Patent ID: 7966835
Filing Date: 2011-06-28
Classification: A47C,B60H,B60N

Abstract:
1. A thermal module configured for use with a climate-controlled seat assembly, comprising: a housing defining a generally enclosed interior space, said housing comprising a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; a thermoelectric device; a plurality of heat exchange members in thermal communication with the thermoelectric device; a fluid transfer device configured to transfer a fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet at least partially through the heat exchange members in order to selectively heat or cool the fluid; at least one sensor configured to sense a temperature condition and to provide a corresponding temperature signal; and a controller operatively connected to the sensor, said controller configured to control at least one of the thermoelectric device and the fluid transfer device based at least in part on the temperature signal; wherein the thermoelectric device, the heat exchange members, the fluid transfer device and the controller are situated within the enclosed interior space of the housing; and wherein the thermal module is configured for use in a climate-controlled seat assembly with no physically separate independent controllers for controlling the thermal module.