Vehicle seat with thermal elements

Abstract

A climate controlled seat assembly comprises a seat cushion having an outer surface with a support portion for supporting an occupant. A supply passage extends through the seat cushion. A distribution system comprises at least one distribution passage configured to distribute air along the support surface of the seat cushion and the distribution system communicates with the supply passage. A fluid system is in communication with the supply passage and is configured to move air between the distribution system and the supply passage. A seat covering is positioned over the support portion of the outer surface of the seat cushion. A heat source is positioned between the seat covering and an inlet to the supply passage.

1 - 30 . (canceled)  
   
   
       31 . A method for thermally conditioning a space adjacent a seat assembly that includes a seat cushion that defines a support surface and a seat covering that covers the support surface of the seat cushion, the method comprising: 
 activating a heating element positioned within the seat assembly beneath the seat covering;    activating a fluid module that includes a fluid supply device and a thermoelectric element; and    directing heated air from the fluid module to a space adjacent the seat assembly through a distribution system formed at least partially in the seat cushion; and    after a period of time, deactivating the heating element.    
   
   
       32 . A method as in  claim 31 , wherein activating a heating element further comprises activating a resistive heater.  
   
   
       33 . A method as in  claim 31 , further comprising generating heat within a space generally beneath the seat covering of the seat assembly.  
   
   
       34 . A method as in  claim 31 , further comprising generating heat within a space generally beneath the seat covering of the seat assembly and generally above the seat cushion of the seat assembly.  
   
   
       35 . A method as in  claim 31 , wherein the step of activating the fluid module begins after the heating element has been activated.  
   
   
       36 . A method for thermally conditioning a space adjacent a seat assembly that includes a seat cushion that defines a support surface and a seat covering that covers the support surface of the seat cushion, the method comprising: 
 during a heating mode, activating a heating element positioned within the seat assembly to heat the space adjacent the seat assembly; and    during a cooling mode, directing cooled air from a fluid module that includes a thermoelectric unit and a fluid transfer device to the space adjacent the seat assembly through a distribution system formed at least partially in the seat cushion to cool the space adjacent the seat assembly.    
   
   
       37 . A method for thermally conditioning a space adjacent a seat assembly that includes a seat cushion that defines a support surface and a seat covering that covers the support surface of the seat cushion, the method comprising: 
 during a first mode, directing heated air from a fluid module that includes a thermoelectric unit and a fluid transfer device to the space adjacent the seat assembly through a distribution system formed at least partially in the seat cushion to heat the space adjacent the seat assembly; and    during a second mode, activating a heating element positioned within the seat assembly between the seat covering and the fluid module and directing heated air from the fluid module through the distribution system to heat the space adjacent the seat assembly.