Patent ID: 8993929
Filing Date: 2015-03-31
Classification: B60H,B62D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A steering wheel assembly, comprising: a central portion configured to be connected to a steering column of a motor vehicle for rotation about an axis; a rim extending around the central portion, wherein the steering wheel includes a passageway extending through at least a portion of the rim, the rim defining an outer side portion facing away from the axis; a plurality of spaced apart rings of thermally conductive material disposed on the rim; a plurality of N-type thermoelectric elements having inner and outer surfaces, wherein the N-type elements are disposed on at least one of the rings with the inner surface facing the rim; a plurality of P-type thermoelectric elements having inner and outer surfaces, wherein the P-type elements are disposed on at least one of the rings with the inner surface facing the rim; a first thermal conductor thermally connected to the inner surfaces of the N-type and P-type elements and to the thermally conductive material of the at least one ring; a second thermal conductor thermally connected to the outer surfaces of the N-type and P-type elements; an electrical conductor interconnecting the P-type and N-type elements in series, such that an electrical current passing through the electrical conductor causes the N-type and P-type thermoelectric elements to conductively draw heat from the second thermal conductor to cool the second thermal conductor and conduct the heat to the rim; a powered air circulation device that moves air through the passageway to thereby cool the rim upon application of electrical power to the P-type and N-type elements.