Rapid cooling and heating of car seats with massaging effects

Details Rapid cooling and heating of car seats with massaging effects Rapid cooling and heating of car seats with massaging effects

2006-11-08

2010-06-08

Nelson, Jr., Milton (Department: 3636)

Chairs and seats

With heat exchanger or means to provide fluid or vapor...

Electric heating element

C062S003610, C062S003700, C062S003200

Reexamination Certificate

active

07731279

ABSTRACT:
An apparatus and method for providing controlled heating, cooling and motion, in a device such as an active robotic automobile seat, are disclosed. A shape memory alloy (SMA) element, which changes shape upon application of a temperature change to the SMA element, is coupled to a thermoelectric device. Heat flows through the TED upon application of an electrical current through the TED. The apparatus is operable in one of a plurality of modes. In a first mode, a current is applied through the TED to cause a temperature change in the SMA element to change the shape of the SMA element. In a second mode, a current is applied to the TED to cause heat flow in a space adjacent to the apparatus. By controlling application of current to the TED, controlled motion, heating and cooling are achieved in the seat.

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