GENTHERM INCORPORATED Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20140338366 | THERMALLY-CONDITIONED BEVERAGE HOLDERS AND BINS - According to some embodiments, thermally-conditioned device comprises a receptacle configured to receive an item, the receptacle comprising a wall, the wall comprising an exterior surface, wherein the receptacle comprises at least one thermally conductive material. The thermally-conditioned device further comprises a thermoelectric device secured to the exterior surface of the wall of the receptacle, and a liquid-loop heat exchange system comprising a cold plate adjacent the thermoelectric device, wherein the thermoelectric device is positioned between the wall of the receptacle and the cold plate, wherein the thermoelectric device is thermally conductive with both the receptacle and the cold plate. | 11-20-2014 |
20140331688 | THERMOELECTRIC-BASED THERMAL MANAGEMENT OF ELECTRICAL DEVICES - Disclosed embodiments include thermoelectric-based thermal management systems and methods configured to heat and/or cool an electrical device. Thermal management systems can include at least one electrical conductor in electrical and thermal communication with a temperature-sensitive region of the electrical device and at least one thermoelectric device in thermal communication with the at least one electrical conductor. Electric power can be directed to the thermoelectric device by the same electrical conductor or an external power supply, causing the thermoelectric device to provide controlled heating and/or cooling to the electrical device via the at least one electrical conductor. | 11-13-2014 |
20140260331 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF COOLING THE SKIN - According to some embodiments, a thermal conditioning system for selectively cooling skin of a subject comprises at least one thermal conditioning device comprising a first side and second side, the second side being generally opposite of the first side. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a heat sink positioned along the second side of the at least one thermal conditioning device, wherein the first side of the at least one thermal conditioning device is configured to be placed in contact with or in close proximity to a skin surface of the subject to selectively cool or heat the skin surface. | 09-18-2014 |
20140250918 | THERMALLY-CONDITIONED BEVERAGE HOLDER - A cooling system comprises a container that is conductively coupled or convectively coupled to a thermoelectric device to selectively cool and/or heat the container. A climate controlled container system for a vehicle includes a container or cavity and a conduction element configured to cool the cavity. In some embodiments, the cooling system comprises a housing, a housing inlet, a fluid passage and one or more thermoelectric devices and fluid transfer devices positioned within the housing. | 09-11-2014 |
20140237719 | CLIMATE-CONTROLLED TOPPER MEMBER FOR BEDS - According to certain arrangements, a conditioner mat for use with a bed assembly includes an upper layer comprising a plurality of openings, a lower layer being substantially fluid impermeable, at least one interior chamber defined by the upper layer and the lower layer and a spacer material positioned within the interior chamber. In one embodiment, the spacer material is configured to maintain a shape of the interior chamber and to help with the passage of fluids within a portion of interior chamber. The conditioner mat can be configured to releasably secure to a top of a bed assembly. | 08-28-2014 |
20140190185 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREVENTING OVERHEATING OR EXCESSIVE BACKPRESSURE IN THERMOELECTRIC SYSTEMS - A thermoelectric assembly and a method of operating a thermoelectric assembly are provided. The thermoelectric assembly includes at least one thermoelectric subassembly configured to be in thermal communication with a heat source and configured to be in thermal communication with a heat sink. The at least one thermoelectric subassembly includes at least one thermoelectric element including a hot side at a first temperature and a cold side at a second temperature lower than the first temperature. The thermoelectric assembly further includes a controller in operative communication with the at least one thermoelectric subassembly. The controller is configured to adjust the first temperature by adjusting an electrical current of the at least one thermoelectric subassembly. | 07-10-2014 |
20140131343 | CONVECTIVE HEATING DEVICE - 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. | 05-15-2014 |
20140130516 | CLIMATE CONTROLLED SEATING ASSEMBLY WITH SENSORS - According to certain embodiments disclosed in the present application, a climate controlled seating assembly includes a thermal module. The thermal module comprises at least one inlet channel, at least one outlet channel and a thermoelectric device (e.g., Peltier circuit) positioned upstream of the outlet channel. In one embodiment, the seating assembly includes a sensor positioned within an interior of the thermal module and configured to detect the presence of a liquid, such as water, relative humidity, condensation or other fluids, on or near said sensor. | 05-15-2014 |
20140096807 | THERMOELECTRIC ASSEMBLY USING A CARTRIDGE SUPPORT FIXTURE - A thermoelectric power generator (TEG) assembly and a method of fabrication are provided. The TEG assembly includes at least one thermoelectric (TE) module, a casing containing the at least one TE module, and at least one support fixture mechanically coupling the at least one TE module to the casing. The at least one support fixture is coupled to the at least one TE module. The at least one portion of the at least one TE module is configured to move relative to the casing in response to temperature-induced dimensional changes of at least a portion of the at least one TE module or at least a portion of the casing. | 04-10-2014 |
20140090829 | THERMAL MODULE - A climate control device includes a first and a second thermal module. The first module is configured to provide climate conditioned air to a first portion of a seat. The second module is configured to provide climate conditioned air to a second portion of the seat. A control system is provided for controlling the climate control device. The control system includes an input device for providing a set point for the system. A first control unit of the control system is provided for the first thermal module and a second control unit is provided for the second thermal module. | 04-03-2014 |
