm/° C., ranges between such values, etc.).
- a climate control system for a seating assembly includes a heating device for thermally conditioning a fluid.
- the heating device of the climate control system comprises a heat transfer assembly having a base which includes a first side and a second side, wherein the second side is generally opposite of the first side and wherein the first side comprises a plurality of heat transfer members through or near which fluid is configured to selectively pass.
- the heating device additionally includes a heater comprising at least one electrically conductive member which is configured to receive electrical current and convert it electrical current to heat.
- at least a portion of the heat generated by the heater is transferred to the heat transfer members of the heat transfer assembly.
- fluids passing through or near the heat transfer members are selectively heated when electrical current is provided to the heater.
- the climate control system further comprises a fluid transfer device (e.g., fan, blower, etc.) configured to move fluid through the heating device and an outlet conduit located downstream of the heating device and the fluid transfer device, such that the outlet conduit is configured to deliver thermally conditioned fluid to a seating assembly.
- a fluid transfer device e.g., fan, blower, etc.
- the heater of the climate control system is positioned along the second side of the base of the heat transfer assembly such that the heat transfer assembly and the heater comprise a generally unitary structure.
- at least one electrically conductive member comprises a conductive material formed directly on the base of the first heat transfer assembly.
- at least one conductive material is deposited on the base using spraying, coating, printing, plating and/or any other device or method.
- the climate control system is configured for use in an automobile seat or other vehicle seat.
- the climate control system is configured for use in a bed (e.g., standard bed, hospital or other medical bed, etc.) and/or any other type of seating assembly (e.g., wheelchair, theater seat, office chair, sofa, etc.).
- the heating device and/or other components of the climate control system are adapted to be used to thermally condition other types of devices or specific areas or regions.
- the heating device is positioned within a housing of the fluid transfer device. In other arrangements, the heating device is positioned upstream or downstream of the fluid transfer device (e.g., fan, blower, etc.).
- the climate control system additionally includes one or more thermoelectric devices (e.g., Peltier circuit, another type of heat pump, etc.) and/or other types of heating and/or cooling devices to selectively cool fluids being delivered to the outlet conduit.
- a Temperature Coefficient of Resistance (TCR) of the at least one electrically conductive member is between about 1,500 and 5,000 ppm/° C.
- FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a heating device configured for use in a climate controlled seat assembly
- FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a heater adapted for use with the heating device in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a heat transfer assembly adapted for use with the heating device of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the heat transfer assembly of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 illustrates a first side view of the heat transfer assembly of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 6 illustrates a front view or a second side view of the heat transfer assembly of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of a heat transfer assembly according to another embodiment
- FIG. 7B illustrates a perspective view a heat transfer assembly according to another embodiment
- FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of a heating device comprising upper and lower heat transfer assemblies according to one embodiment
- FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of a heating device comprising upper and lower heat transfer assemblies according to another embodiment
- FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of a heating device comprising an upper heat transfer assembly according to one embodiment
- FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate perspective views of a heating device comprising a heater and adjacent heat transfer assemblies held together by clips or other fasteners according to one embodiment
- FIG. 12 illustrates a clip configured to secure various components of a heating device to each other according to another embodiment
- FIG. 13A illustrates a clip configured to secure various components of a heating device to each other according to still another embodiment
- FIG. 13B illustrates the clip of FIG. 13A positioned on a heating device
- FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of a heating device attached to a power coupling according to one embodiment
- FIG. 15A illustrates a front view of the heating device of FIG. 14 ;
- FIG. 15B illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a heater configured to connect to an power source and/or another electrical component using a plurality of lead wires;
- FIG. 16A illustrates a perspective view of a heating device wherein the heater is incorporated onto a base of the heat transfer assembly according to one embodiment
- FIG. 16B illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a heating device in which the heater and the heat transfer assembly are incorporated into a generally unitary structure
- FIG. 16C illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a heating device in which the heater and the heat transfer assemblies are incorporated into a generally unitary structure
- FIG. 16D illustrates various other embodiments of generally electrically non-conductive substrates for use with a heating device
- FIG. 17A illustrates a different perspective view of the heating device of FIG. 16A ;
- FIG. 17B illustrates a top view of the heating device of FIG. 16A ;
- FIG. 17C illustrates a front view of the heating device of FIG. 16A ;
- FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of the heating device of FIG. 16A comprising an electrical connector according to one embodiment
- FIG. 19 illustrates a front view of the heating device of FIG. 18 ;
- FIG. 20 illustrates a front view of a heating device comprising a heat sink according to one embodiment
- FIGS. 21A and 21B illustrate perspective views of a heating device in which the electrical connector is attached along an end fin according to one embodiment
- FIG. 22A illustrates a schematic layout of conductive leads used in a heating device according to one embodiment
- FIG. 22B illustrates a schematic layout of conductive leads used in a heating device according to another embodiment
- FIG. 22C schematically illustrates a chart showing the relationship between power output of a heating device and time for different conductive materials
- FIG. 22D schematically illustrates a chart showing the change in temperature on or along a heater of a heating device over time for different conductive materials
- FIG. 23 illustrates an exploded perspective view on the fluid module comprising a heating device according to one embodiment
- FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective view of the fluid module of FIG. 23 ;
- FIG. 25 schematically illustrates a climate controlled seat assembly comprising two heating devices according to one embodiment
- FIG. 26 schematically illustrates a climate controlled seat assembly comprising two heating devices operatively connected to a control unit according to one embodiment
- FIG. 27 schematically illustrates a climate controlled seat assembly comprising a single heating device configured to selectively heat fluids being delivered to the neck region of the seat back portion according to one embodiment
- FIG. 28A illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a climate controlled bed comprising heating devices according to one embodiment
- FIG. 28B illustrates a top cross-sectional view of the climate controlled bed of FIG. 28A ;
- FIG. 29 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a fluid transfer device comprising a heating device within its housing according to one embodiment
- FIG. 30 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a fluid transfer device comprising a heating device within its housing according to another embodiment.
- heating devices devices and systems configured to include such a heating devices and methods utilizing such devices or systems.
- a number of embodiments of such devices, systems and methods are particularly well suited to provide heated air or other fluids to one or more portions of vehicle seats (e.g., seat back portion, seat bottom portion, neck portion, headrest region, other portions of an automotive seat or other vehicle seat, etc.).
- heating devices, systems and other components making use of such heating devices and other thermally conditioning features disclosed herein may be incorporated into other types of seat assemblies, including, without limitation, beds (e.g., hospital beds, other medical beds, beds for home use, hotel beds, etc.), recliner chairs, sofas, office chairs, airplane seats, motorcycle seats, other vehicle seats, stadium seats, benches, wheelchairs, outdoor furniture, massage chairs and the like.
- beds e.g., hospital beds, other medical beds, beds for home use, hotel beds, etc.
- recliner chairs sofas, office chairs, airplane seats, motorcycle seats, other vehicle seats, stadium seats, benches, wheelchairs, outdoor furniture, massage chairs and the like.
- such devices, systems and methods can be used to selectively heat any other device or system.
- the devices or systems disclosed herein can be used to spot heat or otherwise deliver a volume of heated air to one or more targeted areas of a vehicle (e.g., A, B and/or C pillars, dashboard, visor, headliner, etc.), vehicle seat, bed or other seating assembly, office or other location.
- a vehicle e.g., A, B and/or C pillars, dashboard, visor, headliner, etc.
- vehicle seat e.g., A, B and/or C pillars, dashboard, visor, headliner, etc.
- office or other location e.g., a vehicle
- the term “fluid” is a broad term and is used in accordance with its ordinary meaning, and may include, without limitation, gases (e.g., ambient air, oxygen, etc.), liquids, non-Newtonian fluids, any other flowable materials, combinations thereof and/or the like.
- heater mats and other existing systems currently being used in climate controlled seat assemblies are susceptible to overheating and fire danger.
- Such mats typically require the placement of resistive wires and other electrical connections within a seating assembly, sometimes directly underneath the seating assembly surface.
- resistive wires and other electrical connections and components are subject to breaking, tearing and/or otherwise becoming damaged, especially with the passage of time and excessive use.
- heater mats and similar heating systems can suffer from durability, occupant detection and other comfort-related problems.
- such components can short out, exposing the user to potentially dangerous conditions and relatively expensive and complex repairs and maintenance procedures.
- a supplier and/or assembler may be required to install two separate items into the seat assembly, a heater mat for heating purposes and a fluid module configured to provide conditioned and/or ambient air for cooling or venting purposes.
- a separate heating mat or other type of conductive heater is eliminated.
- a single heating device or system can be used to provide both heat and/or venting (e.g., unheated air delivered into a seat assembly by the heating system's fluid transfer device). Accordingly, the complexity of the climate control system and/or its cost can be advantageously reduced.
- repairing, servicing and/or performing other maintenance tasks can be facilitated by the embodiments of heating systems disclosed herein.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a heating device 10 .
- the heating device 10 can include a heater 20 and heat transfer assemblies 50 , 60 on one or both sides of the heater 20 .
- Each heat transfer assembly 50 , 60 can include a plurality of fins 54 , 64 or other heat transfer members.
- the fins 54 , 64 can be configured to help transfer heat away from the surface of the heater 20 .
- the device 10 includes a housing 14 that at least partially encloses the heater 20 , the heat transfer assemblies 50 , 60 and any other components of the device 10 .
- the housing 14 surrounds the entire periphery of the heating device 10 .
- the heating device 10 includes a single housing 14 that is configured to at least partially enclose the various components of the device.
- the housing 14 comprises two or more portions that are permanently or removably joined to one another using one or more attachment devices or methods (e.g., adhesives, screws, tabs or other fasteners, welds, etc.).
- the housing 14 can include one or more thermally-insulating materials, such as, for example, foam, plastic, other polymeric materials, fiberglass and/or the like.
- the housing 14 comprises a rigid or semi-rigid structure that is configured to generally resist deformation when exterior forces or stresses act upon it.
- the housing 14 can include a flexible material, such as, for example, a wrap, one or more layers or sheets of foam, cloth, fabric and/or the like.
- the housing comprises a fine-celled, flexible foam (e.g., Volara®) that has desirable physical, chemical, thermal-insulation and other properties.
- the housing 14 or other portions of the device can include other features or components to further enhance the thermal insulation properties of the device 10 .
- gas assist injection molding and/or structural foam molding methods can be utilized in the manufacture of the housing.
- the housing 14 is provided with an interior barrier layer (e.g., air, foam, etc.) that further enhances its thermal insulation properties. Any other device or method of improving the thermal insulating properties of the housing 14 and/or other portions of the heating device 10 can be used.
- thermal insulation members can be placed, either continuously or intermittently, along one or more portions of a heating system (e.g., downstream conduits), as desired or required.
- the heating device 10 is configured to permit air to be selectively passed between adjacent fins 54 , 64 or other heat exchange members (e.g., in a direction generally represented by arrows A). Consequently, as discussed in greater detail herein, air (or other fluid) that passes through the heating device 10 can be convectively heated. Such heating can be caused by the transfer of heat from the fins 54 , 64 or other heat exchange members to the air or other fluid passing adjacent thereto. Accordingly, thermally conditioned (e.g., heated) air or other fluid can be delivered to one or more portions of a climate controlled seating assembly or other device or system.
- the heating device 10 comprises a connector 40 that is used to easily and conveniently connect or disconnect the device 10 to or from a power source (e.g., a vehicles electrical system, a battery, another AC or DC power source, etc.). Further, the connector 40 can be configured to place the heating device 10 in data communication with a controller, processor or other electrical device, as desired or required.
- the connector 40 can include a recess 42 or other opening that is sized, shaped and otherwise configured to receive a corresponding coupling or other mating portion (not shown).
- the corresponding coupling or other mating portion e.g., a male connector in electrical communication with a power source
- a snap fitting or other attachment device or method e.g., clips, other engagement features, etc.
- the depicted connector 40 is positioned on and secured to a protruding portion 30 of the heater 20 .
- a protruding portion 30 can extend beyond the edge of the housing 14 .
- the protruding portion 30 forms a unitary structure with the heater 20 .
- the protruding portion 30 can be a separate item that is attached to or is otherwise maintained in a desired relationship with respect to the adjacent heater 20 .
- the electrical leads 32 of the heater 20 can advantageously terminate at the connector 40 to selectively energize the heater 20 when the connector 40 is attached to a power source.
- the electrical leads can include silver traces or other metallic or non-metallic conductive materials.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a heater 20 adapted for use in a heating device 10 such as the one discussed herein with reference to FIG. 1 .
- the heater 20 is a thick-film resistance heater or another type of resistive-type heater.
- a heating device 10 can comprise one or more other types of heaters configured to generate the desired amount of heat.
- the heater 20 comprises an electrical input 22 and output 26 . As discussed herein with reference to FIG. 1 , such inputs and outputs 22 , 26 can be selectively connected to a connector 40 or other component that may be easily attached to and detached from a power source.
- the heater 20 can comprise electrical buses 24 , 27 , 28 or other electrical conducting strips or members that extend along its upper and/or lower surfaces.
- electrical current is supplied to the buses 24 , 27 , 28 or other conducting strips through inputs 22 , 26 or other electrical leads.
- electrical current (generally represented in FIG. 2 by arrows I) can flow through the buses 24 , 27 , 28 .
- electrical energy can be advantageously converted to thermal energy, thereby generating a desired heating effect along the surface of the heater 10 .
- At least a fraction of such generated heat can be transmitted to and dissipated through fins 54 , 64 of the heat transfer assemblies 50 , 60 , thereby allowing heat to transfer to the air or other fluid being conveyed through the heating device 10 .
- the heater 20 comprises one or more resistive materials (e.g., wires, conductive strips, etc.) that are configured to conduct electrical current therethrough, either in addition to or in lieu of electrical buses 24 , 27 , 28 .
- resistive materials e.g., wires, conductive strips, etc.
- the position, spacing and general orientation of such conductive materials along the heater 20 surface can be customized to achieve a desired heating effect.
- the heater 20 can comprise a ceramic (and/or other electrically non-conducting) base and one or more conductive portions (e.g., steel, copper, other metals, other electrically conductive materials, etc.) for conducting current therethrough.
- the heater 20 can include one or more other non-conductive and/or conductive materials, as desired or required.
- the heater 20 includes an electrical isolation layer (e.g., non-electrically conductive layer) and/or a protective coating.
- the heater 20 comprises one or more materials having a high thermal conductivity and low electrical conductivity, such as, for example, certain ceramic materials and/or polymer resins. Such thermally conductive materials can help distribute the heat generated at the surface of the heater 20 more evenly.
- the thermally conductive material comprises a ceramic, polyimide, epoxy, other polymers and/or the like.
- heat can be generated on either or both surfaces.
- thermal conductance is generally uniform on both sides of the heater 20 .
- thermal conductance is greater on one side than the other, as desired or required by a particular application or use.
- heat transfer members e.g., fins
- transferring heat away from the heater 20 can enhance the function of the heater 20 (e.g., improve its efficiency, extend its useful life, etc.).
- the heater 20 includes one or more openings 36 through which a bolt, screw or other fastener may be positioned.
- Such openings 36 can be used to help secure the heater 10 to adjacent fins 50 , 60 (or other heat transfer members), a housing 14 and/or other components or portions of the heating device 10 .
- This may be helpful when the heating device comprises materials that cannot be attached to one another using other connection methods or devices, such as, for example, adhesives, welds, heat bonding, etc.
- one or more other connection methods or devices can be used to attach the various components of the heating device 10 to each other.
- FIGS. 3-6 illustrate different views of a heat transfer assembly 150 for use in a heating system as disclosed herein.
- the heat transfer assembly 150 can include a base 152 and a plurality of fins 154 or other heat transfer members that generally extend from the base 152 .
- the base 152 and the fins 154 can comprise a unitary structure.
- the base 152 and the fins 154 can be separate members that are secured to each other using one or more attachment devices or methods (e.g., welds, adhesives, bolts, other fasteners, etc.).
- the heat transfer assembly 150 can comprise copper, aluminum, other metals or alloys, ceramic and/or any other material, especially those having favorable heat transfer properties.
- the heat transfer assembly 150 comprises a total of twenty vertically-oriented, parallel fins 154 or other heat transfer members.
- adjacent fins 154 can define a plurality of generally rectangular areas or spaces 151 through which air or other fluids can pass in order to be convectively heated.
- the quantity, shape, size, orientation, spacing and/or other details of the base 152 , fins 154 and/or any other component or feature of the heat transfer assembly 150 can be different than discussed or illustrated herein.
- the heat transfer assembly 150 can include one or more openings 158 through which a bolt, screw and/or other fastener may be placed.
- the heat transfer assembly 150 comprises a single opening 158 which is located near the center of the assembly 150 and which includes a generally circular shape.
- the opening 158 can be sized, shaped, located and otherwise configured to align and match with corresponding openings of the heater ( FIG. 2 ), another heat transfer assembly, the housing and/or another component of the heating device to which it is secured. Accordingly, a bolt, screw, other fastener or other device may be passed through the openings of various components to secure such components to each other.
- the quantity, size, shape, location, spacing and/or other characteristics of the openings can be different than disclosed herein, as desired or required.
- FIG. 7A Another embodiment of a heat transfer assembly 250 is illustrated in FIG. 7A .
- the depicted heat transfer assembly 250 is similar to the one of FIGS. 3-6 in that it includes a base 252 and a plurality of fins 254 or other heat transfer members extending therefrom. However, unlike the arrangement shown in FIGS. 3-6 , the depicted assembly 250 does not include an opening.
- the heater, one or more heat transfer assemblies 250 and/or any other components of the corresponding heating system can be secured to each other using different connection devices or methods, such as, for example, welds, adhesives, thermal grease, clips and/or like.
- the heater, heat transfer assemblies and/or any other components can be maintained in a desired orientation relative to each other (e.g., connected to each other, in contact with each other, etc.) without the use of adhesives, fasteners and/or other connection devices.
- the various components of the heating devices can be configured to mechanically fit within a polymeric or other type of outer housing.
- a similar embodiment of a heat transfer assembly 250 ′ is illustrated in FIG. 7B .
- the assembly 250 ′ can include a plurality of heat transfer members 254 ′ extending from a base 252 ′.
- the assembly 250 ′ can include a cutout, recess or similar feature along the base to advantageously accommodate a thermistor, sensor and/or any other component or item that may be included in a heating device.
- FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of a heating device 310 A according to one embodiment.
- the heating device 310 A can include an outer housing 314 A that generally surrounds a heater 320 A, upper and lower heat transfer assemblies 350 A, 360 A and/or any other component.
- the heat transfer assemblies 350 A, 360 A can be secured to the heater 320 A using one or more attachment devices or methods.
- the assemblies 350 A, 360 A can be configured to be in thermal communication with the heater without physically contacting it.
- the heat transfer assemblies 350 A, 360 A can be placed in close proximity to the heater 320 A with one or more intermediate members (e.g., a polyimide or other thermally-conductive layer, heat distribution component, etc.) situated between the heater 320 A and the heat transfer assemblies 350 A, 360 A.
- the heater 320 A can comprise a thick-film heater, another type of restive heater and/or any other type of device configured to selectively produce thermal energy.
- the heater 320 A can comprise a protruding portion 330 A that generally extends to the exterior of the housing 314 A.
- the housing 314 A can include a slot 318 A or other opening through which the protruding portion 330 A can exit the interior of the device 310 A.
- a connector 340 A secured to the protruding portion 330 A of the heater 320 A allows a user to easily attach or detach the heating device 310 A to or from a power source (e.g., a vehicle's electrical system, a battery, another AC or DC power source, etc.) and/or other electrical component (e.g., processor, sensor, controller, another heating device, etc.).
- a power source e.g., a vehicle's electrical system, a battery, another AC or DC power source, etc.
- other electrical component e.g., processor, sensor, controller, another heating device, etc.
- the fins 354 A, 364 A of the heat transfer assemblies 350 A, 360 A can have a folded design.
- the fins 354 A, 364 A can be folded in a manner that creates alternating upper and lower portions that are flat or substantially flat.
- heat can be transferred from the heater 320 A to the heat transfer assemblies 350 A, 360 A primarily through these flat or substantially flat portions of fins 354 A, 364 A.
- the fins 354 A, 364 A can form generally triangular or trapezoidal spaces 351 A, 361 A or gaps between adjacent folds through which air or other fluids may pass.
- An alternative arrangement of heat transfer assemblies 350 B, 360 B is illustrated in FIG. 9 .
- adjacent folded fins 354 B, 364 B of the assemblies 350 B, 360 B are generally parallel to each other (e.g., the fins have more of a vertical orientation). Accordingly, the spaces 351 B, 361 B or gaps between adjacent fins 354 B, 364 B comprise a generally rectangular shape. In other arrangements, the heat transfer assemblies can have a different shape, size, spacing, orientation and/or other characteristics, as desired or required.
- FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a heating device 410 comprising a heat transfer assembly 450 positioned on only one side of the heater 420 .
