Integrated Thermoelectric Cooling Element and Positive Temperature Coefficient Heater

Abstract

An integrated thermoelectric cooling element and a positive temperature coefficient heating element are integrated into a single package. A heat sink is shared between the thermoelectric cooling element and the positive temperature coefficient.

1 . A temperature regulation device, comprising
 a thermoelectric cooling element;   a positive temperature coefficient heating element; and   a first heat sink attached to and situated between said thermoelectric cooling element and said positive temperature coefficient heating element.   
   
   
       2 . The temperature regulation device set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising a foam insulating said positive temperature coefficient heating element. 
   
   
       3 . The temperature regulation device set forth in  claim 2 , wherein said foam is comprised of a closed cell foam. 
   
   
       4 . The temperature regulation device set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said thermoelectric cooling element further comprises a housing and wherein said positive temperature coefficient heating element is attached to said heat sink within said housing. 
   
   
       5 . The temperature regulation device set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising a heat transfer layer between said positive temperature coefficient heating element and said first heat sink. 
   
   
       6 . The temperature regulation device set forth in  claim 5 , wherein said heat transfer layer is selected from the group consisting of a solder, an epoxy, a glue, a grease, a thermal compound, and any combination thereof. 
   
   
       7 . The temperature regulation device set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising a bonding element between said positive temperature coefficient heating element and said first heat sink, said bonding element being selected from the group consisting of a solder, an epoxy and a glue. 
   
   
       8 . The temperature regulation device set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising a second heat sink attached to said thermoelectric cooling element opposite said first heat sink. 
   
   
       9 . The temperature regulation device set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising a blower in operative communication with said thermoelectric cooling element and said positive temperature coefficient heating element. 
   
   
       10 . The temperature regulation device set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising an air distribution fiber insert. 
   
   
       11 . A temperature regulation system for a seat cushion, comprising
 a thermoelectric cooling element;   a positive temperature coefficient heating element;   a first heat sink attached to and situated between said thermoelectric cooling element and said positive temperature coefficient heating element; and   a blower in operative communication with said thermoelectric cooling element and said positive temperature coefficient heating element.