20140062392 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COOLING INDUCTIVE CHARGING ASSEMBLIES - In some embodiments, a cooling system for an inductive charger includes a thermal conditioning assembly in fluid communication with an inductive charging assembly. The inductive charging assembly can include a dock and an inductive charging module. The dock can be configured to receive a portable electronic device, such as a cell phone, that is configured to accept inductive charging from the inductive charging module. The thermal conditioning assembly can include a fluid transfer device and a thermal conditioning module, such as a thermoelectric device. In various embodiments, heat (e.g., heat produced during inductive charging) can be transferred from the inductive charging assembly to the thermal conditioning module and/or to a fluid flow produced by the fluid transfer device, thereby cooling the inductive charging assembly and/or the portable electronic device. | 03-06-2014 |
20140060086 | TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEMS WITH THERMOELECTRIC DEVICES - Temperature control systems and methods can be designed for controlling the interior climate of a vehicle or other the climate of another desired region. The temperature control system for a vehicle can have a thermoelectric system providing heating and/or cooling, including supplemental heating and/or cooling. The thermoelectric system can transfer thermal energy between a working fluid, such as liquid coolant, and comfort air upon application of electric current of a selected polarity. The thermoelectric system can supplement or replace the heat provided from an internal combustion engine or other primary heat source. The thermoelectric system can also supplement or replace cold energy provided from a compressor-based refrigeration system or other primary cold energy source. | 03-06-2014 |
20140034102 | HIGH EFFICIENCY THERMOELECTRIC GENERATION - A thermoelectric power generating system is provided that includes at least one thermoelectric assembly. The at least one thermoelectric assembly includes at least one first heat exchanger in thermal communication with at least a first portion of a first working fluid. The first portion of the first working fluid flows through the at least one thermoelectric assembly. The at least one thermoelectric assembly includes a plurality of thermoelectric elements in thermal communication with the at least one first heat exchanger. The at least one thermoelectric assembly further includes at least one second heat exchanger in thermal communication with the plurality of thermoelectric elements and with a second working fluid flowing through the at least one thermoelectric assembly. The second working fluid is cooler than the first working fluid. The thermoelectric power generating system further includes at least one heat exchanger portion configured to have at least some of the first portion of the first working fluid flow through the at least one heat exchanger portion after having flowed through the at least one thermoelectric assembly. The at least one heat exchanger portion is configured to recover heat from the at least some of the first portion of the first working fluid. | 02-06-2014 |
20140026320 | CLIMATE CONTROLLED BEDS AND METHODS OF OPERATING THE SAME - A climate controlled seat, bed or other assembly configured to receive a person includes a blower and two or more thermoelectric devices or other conditioning fluid modules. According to one embodiment of an operational scheme, a control system for the seat or bed is configured to continuously discharge air from the blower through the thermoelectric devices. In one arrangement, the thermoelectric devices are sequenced between an activated and a deactivated position. Consequently, the desired cooling and/or cooling effect can be maintained while reducing energy consumption of the climate control system. | 01-30-2014 |
20130276849 | TEG-POWERED COOLING CIRCUIT FOR THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR - A system includes at least one thermoelectric generator configured to generate electricity in response to a temperature difference across at least a portion of the at least one thermoelectric generator. The system further includes at least one fluid conduit in thermal communication with the at least one thermoelectric generator. The at least one fluid conduit is configured to have at least one working fluid flow through the at least one fluid conduit. The system further includes at least one device configured to direct the at least one working fluid through the at least one fluid conduit. The at least one device is powered by at least a portion of the electricity generated by the at least one thermoelectric generator. | 10-24-2013 |
20130239592 | CLIMATE CONTROLLED CONTAINER - A cooling system comprises a container that is conductively coupled or convectively coupled to a thermoelectric device to selectively cool and/or heat the container. A climate controlled container system for a vehicle includes a container or cavity and a conduction element configured to cool the cavity. In some embodiments, the cooling system comprises a housing, a housing inlet, a fluid passage and one or more thermoelectric devices and fluid transfer devices positioned within the housing. | 09-19-2013 |
20130227783 | ENVIRONMENTALLY CONDITIONED BED ASSEMBLY - According to certain arrangements, a climate controlled bed includes an upper portion comprising a core with a top core surface and a bottom core surface. The core includes at least one passageway extending from the top core surface to the bottom core surface. The upper portion of the bed further includes at least one fluid distribution member positioned above the core, wherein the fluid distribution member is in fluid communication with at least one passageway of the core. The fluid distribution member is configured to at least partially distribute fluid within said fluid distribution member. The upper portion of the bed further comprises at least one comfort layer positioned adjacent to the fluid distribution member. | 09-05-2013 |