- the heater 420 , the heat transfer assembly 450 and an outer housing 414 positioned therearound can define a plurality of spaces 451 through which air or other fluids can be selectively directed. Consequently, air or other fluids passing through the heating device 410 can be thermally conditioned (e.g., heated) by convective heat transfer. Such heated air or other fluids can be subsequently delivered to one or more portions of a climate-controlled seating assembly (e.g., vehicle seat, other chair, bed, etc.) or other device.
- a climate-controlled seating assembly e.g., vehicle seat, other chair, bed, etc.
- the size, shape, orientation, spacing and/or other details of the heat transfer assembly 450 are different than illustrated and discussed herein.
- the fins 454 or other heat transfer member can include a folded design, such as those shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 .
- the spaces 451 between adjacent fins 454 can include a different size, shape and/or the like.
- the spaces 451 can be customized to achieve a desired flow pattern or characteristics (e.g., laminar, turbulent, etc.) or to meet certain design criteria (e.g., maximum or desired headloss for a given flowrate, maximum or desired noise requirements, etc.) through the heating device 410 .
- electrical current is delivered to a heater of a heating device through wires that are connected to an exterior portion of the device's housing.
- the wires can be secured to the housing using corresponding attachment assemblies.
- Such attachment assemblies can include electrically conductive pins and electrically conductive brackets that allow electricity to be transferred between the wires and the leads of the heater.
- the brackets are also be used to structurally secure a heater relative to the housing.
- the wires of such a device can be connected to a power supply (e.g., a vehicle's electrical system, a battery, another AC or DC power source, solar panel, etc.).
- the heater can be selectively energized by delivering electrical current to it in order to create a desired heating effect along the adjacent heat transfer assemblies.
- electrical current can be supplied to the heater in a different manner than illustrated or described herein.
- FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate perspective views of a heating device 610 that includes a heater 620 and heat transfer assemblies 650 , 660 positioned immediately above and below the heater 620 .
- each heat transfer assembly 650 , 660 comprises a middle portion 655 , 665 that does not include fins 654 , 664 or other heat transfer members.
- fin-free portions 655 , 665 can include slots 653 or other engagement features (e.g., recesses, other openings, protrusions, flanges, tabs, etc.) to help secure a clip 680 , other mechanical fastener and/or other attachment device thereto.
- the middle portion 655 , 665 of each heat transfer assembly 650 , 660 includes two or more slots 653 located near the edge of the base 652 , 662 of the respective assembly 650 , 660 .
- the quantity, shape, size, location along the heat transfer assembly, spacing and/or other details of the fin-free portions 655 , 665 , slots 653 or other engagement members, clips 680 and/or any other component or feature of the heating device 610 can be varied, as desired or required.
- the fin-free portion 655 , 665 of the heat transfer assemblies 650 , 660 can be positioned along any other area of the assemblies 650 , 660 , including, without limitation, the edges, areas between the middle and the edges and/or the like.
- a heat transfer assembly 650 , 660 can include two or more different portions or areas which do not include fins and which are configured to receive a clip 680 or other securement device.
- clips 680 can be used to secure the heater 620 to the adjacent heat transfer assemblies 650 , 660 .
- one clip 680 is positioned on either end of the fin-free regions 655 , 665 of the heat transfer assemblies 650 , 660 .
- a heating device 610 can include more or fewer clips 680 .
- a different connection method or device can be used to permanently or removably (e.g., temporarily) attach the various components of the heating device 610 to each other, either in lieu of or in addition to clips 680 or other mechanical fasteners.
- the heat transfer assemblies 650 , 660 , the heater 620 , the housing (not shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B ) and/or any other component or feature can be secured to each other using welds, rivets, bolts, screws, other fasteners, adhesives and/or the like.
- the clips 680 can include a flanged portion 682 that is shaped, sized and otherwise adapted to fit within a corresponding slot 653 of the upper or lower heat transfer assembly 650 , 660 .
- the clips 680 comprise one or more rigid, semi-rigid and/or flexible materials that are adapted to withstand the forces, stresses, temperature variations and/or other elements to which they may be exposed.
- the clips 680 can comprise plastic or other polymeric materials, metals or other alloys, paper or wood-based materials and/or the like.
- the clips 680 are resilient so they may be easily secured to or removed from the device 610 , as desired or required.
- FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of a clip 680 ′ adapted to secure heat transfer assemblies and/or other components of a heating device to a heater (not shown).
- a clip 680 ′ can be sized, shaped and otherwise configured to be positioned within a fin-free portion 655 , 665 of a heat transfer assembly 650 , 660 ( FIG. 11A ).
- such a clip 680 ′ is adapted to fit between adjacent fins 654 , 664 or other heat transfer members.
- the clip 680 ′ can include upper and lower portions 684 ′, 686 ′ that are attached to each other using a hinge 683 ′ or other movable connection.
- a hinge 683 ′ can advantageously permit the upper and lower portions 684 ′, 686 ′ to be moved relative to each other in order to secure the clip 680 ′ to (or remove it from) a heating device.
- one of the upper and lower portions 684 ′, 686 ′ can include an engagement feature 685 ′ configured to engage and secure to a corresponding area or feature 687 ′ (e.g., recess) of the opposite portion 684 ′, 686 ′.
- the upper and lower portions 684 ′, 686 ′ can be selectively brought together or moved apart in order to secure the clip 680 ′ to a heating device.
- FIGS. 13A and 13B Another embodiment of a clip 680 ′′ for securing the heat transfer assemblies 650 ′′, 660 ′′ and/or other components of a heating device 610 ′′ to a heater 620 ′′ is illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 13B .
- the depicted clip 680 ′′ can include upper and lower portions 684 ′′, 686 ′′ that may be selectively attached to or removed from each other.
- the upper portion 684 ′′ includes an engagement tab 685 ′′ or other protrusion that is configured to fit within and secure to a slot 687 ′′ or other opening of the lower portion 686 ′′.
- FIG. 13B is a perspective view of a heating device 610 ′′ comprising a clip 680 ′′ adapted to maintain the various components of the device secured to one another.
- FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of a heating device 710 according to one embodiment.
- the heating device 710 can include a heater 720 generally positioned between upper and lower heat transfer assemblies 750 , 760 .
- each heat transfer assembly 750 , 760 can include a plurality of fins 754 , 764 between which air or other fluids may be selectively directed for thermal conditioning.
- the heat transfer assemblies 750 , 760 can be secured to the heater 720 using one or more attachment devices or methods, such as, for example, clips, bolts, screws or other fasteners, adhesives, adhesive tapes, welds, rivets and/or the like.
- each heat transfer assembly 750 , 760 are approximately 54.1 mm long, 32.7 mm wide and 9.2 mm high.
- the base 752 , 762 , fins 754 , 764 or other heat transfer members and/or any other component of the heat transfer assembly 750 , 760 can comprise one or more metals (e.g., copper, aluminum, etc.), alloys, ceramics and/or any other material, especially those having favorable or desired heat transfer characteristics.
- the heater 720 can include a thick-film heater, a thin-film heater, another resistance-type heater, one or more electrically conductive layers (e.g., sprayed layers, dip coated layers, etc.) and/or any other device adapted to produce heat.
- one or more materials can be positioned between the heater 720 and the adjacent heat transfer assemblies 750 , 760 to facilitate the distribution and transfer of heat.
- thermal adhesive, thermal epoxy, thermal grease, thermal paste, and/or other thermal compounds known in the art may be used.
- the heater 720 can include a protruding portion 730 that generally extends beyond the periphery or outer edges of the upper and lower heat transfer assemblies 750 , 760 .
- the protruding portion 730 can include one or more connectors 740 that are used to easily connect or disconnect the device 710 to or from a power source (e.g., an automobile's electrical system, battery, another AC or DC power source, etc.). Further, the connector 740 can place the heating device 710 in data communication with a controller, processor or other electrical device, as desired or required.
- the connector 740 can be permanently or removably attached to the protruding portion 730 of the heater 720 using one or more connection methods or devices, such as, for example, adhesives, tapes, welds, fasteners and/or the like. Regardless of the exact configuration and other details of the heating device 710 , the electrical leads 732 of the heater 720 can advantageously terminate at the connector 740 to selectively energize the heater 720 when the connector 740 is attached to an active power supply.
- the connector 740 can include a recess 742 or other opening which is sized, shaped and otherwise adapted to receive a corresponding power coupling 790 .
- the coupling 790 can be connected to one or more wires 794 that are configured to provide electrical current to the heater 720 (e.g., from an AC or DC power source) and/or to place the heating device 710 in data and/or electrical communication with another component (e.g., controller, processor, sensor, etc.).
- another component e.g., controller, processor, sensor, etc.
- the coupling 790 can be connected to the device 710 using a movable tab 792 or other member or feature (e.g., clips, other engagement features, friction fittings, threaded connection, etc.) that is configured to engage and secure to a corresponding portion of the connector 740 .
- the movable tab 792 can be lifted in order to secure the coupling 790 to the connector 740 .
- the coupling 790 is advantageously locked to the coupling 740 .
- the tab 792 may need to be lifted in order to separate the coupling 790 from the connector 740 .
- One or more other devices, features and/or methods can be used to place the connector 740 or other portion of the heater 720 in electrical communication with a power supply and/or other electrical component.
- the fins 754 , 764 or other heat transfer members of the adjacent assemblies 750 , 760 can be selectively heated.
- air or other fluids passing through the heating device 710 which in some embodiments includes an outer housing (not shown in FIG. 14 ), can be thermally conditioned before being conveyed to a desired location (e.g., a vehicle seat, a bed, another type of climate controlled seat assembly, another device, region or area, etc.).
- the amount of heat that is transferred to the fins 754 , 764 , and ultimately to the air or other fluid passing therethrough can be controlled by, among other things, regulating the amount of electrical current being delivered to the heater 720 , the flowrate of air passing through the heater, the types of materials used in the heating device, the insulation properties of the device, the type of heater used and/or any other variables.
- FIG. 15A is a front elevation view of a heating device 710 similar to the one illustrated and discussed herein with reference to FIG. 14 .
- the device 710 can include a heater 720 generally positioned between upper and lower heat transfer assemblies 750 , 760 .
- a protruding portion 730 of the heater 720 can include a connector 740 that is configured to be selectively coupled to or detached from a power coupling 790 .
- the heater 20 ′ can include one or more lead wires W that are configured to place the heating device in electrical and/or data communication with a power source and/or another electrical component.
- lead wires W can be used either in lieu of or in addition to a coupling, such as the connector illustrated in FIG. 15A .
- FIG. 16A A perspective view of another embodiment of a heating device 810 is illustrated in FIG. 16A .
- the depicted heating device 810 generally incorporates the heater 820 and the heat transfer assembly 850 into a unitary structure.
- the heating device 810 can comprise a single heat transfer assembly 850 that includes a base 852 and a plurality of fins 854 or other heat transfer members extending from a first surface of the base.
- the shape, size, spacing or other characteristics of the fins 854 and/or other components of the assembly 850 can vary, as desired or required.
- the various components of the heater 820 can be positioned along or incorporated onto the heat transfer assembly 850 .
- the conductive leads 824 , the thermistor 829 and/or the like can be situated along the base 852 of the assembly, generally along the opposite surface of the fins 854 or other heat transfer members.
- the electrical leads 824 , the thermistor and/or other electrically conductive members can be printed onto the base 852 of the assembly 850 using conductive inks. The size, pattern, material composition and other properties or characteristics of the leads 824 and/or other conductive members can help determine the overall capacity and other performance-related properties of the heater 810 .
- such variables can be modified to provide the device 810 with a desired electrical resistance, total heat output per electrical input and/or the like.
- one or more other layers or coatings can be applied thereto.
- an electrical isolation layer is applied to the base 852 of the assembly 850 . This can help achieve the desired thermal output, while protecting the heater from potentially dangerous or otherwise unwanted electrical exposure.
- an outer wrap or housing (not shown in FIG. 16A ) can be provided around the device 810 to enclose the space through which fluids are selectively directed, to provide for thermal insulation, to protect the components of the device 810 and/or for any other purpose.
- electrical current is provided through the conductive leads 824 and/or other conductive members of the device 810 , a corresponding amount of heat is produced along the heater 820 .
- the heat produced by the heater 820 can be transmitted to the fins 854 or other heat transfer members of the device. Consequently, as discussed with reference to other embodiments disclosed herein, air or other fluids passing through the spaces 851 defined by adjacent fins 854 (e.g., in a direction generally represented by arrows A) can be selectively heated.
- FIG. 16A can offer a compact and convenient device for thermally conditioning air or other fluids, as the need for a separate heater and heat transfer assemblies is eliminated. This can be particularly helpful when the heater 810 needs to be designed in accordance with relatively strict size constraints or parameters. In addition, the challenge of connecting the heater to one or more heat transfer assemblies is eliminated in such embodiments. Consequently, the labor, expense and complexity of such heating devices can be advantageously decreased. In addition, such unitary heating devices 810 can offer more reliable and accurate heating of air or other fluids passing therethrough.
- FIGS. 17A-17C provide different views of the heating device 810 of FIG. 16A .
- electrical leads and/or other electrically conductive members can be printed or otherwise formed onto a base of a heat transfer assembly or along any other portion of a heating device using conductive inks that have desired electrically resistive properties. Accordingly, such conductive inks or other materials can be selectively printed or otherwise deposited onto one or more surfaces of a heating device (e.g., a base of a fin assembly or other heat transfer assembly). This can provide a simpler, less expensive and/or faster method of producing a heating device. Such conductive inks and other materials can replace, either partially or completely, the conductive leads, buses or other electrically conductive materials or components of a heating device.
- one or more electrically conductive layers can be applied along one or more surfaces of a heating device to create the conductive leads or pathways through which electrical current may be routed to selectively produce heat.
- electrically conductive materials can be sprayed onto a surface of the heating device.
- electrically conductive materials can be applied to one or more surfaces or other portions of a heating device using a dip coating, printing, plating or other process.
- Such electrically conductive materials can be sprayed, dip coated, powder coated, screen printed, electroplated and/or otherwise applied (e.g., either directly or indirectly) on a surface of a heating device.
- the electrically conductive materials include, without limitation, metals (e.g., silver, copper, alloys, etc.), electrically-conductive graphite or other carbon materials and/or any other electrically-conductive materials.
- a heating device 810 B can include a heat transfer assembly 850 B (e.g., fin assembly) having a base 852 B that is configured to receive one or more electrically conductive materials along one or more of its surfaces.
- a heat transfer assembly 850 B e.g., fin assembly
- such electrically conductive materials can be positioned onto targeted regions of the base 852 B and/or any other surface of the heating device 810 B using one or more methods (e.g., spraying, coating, printing, plating, etc.), as desired or required.
- electrically conductive materials have been deposited on the base 852 B, along a surface generally opposite of the fins 854 B, so as to effectively form an electrical pathway 824 B through which current may pass.
- the ends of the conductive path 824 B can be electrically coupled to wires 894 B or other members that are connected to a power supply or another electrical component.
- the electrically conductive pathway include a different shape or orientation along one or more surfaces of the base 852 B and/or other portions of the heating device 810 B.
- the width, length, spacing, location, pattern and/or other characteristics of the path 824 B can be different than illustrated in FIG. 16B .
- FIG. 16C Another embodiment of a heating device 810 C is illustrated in FIG. 16C .
- the heating device 810 C includes upper and lower heat transfer assemblies 850 C, 860 C generally positioned between a central base 870 C.
- the heat transfer assemblies 850 C, 860 C and the base 870 C are formed as a unitary structure.
- the assemblies 850 C, 860 C and the base can comprise two or more portions that are permanently or removably secured to each other (or are otherwise maintained in a desired orientation relative to each other).
- an electrically conductive path 824 C can be formed along one or more surfaces of the heating device 810 C.
- the electrical pathways 824 C are positioned along both the main base 870 C and the fins 854 C of the upper heat transfer assembly 850 C.
- the pathway 824 C is positioned along at least some of the fins 864 C of the bottom assembly 860 C, either in addition to or in lieu of fins of the upper assembly 850 C.
- the pathway is routed along larger or smaller (or different) areas of the heating device 810 C, as desired or required.
- the electrically conductive pathways comprise one or more materials (e.g., metals, carbon, etc.) that conduct the electrical current provided to a heating device 810 C (e.g., via wires 894 C, other leads, etc.). Accordingly, heat is advantageously produced along one or more portions of the device 810 C.
- a heating device 810 C e.g., via wires 894 C, other leads, etc.
- heat is advantageously produced along one or more portions of the device 810 C.
- air or other fluids that is delivered past the heating device e.g., through the spaces defined between adjacent fins 854 C, 864 C
- a fluid transfer device e.g., blower, fan, etc.
- heating device include an electrically non-conductive substrate that is configured to receive electrically conductive materials along one or more of its surfaces.
- the non conductive substrate can comprises a heat transfer assembly or any other portion of the heating device.
- such electrically non-conductive substrates comprise one or more fins or other heat transfer members.
- the size, shape and general configuration of substrates 880 A- 880 F can vary, as desired or required for a particular application or use.
- the substrates can be configured for use in a convective heating system, a conductive heating system and/or a combination convective/conductive heating system.
- heat produced by an electrically conductive pathway of a heating device is used to heat a surface or region in a generally conductive manner.
- an item or region positioned adjacent or near the heater is directly heated directly by the heat produced by the conductive pathways.
- the heat transfer assemblies, other substrates and/or other portions of a heating device can be advantageously formed into a desired shape, size and general configuration.
- Such components can be manufactured using any one of a variety of methods, such as, for example, injection molding, compression molding, thermoforming, extrusion, casting and/or the like.
- the non-conductive components can comprise one or more materials, including, without limitation, moldable plastics, other polymeric materials, paper-based products, ceramics and/or the like. Accordingly, the ability to spray, coat, print or otherwise deposit electrically conductive materials along one or more surfaces of such non-conductive heat transfer assemblies or other substrates provides greater design flexibility of convective and/or conductive heating assemblies.
- a heating device can be manufactured with a unitary structure.
- the need to join or otherwise maintain separate components e.g., a heater, one or more heat transfer assemblies, etc.
- a heating device can include one or more additional items, components, layers and/or the like.
- devices that include a sprayed conductive material on a non-conductive heat transfer member can include a heat conductive layer, a thermistor, a sensor, a protective layer or coating and/or the like.
- the heating device 810 includes an electrical connector 840 adapted to receive a power coupling 890 .
- a connector 840 can offer a convenient and easy way of placing the conductive leads 824 , the thermistor 829 and/or other portions of the heater 820 in electrical communication with a vehicle's electrical system, a battery, another type of AC or DC power supply and/or the like.
- the connector 840 can be positioned along a protruding portion 830 of the assembly's base 852 , generally along the edge of the heating device 810 .
- the connector 840 can be positioned along any other portion or area of the base 852 or heating device, as long as it is electrically connected to the conductive portions of the heater 820 .
- a heating device 810 ′ can comprise a heat sink 898 along or near the surface of the base 852 on which the conductive leads and other components of the heater 820 are positioned.
- heat can be dissipated away from the heater 820 both toward and away from the main fins 854 or other main heat transfer members. This can further enhance the operation of the heater 820 and/or other components of the device 810 ′.
- the conductive leads, the thermistor and/or other conductive portions of the heater 820 can be thermally insulated so as to reduce heat loss in a direction generally away from the fins 854 or other heat transfer members of the device 810 ′.
- FIG. 21A Another embodiment of a device 910 configured to selectively heat air or other fluids passing therethrough is illustrated in FIG. 21A .
- the depicted heating device 910 incorporates the various components of the heater (e.g., conductive leads, thermistor, etc.) into a unitary structure with the heat transfer assembly.
- the heat transfer assemblies need not be separate from the heater.
- the conductive leads 924 , thermistor 929 and/or other conductive members of the heater are positioned, at least in part, along the side of an end fin 954 or other heat transfer member.
- such conductive leads or other members are positioned along the bottom surface of the base 952 (e.g., similar to the arrangement of FIGS. 16-19 ), either in lieu of or in addition to being disposed along one or more fins 954 .
- the conductive pathways and/or other electrically conductive components or portions of such heating devices can be manufactured using one or more conductive materials that are selectively deposited (e.g., using spray coating, dip coating, other coating technologies, printing, etc.) onto a non-conductive substrate.
- a connector 940 can be attached to the side of the end fin 954 or other heat transfer member to permit a convenient way of connecting the heating device 910 to a power source (e.g., a vehicle's electrical system, a battery, another AC or DC power source, etc.) or other electrical component or system.
- a power source e.g., a vehicle's electrical system, a battery, another AC or DC power source, etc.
- the connector 940 can be placed in electrical communication with the conductive leads 924 , thermistor 929 and/or other conductive members of the heater.
- a housing, wrap or other outer member can be used to partially or completely surround the heating device 910 . Such a housing, wrap or other outer member can be used with any of the embodiments of a heating device disclosed herein, or equivalents thereof, as desired or required.
- FIG. 22A schematically illustrates one embodiment of a layout of conductive leads 24 A for use in any of the heating devices disclosed herein or equivalents thereof.