20130206852 | MOISTURE ABATEMENT IN HEATING OPERATION OF CLIMATE CONTROLLED SYSTEMS - Embodiments related to moisture abatement during a heating operation of a climate control system are disclosed. In some embodiments, the climate control system includes a thermoelectric device (TED) or other thermal condition device having a hot side and a cold side. In certain embodiments, the thermal conditioning device is operated (e.g., by a processor or a condensate switch) to inhibit or prevent the occurrence of condensation, and/or to abate condensation that has already occurred, on the cold side of the thermal conditioning device during the heating operation. | 08-15-2013 |
20130198954 | TOPPER MEMBER FOR BED - According to certain arrangements, a conditioner mat for use with a bed assembly includes an upper layer comprising a plurality of openings, a lower layer being substantially fluid impermeable, at least one interior chamber defined by the upper layer and the lower layer and a spacer material positioned within the interior chamber. In one embodiment, the spacer material is configured to maintain a shape of the interior chamber and to help with the passage of fluids within a portion of interior chamber. The conditioner mat can be configured to releasably secure to a top of a bed assembly. | 08-08-2013 |
20130192272 | TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEMS WITH THERMOELECTRIC DEVICES - Temperature control systems and methods can be designed for controlling the interior climate of a vehicle or other the climate of another desired region. The temperature control system for a vehicle can have a thermoelectric system providing heating and/or cooling, including supplemental heating and/or cooling. The thermoelectric system can transfer thermal energy between a working fluid, such as liquid coolant, and comfort air upon application of electric current of a selected polarity. The thermoelectric system can supplement or replace the heat provided from an internal combustion engine or other primary heat source. The thermoelectric system can also supplement or replace cold energy provided from a compressor-based refrigeration system or other primary cold energy source. | 08-01-2013 |
20130192271 | TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEMS WITH THERMOELECTRIC DEVICES - Temperature control systems and methods can be designed for controlling the interior climate of a vehicle or other the climate of another desired region. The temperature control system for a vehicle can have a thermoelectric system providing heating and/or cooling, including supplemental heating and/or cooling. The thermoelectric system can transfer thermal energy between a working fluid, such as liquid coolant, and comfort air upon application of electric current of a selected polarity. The thermoelectric system can supplement or replace the heat provided from an internal combustion engine or other primary heat source. The thermoelectric system can also supplement or replace cold energy provided from a compressor-based refrigeration system or other primary cold energy source. | 08-01-2013 |
20130146116 | THERMOELECTRIC DEVICES WITH INTERFACE MATERIALS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - Thermoelectric devices with interface materials and methods of manufacturing the same are provided. A thermoelectric device can include at least one shunt, at least one thermoelectric element in thermal and electrical communication with the at least one shunt, and at least one interface material between the at least one shunt and the at least one thermoelectric element. The at least one interface material can comprise a plurality of regions comprising a core material with each region separated from one another and surrounded by a shell material. The interface material can be configured to undergo deformation under (i) a normal load between the at least one shunt and the at least one thermoelectric element or (ii) a shear load between the at least one shunt and the at least one thermoelectric element. The deformation can reduce interface stress between the at least one shunt and the at least one thermoelectric element. | 06-13-2013 |
20130097777 | FLUID DELIVERY SYSTEMS FOR CLIMATE CONTROLLED SEATS - A seat portion or a backrest portion of seating assembly comprises a recessed area or wide groove along its exterior surface. The recessed area can be configured to receive a spacer (e.g., spacer fabric, member, module, etc.) that helps maintains the spatial and structural integrity of the recessed area. In addition, a scrim layer can be positioned over the spacer fabric to help direct and/or distribute air or other fluid to an exterior surface of the seating assembly. The recessed area can also be configured to receive one or more films, occupant sensory devices, comfort layers, scrims, temperature sensors, heating devices and/or the like. | 04-25-2013 |
20130086923 | THERMOELECTRIC DEVICE CONTROLS AND METHODS - According to some embodiments, a thermoelectric system comprises a thermoelectric device having a first surface and a second surface and a power source configured to deliver a voltage across the thermoelectric device to selectively activate or deactivate the thermoelectric device, wherein the first surface is configured to heat and the second surface is configured to cool when the thermoelectric device is activated. The system further comprises a processor configured to determine a potential between the first surface and the second surface when the thermoelectric device is deactivated, correlate the potential to a temperature of the first surface and adjust the correlated temperature of the first surface based on an ambient temperature. | 04-11-2013 |
20120319439 | CLIMATE CONTROLLED SEATING ASSEMBLY WITH HUMIDITY SENSOR - According to certain embodiments disclosed in the present application, a climate controlled seating assembly includes a thermal module. The thermal module comprises at least one inlet channel, at least one outlet channel and a thermoelectric device (e.g., Peltier circuit) positioned upstream of the outlet channel. In one embodiment, the seating assembly includes a sensor positioned within an interior of the thermal module and configured to detect the presence of a liquid, such as water, relative humidity, condensation or other fluids, on or near said sensor. | 12-20-2012 |