- the leads 24 A can comprise a path created by traces of one or more electrically-conductive materials (e.g., silver, other metals or alloys, etc.). Electrical current delivered through the heating device can be converted to heat as a result of the electrical resistance within the conductive members (e.g., silver traces). In such embodiments, the conductive leads can continue to transmit electricity therethrough even if when the operating temperature of the heater is relatively high.
- a heating device can include a thermistor or other temperature-regulating component or feature to help protect the device against excessive temperatures that may be damaging or dangerous to the system or user.
- FIG. 22B Another embodiment of a conductive lead scheme is illustrated in FIG. 22B .
- the circuit comprises a plurality of bridges 25 B or breakers that are configured to be less robust with respect to temperature resistance than the main conductive leads.
- these bridges 25 B can be adapted to fail, thereby protecting the heater and other portions of the heating device against potentially damaging or dangerous over-temperature conditions.
- Such bridges 25 B may be incorporated into any of the heating device embodiments disclosed herein or equivalents thereof.
- the conductive leads can include conductive materials that have been sprayed, coated, printed, plated and/or otherwise deposited onto one or more surfaces or portions (e.g., a base of a heat transfer assembly) of a heating device.
- the conductive materials that are included in the electrical leads, busses, pathways, and/or other conductive portions of a heating device configured to convert electrical current to heat can be selected based on a target Thermal Coefficient of Resistance (TCR), target TCR range and/or similar electrical property.
- TCR Target Thermal Coefficient of Resistance
- the conductive materials comprise a relatively stable TCR over the expected operational temperature range of the heating device.
- the power output of the conductive materials, and thus the amount of heat produced will increase relatively gradually over time (e.g., from the time the heating device is activated to a later point in time), as the power output is not significantly affected by the actual temperature of the device.
- such relatively stable materials comprise a TCR value between about 0 and 1,000 ppm/° C., such as, for example, about 400, 500 or 600 ppm/° C. In other embodiments, such relatively stable materials comprise a TCR value between about 1,000 and 1,500 ppm/° C. or higher, such as, for example, about 1,200 or 1,300 ppm/° C.
- FIG. 22D schematically illustrates a graphical comparison of temperature of a heating device (e.g., on or near the conductive materials, along the fins or other heat transfer members of the device, etc.) over time for materials having varying TCR properties.
- a heating device e.g., on or near the conductive materials, along the fins or other heat transfer members of the device, etc.
- the temperature for heating devices using conductive materials M2 with a relatively stable TCR value or range will increase more gradually (e.g., in a linear or generally linear manner) over time. This is due, in part, because the power output for heating device utilizing such conductive materials is generally stable over the operational temperature range of the device.
- the conductive materials that are included in the electrical leads, busses, pathways and/or other conductive portions of a heating device comprise a higher TCR value or range and/or similar electrical property.
- such conductive materials comprise a relatively unstable TCR over the expected operational temperature range of the heating device.
- such relatively unstable materials comprise a TCR value between about 1,500 and 5,000 ppm/° C. or higher, such as, for example, between about 1,500 and 3,500 ppm/° C., between about 3,000 and 4,000 ppm/° C. (e.g., about 3,300, 3,400 or 3,600 ppm/° C.).
- a target final temperature (T f ) can be achieved in a shorter time period, ⁇ T 1 , by using conductive materials having relatively unstable TCR values as compared to using conductive materials having more stable TCR values (e.g., ⁇ T 2 > ⁇ T 1 ).
- This shorter time period can be attributed, at least in part, on the higher power output values exhibited by such conductive materials at the lower operational temperature of a heating device.
- the target maximum power output and the final temperature T f can be achieved by the heating device regardless of variations to such values that may occur at lower temperatures.
- relatively unstable conductive materials such as, for example, materials having a TCR above about 1,500 ppm/° C. (e.g., between about 3,000 and 4,000 ppm/° C.) can advantageously allow the heating device to heat up more rapidly when the heating device is initially activated (e.g., when the temperature of the heating device is identical or similar to the ambient temperature).
- the seating assembly e.g., vehicle seat, bed, etc.
- any other item or region that is being selectively thermally-conditioned (e.g., convectively and/or conductively) by the heating device can be warmed faster, providing an enhanced or improved comfort level to an occupant, especially when ambient temperatures are relatively cold.
- the relatively unstable conductive materials include a lower concentration of ruthenium than conductive materials having relatively more stable TCR characteristics.
- FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate a fluid module 1002 that includes a heating device 1010 configured to selectively heat air or other fluids in accordance with the embodiments and features discussed and illustrated herein.
- the fluid module 1002 can comprise an outer housing 1003 , 1004 that generally defines an interior space.
- the module 1002 includes a first housing portion that is permanently or removably joined to a second housing portion 1004 using one or more connection devices or methods (e.g., screws, bolts, clips, other fasteners, welds, adhesives and/or the like).
- the housing can include more or fewer portions as desired or required.
- the fluid module 1002 can include an interior cavity 1006 that is adapted to receive a fan or other fluid transfer device.
- the module 1002 can include an interior area 1008 that is sized, shaped and otherwise configured to receive a heating device 1010 . Accordingly, ambient air or other fluid can be drawn into an inlet of the module 1002 and selectively moved through the heating device 1010 and a downstream outlet 1009 by a fan or other fluid transfer device.
- the heating device 1010 is electrically energized (e.g., when current is delivered to the heating device 1010 ), the air or other fluid passing therethrough can be selectively heated, as desired or required. In other arrangements, the heating device 1010 is not positioned within the fluid module 1002 .
- the heating device 1010 can be located upstream or downstream of a fluid module 1002 , fluid transfer device and/or the like. Regardless of the exact orientation of the various components that comprise a fluid delivery system, air or other fluid can be convectively heated as it is passed through a heater 1010 .
- any of the various heating devices disclosed herein can be used to provide thermally conditioned air or other fluids to climate controlled seating assemblies (e.g., automobile or other vehicle seats, office chairs, sofas, wheelchairs, theater or stadium seats, other types of chairs, hospital or other medical beds, standard beds, etc.) or other devices or assemblies.
- climate controlled seating assemblies e.g., automobile or other vehicle seats, office chairs, sofas, wheelchairs, theater or stadium seats, other types of chairs, hospital or other medical beds, standard beds, etc.
- FIG. 25 schematically illustrates one embodiment of a climate controlled seat 1000 having a seat bottom portion S and seat back portion B.
- the seat bottom portion S and/or the seat back portion B can be configured to receive thermally-conditioned air or other fluids.
- each of the portions S, B can include one or more internal fluid passages P and a flow distribution/conditioning members D.
- air or other fluids directed into a passage P of the seat back portion B and/or seat bottom portion S by a fluid transfer device 1002 A, 1002 B can pass through a downstream flow distribution/conditioning member D, toward a seated occupant.
- a heating device 1010 A, 1010 B can be positioned upstream or downstream of and/or within a fluid transfer device 1002 A, 1002 B to selectively heat the air or other fluid being delivered toward the occupant.
- such heating devices may include stand-alone devices with or without an outer housing, outer wrap or other enclosure.
- a heating device may be positioned within a housing of a module or other component of a climate control system, as desired or required.
- the arrangement of a climate controlled seat assembly 1100 schematically depicted in FIG. 26 additionally includes a controller C that is in electrical and/or data communication with the fluid transfer devices 1102 A, 1102 B, heating devices 1110 A, 1110 B, sensors and/or any other component of the system.
- the controller C can be configured to maintain a desired heating effect or temperature setting along an exterior portion of the seat assembly.
- the seat 1100 can include one or more temperature sensors (not shown in FIG. 26 ) within its passages P, within its flow distribution/conditioning members D, along selected areas of the seat back portion B and/or seat bottom portion and/or the like.
- a climate controlled seating assembly can include more or fewer (or different) components or features.
- FIG. 27 schematically illustrates one embodiment of a fluid heating device 1210 positioned within a portion of a seating assembly 1200 (e.g., an automotive seat, chair, sofa, bed, wheelchair, stadium seat, etc.).
- the heating device 1210 is situated in the seat back portion B of the seating assembly 1200 .
- a fluid transfer device 1202 can be used to draw air or other fluid into an inlet duct I. The air can then be transferred by energy imparted on it by the fluid transfer device 1202 (e.g., fan, blower, etc.) to a discharge conduit P or other passage. Air delivered into the discharge conduit P can be channeled through one or more heating devices 1210 where it is selectively heated to a desired level.
- Heated air or other fluid exiting the heating device 1210 can be directed to one or more portions of the seating assembly 1200 .
- heated air is directed to the headrest region of the seat back portion B of the seat.
- the heated air is incorporated into a neck or head warmer.
- the heating system does not include an inlet duct I or other similar member.
- air or other fluid can be drawn directly into an inlet of a fluid transfer device 1202 (e.g., blower, fan, etc.).
- a heating system can be configured to provide spot heating to one or more other locations of an automobile interior (e.g., leg area, feet area, headliner, visor, A, B or C pillars, etc.), a building interior (e.g., ottoman, leg rest, bed, etc.) and/or the like.
- heated air can be delivered to and distributed through a larger area of a seat back portion B and/or a seat bottom portion S of a seating assembly. Therefore, a fluid heating device can be incorporated into a seat warming system.
- a distribution system FIGS.
- a heating device 25 and 26 positioned downstream or upstream of a heating device can be configured to deliver heated air through one or more cushioned areas of the seat back portion B and/or the seat bottom portion S of seating assembly.
- fluid heating devices and systems can be used to “spot warm” particular targeted regions of a seating assembly.
- a seating assembly comprising such a heating device can be configured to selectively deliver heated air to one or more locations.
- such seating assemblies may be equipped with a control system to allow a user to choose where (and/or to what extent) heated air is delivered.
- FIGS. 28A and 28B schematically illustrate one embodiment of an upper portion U of a climate controlled bed assembly 1300 .
- the upper portion U comprises a core R which includes four internal passageways P through its depth.
- the passageways P can have a generally cylindrical shape.
- the passageways P can include any other cross-sectional shape, such as, for example, square, rectangular, triangular, other polygonal, oval, irregular and/or the like.
- the passageways P are symmetrically arranged along the core R. This can allow the upper portion U to be rotated relative to the lower portion (not shown) while still allowing the passageways P to generally align with any fluid modules 1310 positioned within a lower portion.
- the passageways P of the core R can include a non-symmetrical orientation.
- the core R includes more or fewer than four internal passageways P, as desired or required by a particular application or use.
- the size, shape, spacing, orientation and/or any other details of the passageways P and/or the core R can be different than illustrated or discussed herein.
- the core R can comprise one or more materials or components, such as, for example, foam, other thermoplastics, filler materials, air chambers, springs and/or the like.
- the upper portion U is preferably positioned on a lower portion.
- the passageways P of the core R can be configured to generally align with openings in the lower portion so as to place the passageways P in fluid communication with one or more fluid modules (e.g., fans, blowers, etc.).
- a heating device 1310 in accordance with one of the embodiments disclosed herein may be positioned within, upstream and/or downstream of each fluid module 1302 , as desired or required. Thus, as shown, air or other fluids can be heated before or while being conveyed through the passageways P of the core R, toward one or more layers or components situated above the core R.
- heated air or other fluids can be directed from the passageways P into a fluid distribution member D (e.g., spacer, spacer fabric or other material) or any other member that is generally configured to help receive and distribute air or other fluid along a desired top area of the bed 1300 .
- a fluid distribution member D e.g., spacer, spacer fabric or other material
- heated air or other fluid can pass through one or more layers or members located along the top of the bed 1300 .
- the upper portion U comprises a comfort layer T (e.g., quilt layer) that is configured to allow air or other fluid to diffuse through it.
- the top portion of the bed can comprise one or more other comfort layers, fluid distribution members and/or the like, to achieve a desired feel (e.g., firmness), comfort level, fluid distribution scheme, other effect and/or the like.
- FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view along the circumferential edge of one embodiment of a fan 1402 or other fluid transfer device. Because of the generally rotational symmetry of the fan 1402 around a central axis, FIG. 29 shows approximately only one half of the fan 1402 .
- the housing 1403 of the fluid transfer device 1402 can comprise a top portion and a bottom portion. In the illustrated arrangement, a flow director F is disposed between the top and bottom portions of the housing 1403 .
- a motor-impeller assembly 1405 can be centrally mounted within the cavity defined by the housing 1403 .
- a heating device 1410 in accordance with any of the embodiments disclosed herein or equivalents thereof, can be positioned within the housing 1403 of the fluid transfer device 1402 .
- air or other fluids enter into the cavity of the fan 1402 they can be directed by the moving impeller 1405 through the heating device and toward the outer periphery of the housing 1403 .
- flow exiting the heating device 1410 is divided by the flow director F.
- the entire or substantially the entire portion of heated air or other fluid exiting the heating device 1510 is directed to a single fan outlet.
- the heating device 1410 comprises a heater 1420 generally positioned between upper and lower heat transfer assemblies 1450 , 1460 .
- a fan 1502 or other fluid transfer device can comprise a heating device 1510 that includes a heater 1520 attached to only a single heat transfer assembly 1550 .
- the heating device 1410 , 1510 includes a unitary heater/heat transfer assembly as discussed herein with reference to FIGS. 16-19 .
- the interior cavity of the fan housing can be shaped, sized and otherwise configured to receive one or more heating devices 1410 , 1510 .
- a housing can be adapted to receive one, two or more heating devices to achieve a desired heating effect.
- a fan or other fluid transfer device includes both heating devices and one or more other fluid conditioning devices that are configured to selectively heat and/or cool air or other fluids (e.g., Peltier devices, other thermoelectric devices, other heating or cooling devices, etc.).
- fluid conditioning devices e.g., Peltier devices, other thermoelectric devices, other heating or cooling devices, etc.
- thermoelectric device e.g., Peltier device
- a climate control system of a seating assembly can include a thermoelectric device and/or a heating device, as desired or required.
- a climate control system can be adapted to simply provide air or other fluids to one or more portions of a seat assembly that are not thermally conditioned (e.g., ambient air for ventilation purposes only).
- a climate control system that incorporates a heating device according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein can be adapted to selectively provide heated air by activating the heating device and delivering air or other fluids through it.
- the same climate control system can provide non-thermally conditioned air by delivering air or other fluids (e.g., via a fluid transfer device) while the heating device is deactivated.
- ventilated air or other fluids can be delivered to a climate controlled seat assembly to provide some level of comfort to a seated occupant.
Abstract
A heating device comprises a heater having a first surface and a second surface, with the second surface being generally opposite of the first surface. The heater is configured to receive an electrical current and convert it to heat. The heating device additionally includes at least one heat transfer assembly positioned along the first and/or second surface of the heater. In one embodiment, the heat transfer assembly includes a plurality of fins that generally define a plurality of fin spaces through which fluids may pass. In some arrangements, the heating device comprises an outer housing that at least partially surrounds the heater and one or more of the heat transfer assemblies. Heat generated by the heater is transferred to the fins of the heat transfer assembly. In addition, fluids passing through the fin spaces are selectively heated when electrical current is provided to the heater.
Description
- This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/695,602 filed Jan. 28, 2010, which claims the priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/148,019, filed Jan. 28, 2009, the entireties of both of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
- 1. Field of the Inventions
- This application generally relates to heating devices and systems, and more specifically, to convective heating devices and systems configured for use in climate controlled (e.g., heated, ventilated, etc.) seating assemblies.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- Temperature modified air for environmental control of an automobile, other vehicles or any other living or working space is typically provided to relatively extensive areas, such as an entire automobile interior, selected offices or suites of rooms within a building (e.g., houses, hospitals, office buildings, etc.) and the like. In the case of enclosed areas, such as automobiles, trains, airplanes, other vehicles, homes, offices, hospitals, other medical facilities, libraries and the like, the interior space is typically heated and/or cooled as a unit. There are many situations, however, in which more selective or restrictive air temperature modification is desirable. For example, it is often desirable to provide an individualized climate control for a seat assembly so that substantially instantaneous heating or cooling can be achieved. For example, a vehicle seat, chair or other seat assembly situated in a cold environment can be uncomfortable to the occupant. Furthermore, even in conjunction with other heating methods, it may be desirable to quickly warm the seat to enhance the occupant's comfort, especially where other heating units (e.g., automobile's temperature control system, home's central heater, etc.) take a relatively long time to warm the ambient air. Therefore, a need exists to provide a heating system to selectively heat one or more portions of a climate-controlled vehicle seat, bed, other seat assembly and/or other item or device.
- According to some embodiments of the present application, a heating device comprises a heater having a first surface and a second surface, with the second surface being generally opposite the first surface. The heater is configured to receive an electrical current and convert it to heat. The heating device additionally includes at least one heat transfer assembly positioned along the first and/or second surface of the heater. In one embodiment, the heat transfer assembly includes a plurality of fins that generally define a plurality of fin spaces therebetween through which fluids may pass. In some arrangements, the heating device comprises an outer housing that at least partially surrounds the heater and one or more of the heat transfer assemblies. Heat generated by the heater is transferred to the fins of the heat transfer assembly. In addition, fluids passing through the fin spaces are selectively heated when electrical current is provided to the heater.
- In some embodiments, the heating device further includes a connector that is in electrical communication with the conductive leads of the heater. In some embodiments, the connector is configured to connect to a coupling for delivering electrical current to the heater. In other arrangements, the heat transfer assembly comprises a ceramic, metal and/or any other material. In one embodiment, the heater comprises a resistive heater, a thick-film heater and/or any other type of heater. In other embodiments, the outer housing comprises foam (e.g., Volara®), fiberglass, other polymeric materials and/or the like.
- In other configurations, the heating device further includes a second heat transfer assembly, so that the heater includes a heat transfer assembly on both of its surfaces. According to some embodiments, the heater and one or more heat transfer assemblies are secured to each other using one or more clips, screws, bolts, other mechanical fasteners, adhesives and/or the like. In other arrangements, the heater and at least one heat transfer assembly form a unitary structure. In one embodiment, the heater is generally disposed along a base of the heat transfer assembly.
- According to some embodiments, a convective heating device for thermally conditioning a fluid includes a heat transfer assembly having a base. Such a base can include a first side and a second side generally opposite the first side. The first side includes a plurality of fins or other heat transfer members that generally define a plurality of fin spaces therebetween through which a fluid may pass. The fins or other heat transfer members can have generally vertical orientation and may attach to the base along one end. In other arrangements, the fins comprise a folded design, with adjacent fins being parallel or non-parallel with each other. The heating device further includes at least one electrically conductive member configured to receive an electrical current and convert such current to heat. In some embodiments, the heater is positioned along the second side of the base of the heat transfer assembly such that the heat transfer assembly and the heater comprise a generally unitary structure. In some configurations, heat generated by the heater is transferred to the fins of the heat transfer assembly. Air or other fluids passing through the fin spaces can be selectively heated when electrical current is provided to the heater.
- In certain embodiments, the convective heating device further includes a housing adapted to at least partially surround the heat transfer assembly and the heater. In other arrangements, the heat transfer assembly comprises ceramic, metal or any another material having favorable heat conductive properties. In one embodiment, the convective heating device additionally comprises a connector in electrical communication with at least one electrically conductive member of the heater. In some arrangements, such a connector is configured to connect to a coupling for delivering electrical current to the heating device.
- According to some embodiments of the present application, a climate control system for a seating assembly comprises a heating device having a heater. The heater includes a first surface and a second surface generally opposite of the first surface. Further, the heater is configured to receive an electrical current and convert such current to heat. The heating device further comprises at least one heat transfer assembly positioned along the first and/or second surface of the heater. The heat transfer assembly includes a plurality of fins that define a plurality of fin spaces therebetween through which fluids may be directed. In some arrangements, the heating device additionally includes an outer housing that at least partially surrounds the heater and one or more heat transfer assemblies. Heat generated by the heater is transferred to the fins of the heat transfer assembly, and fluids passing through the fin spaces can be selectively heated when electrical current is provided to the heater. The climate control system further includes a fluid transfer device configured to move fluids through the heating device and an outlet conduit located downstream of the heating device and the fluid transfer device. In some embodiments, the outlet conduit is configured to deliver thermally conditioned fluid to a seating assembly.
- In some embodiments, the climate control system is configured for use in a vehicle seat, an office chair, a bed, a sofa, a wheelchair or any other seating device. In one arrangement, the heating device is positioned within a housing of the fluid transfer device. In other configurations, the heating device is positioned upstream or downstream of the fluid transfer device. In other arrangements, the climate control system additionally includes a thermoelectric device (e.g., Peltier device) to selectively cool fluids being delivered to the outlet conduit.
- According to some embodiments, a heating device for convectively heating a fluid includes a first heat transfer assembly comprising a plurality of fins, such that the fins define a plurality of fin spaces therebetween through which fluids can be selectively passed. In one embodiment, the first heat transfer assembly comprises a base having a first side and a second side generally opposite of the first side. In some embodiments, the fins or other heat transfer members extend from the first side of the base. In one embodiment, the heating device additionally includes at least one electrical conducting member positioned along at least a portion of the second side of the base, wherein the electrical conducting member is configured to receive electrical current and convert said electrical current to heat. The heating device can additionally include an outer housing that at least partially surrounds the first heat transfer member and/or any other portion of the device. In some embodiments, heat generated at or near the electrical conducting member is transferred to the plurality of fins of the first heat transfer assembly. In certain arrangements, fluids directed through the fin spaces are selectively heated when electrical current is provided to the heating device.
- According to some embodiments, the first heat transfer assembly and the one or more electrical conducting members comprise a generally unitary structure. For example, the heat transfer assembly and the conducting members can be permanently or removably joined to one another. In alternative embodiments, the conducting members are directly formed onto one or more surfaces of the heat transfer assembly. In some embodiments, at least one electrical conducting member is formed directly on the base of the first heat transfer assembly.
- In another embodiment, at least one electrical conducting member is part of a heater (e.g., thick-film heater, thin-film heater, other type of heater, etc.) secured to the base of the first heat transfer assembly. In some arrangements, at least one electrical conducting member comprises a conductive material positioned on the base of the first heat transfer assembly. In one embodiment, at least one electrical conducting member comprises a conductive material positioned on an electrically non-conductive base of the first heat transfer assembly.
- According to some embodiments, the conductive material comprises a metal (e.g., copper, silver, other metals or alloys, etc.). In some embodiments, the conductive material comprises an electrically conductive carbon material and/or any other conductive material, either in lieu of or in additional to a metal. In other embodiments, the conductive material comprises a conductive ink. In one embodiment, the conductive material is deposited on the base using spraying, coating, printing, plating and/or any other method. In some embodiments, the first heat transfer assembly comprises an electrically non-conductive material (e.g., molded plastic, other polymeric materials, ceramic, etc.).
- According to certain arrangements, the heating device additionally comprises an electrical connector or other coupling in electrical communication with at least one electrical conducting member, wherein such a connector is configured to connect to a coupling for the selective delivery of electrical current to the heating device. In one embodiment, the heating device further includes at least a second heat transfer assembly. In some embodiments, a second heat transfer assembly extends in a direction generally away from the second side of the base.
- According to some embodiments, the heater and the first heat transfer assembly of the heater device are attached using adhesives, thermal grease, clips, bolts, other mechanical fasteners and/or any other connection device or method. In some embodiments, a Temperature Coefficient of Resistance (TCR) of at least one electrical conducting member is between about 1,500 and 3,500 ppm/° C. (e.g., about 1,500, 1,600, 1,700, 1,800, 1,900, 2,000, 2,100, 2,2000, 2,300, 2,400, 2,500, 2,600, 2,700, 2,800, 2,900, 3,000, 3,100, 3,200, 3,300, 3,400, 3,500 ppm/° C., ranges between such values, etc.). In other embodiments, the TCR of at least one conducting member is less than 1,500 ppm/° C. (e.g., between about 0 and 1,500 ppm/° C.) or greater than 3,500 ppm/° C. (3,550, 3,600, 3,700, 3,800, 3,900, 4,000, 4,500, 5,000, 5,500, 6,000 ppm/° C., values greater than 6,000 ppm/° C., ranges between such values, etc.).
- According to some embodiments, a climate control system for a seating assembly includes a heating device for thermally conditioning a fluid. In some arrangements, the heating device of the climate control system comprises a heat transfer assembly having a base which includes a first side and a second side, wherein the second side is generally opposite of the first side and wherein the first side comprises a plurality of heat transfer members through or near which fluid is configured to selectively pass. The heating device additionally includes a heater comprising at least one electrically conductive member which is configured to receive electrical current and convert it electrical current to heat. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the heat generated by the heater is transferred to the heat transfer members of the heat transfer assembly. In one embodiment, fluids passing through or near the heat transfer members are selectively heated when electrical current is provided to the heater. According to certain arrangements, the climate control system further comprises a fluid transfer device (e.g., fan, blower, etc.) configured to move fluid through the heating device and an outlet conduit located downstream of the heating device and the fluid transfer device, such that the outlet conduit is configured to deliver thermally conditioned fluid to a seating assembly.
- According to some embodiments, the heater of the climate control system is positioned along the second side of the base of the heat transfer assembly such that the heat transfer assembly and the heater comprise a generally unitary structure. In another embodiment, at least one electrically conductive member comprises a conductive material formed directly on the base of the first heat transfer assembly. In other embodiments, at least one conductive material is deposited on the base using spraying, coating, printing, plating and/or any other device or method. In some embodiments, the climate control system is configured for use in an automobile seat or other vehicle seat. In other embodiments, the climate control system is configured for use in a bed (e.g., standard bed, hospital or other medical bed, etc.) and/or any other type of seating assembly (e.g., wheelchair, theater seat, office chair, sofa, etc.). In other embodiment, the heating device and/or other components of the climate control system are adapted to be used to thermally condition other types of devices or specific areas or regions. In some embodiments, the heating device is positioned within a housing of the fluid transfer device. In other arrangements, the heating device is positioned upstream or downstream of the fluid transfer device (e.g., fan, blower, etc.). In another embodiment, the climate control system additionally includes one or more thermoelectric devices (e.g., Peltier circuit, another type of heat pump, etc.) and/or other types of heating and/or cooling devices to selectively cool fluids being delivered to the outlet conduit. In one embodiment, a Temperature Coefficient of Resistance (TCR) of the at least one electrically conductive member is between about 1,500 and 5,000 ppm/° C.
- These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present application are described with reference to drawings of certain embodiments, which are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, the present inventions. The drawings include forty-four (44) figures. It is to be understood that these drawings are for the purpose of illustrating concepts of the present inventions and may not be to scale.
-
FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a heating device configured for use in a climate controlled seat assembly; -
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a heater adapted for use with the heating device inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a heat transfer assembly adapted for use with the heating device ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the heat transfer assembly ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 illustrates a first side view of the heat transfer assembly ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 6 illustrates a front view or a second side view of the heat transfer assembly ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of a heat transfer assembly according to another embodiment; -
FIG. 7B illustrates a perspective view a heat transfer assembly according to another embodiment; -
FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of a heating device comprising upper and lower heat transfer assemblies according to one embodiment; -
FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of a heating device comprising upper and lower heat transfer assemblies according to another embodiment; -
FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of a heating device comprising an upper heat transfer assembly according to one embodiment; -
FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate perspective views of a heating device comprising a heater and adjacent heat transfer assemblies held together by clips or other fasteners according to one embodiment; -
FIG. 12 illustrates a clip configured to secure various components of a heating device to each other according to another embodiment; -
FIG. 13A illustrates a clip configured to secure various components of a heating device to each other according to still another embodiment; -
FIG. 13B illustrates the clip ofFIG. 13A positioned on a heating device; -
FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of a heating device attached to a power coupling according to one embodiment; -
FIG. 15A illustrates a front view of the heating device ofFIG. 14 ; -
FIG. 15B illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a heater configured to connect to an power source and/or another electrical component using a plurality of lead wires; -
FIG. 16A illustrates a perspective view of a heating device wherein the heater is incorporated onto a base of the heat transfer assembly according to one embodiment; -
FIG. 16B illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a heating device in which the heater and the heat transfer assembly are incorporated into a generally unitary structure; -
FIG. 16C illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a heating device in which the heater and the heat transfer assemblies are incorporated into a generally unitary structure; -
FIG. 16D illustrates various other embodiments of generally electrically non-conductive substrates for use with a heating device; -
FIG. 17A illustrates a different perspective view of the heating device ofFIG. 16A ; -
FIG. 17B illustrates a top view of the heating device ofFIG. 16A ; -
FIG. 17C illustrates a front view of the heating device ofFIG. 16A ; -
FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of the heating device ofFIG. 16A comprising an electrical connector according to one embodiment; -
FIG. 19 illustrates a front view of the heating device ofFIG. 18 ; -
FIG. 20 illustrates a front view of a heating device comprising a heat sink according to one embodiment; -
FIGS. 21A and 21B illustrate perspective views of a heating device in which the electrical connector is attached along an end fin according to one embodiment; -
FIG. 22A illustrates a schematic layout of conductive leads used in a heating device according to one embodiment; -
FIG. 22B illustrates a schematic layout of conductive leads used in a heating device according to another embodiment; -
FIG. 22C schematically illustrates a chart showing the relationship between power output of a heating device and time for different conductive materials; -
FIG. 22D schematically illustrates a chart showing the change in temperature on or along a heater of a heating device over time for different conductive materials; -
FIG. 23 illustrates an exploded perspective view on the fluid module comprising a heating device according to one embodiment; -
FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective view of the fluid module ofFIG. 23 ; -
FIG. 25 schematically illustrates a climate controlled seat assembly comprising two heating devices according to one embodiment; -
FIG. 26 schematically illustrates a climate controlled seat assembly comprising two heating devices operatively connected to a control unit according to one embodiment; -
FIG. 27 schematically illustrates a climate controlled seat assembly comprising a single heating device configured to selectively heat fluids being delivered to the neck region of the seat back portion according to one embodiment; -
FIG. 28A illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a climate controlled bed comprising heating devices according to one embodiment; -
FIG. 28B illustrates a top cross-sectional view of the climate controlled bed ofFIG. 28A ; -
FIG. 29 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a fluid transfer device comprising a heating device within its housing according to one embodiment; and -
FIG. 30 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a fluid transfer device comprising a heating device within its housing according to another embodiment. - The discussion below and the figures referenced herein describe various embodiments of heating devices, devices and systems configured to include such a heating devices and methods utilizing such devices or systems. A number of embodiments of such devices, systems and methods are particularly well suited to provide heated air or other fluids to one or more portions of vehicle seats (e.g., seat back portion, seat bottom portion, neck portion, headrest region, other portions of an automotive seat or other vehicle seat, etc.). However, the heating devices, systems and other components (e.g., blowers, fans, other fluid transfer devices, housings, thermoelectric devices, etc.) making use of such heating devices and other thermally conditioning features disclosed herein may be incorporated into other types of seat assemblies, including, without limitation, beds (e.g., hospital beds, other medical beds, beds for home use, hotel beds, etc.), recliner chairs, sofas, office chairs, airplane seats, motorcycle seats, other vehicle seats, stadium seats, benches, wheelchairs, outdoor furniture, massage chairs and the like. Alternatively, such devices, systems and methods can be used to selectively heat any other device or system. In addition, the devices or systems disclosed herein can be used to spot heat or otherwise deliver a volume of heated air to one or more targeted areas of a vehicle (e.g., A, B and/or C pillars, dashboard, visor, headliner, etc.), vehicle seat, bed or other seating assembly, office or other location. As used herein, the term “fluid” is a broad term and is used in accordance with its ordinary meaning, and may include, without limitation, gases (e.g., ambient air, oxygen, etc.), liquids, non-Newtonian fluids, any other flowable materials, combinations thereof and/or the like.
- The various embodiments of the heating devices and systems disclosed herein offer a number of advantages over currently available heaters for seat assemblies. For example, heater mats and other existing systems currently being used in climate controlled seat assemblies are susceptible to overheating and fire danger. Such mats typically require the placement of resistive wires and other electrical connections within a seating assembly, sometimes directly underneath the seating assembly surface. Thus, these wires and other electrical connections and components are subject to breaking, tearing and/or otherwise becoming damaged, especially with the passage of time and excessive use. Further, heater mats and similar heating systems can suffer from durability, occupant detection and other comfort-related problems. In addition, such components can short out, exposing the user to potentially dangerous conditions and relatively expensive and complex repairs and maintenance procedures.
- In addition, when conventional heater mats are used to provide heat to a climate control seat assembly, a supplier and/or assembler may be required to install two separate items into the seat assembly, a heater mat for heating purposes and a fluid module configured to provide conditioned and/or ambient air for cooling or venting purposes. In at least some of the various embodiments of heating systems disclosed herein or variations thereof, the need for a separate heating mat or other type of conductive heater is eliminated. Thus, as discussed in greater detail herein, a single heating device or system can be used to provide both heat and/or venting (e.g., unheated air delivered into a seat assembly by the heating system's fluid transfer device). Accordingly, the complexity of the climate control system and/or its cost can be advantageously reduced. In addition, repairing, servicing and/or performing other maintenance tasks can be facilitated by the embodiments of heating systems disclosed herein.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of aheating device 10. As shown, theheating device 10 can include aheater 20 andheat transfer assemblies heater 20. Eachheat transfer assembly fins fins heater 20. According to some arrangements, thedevice 10 includes ahousing 14 that at least partially encloses theheater 20, theheat transfer assemblies device 10. For example, in the depicted embodiment, thehousing 14 surrounds the entire periphery of theheating device 10. According to some embodiments, theheating device 10 includes asingle housing 14 that is configured to at least partially enclose the various components of the device. However, in other embodiments, thehousing 14 comprises two or more portions that are permanently or removably joined to one another using one or more attachment devices or methods (e.g., adhesives, screws, tabs or other fasteners, welds, etc.). - The
housing 14 can include one or more thermally-insulating materials, such as, for example, foam, plastic, other polymeric materials, fiberglass and/or the like. According to some arrangements, thehousing 14 comprises a rigid or semi-rigid structure that is configured to generally resist deformation when exterior forces or stresses act upon it. Alternatively, thehousing 14 can include a flexible material, such as, for example, a wrap, one or more layers or sheets of foam, cloth, fabric and/or the like. In one embodiment, the housing comprises a fine-celled, flexible foam (e.g., Volara®) that has desirable physical, chemical, thermal-insulation and other properties. Thehousing 14 or other portions of the device can include other features or components to further enhance the thermal insulation properties of thedevice 10. For example, gas assist injection molding and/or structural foam molding methods can be utilized in the manufacture of the housing. In other embodiments, thehousing 14 is provided with an interior barrier layer (e.g., air, foam, etc.) that further enhances its thermal insulation properties. Any other device or method of improving the thermal insulating properties of thehousing 14 and/or other portions of theheating device 10 can be used. In addition, thermal insulation members can be placed, either continuously or intermittently, along one or more portions of a heating system (e.g., downstream conduits), as desired or required. - With continued reference to the arrangement illustrated in
FIG. 1 , theheating device 10 is configured to permit air to be selectively passed betweenadjacent fins heating device 10 can be convectively heated. Such heating can be caused by the transfer of heat from thefins - In some arrangements, the
heating device 10 comprises aconnector 40 that is used to easily and conveniently connect or disconnect thedevice 10 to or from a power source (e.g., a vehicles electrical system, a battery, another AC or DC power source, etc.). Further, theconnector 40 can be configured to place theheating device 10 in data communication with a controller, processor or other electrical device, as desired or required. Theconnector 40 can include arecess 42 or other opening that is sized, shaped and otherwise configured to receive a corresponding coupling or other mating portion (not shown). In some embodiments, the corresponding coupling or other mating portion (e.g., a male connector in electrical communication with a power source) can be securely coupled to theconnector 40 of thedevice 10 using a snap fitting or other attachment device or method (e.g., clips, other engagement features, etc.). - With reference to
FIG. 1 , the depictedconnector 40 is positioned on and secured to a protrudingportion 30 of theheater 20. As shown, such a protrudingportion 30 can extend beyond the edge of thehousing 14. In some arrangements, the protrudingportion 30 forms a unitary structure with theheater 20. Alternatively, the protrudingportion 30 can be a separate item that is attached to or is otherwise maintained in a desired relationship with respect to theadjacent heater 20. Regardless of the exact configuration and other details and design of theheating device 10, the electrical leads 32 of theheater 20 can advantageously terminate at theconnector 40 to selectively energize theheater 20 when theconnector 40 is attached to a power source. The electrical leads can include silver traces or other metallic or non-metallic conductive materials. -
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of aheater 20 adapted for use in aheating device 10 such as the one discussed herein with reference toFIG. 1 . In some embodiments, theheater 20 is a thick-film resistance heater or another type of resistive-type heater. Alternatively, aheating device 10 can comprise one or more other types of heaters configured to generate the desired amount of heat. In the depicted embodiment, theheater 20 comprises anelectrical input 22 andoutput 26. As discussed herein with reference toFIG. 1 , such inputs and outputs 22, 26 can be selectively connected to aconnector 40 or other component that may be easily attached to and detached from a power source. - With continued reference to
FIG. 2 , theheater 20 can compriseelectrical buses buses inputs FIG. 2 by arrows I) can flow through thebuses heater 20, electrical energy can be advantageously converted to thermal energy, thereby generating a desired heating effect along the surface of theheater 10. With reference back toFIG. 1 , at least a fraction of such generated heat can be transmitted to and dissipated throughfins heat transfer assemblies heating device 10. - In other embodiments, the
heater 20 comprises one or more resistive materials (e.g., wires, conductive strips, etc.) that are configured to conduct electrical current therethrough, either in addition to or in lieu ofelectrical buses heater 20 surface can be customized to achieve a desired heating effect. - The
heater 20 can comprise a ceramic (and/or other electrically non-conducting) base and one or more conductive portions (e.g., steel, copper, other metals, other electrically conductive materials, etc.) for conducting current therethrough. However, theheater 20 can include one or more other non-conductive and/or conductive materials, as desired or required. For example, in some embodiments, theheater 20 includes an electrical isolation layer (e.g., non-electrically conductive layer) and/or a protective coating. In other arrangements, theheater 20 comprises one or more materials having a high thermal conductivity and low electrical conductivity, such as, for example, certain ceramic materials and/or polymer resins. Such thermally conductive materials can help distribute the heat generated at the surface of theheater 20 more evenly. In one arrangement, the thermally conductive material comprises a ceramic, polyimide, epoxy, other polymers and/or the like. - With further reference to
FIG. 2 , heat can be generated on either or both surfaces. In some embodiments, thermal conductance is generally uniform on both sides of theheater 20. However, in alternative embodiments, thermal conductance is greater on one side than the other, as desired or required by a particular application or use. As discussed in greater detail herein, heat transfer members (e.g., fins) can be positioned adjacent to one or both surfaces to help convey the heat away from theheater 20. This can allow aheating device 10 to more effectively heat a volume of air or other fluid via convection. In addition, transferring heat away from theheater 20 can enhance the function of the heater 20 (e.g., improve its efficiency, extend its useful life, etc.). - In some embodiments, as illustrated in
FIG. 2 , theheater 20 includes one ormore openings 36 through which a bolt, screw or other fastener may be positioned.Such openings 36 can be used to help secure theheater 10 toadjacent fins 50, 60 (or other heat transfer members), ahousing 14 and/or other components or portions of theheating device 10. This may be helpful when the heating device comprises materials that cannot be attached to one another using other connection methods or devices, such as, for example, adhesives, welds, heat bonding, etc. As discussed in greater detail herein, one or more other connection methods or devices can be used to attach the various components of theheating device 10 to each other. -
FIGS. 3-6 illustrate different views of aheat transfer assembly 150 for use in a heating system as disclosed herein. As shown, theheat transfer assembly 150 can include abase 152 and a plurality offins 154 or other heat transfer members that generally extend from thebase 152. Thebase 152 and thefins 154 can comprise a unitary structure. Alternatively, thebase 152 and thefins 154 can be separate members that are secured to each other using one or more attachment devices or methods (e.g., welds, adhesives, bolts, other fasteners, etc.). Theheat transfer assembly 150 can comprise copper, aluminum, other metals or alloys, ceramic and/or any other material, especially those having favorable heat transfer properties. - In the arrangement depicted in
FIGS. 3-6 , theheat transfer assembly 150 comprises a total of twenty vertically-oriented,parallel fins 154 or other heat transfer members. Thus, as shown,adjacent fins 154 can define a plurality of generally rectangular areas orspaces 151 through which air or other fluids can pass in order to be convectively heated. In other embodiments, however, the quantity, shape, size, orientation, spacing and/or other details of thebase 152,fins 154 and/or any other component or feature of theheat transfer assembly 150 can be different than discussed or illustrated herein. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 3 and 4 , theheat transfer assembly 150 can include one ormore openings 158 through which a bolt, screw and/or other fastener may be placed. In the depicted embodiment, theheat transfer assembly 150 comprises asingle opening 158 which is located near the center of theassembly 150 and which includes a generally circular shape. Theopening 158 can be sized, shaped, located and otherwise configured to align and match with corresponding openings of the heater (FIG. 2 ), another heat transfer assembly, the housing and/or another component of the heating device to which it is secured. Accordingly, a bolt, screw, other fastener or other device may be passed through the openings of various components to secure such components to each other. The quantity, size, shape, location, spacing and/or other characteristics of the openings can be different than disclosed herein, as desired or required. - Another embodiment of a
heat transfer assembly 250 is illustrated inFIG. 7A . The depictedheat transfer assembly 250 is similar to the one ofFIGS. 3-6 in that it includes abase 252 and a plurality offins 254 or other heat transfer members extending therefrom. However, unlike the arrangement shown inFIGS. 3-6 , the depictedassembly 250 does not include an opening. Thus, the heater, one or moreheat transfer assemblies 250 and/or any other components of the corresponding heating system can be secured to each other using different connection devices or methods, such as, for example, welds, adhesives, thermal grease, clips and/or like. Alternatively, in any of the embodiments of a heating device disclosed herein, the heater, heat transfer assemblies and/or any other components can be maintained in a desired orientation relative to each other (e.g., connected to each other, in contact with each other, etc.) without the use of adhesives, fasteners and/or other connection devices. For example, in such arrangements, the various components of the heating devices can be configured to mechanically fit within a polymeric or other type of outer housing. A similar embodiment of aheat transfer assembly 250′ is illustrated inFIG. 7B . Theassembly 250′ can include a plurality ofheat transfer members 254′ extending from a base 252′. As shown inFIG. 7B , theassembly 250′ can include a cutout, recess or similar feature along the base to advantageously accommodate a thermistor, sensor and/or any other component or item that may be included in a heating device. -
FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of aheating device 310A according to one embodiment. Theheating device 310A can include anouter housing 314A that generally surrounds aheater 320A, upper and lowerheat transfer assemblies heat transfer assemblies heater 320A using one or more attachment devices or methods. Alternatively, theassemblies heat transfer assemblies heater 320A with one or more intermediate members (e.g., a polyimide or other thermally-conductive layer, heat distribution component, etc.) situated between theheater 320A and theheat transfer assemblies heater 320A can comprise a thick-film heater, another type of restive heater and/or any other type of device configured to selectively produce thermal energy. - Further, as discussed herein with reference to the embodiment of
FIG. 1 , theheater 320A can comprise a protrudingportion 330A that generally extends to the exterior of thehousing 314A. As shown inFIG. 8 , thehousing 314A can include aslot 318A or other opening through which the protrudingportion 330A can exit the interior of thedevice 310A. In some embodiments, aconnector 340A secured to the protrudingportion 330A of theheater 320A allows a user to easily attach or detach theheating device 310A to or from a power source (e.g., a vehicle's electrical system, a battery, another AC or DC power source, etc.) and/or other electrical component (e.g., processor, sensor, controller, another heating device, etc.). - With continued reference to
FIG. 8 , thefins heat transfer assemblies fins heater 320A to theheat transfer assemblies fins FIG. 8 , thefins trapezoidal spaces heat transfer assemblies FIG. 9 . In the depicted embodiment, adjacent foldedfins assemblies spaces adjacent fins -
FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of aheating device 410 comprising aheat transfer assembly 450 positioned on only one side of theheater 420. As shown, theheater 420, theheat transfer assembly 450 and anouter housing 414 positioned therearound can define a plurality ofspaces 451 through which air or other fluids can be selectively directed. Consequently, air or other fluids passing through theheating device 410 can be thermally conditioned (e.g., heated) by convective heat transfer. Such heated air or other fluids can be subsequently delivered to one or more portions of a climate-controlled seating assembly (e.g., vehicle seat, other chair, bed, etc.) or other device. In other embodiments, the size, shape, orientation, spacing and/or other details of theheat transfer assembly 450 are different than illustrated and discussed herein. For example, thefins 454 or other heat transfer member can include a folded design, such as those shown inFIGS. 8 and 9 . In certain arrangements, thespaces 451 betweenadjacent fins 454 can include a different size, shape and/or the like. For example, thespaces 451 can be customized to achieve a desired flow pattern or characteristics (e.g., laminar, turbulent, etc.) or to meet certain design criteria (e.g., maximum or desired headloss for a given flowrate, maximum or desired noise requirements, etc.) through theheating device 410. - According to some embodiments, electrical current is delivered to a heater of a heating device through wires that are connected to an exterior portion of the device's housing. For example, the wires can be secured to the housing using corresponding attachment assemblies. Such attachment assemblies can include electrically conductive pins and electrically conductive brackets that allow electricity to be transferred between the wires and the leads of the heater. In some embodiments, the brackets are also be used to structurally secure a heater relative to the housing. The wires of such a device can be connected to a power supply (e.g., a vehicle's electrical system, a battery, another AC or DC power source, solar panel, etc.). Consequently, the heater can be selectively energized by delivering electrical current to it in order to create a desired heating effect along the adjacent heat transfer assemblies. As a result, air or other fluids passing through the heating device can be convectively heated. In alternative arrangements, electrical current can be supplied to the heater in a different manner than illustrated or described herein.
-
FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate perspective views of aheating device 610 that includes aheater 620 andheat transfer assemblies heater 620. In the depicted embodiment, eachheat transfer assembly middle portion fins free portions slots 653 or other engagement features (e.g., recesses, other openings, protrusions, flanges, tabs, etc.) to help secure aclip 680, other mechanical fastener and/or other attachment device thereto. In some embodiments, themiddle portion heat transfer assembly more slots 653 located near the edge of thebase respective assembly free portions slots 653 or other engagement members, clips 680 and/or any other component or feature of theheating device 610 can be varied, as desired or required. For instance, the fin-free portion heat transfer assemblies assemblies heat transfer assembly clip 680 or other securement device. - With continued reference to
FIGS. 11A and 11B ,clips 680 can be used to secure theheater 620 to the adjacentheat transfer assemblies clip 680 is positioned on either end of the fin-free regions heat transfer assemblies heating device 610 can include more orfewer clips 680. In other arrangements, a different connection method or device can be used to permanently or removably (e.g., temporarily) attach the various components of theheating device 610 to each other, either in lieu of or in addition toclips 680 or other mechanical fasteners. For example, theheat transfer assemblies heater 620, the housing (not shown inFIGS. 11A and 11B ) and/or any other component or feature can be secured to each other using welds, rivets, bolts, screws, other fasteners, adhesives and/or the like. - As shown in
FIG. 11A , theclips 680 can include aflanged portion 682 that is shaped, sized and otherwise adapted to fit within acorresponding slot 653 of the upper or lowerheat transfer assembly clips 680 comprise one or more rigid, semi-rigid and/or flexible materials that are adapted to withstand the forces, stresses, temperature variations and/or other elements to which they may be exposed. For instance, theclips 680 can comprise plastic or other polymeric materials, metals or other alloys, paper or wood-based materials and/or the like. In certain arrangements, theclips 680 are resilient so they may be easily secured to or removed from thedevice 610, as desired or required. -
FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of aclip 680′ adapted to secure heat transfer assemblies and/or other components of a heating device to a heater (not shown). For example, such aclip 680′ can be sized, shaped and otherwise configured to be positioned within a fin-free portion heat transfer assembly 650, 660 (FIG. 11A ). In other embodiments, such aclip 680′ is adapted to fit betweenadjacent fins - With continued reference to
FIG. 12 , theclip 680′ can include upper andlower portions 684′, 686′ that are attached to each other using ahinge 683′ or other movable connection. Thus, such ahinge 683′ can advantageously permit the upper andlower portions 684′, 686′ to be moved relative to each other in order to secure theclip 680′ to (or remove it from) a heating device. As shown, one of the upper andlower portions 684′, 686′ can include anengagement feature 685′ configured to engage and secure to a corresponding area or feature 687′ (e.g., recess) of theopposite portion 684′, 686′. Accordingly, the upper andlower portions 684′, 686′ can be selectively brought together or moved apart in order to secure theclip 680′ to a heating device. - Another embodiment of a
clip 680″ for securing theheat transfer assemblies 650″, 660″ and/or other components of aheating device 610″ to aheater 620″ is illustrated inFIGS. 13A and 13B . As with the arrangement disclosed herein with reference toFIG. 12 , the depictedclip 680″ can include upper andlower portions 684″, 686″ that may be selectively attached to or removed from each other. For example, inFIG. 13A , theupper portion 684″ includes anengagement tab 685″ or other protrusion that is configured to fit within and secure to aslot 687″ or other opening of thelower portion 686″. In other embodiments, the upper andlower portions 684″, 686″ are configured to secure to each other using one or more other devices or features.FIG. 13B is a perspective view of aheating device 610″ comprising aclip 680″ adapted to maintain the various components of the device secured to one another. -
FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of aheating device 710 according to one embodiment. As shown, theheating device 710 can include aheater 720 generally positioned between upper and lowerheat transfer assemblies heat transfer assembly fins heat transfer assemblies heater 720 using one or more attachment devices or methods, such as, for example, clips, bolts, screws or other fasteners, adhesives, adhesive tapes, welds, rivets and/or the like. - According to certain embodiments, the dimensions of each
heat transfer assembly heat transfer assembly base fins heat transfer assembly - As discussed in greater detail herein, the
heater 720 can include a thick-film heater, a thin-film heater, another resistance-type heater, one or more electrically conductive layers (e.g., sprayed layers, dip coated layers, etc.) and/or any other device adapted to produce heat. In addition, as with any of the embodiments illustrated or otherwise disclosed herein, or equivalents thereof, one or more materials can be positioned between theheater 720 and the adjacentheat transfer assemblies - With continued reference to
FIG. 14 , theheater 720 can include a protrudingportion 730 that generally extends beyond the periphery or outer edges of the upper and lowerheat transfer assemblies FIG. 1 , the protrudingportion 730 can include one ormore connectors 740 that are used to easily connect or disconnect thedevice 710 to or from a power source (e.g., an automobile's electrical system, battery, another AC or DC power source, etc.). Further, theconnector 740 can place theheating device 710 in data communication with a controller, processor or other electrical device, as desired or required. - The
connector 740 can be permanently or removably attached to the protrudingportion 730 of theheater 720 using one or more connection methods or devices, such as, for example, adhesives, tapes, welds, fasteners and/or the like. Regardless of the exact configuration and other details of theheating device 710, theelectrical leads 732 of theheater 720 can advantageously terminate at theconnector 740 to selectively energize theheater 720 when theconnector 740 is attached to an active power supply. - With continued reference to the embodiment depicted in
FIG. 14 , theconnector 740 can include arecess 742 or other opening which is sized, shaped and otherwise adapted to receive acorresponding power coupling 790. Thecoupling 790 can be connected to one ormore wires 794 that are configured to provide electrical current to the heater 720 (e.g., from an AC or DC power source) and/or to place theheating device 710 in data and/or electrical communication with another component (e.g., controller, processor, sensor, etc.). As shown inFIG. 14 , thecoupling 790 can be connected to thedevice 710 using amovable tab 792 or other member or feature (e.g., clips, other engagement features, friction fittings, threaded connection, etc.) that is configured to engage and secure to a corresponding portion of theconnector 740. For instance, themovable tab 792 can be lifted in order to secure thecoupling 790 to theconnector 740. In one embodiment, once thetab 792 is released, thecoupling 790 is advantageously locked to thecoupling 740. Likewise, thetab 792 may need to be lifted in order to separate thecoupling 790 from theconnector 740. One or more other devices, features and/or methods can be used to place theconnector 740 or other portion of theheater 720 in electrical communication with a power supply and/or other electrical component. - Accordingly, once the
heating device 710 has been properly connected to an energizedcoupling 790 and electrical current has been delivered to theheater 720, thefins adjacent assemblies heating device 710, which in some embodiments includes an outer housing (not shown inFIG. 14 ), can be thermally conditioned before being conveyed to a desired location (e.g., a vehicle seat, a bed, another type of climate controlled seat assembly, another device, region or area, etc.). The amount of heat that is transferred to thefins heater 720, the flowrate of air passing through the heater, the types of materials used in the heating device, the insulation properties of the device, the type of heater used and/or any other variables. -
FIG. 15A is a front elevation view of aheating device 710 similar to the one illustrated and discussed herein with reference toFIG. 14 . As shown, thedevice 710 can include aheater 720 generally positioned between upper and lowerheat transfer assemblies portion 730 of theheater 720 can include aconnector 740 that is configured to be selectively coupled to or detached from apower coupling 790. - As illustrated in
FIG. 15B , for any of the embodiments of a heating device disclosed herein, or equivalents thereof, theheater 20′ can include one or more lead wires W that are configured to place the heating device in electrical and/or data communication with a power source and/or another electrical component. Such lead wires W can be used either in lieu of or in addition to a coupling, such as the connector illustrated inFIG. 15A . - A perspective view of another embodiment of a
heating device 810 is illustrated inFIG. 16A . The depictedheating device 810 generally incorporates theheater 820 and theheat transfer assembly 850 into a unitary structure. For example, theheating device 810 can comprise a singleheat transfer assembly 850 that includes abase 852 and a plurality offins 854 or other heat transfer members extending from a first surface of the base. In other arrangements, the shape, size, spacing or other characteristics of thefins 854 and/or other components of theassembly 850 can vary, as desired or required. - With continued reference to
FIG. 16A , the various components of theheater 820 can be positioned along or incorporated onto theheat transfer assembly 850. For example, as shown, the conductive leads 824, thethermistor 829 and/or the like can be situated along thebase 852 of the assembly, generally along the opposite surface of thefins 854 or other heat transfer members. In some embodiments, theelectrical leads 824, the thermistor and/or other electrically conductive members can be printed onto thebase 852 of theassembly 850 using conductive inks. The size, pattern, material composition and other properties or characteristics of theleads 824 and/or other conductive members can help determine the overall capacity and other performance-related properties of theheater 810. For example, such variables can be modified to provide thedevice 810 with a desired electrical resistance, total heat output per electrical input and/or the like. In some embodiments, before and/or after depositing theleads 824, thermistor and/or other conductive members on theassembly 850, one or more other layers or coatings can be applied thereto. For example, in one embodiment, an electrical isolation layer is applied to thebase 852 of theassembly 850. This can help achieve the desired thermal output, while protecting the heater from potentially dangerous or otherwise unwanted electrical exposure. - Further, an outer wrap or housing (not shown in
FIG. 16A ) can be provided around thedevice 810 to enclose the space through which fluids are selectively directed, to provide for thermal insulation, to protect the components of thedevice 810 and/or for any other purpose. As electrical current is provided through the conductive leads 824 and/or other conductive members of thedevice 810, a corresponding amount of heat is produced along theheater 820. The heat produced by theheater 820 can be transmitted to thefins 854 or other heat transfer members of the device. Consequently, as discussed with reference to other embodiments disclosed herein, air or other fluids passing through thespaces 851 defined by adjacent fins 854 (e.g., in a direction generally represented by arrows A) can be selectively heated. - The embodiment of
FIG. 16A can offer a compact and convenient device for thermally conditioning air or other fluids, as the need for a separate heater and heat transfer assemblies is eliminated. This can be particularly helpful when theheater 810 needs to be designed in accordance with relatively strict size constraints or parameters. In addition, the challenge of connecting the heater to one or more heat transfer assemblies is eliminated in such embodiments. Consequently, the labor, expense and complexity of such heating devices can be advantageously decreased. In addition, suchunitary heating devices 810 can offer more reliable and accurate heating of air or other fluids passing therethrough.FIGS. 17A-17C provide different views of theheating device 810 ofFIG. 16A . - As noted above, in some embodiments, electrical leads and/or other electrically conductive members can be printed or otherwise formed onto a base of a heat transfer assembly or along any other portion of a heating device using conductive inks that have desired electrically resistive properties. Accordingly, such conductive inks or other materials can be selectively printed or otherwise deposited onto one or more surfaces of a heating device (e.g., a base of a fin assembly or other heat transfer assembly). This can provide a simpler, less expensive and/or faster method of producing a heating device. Such conductive inks and other materials can replace, either partially or completely, the conductive leads, buses or other electrically conductive materials or components of a heating device.
- According to some embodiments, one or more electrically conductive layers can be applied along one or more surfaces of a heating device to create the conductive leads or pathways through which electrical current may be routed to selectively produce heat. For example, such materials can be sprayed onto a surface of the heating device. Alternatively, such electrically conductive materials can be applied to one or more surfaces or other portions of a heating device using a dip coating, printing, plating or other process.
- Such electrically conductive materials (e.g., inks, layers, etc.) can be sprayed, dip coated, powder coated, screen printed, electroplated and/or otherwise applied (e.g., either directly or indirectly) on a surface of a heating device. In some arrangements, the electrically conductive materials include, without limitation, metals (e.g., silver, copper, alloys, etc.), electrically-conductive graphite or other carbon materials and/or any other electrically-conductive materials.
- As illustrated in
FIG. 16B , aheating device 810B can include aheat transfer assembly 850B (e.g., fin assembly) having a base 852B that is configured to receive one or more electrically conductive materials along one or more of its surfaces. As noted above, such electrically conductive materials can be positioned onto targeted regions of thebase 852B and/or any other surface of theheating device 810B using one or more methods (e.g., spraying, coating, printing, plating, etc.), as desired or required. In the depicted embodiment, electrically conductive materials have been deposited on thebase 852B, along a surface generally opposite of thefins 854B, so as to effectively form anelectrical pathway 824B through which current may pass. As shown, the ends of theconductive path 824B can be electrically coupled towires 894B or other members that are connected to a power supply or another electrical component. In other embodiments, the electrically conductive pathway include a different shape or orientation along one or more surfaces of thebase 852B and/or other portions of theheating device 810B. For example, the width, length, spacing, location, pattern and/or other characteristics of thepath 824B can be different than illustrated inFIG. 16B . - Another embodiment of a
heating device 810C is illustrated inFIG. 16C . As shown, theheating device 810C includes upper and lowerheat transfer assemblies central base 870C. In some arrangements, theheat transfer assemblies base 870C are formed as a unitary structure. Alternatively, theassemblies - With continued reference to
FIG. 16C , an electricallyconductive path 824C can be formed along one or more surfaces of theheating device 810C. For example, inFIG. 16C , theelectrical pathways 824C are positioned along both themain base 870C and thefins 854C of the upperheat transfer assembly 850C. In other embodiments, thepathway 824C is positioned along at least some of thefins 864C of thebottom assembly 860C, either in addition to or in lieu of fins of theupper assembly 850C. In still other embodiments, the pathway is routed along larger or smaller (or different) areas of theheating device 810C, as desired or required. Regardless of their exact size, dimensions, location, spacing and/or other details, the electrically conductive pathways comprise one or more materials (e.g., metals, carbon, etc.) that conduct the electrical current provided to aheating device 810C (e.g., viawires 894C, other leads, etc.). Accordingly, heat is advantageously produced along one or more portions of thedevice 810C. As discussed herein with reference to other embodiments, air or other fluids that is delivered past the heating device (e.g., through the spaces defined betweenadjacent fins - According to some embodiments, heating device include an electrically non-conductive substrate that is configured to receive electrically conductive materials along one or more of its surfaces. The non conductive substrate can comprises a heat transfer assembly or any other portion of the heating device. In some embodiments, as illustrated in
FIGS. 16 , 16B and 16C, such electrically non-conductive substrates comprise one or more fins or other heat transfer members. However, as illustrated in the various embodiments depicted inFIG. 16D , the size, shape and general configuration ofsubstrates 880A-880F can vary, as desired or required for a particular application or use. The substrates can be configured for use in a convective heating system, a conductive heating system and/or a combination convective/conductive heating system. For example, in a conductive heating system, heat produced by an electrically conductive pathway of a heating device is used to heat a surface or region in a generally conductive manner. Thus, an item or region positioned adjacent or near the heater is directly heated directly by the heat produced by the conductive pathways. - In some embodiments, the heat transfer assemblies, other substrates and/or other portions of a heating device can be advantageously formed into a desired shape, size and general configuration. Such components can be manufactured using any one of a variety of methods, such as, for example, injection molding, compression molding, thermoforming, extrusion, casting and/or the like. The non-conductive components can comprise one or more materials, including, without limitation, moldable plastics, other polymeric materials, paper-based products, ceramics and/or the like. Accordingly, the ability to spray, coat, print or otherwise deposit electrically conductive materials along one or more surfaces of such non-conductive heat transfer assemblies or other substrates provides greater design flexibility of convective and/or conductive heating assemblies. Further, the use of such components and production methods can advantageously reduce costs and facilitate the manufacture of heating devices. For example, by spraying, coating, printing, plating or otherwise depositing the conductive pathways on a non-conductive substrate, a heating device can be manufactured with a unitary structure. As a result, the need to join or otherwise maintain separate components (e.g., a heater, one or more heat transfer assemblies, etc.) of a heating device to each other is reduced or eliminated.
- In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, or equivalents thereof, that utilize the application of electrically conductive materials (e.g., sprays, coating, printing, plating, etc.) to form conductive pathways and/or other conductive components, a heating device can include one or more additional items, components, layers and/or the like. For example, devices that include a sprayed conductive material on a non-conductive heat transfer member, such as the ones illustrated in
FIG. 16B or 16C, can include a heat conductive layer, a thermistor, a sensor, a protective layer or coating and/or the like. END - In the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 18 and 19 , theheating device 810 includes anelectrical connector 840 adapted to receive apower coupling 890. As discussed with reference to other configurations herein, such aconnector 840 can offer a convenient and easy way of placing the conductive leads 824, thethermistor 829 and/or other portions of theheater 820 in electrical communication with a vehicle's electrical system, a battery, another type of AC or DC power supply and/or the like. As shown in the depicted embodiment, theconnector 840 can be positioned along a protrudingportion 830 of the assembly'sbase 852, generally along the edge of theheating device 810. Alternatively, theconnector 840 can be positioned along any other portion or area of the base 852 or heating device, as long as it is electrically connected to the conductive portions of theheater 820. - With reference to
FIG. 20 , aheating device 810′ can comprise aheat sink 898 along or near the surface of the base 852 on which the conductive leads and other components of theheater 820 are positioned. Thus, heat can be dissipated away from theheater 820 both toward and away from themain fins 854 or other main heat transfer members. This can further enhance the operation of theheater 820 and/or other components of thedevice 810′. In other embodiments, the conductive leads, the thermistor and/or other conductive portions of theheater 820 can be thermally insulated so as to reduce heat loss in a direction generally away from thefins 854 or other heat transfer members of thedevice 810′. - Another embodiment of a
device 910 configured to selectively heat air or other fluids passing therethrough is illustrated inFIG. 21A . As with the arrangements ofFIGS. 16-19 , the depictedheating device 910 incorporates the various components of the heater (e.g., conductive leads, thermistor, etc.) into a unitary structure with the heat transfer assembly. Thus, the heat transfer assemblies need not be separate from the heater. InFIG. 21A , the conductive leads 924,thermistor 929 and/or other conductive members of the heater are positioned, at least in part, along the side of anend fin 954 or other heat transfer member. In some embodiments, such conductive leads or other members are positioned along the bottom surface of the base 952 (e.g., similar to the arrangement ofFIGS. 16-19 ), either in lieu of or in addition to being disposed along one ormore fins 954. As discussed in greater detail above, the conductive pathways and/or other electrically conductive components or portions of such heating devices can be manufactured using one or more conductive materials that are selectively deposited (e.g., using spray coating, dip coating, other coating technologies, printing, etc.) onto a non-conductive substrate. - As illustrated in
FIG. 21B , aconnector 940 can be attached to the side of theend fin 954 or other heat transfer member to permit a convenient way of connecting theheating device 910 to a power source (e.g., a vehicle's electrical system, a battery, another AC or DC power source, etc.) or other electrical component or system. Thus, theconnector 940 can be placed in electrical communication with the conductive leads 924,thermistor 929 and/or other conductive members of the heater. As discussed in greater detail herein, a housing, wrap or other outer member can be used to partially or completely surround theheating device 910. Such a housing, wrap or other outer member can be used with any of the embodiments of a heating device disclosed herein, or equivalents thereof, as desired or required. -
FIG. 22A schematically illustrates one embodiment of a layout ofconductive leads 24A for use in any of the heating devices disclosed herein or equivalents thereof. As shown, theleads 24A can comprise a path created by traces of one or more electrically-conductive materials (e.g., silver, other metals or alloys, etc.). Electrical current delivered through the heating device can be converted to heat as a result of the electrical resistance within the conductive members (e.g., silver traces). In such embodiments, the conductive leads can continue to transmit electricity therethrough even if when the operating temperature of the heater is relatively high. Thus, a heating device can include a thermistor or other temperature-regulating component or feature to help protect the device against excessive temperatures that may be damaging or dangerous to the system or user. - Another embodiment of a conductive lead scheme is illustrated in
FIG. 22B . In the depicted arrangement, the circuit comprises a plurality ofbridges 25B or breakers that are configured to be less robust with respect to temperature resistance than the main conductive leads. Thus, as the heater reaches a particular threshold operating temperature, thesebridges 25B can be adapted to fail, thereby protecting the heater and other portions of the heating device against potentially damaging or dangerous over-temperature conditions. As a result, such a configuration can eliminate the need for thermistors and/or other temperature-regulating components or features.Such bridges 25B may be incorporated into any of the heating device embodiments disclosed herein or equivalents thereof. As noted above, the conductive leads can include conductive materials that have been sprayed, coated, printed, plated and/or otherwise deposited onto one or more surfaces or portions (e.g., a base of a heat transfer assembly) of a heating device. - According to some embodiments, regardless of their exact details (e.g., type, form, size, shape, orientation, etc.), the conductive materials that are included in the electrical leads, busses, pathways, and/or other conductive portions of a heating device configured to convert electrical current to heat can be selected based on a target Thermal Coefficient of Resistance (TCR), target TCR range and/or similar electrical property. For example, in some embodiments, the conductive materials comprise a relatively stable TCR over the expected operational temperature range of the heating device. As a result, the power output of the conductive materials, and thus the amount of heat produced, will increase relatively gradually over time (e.g., from the time the heating device is activated to a later point in time), as the power output is not significantly affected by the actual temperature of the device. This is schematically represented by the M2 graph illustrated in
FIG. 22C . In some embodiments, such relatively stable materials comprise a TCR value between about 0 and 1,000 ppm/° C., such as, for example, about 400, 500 or 600 ppm/° C. In other embodiments, such relatively stable materials comprise a TCR value between about 1,000 and 1,500 ppm/° C. or higher, such as, for example, about 1,200 or 1,300 ppm/° C. - Relatedly,
FIG. 22D schematically illustrates a graphical comparison of temperature of a heating device (e.g., on or near the conductive materials, along the fins or other heat transfer members of the device, etc.) over time for materials having varying TCR properties. As shown, the temperature for heating devices using conductive materials M2 with a relatively stable TCR value or range will increase more gradually (e.g., in a linear or generally linear manner) over time. This is due, in part, because the power output for heating device utilizing such conductive materials is generally stable over the operational temperature range of the device. - In other embodiments, the conductive materials that are included in the electrical leads, busses, pathways and/or other conductive portions of a heating device comprise a higher TCR value or range and/or similar electrical property. For example, in some embodiments, such conductive materials comprise a relatively unstable TCR over the expected operational temperature range of the heating device. As a result, the power output of the conductive materials, and thus the amount of heat produced by the heating device, will increase more rapidly when the heating device is relatively cool (e.g., when the heating device is initially activated) in comparison to conductive materials with generally stable TCR values. Consequently, the temperature at or near the heat transfer elements (e.g., fins) that are in thermal communication with the conductive materials of the heater will increase more rapidly than when conductive materials having more stable TCR properties are used. This is schematically represented by the M1 graph illustrated in
FIG. 22C . In some embodiments, such relatively unstable materials comprise a TCR value between about 1,500 and 5,000 ppm/° C. or higher, such as, for example, between about 1,500 and 3,500 ppm/° C., between about 3,000 and 4,000 ppm/° C. (e.g., about 3,300, 3,400 or 3,600 ppm/° C.). Therefore, in circumstances where the voltage supplied to a heating device is maintained constant or generally constant, the use of such relatively unstable conductive materials can provide a more robust relationship between heat production (and thus, temperature along the heat transfer members of the heating device) and time. Consequently, as illustrated inFIG. 22D , in some circumstances, a target final temperature (Tf), can be achieved in a shorter time period, ΔT1, by using conductive materials having relatively unstable TCR values as compared to using conductive materials having more stable TCR values (e.g., ΔT2>ΔT1). This shorter time period can be attributed, at least in part, on the higher power output values exhibited by such conductive materials at the lower operational temperature of a heating device. However, with continued reference toFIGS. 22C and 22D , as long as the conductive materials are selected for a target TCR at the high end of the expected operational temperature range, the target maximum power output and the final temperature Tf can be achieved by the heating device regardless of variations to such values that may occur at lower temperatures. - The use of relatively unstable conductive materials, such as, for example, materials having a TCR above about 1,500 ppm/° C. (e.g., between about 3,000 and 4,000 ppm/° C.) can advantageously allow the heating device to heat up more rapidly when the heating device is initially activated (e.g., when the temperature of the heating device is identical or similar to the ambient temperature). Accordingly, the seating assembly (e.g., vehicle seat, bed, etc.) and/or any other item or region that is being selectively thermally-conditioned (e.g., convectively and/or conductively) by the heating device can be warmed faster, providing an enhanced or improved comfort level to an occupant, especially when ambient temperatures are relatively cold. According to some embodiments, the relatively unstable conductive materials include a lower concentration of ruthenium than conductive materials having relatively more stable TCR characteristics.
-
FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate afluid module 1002 that includes aheating device 1010 configured to selectively heat air or other fluids in accordance with the embodiments and features discussed and illustrated herein. As shown, thefluid module 1002 can comprise anouter housing module 1002 includes a first housing portion that is permanently or removably joined to asecond housing portion 1004 using one or more connection devices or methods (e.g., screws, bolts, clips, other fasteners, welds, adhesives and/or the like). Alternatively, the housing can include more or fewer portions as desired or required. - With continued reference to
FIGS. 23 and 24 , thefluid module 1002 can include aninterior cavity 1006 that is adapted to receive a fan or other fluid transfer device. In addition, themodule 1002 can include aninterior area 1008 that is sized, shaped and otherwise configured to receive aheating device 1010. Accordingly, ambient air or other fluid can be drawn into an inlet of themodule 1002 and selectively moved through theheating device 1010 and adownstream outlet 1009 by a fan or other fluid transfer device. Thus, when theheating device 1010 is electrically energized (e.g., when current is delivered to the heating device 1010), the air or other fluid passing therethrough can be selectively heated, as desired or required. In other arrangements, theheating device 1010 is not positioned within thefluid module 1002. Thus, theheating device 1010 can be located upstream or downstream of afluid module 1002, fluid transfer device and/or the like. Regardless of the exact orientation of the various components that comprise a fluid delivery system, air or other fluid can be convectively heated as it is passed through aheater 1010. - As discussed, any of the various heating devices disclosed herein can be used to provide thermally conditioned air or other fluids to climate controlled seating assemblies (e.g., automobile or other vehicle seats, office chairs, sofas, wheelchairs, theater or stadium seats, other types of chairs, hospital or other medical beds, standard beds, etc.) or other devices or assemblies.
-
FIG. 25 schematically illustrates one embodiment of a climate controlledseat 1000 having a seat bottom portion S and seat back portion B. The seat bottom portion S and/or the seat back portion B can be configured to receive thermally-conditioned air or other fluids. For example, as shown, each of the portions S, B can include one or more internal fluid passages P and a flow distribution/conditioning members D. Thus, air or other fluids directed into a passage P of the seat back portion B and/or seat bottom portion S by afluid transfer device heating device fluid transfer device - The arrangement of a climate controlled
seat assembly 1100 schematically depicted inFIG. 26 additionally includes a controller C that is in electrical and/or data communication with thefluid transfer devices heating devices seat 1100 can include one or more temperature sensors (not shown inFIG. 26 ) within its passages P, within its flow distribution/conditioning members D, along selected areas of the seat back portion B and/or seat bottom portion and/or the like. In other embodiments, a climate controlled seating assembly can include more or fewer (or different) components or features. -
FIG. 27 schematically illustrates one embodiment of afluid heating device 1210 positioned within a portion of a seating assembly 1200 (e.g., an automotive seat, chair, sofa, bed, wheelchair, stadium seat, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, theheating device 1210 is situated in the seat back portion B of theseating assembly 1200. As shown, afluid transfer device 1202 can be used to draw air or other fluid into an inlet duct I. The air can then be transferred by energy imparted on it by the fluid transfer device 1202 (e.g., fan, blower, etc.) to a discharge conduit P or other passage. Air delivered into the discharge conduit P can be channeled through one ormore heating devices 1210 where it is selectively heated to a desired level. Heated air or other fluid exiting theheating device 1210 can be directed to one or more portions of theseating assembly 1200. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, heated air is directed to the headrest region of the seat back portion B of the seat. In some arrangements, the heated air is incorporated into a neck or head warmer. In other arrangements, the heating system does not include an inlet duct I or other similar member. Thus, air or other fluid can be drawn directly into an inlet of a fluid transfer device 1202 (e.g., blower, fan, etc.). - In other embodiments, a heating system can be configured to provide spot heating to one or more other locations of an automobile interior (e.g., leg area, feet area, headliner, visor, A, B or C pillars, etc.), a building interior (e.g., ottoman, leg rest, bed, etc.) and/or the like. In still other embodiments, heated air can be delivered to and distributed through a larger area of a seat back portion B and/or a seat bottom portion S of a seating assembly. Therefore, a fluid heating device can be incorporated into a seat warming system. For example, a distribution system (
FIGS. 25 and 26 ) positioned downstream or upstream of a heating device can be configured to deliver heated air through one or more cushioned areas of the seat back portion B and/or the seat bottom portion S of seating assembly. Further, such fluid heating devices and systems can be used to “spot warm” particular targeted regions of a seating assembly. For example, in some embodiments, a seating assembly comprising such a heating device can be configured to selectively deliver heated air to one or more locations. As discussed, such seating assemblies may be equipped with a control system to allow a user to choose where (and/or to what extent) heated air is delivered. -
FIGS. 28A and 28B schematically illustrate one embodiment of an upper portion U of a climate controlledbed assembly 1300. In the depicted embodiment, the upper portion U comprises a core R which includes four internal passageways P through its depth. As shown, the passageways P can have a generally cylindrical shape. However, the passageways P can include any other cross-sectional shape, such as, for example, square, rectangular, triangular, other polygonal, oval, irregular and/or the like. Further, in some arrangements, the passageways P are symmetrically arranged along the core R. This can allow the upper portion U to be rotated relative to the lower portion (not shown) while still allowing the passageways P to generally align with anyfluid modules 1310 positioned within a lower portion. Alternatively, the passageways P of the core R can include a non-symmetrical orientation. Further, in other embodiments, the core R includes more or fewer than four internal passageways P, as desired or required by a particular application or use. In addition, the size, shape, spacing, orientation and/or any other details of the passageways P and/or the core R can be different than illustrated or discussed herein. - The core R can comprise one or more materials or components, such as, for example, foam, other thermoplastics, filler materials, air chambers, springs and/or the like. Although not illustrated in
FIGS. 28A and 28B , the upper portion U is preferably positioned on a lower portion. The passageways P of the core R can be configured to generally align with openings in the lower portion so as to place the passageways P in fluid communication with one or more fluid modules (e.g., fans, blowers, etc.). Aheating device 1310 in accordance with one of the embodiments disclosed herein may be positioned within, upstream and/or downstream of eachfluid module 1302, as desired or required. Thus, as shown, air or other fluids can be heated before or while being conveyed through the passageways P of the core R, toward one or more layers or components situated above the core R. - For example, as illustrated in
FIG. 28B , heated air or other fluids can be directed from the passageways P into a fluid distribution member D (e.g., spacer, spacer fabric or other material) or any other member that is generally configured to help receive and distribute air or other fluid along a desired top area of thebed 1300. From the fluid distribution member D, heated air or other fluid can pass through one or more layers or members located along the top of thebed 1300. By way of example, inFIG. 28B , the upper portion U comprises a comfort layer T (e.g., quilt layer) that is configured to allow air or other fluid to diffuse through it. The top portion of the bed can comprise one or more other comfort layers, fluid distribution members and/or the like, to achieve a desired feel (e.g., firmness), comfort level, fluid distribution scheme, other effect and/or the like. -
FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view along the circumferential edge of one embodiment of afan 1402 or other fluid transfer device. Because of the generally rotational symmetry of thefan 1402 around a central axis,FIG. 29 shows approximately only one half of thefan 1402. Thehousing 1403 of thefluid transfer device 1402 can comprise a top portion and a bottom portion. In the illustrated arrangement, a flow director F is disposed between the top and bottom portions of thehousing 1403. A motor-impeller assembly 1405 can be centrally mounted within the cavity defined by thehousing 1403. As shown, aheating device 1410, in accordance with any of the embodiments disclosed herein or equivalents thereof, can be positioned within thehousing 1403 of thefluid transfer device 1402. Thus, as air or other fluids enter into the cavity of thefan 1402, they can be directed by the movingimpeller 1405 through the heating device and toward the outer periphery of thehousing 1403. In the illustrated embodiment, flow exiting theheating device 1410 is divided by the flow director F. However, in other embodiments, such as the one illustrated inFIG. 30 , the entire or substantially the entire portion of heated air or other fluid exiting theheating device 1510 is directed to a single fan outlet. - With continued reference to
FIG. 29 , theheating device 1410 comprises aheater 1420 generally positioned between upper and lowerheat transfer assemblies FIG. 30 , afan 1502 or other fluid transfer device can comprise aheating device 1510 that includes aheater 1520 attached to only a singleheat transfer assembly 1550. In other embodiments, theheating device FIGS. 16-19 . The interior cavity of the fan housing can be shaped, sized and otherwise configured to receive one ormore heating devices - Any of the embodiments of a heating device disclosed herein, or equivalents thereof, can be used in conjunction with a thermoelectric device (e.g., Peltier device) and/or any other thermal-conditioning device. Thus, a climate control system of a seating assembly can include a thermoelectric device and/or a heating device, as desired or required. Further, a climate control system can be adapted to simply provide air or other fluids to one or more portions of a seat assembly that are not thermally conditioned (e.g., ambient air for ventilation purposes only). Accordingly, a climate control system that incorporates a heating device according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein can be adapted to selectively provide heated air by activating the heating device and delivering air or other fluids through it. However, the same climate control system can provide non-thermally conditioned air by delivering air or other fluids (e.g., via a fluid transfer device) while the heating device is deactivated. Thus, ventilated air or other fluids can be delivered to a climate controlled seat assembly to provide some level of comfort to a seated occupant.
- Additional disclosure regarding climate-controlled seats, beds and other assemblies is provided in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/156,562 filed Nov. 22, 1993 (U.S. Pat. No. 5,597,200); Ser. No. 08/156,052 filed Nov. 22, 1993 (U.S. Pat. No. 5,524,439); Ser. No. 10/853,779 filed May 25, 2004 (U.S. Pat. No. 7,114,771); Ser. No. 10/973,947 filed Oct. 25, 2004 (U.S. Publ. No. 2006/0087160); Ser. No. 11/933,906 filed Nov. 1, 2007 (U.S. Publ. No. 2008/0100101); Ser. No. 11/872,657 filed Oct. 15, 2007 (U.S. Publ. No. Ser. No. 2008/0148481); Ser. No. 12/049,120 filed Mar. 14, 2008 (U.S. Publ. No. 2008/0223841); Ser. No. 12/178,458 filed Jul. 23, 2008; Ser. No. 12/208,254 filed Sep. 10, 2008 (U.S. Publ. No. 2009/0064411); Ser. No. 12/505,355 filed Jul. 17, 2009 (U.S. Publ. No. 2010/0011502); and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/238,655 filed Aug. 31, 2009, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
- To assist in the description of the disclosed embodiments, words such as upward, upper, bottom, downward, lower, rear, front, vertical, horizontal, upstream, downstream have been used above to describe different embodiments and/or the accompanying figures. It will be appreciated, however, that the different embodiments, whether illustrated or not, can be located and oriented in a variety of desired positions.
- Although the subject matter provided in this application has been disclosed in the context of certain specific embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the inventions disclosed in this application extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the subject matter disclosed herein and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while a number of variations of the inventions have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of these inventions, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the inventions disclosed herein. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combine with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the subject matter provided in the present application should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.
Claims (19)
1-10. (canceled)
11. A heating device for heating fluid, comprising:
a first heat transfer assembly comprising a plurality of heat transfer members, the heat transfer members defining a plurality of spaces through which fluid is selectively passed;
a base having a first side and a second side, said first side being generally opposite of said second side, wherein the base comprises a first end and a second end, said first end being located opposite of said second end;
wherein the plurality of heat transfer members extend from the first side of the base;
at least one electrical conducting member positioned along at least a portion of the second side of the base, the at least one electrical conducting member extending at least partially from the first end to the second end of the base, wherein the at least one electrical conducting member extending at least partially along or near a periphery of the base;
wherein the at least one electrical conducting member is configured to receive electrical current to produce heat;
an outer housing at least partially surrounding the first heat transfer assembly and the base, wherein said outer housing defines at least one partially enclosed space through which fluid is selectively passed;
wherein at least a portion of heat generated by electorally energizing the at least one electrical conducting member is transferred to the plurality of heat transfer members of the first heat transfer assembly; and
wherein heat is transferred to fluid directed through the spaces within the at least one partially enclosed space when electrical current is provided to the heating device.
12. The heating device of claim 11 , wherein heat transfer members comprise fins.
13. The heating device of claim 11 , wherein the first heat transfer assembly and the at least one electrical conducting member comprise a generally unitary structure.
14. The heating device of claim 11 , wherein the at least one electrical conducting member is formed directly on the base of the first heat transfer assembly.
15. The heating device of claim 11 , wherein the at least one electrical conducting member is part of a heater secured to the base of the first heat transfer assembly.
16. The heating device of claim 15 , wherein the heater comprises a thick film heater.
17. The heating device of claim 11 , wherein the at least one electrical conducting member comprises a conductive material positioned on the base of the first heat transfer assembly.
18. The heating device of claim 11 , further comprising a second heat transfer assembly, the second heat transfer assembly extending in a direction generally away from the second side of the base.
19. The heating device of claim 15 , wherein the heater and the first heat transfer assembly are attached using adhesives or thermal grease.
20. The heating device of claim 15 , wherein the heater and the first heat transfer assembly are attached using at least one mechanical fastener.
21. The heating device of claim 11 , wherein a Temperature Coefficient of Resistance (TCR) of the at least one electrical conducting member is between about 1,500 and 3,500 ppm/° C.
22. A seating assembly comprising a support member, the support member comprising at least one interior fluid passageway, wherein the at least one fluid passageway is in fluid communication with a heating device of claim 11 so as to selectively provide convectively heated air toward an upper surface of the seating assembly.
23. The seating assembly of claim 22 , wherein the seating assembly comprises a seat or a bed.
24. A heating device for heating fluid, comprising:
a heater configured to receive an electrical current to produce heat;
at least one heat transfer assembly adjacent the heater, the heat transfer assembly comprising a plurality of heat transfer members, wherein the heat transfer members define a plurality of spaces through which fluid may pass;
at least one electrically conductive member positioned on or within the heater;
wherein the at least one electrically conductive member terminates at or near one end of the heater, and wherein the at least one electrically conductive member is configured to selectively produce heat when electrically energized; and
an outer housing at least partially surrounding the heater and the at least one heat transfer assembly;
wherein heat generated by the heater is transferred to the at least one heat transfer assembly; and
wherein fluid passing through the spaces is selectively heated when electrical current is provided to the heater.
25. The heating device of claim 24 , wherein the heat transfer members comprise fins.
26. A seating assembly comprising a support member with at least one fluid passageway, wherein the at least one fluid passageway is in fluid communication with a heating device of claim 24 so as to selectively provide convectively heated air toward a seated occupant of the seating assembly.
27. The seating assembly of claim 26 , wherein the seating assembly comprises a seat or a bed.
28. A method for heating fluid, comprising
electrically activating a heating device, the heating device comprising a heater configured to receive an electrical current to produce heat;
wherein the heating device further comprises at least one heat transfer assembly adjacent the heater, the heat transfer assembly comprising a plurality of heat transfer members, wherein the heat transfer members define a plurality of spaces through which fluid may pass;
wherein the heating device additionally comprises at least one electrically conductive member positioned on or within the heater and an outer housing at least partially surrounding the heater and the at least one heat transfer assembly;
wherein electrically activating the heating device comprises providing electrical current to the at least one electrically conductive member, wherein upon electrical activation, the at least one electrically conductive member produces heat;
wherein heat generated by the heater is transferred to the at least one heat transfer assembly; and
wherein fluid passing through the spaces is selectively heated when electrical current is provided to the heater.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/046,448 US20140131343A1 (en) | 2009-01-28 | 2013-10-04 | Convective heating device |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14801909P | 2009-01-28 | 2009-01-28 | |
US12/695,602 US8575518B2 (en) | 2009-01-28 | 2010-01-28 | Convective heater |
US14/046,448 US20140131343A1 (en) | 2009-01-28 | 2013-10-04 | Convective heating device |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/695,602 Continuation US8575518B2 (en) | 2009-01-28 | 2010-01-28 | Convective heater |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20140131343A1 true US20140131343A1 (en) | 2014-05-15 |
Family
ID=42396010
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/695,602 Active 2031-07-14 US8575518B2 (en) | 2009-01-28 | 2010-01-28 | Convective heater |
US14/046,448 Abandoned US20140131343A1 (en) | 2009-01-28 | 2013-10-04 | Convective heating device |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/695,602 Active 2031-07-14 US8575518B2 (en) | 2009-01-28 | 2010-01-28 | Convective heater |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US8575518B2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2010088405A1 (en) |
Cited By (27)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090026813A1 (en) * | 2007-07-23 | 2009-01-29 | John Lofy | Radial thermoelectric device assembly |
US8893329B2 (en) | 2009-05-06 | 2014-11-25 | Gentherm Incorporated | Control schemes and features for climate-controlled beds |
US20150063794A1 (en) * | 2013-08-30 | 2015-03-05 | Da Wei Lin | Instantaneous water-heating dispensing device and heating module thereof |
US9105808B2 (en) | 2007-01-10 | 2015-08-11 | Gentherm Incorporated | Thermoelectric device |
US9105809B2 (en) | 2007-07-23 | 2015-08-11 | Gentherm Incorporated | Segmented thermoelectric device |
US9121414B2 (en) | 2010-11-05 | 2015-09-01 | Gentherm Incorporated | Low-profile blowers and methods |
US9335073B2 (en) | 2008-02-01 | 2016-05-10 | Gentherm Incorporated | Climate controlled seating assembly with sensors |
US9445524B2 (en) | 2012-07-06 | 2016-09-13 | Gentherm Incorporated | Systems and methods for thermoelectrically cooling inductive charging stations |
US9603459B2 (en) | 2006-10-13 | 2017-03-28 | Genthem Incorporated | Thermally conditioned bed assembly |
US9622588B2 (en) | 2008-07-18 | 2017-04-18 | Gentherm Incorporated | Environmentally-conditioned bed |
US9662962B2 (en) | 2013-11-05 | 2017-05-30 | Gentherm Incorporated | Vehicle headliner assembly for zonal comfort |
US9685599B2 (en) | 2011-10-07 | 2017-06-20 | Gentherm Incorporated | Method and system for controlling an operation of a thermoelectric device |
US9814641B2 (en) | 2009-08-31 | 2017-11-14 | Genthrem Incorporated | Climate-controlled topper member for beds |
US9857107B2 (en) | 2006-10-12 | 2018-01-02 | Gentherm Incorporated | Thermoelectric device with internal sensor |
US9974394B2 (en) | 2007-10-15 | 2018-05-22 | Gentherm Incorporated | Climate controlled bed assembly with intermediate layer |
US9989267B2 (en) | 2012-02-10 | 2018-06-05 | Gentherm Incorporated | Moisture abatement in heating operation of climate controlled systems |
US10005337B2 (en) | 2004-12-20 | 2018-06-26 | Gentherm Incorporated | Heating and cooling systems for seating assemblies |
US10160356B2 (en) | 2014-05-09 | 2018-12-25 | Gentherm Incorporated | Climate control assembly |
US10219323B2 (en) | 2014-02-14 | 2019-02-26 | Genthrem Incorporated | Conductive convective climate controlled seat |
USRE47574E1 (en) | 2006-05-31 | 2019-08-20 | Gentherm Incorporated | Structure based fluid distribution system |
US10405667B2 (en) | 2007-09-10 | 2019-09-10 | Gentherm Incorporated | Climate controlled beds and methods of operating the same |
US10589647B2 (en) | 2013-12-05 | 2020-03-17 | Gentherm Incorporated | Systems and methods for climate controlled seats |
US10991869B2 (en) | 2018-07-30 | 2021-04-27 | Gentherm Incorporated | Thermoelectric device having a plurality of sealing materials |
US11033058B2 (en) | 2014-11-14 | 2021-06-15 | Gentherm Incorporated | Heating and cooling technologies |
US11152557B2 (en) | 2019-02-20 | 2021-10-19 | Gentherm Incorporated | Thermoelectric module with integrated printed circuit board |
US11639816B2 (en) | 2014-11-14 | 2023-05-02 | Gentherm Incorporated | Heating and cooling technologies including temperature regulating pad wrap and technologies with liquid system |
US11857004B2 (en) | 2014-11-14 | 2024-01-02 | Gentherm Incorporated | Heating and cooling technologies |
Families Citing this family (27)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6119463A (en) | 1998-05-12 | 2000-09-19 | Amerigon | Thermoelectric heat exchanger |
US7827805B2 (en) * | 2005-03-23 | 2010-11-09 | Amerigon Incorporated | Seat climate control system |
EP1984208B1 (en) | 2006-01-30 | 2012-02-29 | Amerigon, Inc. | Cooling system for container in a vehicle |
US8222511B2 (en) | 2006-08-03 | 2012-07-17 | Gentherm | Thermoelectric device |
WO2008115831A1 (en) | 2007-03-16 | 2008-09-25 | Amerigon Incorporated | Air warmer |
US20090033130A1 (en) * | 2007-07-02 | 2009-02-05 | David Marquette | Fluid delivery systems for climate controlled seats |
US20090218855A1 (en) * | 2008-02-26 | 2009-09-03 | Amerigon Incorporated | Climate control systems and devices for a seating assembly |
US8575518B2 (en) | 2009-01-28 | 2013-11-05 | Gentherm Incorporated | Convective heater |
US20120070133A1 (en) * | 2009-05-26 | 2012-03-22 | Heatbox (Nz) Limited | Thin-film carbon forced warm-air-heating unit |
EP2440006B1 (en) * | 2010-10-08 | 2015-02-25 | Eberspächer catem GmbH & Co. KG | Electric heating device |
EP2440004B1 (en) * | 2010-10-08 | 2015-02-25 | Eberspächer catem GmbH & Co. KG | Electric heating device |
DE102012014678A1 (en) * | 2011-08-19 | 2013-02-21 | W.E.T. Automotive Systems Ag | heater |
CN102995367A (en) * | 2011-09-09 | 2013-03-27 | 博西华电器(江苏)有限公司 | Household appliance |
US9982900B2 (en) * | 2014-01-29 | 2018-05-29 | Trane International Inc. | Method of attaching electrodes to plated thermoset plastic heated blower housing |
US9596945B2 (en) | 2014-04-16 | 2017-03-21 | Tempur-Pedic Management, Llc | Support cushions and methods for dissipating heat away from the same |
US10446887B2 (en) | 2014-07-21 | 2019-10-15 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Battery thermal management system including thermal interface material with integrated heater element |
DE102015113142A1 (en) | 2014-08-19 | 2016-02-25 | Gentherm Inc. | Thermal air conditioning device for a vehicle headrest |
WO2017048987A1 (en) * | 2015-09-15 | 2017-03-23 | Life Technologies Corporation | Systems and methods for biological analysis |
US11583862B2 (en) * | 2015-09-15 | 2023-02-21 | Life Technologies Corporation | Systems and methods for biological analysis |
US10520240B2 (en) * | 2015-10-21 | 2019-12-31 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Defrosting device and refrigerator having the same |
DE102016009884A1 (en) | 2015-12-14 | 2017-06-14 | Gentherm Gmbh | Neck blower for a vehicle seat and rule-method for it |
US10842288B2 (en) * | 2017-01-31 | 2020-11-24 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Person support systems with cooling features |
US10231551B2 (en) * | 2017-02-21 | 2019-03-19 | Designer Mario Lehoux Inc. | Heated sitting surface |
US10827845B2 (en) | 2017-02-24 | 2020-11-10 | Sealy Technology, Llc | Support cushions including a support insert with a bag for directing air flow, and methods for controlling surface temperature of same |
US10766097B2 (en) * | 2017-04-13 | 2020-09-08 | Raytheon Company | Integration of ultrasonic additive manufactured thermal structures in brazements |
AU2019226008B2 (en) | 2018-02-22 | 2024-02-01 | Sealy Technology, Llc | Support cushions including a pocketed coil layer with a plurality of fabric types for directing air flow, and methods for controlling surface temperature of same |
US11160386B2 (en) | 2018-06-29 | 2021-11-02 | Tempur World, Llc | Body support cushion with ventilation system |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5256857A (en) * | 1990-08-22 | 1993-10-26 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | Finned PTC air heater assembly for heating an automotive passenger compartment |
US20070000898A1 (en) * | 2005-07-02 | 2007-01-04 | Chao-Nien Tung | Electric heating module |
US20070086757A1 (en) * | 2004-12-28 | 2007-04-19 | Steve Feher | Convective cushion with positive coefficient of resistance heating mode |
Family Cites Families (151)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1839156A (en) | 1930-02-21 | 1931-12-29 | Edwin K Lumpkin | Seat warmer |
US3136577A (en) * | 1961-08-02 | 1964-06-09 | Stevenson P Clark | Seat temperature regulator |
US3137523A (en) * | 1963-09-20 | 1964-06-16 | Karner Frank | Air conditioned seat |
DE1816639A1 (en) | 1968-12-23 | 1970-09-03 | Schmiedeskamp Kg Maschinenfabr | Suction plate for clamping thin-walled workpieces |
US3640456A (en) * | 1970-06-25 | 1972-02-08 | Clifford M Sturgis | Self-contained steam heating unit |
US3786230A (en) * | 1971-12-14 | 1974-01-15 | F Brandenburg | Radiant heater |
FR2216526B1 (en) | 1973-02-01 | 1977-02-11 | Gachot Sa | |
US3876860A (en) * | 1973-03-23 | 1975-04-08 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Tape heater |
US3927299A (en) | 1974-03-18 | 1975-12-16 | Clifford M Sturgis | Self-contained electric steam space heating unit |
US4044824A (en) | 1974-12-30 | 1977-08-30 | Michael Eskeli | Heat exchanger |
US4124794A (en) | 1977-05-24 | 1978-11-07 | Eder Emil W | Electrical heater unit |
US4195687A (en) * | 1977-12-12 | 1980-04-01 | Taziker Robert E | Space heating panels |
US4223205A (en) | 1978-05-30 | 1980-09-16 | Sturgis Clifford M | Central heating systems furnace having a self-contained electric steam heating unit |
JPS5670868U (en) | 1979-11-06 | 1981-06-11 | ||
US4336444A (en) * | 1980-01-14 | 1982-06-22 | Gust, Irish, Jeffers & Hoffman | Apparatus and method for converting electrical energy into heat energy |
US4518847A (en) * | 1982-11-02 | 1985-05-21 | Crockett & Kelly, Inc. | Electrically-powered portable space heater |
US4567351A (en) * | 1983-08-10 | 1986-01-28 | Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. | Electric space heater employing a vaporizable heat exchange fluid |
DE3609095A1 (en) | 1985-03-28 | 1986-10-09 | Keiper Recaro GmbH & Co KG, 5630 Remscheid | Vehicle seat |
US4671567A (en) | 1986-07-03 | 1987-06-09 | The Jasper Corporation | Upholstered clean room seat |
US4791274A (en) | 1987-03-04 | 1988-12-13 | Horst Paul V | Electric finned-tube baseboard space heater employing a vaporized working fluid |
US4923248A (en) * | 1988-11-17 | 1990-05-08 | Steve Feher | Cooling and heating seat pad construction |
DE3928883A1 (en) * | 1989-08-31 | 1991-03-14 | Grammer Ag | UPHOLSTERY PART FOR A SEAT |
US5002336A (en) * | 1989-10-18 | 1991-03-26 | Steve Feher | Selectively cooled or heated seat and backrest construction |
US5111025A (en) * | 1990-02-09 | 1992-05-05 | Raychem Corporation | Seat heater |
US5187349A (en) * | 1990-08-22 | 1993-02-16 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | Defrost and passenger compartment heater system |
US5077709A (en) | 1990-10-15 | 1991-12-31 | Steve Feher | Rotating timepiece dial face construction with included movable decorative objects |
US5117638A (en) * | 1991-03-14 | 1992-06-02 | Steve Feher | Selectively cooled or heated seat construction and apparatus for providing temperature conditioned fluid and method therefor |
US5278936A (en) * | 1991-12-23 | 1994-01-11 | Steve Shao | Thermostatically controlled portable electric space heater with automatic temperature setback for energy saving |
US5385382A (en) * | 1993-10-06 | 1995-01-31 | Ford Motor Company | Combination seat frame and ventilation apparatus |
US5524439A (en) * | 1993-11-22 | 1996-06-11 | Amerigon, Inc. | Variable temperature seat climate control system |
US5626021A (en) * | 1993-11-22 | 1997-05-06 | Amerigon, Inc. | Variable temperature seat climate control system |
US5597200A (en) * | 1993-11-22 | 1997-01-28 | Amerigon, Inc. | Variable temperature seat |
US6085369A (en) | 1994-08-30 | 2000-07-11 | Feher; Steve | Selectively cooled or heated cushion and apparatus therefor |
US5606639A (en) * | 1995-01-10 | 1997-02-25 | Lehoe; Michael C. | Stationary ceramic glass electric baseboard heater |
EP0809576B1 (en) * | 1995-02-14 | 1999-05-06 | W.E.T. Automotive Systems Ag | Temperature-controlled seat |
SE504942C2 (en) | 1995-09-14 | 1997-06-02 | Walinov Ab | Device for ventilating a vehicle seat |
SE504973C2 (en) | 1995-09-14 | 1997-06-02 | Walinov Ab | Fan unit included in a ventilated vehicle seat |
US5721804A (en) * | 1995-10-12 | 1998-02-24 | Heatech International, Inc. | Y-shaped portable electric space heater with value to reduce pressure within the boiler |
DE19628698C1 (en) * | 1996-07-17 | 1997-10-09 | Daimler Benz Ag | Ventilated seat for use in vehicle |
US6263530B1 (en) | 1996-09-24 | 2001-07-24 | Steve Feher | Selectively cooled or heated cushion and apparatus therefor |
US6073998A (en) * | 1996-10-15 | 2000-06-13 | Siarkowski; Bret | Seat warmer |
DE69734308T2 (en) | 1996-11-15 | 2006-06-14 | Calsonic Kansei Corp | Vehicle air conditioning |
DE19703516C1 (en) | 1997-01-31 | 1998-05-07 | Daimler Benz Ag | Vehicle seat with upholstery heating and cooling |
US6178292B1 (en) * | 1997-02-06 | 2001-01-23 | Denso Corporation | Core unit of heat exchanger having electric heater |
JP3705395B2 (en) * | 1997-04-22 | 2005-10-12 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Automotive seat structure |
JP3637395B2 (en) * | 1997-04-28 | 2005-04-13 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Vehicle air conditioner and seat heating / cooling device |
US5850741A (en) | 1997-06-09 | 1998-12-22 | Feher; Steve | Automotive vehicle steering wheel heating and cooling apparatus |
US5887304A (en) * | 1997-07-10 | 1999-03-30 | Von Der Heyde; Christian P. | Apparatus and method for preventing sudden infant death syndrome |
DE19830797B4 (en) * | 1997-07-14 | 2007-10-04 | Denso Corp., Kariya | Vehicle seat air conditioner |
US6087638A (en) | 1997-07-15 | 2000-07-11 | Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd | Corrugated MEMS heater structure |
JP3794116B2 (en) | 1997-08-06 | 2006-07-05 | 株式会社デンソー | Heat exchanger for heating |
US5927817A (en) | 1997-08-27 | 1999-07-27 | Lear Corporation | Ventilated vehicle seat assembly |
DE19745521C2 (en) * | 1997-10-15 | 2001-12-13 | Daimler Chrysler Ag | Upholstery for a vehicle seat |
JPH11137371A (en) * | 1997-11-10 | 1999-05-25 | Aisin Seiki Co Ltd | Air permeable seat device |
WO1999037924A1 (en) * | 1998-01-23 | 1999-07-29 | Comair Rotron, Inc. | Low profile motor |
DE19804100C1 (en) * | 1998-02-03 | 1999-05-12 | Daimler Chrysler Ag | Automobile seat with incorporated ventilation |
DE19804284C2 (en) * | 1998-02-04 | 2002-03-14 | Daimler Chrysler Ag | vehicle seat |
DE19805173C1 (en) * | 1998-02-10 | 1999-06-02 | Daimler Chrysler Ag | Motor vehicle seat with ventilation |
US6119463A (en) * | 1998-05-12 | 2000-09-19 | Amerigon | Thermoelectric heat exchanger |
US6606866B2 (en) | 1998-05-12 | 2003-08-19 | Amerigon Inc. | Thermoelectric heat exchanger |
US6072938A (en) * | 1998-08-14 | 2000-06-06 | Lakewood Engineering And Manufacturing Company | Heater with medium-filled passive heating element |
DE19842979C1 (en) * | 1998-09-19 | 1999-12-02 | Daimler Chrysler Ag | heated seat for vehicle |
DE19851209C1 (en) | 1998-12-09 | 2000-04-13 | Daimler Chrysler Ag | Back rest for motor vehicle seat has lordosis support with fan blower connected by duct to porous ventilation cover layer |
DE10009128C1 (en) | 2000-02-26 | 2001-08-16 | Wet Automotive Systems Ag | Device for aerating a vehicle seat has one or more fans fitted in a vehicle seat to be controlled by a central seat control transmitting control signals through a data line to control electronics in a fan casing |
DE10024880C1 (en) | 2000-05-19 | 2001-09-06 | Daimler Chrysler Ag | Actively-ventilated seat module for automobile passenger seat has ventilated cushion zone with mesh layer between 2 rubber fibre layers |
US6885880B1 (en) * | 2000-09-22 | 2005-04-26 | Teleponaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ.) | Inverted-F antenna for flip-style mobile terminals |
DE10049458A1 (en) | 2000-10-06 | 2002-04-18 | Daimler Chrysler Ag | Upholstery for a vehicle seat |
DE10054008B4 (en) | 2000-11-01 | 2004-07-08 | Daimlerchrysler Ag | Automobile seat |
DE10054010C1 (en) | 2000-11-01 | 2002-01-03 | Daimler Chrysler Ag | Vehicle seat for open car; has air supply unit with fan and nozzles arranged in upper part of back rest to reduce undesired draughts, where height of fan can be adjusted with respect to back rest |
DE10054009B4 (en) | 2000-11-01 | 2005-01-05 | Daimlerchrysler Ag | Wind protection device for an open motor vehicle |
DE10066130B4 (en) | 2000-12-22 | 2008-01-03 | W.E.T. Automotive Systems Ag | Textile heating device |
US7040710B2 (en) * | 2001-01-05 | 2006-05-09 | Johnson Controls Technology Company | Ventilated seat |
US6786541B2 (en) | 2001-01-05 | 2004-09-07 | Johnson Controls Technology Company | Air distribution system for ventilated seat |
DE10105094B4 (en) * | 2001-02-05 | 2004-07-08 | W.E.T. Automotive Systems Ag | vehicle seat |
US7231772B2 (en) * | 2001-02-09 | 2007-06-19 | Bsst Llc. | Compact, high-efficiency thermoelectric systems |
US6541743B2 (en) * | 2001-02-14 | 2003-04-01 | Steve Chen | Electrical heater unit and heater |
DE10115242B4 (en) | 2001-03-28 | 2005-10-20 | Keiper Gmbh & Co Kg | Vehicle seat with ventilation |
US6598251B2 (en) | 2001-06-15 | 2003-07-29 | Hon Technology Inc. | Body support system |
AU2002345858A1 (en) | 2001-07-03 | 2003-01-29 | Cci Thermal Technologies, Inc. | Corrugated metal ribbon heating element |
CA2385341A1 (en) | 2001-07-05 | 2003-01-05 | Alan Lebrun | Heat exchange system and method of use |
DE10135008B4 (en) | 2001-07-18 | 2006-08-24 | W.E.T. Automotive Systems Ag | Electrical circuit for controlling a climate seat |
DE20112473U1 (en) | 2001-07-28 | 2002-12-19 | Johnson Controls Gmbh | Air-conditioned upholstery part for a vehicle seat |
US20030039298A1 (en) | 2001-08-22 | 2003-02-27 | Lear Corporation | System and method of vehicle climate control |
US6855880B2 (en) | 2001-10-05 | 2005-02-15 | Steve Feher | Modular thermoelectric couple and stack |
US20030066632A1 (en) | 2001-10-09 | 2003-04-10 | Charles J. Bishop | Corrosion-resistant heat exchanger |
US6571564B2 (en) * | 2001-10-23 | 2003-06-03 | Shashank Upadhye | Timed container warmer and cooler |
US6700052B2 (en) * | 2001-11-05 | 2004-03-02 | Amerigon Incorporated | Flexible thermoelectric circuit |
DE10163049C2 (en) | 2001-12-21 | 2003-11-13 | Daimler Chrysler Ag | Automotive seat |
US7036163B2 (en) | 2002-02-06 | 2006-05-02 | Halo Innovations, Inc. | Furniture cover sheet |
DE10207490C1 (en) | 2002-02-22 | 2003-06-18 | Daimler Chrysler Ag | Upholstery for motor vehicle seat has air permeable layers connected to upholstery layers at seams |
DE10226008B4 (en) | 2002-06-12 | 2006-02-02 | Daimlerchrysler Ag | Air supply device for a vehicle seat |
US6893086B2 (en) * | 2002-07-03 | 2005-05-17 | W.E.T. Automotive Systems Ltd. | Automotive vehicle seat insert |
DE10233506B4 (en) * | 2002-07-24 | 2004-12-09 | Bayer Technology Services Gmbh | Mixer / heat exchanger |
JP2004073429A (en) | 2002-08-15 | 2004-03-11 | Nhk Spring Co Ltd | Air permeable seat |
US6857697B2 (en) * | 2002-08-29 | 2005-02-22 | W.E.T. Automotive Systems Ag | Automotive vehicle seating comfort system |
JP2004161137A (en) * | 2002-11-13 | 2004-06-10 | Denso Corp | Vehicular seat air conditioner |
DE10259621B4 (en) | 2002-12-18 | 2005-12-01 | W.E.T. Automotive Systems Ag | Vehicle seat and associated air conditioning device |
DE10259648B4 (en) * | 2002-12-18 | 2006-01-26 | W.E.T. Automotive Systems Ag | Air-conditioned seat and air conditioning device for a ventilated seat |
DE10300570B4 (en) | 2003-01-10 | 2007-11-15 | Daimlerchrysler Ag | Method for controlling a seat temperature of a vehicle seat |
DE10319148B3 (en) * | 2003-04-29 | 2004-09-16 | Daimlerchrysler Ag | Vehicle seat comprises an air supply unit having an air outlet opening arranged in the upper region of the seat, and a fan assigned to the air supply unit |
US7168758B2 (en) * | 2003-06-05 | 2007-01-30 | Igb Automotive Ltd. | Modular comfort assembly for occupant support |
US6954944B2 (en) * | 2003-06-23 | 2005-10-18 | Steve Feher | Air conditioned helmet apparatus |
US7124593B2 (en) | 2003-09-02 | 2006-10-24 | Steve Feher | Temperature conditioning apparatus for the trunk of a human body |
US7356912B2 (en) * | 2003-09-25 | 2008-04-15 | W.E.T. Automotive Systems, Ltd. | Method for ventilating a seat |
US7425034B2 (en) | 2003-10-17 | 2008-09-16 | W.E.T. Automotive Systems Ag | Automotive vehicle seat having a comfort system |
DE10350146B4 (en) * | 2003-10-28 | 2006-05-04 | Daimlerchrysler Ag | Vehicle seat for a motor vehicle |
DE102004004387B4 (en) | 2004-01-29 | 2006-09-14 | Daimlerchrysler Ag | vehicle seat |
JP2005287537A (en) | 2004-03-31 | 2005-10-20 | T S Tec Kk | Car seat |
US7114771B2 (en) | 2004-05-25 | 2006-10-03 | Amerigon, Inc. | Climate controlled seat |
DE102004030707B4 (en) | 2004-06-25 | 2007-02-15 | Daimlerchrysler Ag | Method for operating an air supply device for a vehicle seat |
ITPD20040236A1 (en) * | 2004-09-30 | 2004-12-30 | Emmesteel Srl | ELECTRIC RADIATOR |
US20070262621A1 (en) | 2004-10-25 | 2007-11-15 | Hanh Dong | Apparatus for providing fluid through a vehicle seat |
US20060087160A1 (en) * | 2004-10-25 | 2006-04-27 | Hanh Dong | Apparatus for providing fluid through a vehicle seat |
US7587901B2 (en) | 2004-12-20 | 2009-09-15 | Amerigon Incorporated | Control system for thermal module in vehicle |
US20070251016A1 (en) | 2004-12-28 | 2007-11-01 | Steve Feher | Convective seating and sleeping systems |
US7272936B2 (en) * | 2004-12-28 | 2007-09-25 | Steve Feher | Variable temperature cushion and heat pump |
WO2006086320A1 (en) * | 2005-02-07 | 2006-08-17 | L & P Property Management Company | Heat, cool, and ventilate system for automotive applications |
US20060214480A1 (en) | 2005-03-23 | 2006-09-28 | John Terech | Vehicle seat with thermal elements |
US7827805B2 (en) | 2005-03-23 | 2010-11-09 | Amerigon Incorporated | Seat climate control system |
WO2006124835A1 (en) | 2005-05-16 | 2006-11-23 | Amerigon, Inc. | Ventilated headrest |
US7862113B2 (en) * | 2006-01-30 | 2011-01-04 | Igb Automotive Ltd. | Modular comfort assembly diffuser bag having integral air mover support |
EP1984208B1 (en) * | 2006-01-30 | 2012-02-29 | Amerigon, Inc. | Cooling system for container in a vehicle |
US20070200398A1 (en) | 2006-02-28 | 2007-08-30 | Scott Richard Wolas | Climate controlled seat |
US7462028B2 (en) | 2006-04-03 | 2008-12-09 | Molecular Imprints, Inc. | Partial vacuum environment imprinting |
US7591507B2 (en) | 2006-04-13 | 2009-09-22 | Amerigon Incorporated | Tie strap for climate controlled seat |
US8539624B2 (en) | 2006-05-31 | 2013-09-24 | Gentherm Incorporated | Structure based fluid distribution system |
US8222511B2 (en) * | 2006-08-03 | 2012-07-17 | Gentherm | Thermoelectric device |
US7708338B2 (en) * | 2006-10-10 | 2010-05-04 | Amerigon Incorporated | Ventilation system for seat |
US20080087316A1 (en) * | 2006-10-12 | 2008-04-17 | Masa Inaba | Thermoelectric device with internal sensor |
WO2008046110A2 (en) * | 2006-10-13 | 2008-04-17 | Amerigon, Inc. | Air conditioned bed |
US7665803B2 (en) * | 2006-11-01 | 2010-02-23 | Amerigon Incorporated | Chair with air conditioning device |
US7640754B2 (en) * | 2006-12-14 | 2010-01-05 | Amerigon Incorporated | Insert duct piece for thermal electric module |
US20080164733A1 (en) | 2007-01-08 | 2008-07-10 | Giffin Steven C | Clamp for climate control device |
US20080166224A1 (en) | 2007-01-09 | 2008-07-10 | Steve Craig Giffin | Blower housing for climate controlled systems |
EP2102564B1 (en) | 2007-01-10 | 2015-09-02 | Gentherm Incorporated | Thermoelectric device |
WO2008115831A1 (en) * | 2007-03-16 | 2008-09-25 | Amerigon Incorporated | Air warmer |
US20090000031A1 (en) * | 2007-06-29 | 2009-01-01 | Steve Feher | Multiple convective cushion seating and sleeping systems and methods |
US20090033130A1 (en) * | 2007-07-02 | 2009-02-05 | David Marquette | Fluid delivery systems for climate controlled seats |
WO2009015235A1 (en) * | 2007-07-23 | 2009-01-29 | Amerigon Incorporated | Radial thermoelectric device assembly |
US9105809B2 (en) * | 2007-07-23 | 2015-08-11 | Gentherm Incorporated | Segmented thermoelectric device |
US7877827B2 (en) * | 2007-09-10 | 2011-02-01 | Amerigon Incorporated | Operational control schemes for ventilated seat or bed assemblies |
US8167438B2 (en) * | 2007-12-14 | 2012-05-01 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Light source device, projector, and driving method of discharge lamp |
CN101932475A (en) | 2008-02-01 | 2010-12-29 | 阿美里根公司 | Condensation and humidity sensors for thermoelectric devices |
US20090218855A1 (en) | 2008-02-26 | 2009-09-03 | Amerigon Incorporated | Climate control systems and devices for a seating assembly |
CN102098947B (en) | 2008-07-18 | 2014-12-10 | 阿美里根公司 | Climate controlled bed assembly |
US8575518B2 (en) | 2009-01-28 | 2013-11-05 | Gentherm Incorporated | Convective heater |
WO2010129803A1 (en) * | 2009-05-06 | 2010-11-11 | Amerigon, Inc. | Control schemes and features for climate-controlled beds |
US8332975B2 (en) * | 2009-08-31 | 2012-12-18 | Gentherm Incorporated | Climate-controlled topper member for medical beds |
US20120080911A1 (en) * | 2010-08-27 | 2012-04-05 | Amerigon Incorporated | Fluid distribution features for climate controlled seating assemblies |
US9121414B2 (en) * | 2010-11-05 | 2015-09-01 | Gentherm Incorporated | Low-profile blowers and methods |
WO2013052823A1 (en) | 2011-10-07 | 2013-04-11 | Gentherm Incorporated | Thermoelectric device controls and methods |
-
2010
- 2010-01-28 US US12/695,602 patent/US8575518B2/en active Active
- 2010-01-28 WO PCT/US2010/022429 patent/WO2010088405A1/en active Application Filing
-
2013
- 2013-10-04 US US14/046,448 patent/US20140131343A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5256857A (en) * | 1990-08-22 | 1993-10-26 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | Finned PTC air heater assembly for heating an automotive passenger compartment |
US20070086757A1 (en) * | 2004-12-28 | 2007-04-19 | Steve Feher | Convective cushion with positive coefficient of resistance heating mode |
US20070000898A1 (en) * | 2005-07-02 | 2007-01-04 | Chao-Nien Tung | Electric heating module |
Cited By (54)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10005337B2 (en) | 2004-12-20 | 2018-06-26 | Gentherm Incorporated | Heating and cooling systems for seating assemblies |
USRE47574E1 (en) | 2006-05-31 | 2019-08-20 | Gentherm Incorporated | Structure based fluid distribution system |
US9857107B2 (en) | 2006-10-12 | 2018-01-02 | Gentherm Incorporated | Thermoelectric device with internal sensor |
US9603459B2 (en) | 2006-10-13 | 2017-03-28 | Genthem Incorporated | Thermally conditioned bed assembly |
US9105808B2 (en) | 2007-01-10 | 2015-08-11 | Gentherm Incorporated | Thermoelectric device |
US9105809B2 (en) | 2007-07-23 | 2015-08-11 | Gentherm Incorporated | Segmented thermoelectric device |
US20090026813A1 (en) * | 2007-07-23 | 2009-01-29 | John Lofy | Radial thermoelectric device assembly |
US10405667B2 (en) | 2007-09-10 | 2019-09-10 | Gentherm Incorporated | Climate controlled beds and methods of operating the same |
US9974394B2 (en) | 2007-10-15 | 2018-05-22 | Gentherm Incorporated | Climate controlled bed assembly with intermediate layer |
US9335073B2 (en) | 2008-02-01 | 2016-05-10 | Gentherm Incorporated | Climate controlled seating assembly with sensors |
US9651279B2 (en) | 2008-02-01 | 2017-05-16 | Gentherm Incorporated | Condensation and humidity sensors for thermoelectric devices |
US10228166B2 (en) | 2008-02-01 | 2019-03-12 | Gentherm Incorporated | Condensation and humidity sensors for thermoelectric devices |
US11297953B2 (en) | 2008-07-18 | 2022-04-12 | Sleep Number Corporation | Environmentally-conditioned bed |
US9622588B2 (en) | 2008-07-18 | 2017-04-18 | Gentherm Incorporated | Environmentally-conditioned bed |
US10226134B2 (en) | 2008-07-18 | 2019-03-12 | Gentherm Incorporated | Environmentally-conditioned bed |
US8893329B2 (en) | 2009-05-06 | 2014-11-25 | Gentherm Incorporated | Control schemes and features for climate-controlled beds |
US11045371B2 (en) | 2009-08-31 | 2021-06-29 | Sleep Number Corporation | Climate-controlled topper member for beds |
US11389356B2 (en) | 2009-08-31 | 2022-07-19 | Sleep Number Corporation | Climate-controlled topper member for beds |
US9814641B2 (en) | 2009-08-31 | 2017-11-14 | Genthrem Incorporated | Climate-controlled topper member for beds |
US10675198B2 (en) | 2009-08-31 | 2020-06-09 | Gentherm Incorporated | Climate-controlled topper member for beds |
US11642265B2 (en) | 2009-08-31 | 2023-05-09 | Sleep Number Corporation | Climate-controlled topper member for beds |
US11938071B2 (en) | 2009-08-31 | 2024-03-26 | Sleep Number Corporation | Climate-controlled bed system |
US11903888B2 (en) | 2009-08-31 | 2024-02-20 | Sleep Number Corporation | Conditioner mat system for use with a bed assembly |
US11020298B2 (en) | 2009-08-31 | 2021-06-01 | Sleep Number Corporation | Climate-controlled topper member for beds |
US9121414B2 (en) | 2010-11-05 | 2015-09-01 | Gentherm Incorporated | Low-profile blowers and methods |
US10288084B2 (en) | 2010-11-05 | 2019-05-14 | Gentherm Incorporated | Low-profile blowers and methods |
US11408438B2 (en) | 2010-11-05 | 2022-08-09 | Gentherm Incorporated | Low-profile blowers and methods |
US10208990B2 (en) | 2011-10-07 | 2019-02-19 | Gentherm Incorporated | Thermoelectric device controls and methods |
US9685599B2 (en) | 2011-10-07 | 2017-06-20 | Gentherm Incorporated | Method and system for controlling an operation of a thermoelectric device |
US9989267B2 (en) | 2012-02-10 | 2018-06-05 | Gentherm Incorporated | Moisture abatement in heating operation of climate controlled systems |
US10495322B2 (en) | 2012-02-10 | 2019-12-03 | Gentherm Incorporated | Moisture abatement in heating operation of climate controlled systems |
US10219407B2 (en) | 2012-07-06 | 2019-02-26 | Gentherm Incorporated | Systems and methods for cooling inductive charging assemblies |
US10455728B2 (en) | 2012-07-06 | 2019-10-22 | Gentherm Incorporated | Systems and methods for thermoelectrically cooling inductive charging stations |
US9445524B2 (en) | 2012-07-06 | 2016-09-13 | Gentherm Incorporated | Systems and methods for thermoelectrically cooling inductive charging stations |
US9451723B2 (en) | 2012-07-06 | 2016-09-20 | Gentherm Incorporated | System and method for thermoelectrically cooling inductive charging assemblies |
US9861006B2 (en) | 2012-07-06 | 2018-01-02 | Gentherm Incorporated | Systems and methods for thermoelectrically cooling inductive charging stations |
US20150063794A1 (en) * | 2013-08-30 | 2015-03-05 | Da Wei Lin | Instantaneous water-heating dispensing device and heating module thereof |
US9803886B2 (en) * | 2013-08-30 | 2017-10-31 | Yun-Shan Chang | Instantaneous water-heating dispensing device and heating module thereof |
US10266031B2 (en) | 2013-11-05 | 2019-04-23 | Gentherm Incorporated | Vehicle headliner assembly for zonal comfort |
US9662962B2 (en) | 2013-11-05 | 2017-05-30 | Gentherm Incorporated | Vehicle headliner assembly for zonal comfort |
US10589647B2 (en) | 2013-12-05 | 2020-03-17 | Gentherm Incorporated | Systems and methods for climate controlled seats |
US11240882B2 (en) | 2014-02-14 | 2022-02-01 | Gentherm Incorporated | Conductive convective climate controlled seat |
US11240883B2 (en) | 2014-02-14 | 2022-02-01 | Gentherm Incorporated | Conductive convective climate controlled seat |
US10219323B2 (en) | 2014-02-14 | 2019-02-26 | Genthrem Incorporated | Conductive convective climate controlled seat |
US10647232B2 (en) | 2014-05-09 | 2020-05-12 | Gentherm Incorporated | Climate control assembly |
US10457173B2 (en) | 2014-05-09 | 2019-10-29 | Gentherm Incorporated | Climate control assembly |
US10160356B2 (en) | 2014-05-09 | 2018-12-25 | Gentherm Incorporated | Climate control assembly |
US11033058B2 (en) | 2014-11-14 | 2021-06-15 | Gentherm Incorporated | Heating and cooling technologies |
US11639816B2 (en) | 2014-11-14 | 2023-05-02 | Gentherm Incorporated | Heating and cooling technologies including temperature regulating pad wrap and technologies with liquid system |
US11857004B2 (en) | 2014-11-14 | 2024-01-02 | Gentherm Incorporated | Heating and cooling technologies |
US11223004B2 (en) | 2018-07-30 | 2022-01-11 | Gentherm Incorporated | Thermoelectric device having a polymeric coating |
US11075331B2 (en) | 2018-07-30 | 2021-07-27 | Gentherm Incorporated | Thermoelectric device having circuitry with structural rigidity |
US10991869B2 (en) | 2018-07-30 | 2021-04-27 | Gentherm Incorporated | Thermoelectric device having a plurality of sealing materials |
US11152557B2 (en) | 2019-02-20 | 2021-10-19 | Gentherm Incorporated | Thermoelectric module with integrated printed circuit board |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2010088405A1 (en) | 2010-08-05 |
US20100193498A1 (en) | 2010-08-05 |
US8575518B2 (en) | 2013-11-05 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US8575518B2 (en) | Convective heater | |
US8143554B2 (en) | Air warmer | |
US11240882B2 (en) | Conductive convective climate controlled seat | |
AU2006291202B2 (en) | Convective cushion with positive coefficient of resistance heating mode | |
JP6377706B2 (en) | Humidifier and layered heating element | |
CN104369683B (en) | Seat atmosphere control system | |
CN107251247B (en) | Heating and cooling techniques | |
US9335073B2 (en) | Climate controlled seating assembly with sensors | |
CN101821869B (en) | Electrothermal transducer, and temperature controlling device | |
US10821862B2 (en) | Temperature control system for seating assembly | |
JP2010534821A (en) | Radial thermoelectric assembly | |
US20160039321A1 (en) | Heating and/or cooling device for a motor vehicle seat | |
JP2013511021A (en) | Multi-layer heating panel | |
US10717343B2 (en) | Heating device | |
JP2014221634A (en) | Apparatus for heating complexly-molded surface | |
CN110574177A (en) | Heating and cooling techniques including temperature-regulating pad wraps and techniques having liquid systems | |
CN104180520A (en) | Heating device composed of heating modules, and heating module for same | |
US10727390B2 (en) | Distributed thermoelectrics and climate components using same | |
CN211335675U (en) | Air refrigerating and heating device for automobile seat | |
US10737597B2 (en) | Conductive system | |
US8481888B2 (en) | Aircraft heating arrangement | |
JP2004239571A (en) | Free access floor with floor heater | |
AU7193198A (en) | Thermoelectric seat cooler and warmer |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |