Abstract: A duct attachment molded within a cellular foam pad is disposed between an air duct and an internal air flow channel of an automotive seat assembly for increasing the air flow between the air duct and the seat assembly. The duct attachment is insert molded within the foam pad which provides a mechanical connection and a seal between the duct attachment and the foam pad and reduces the potential for air leaks between the duct attachment and the foam pad.

Abstract: A unicouple based thermoelectric system comprises a thermoelectric circuit integrated into a cellular foam seat pad. The foam seat pad comprises an upper foam layer and a main foam layer. The thermoelectric circuit comprises a plurality of unicouples with heat sinks which may be pressed through insertion holes in the upper foam into airflow channels in the main foam. The upper foam seals the air channels from leakage which improves the airflow across the heat sinks. Further, the upper foam may be interlocked with the main foam. Alternatively, the upper foam may comprise the insertion holes and a portion of the airflow channels.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module has a base and first and second thermoelectric elements set in the base and electrically isolated by the base. A bottom layer is coupled to a bottom surface of the base, a bottom surface of the first thermoelectric element, and a bottom surface of the second thermoelectric element to electrically connect the first and second thermoelectric elements. The base is used to protect the thermoelectric elements. Multiple thermoelectric modules may be mounted to and connected by conductors on a flexible circuit panel to create a flexible thermoelectric circuit assembly for cooling, heating and/or power generating applications.

Abstract: A flexible heat sink with a flexible base having a first side configured to engage a heat generating component, and a second side opposite the first side. A plurality of groups of fins extend from the second side of the base. The groups of fins are positioned in an array and spaced apart lengthwise and width wise across the base to enable the heat sink to flex lengthwise and width wise. The heat sink is able to flex lengthwise and width wise between the groups of fins. The fins and groups of fins also may provide some flex. The fins may define triangular, rectangular, or u-shaped channels to enable air flow through the heat sink.

Abstract: A thermoelectric engine for heating and cooling a surface. The thermoelectric engine includes a top circuit and bottom circuit. A thermoelectric device is electrically connected between the top and bottom circuits. The top and bottom circuits include a plurality of spaced apart conductors bonded to a base layer. The base layer includes a plurality of elongated slots spaced apart by a bridge of base layer material for allowing the top and bottom circuits to flex between the conductors.

Abstract: A heating and cooling engine comprises a center isolator for isolating electric and thermal energy. The center isolator has a top surface and an opposite bottom surface. A plurality of spaced apart thermoelectric elements are supported by the center isolator between the top and bottom surface. The thermoelectric elements have a top side and an opposite bottom side. A first plurality of electrically and thermally conductive buss bars are secured to the top surface of the center isolator and electrically connected to the top side of at least a pair of the thermoelectric elements. A second plurality of electrically and thermally conductive buss bars are secured to the bottom surface of the center isolator and electrically connected So the bottom side of at least a pair of the thermoelectric elements wherein thermal energy is generated to the first and second plurality of buss bars by the thermoelectric elements.

Abstract: A flexible heat sink with a flexible base having a first side configured to engage a heat generating component, and a second side opposite the first side. A plurality of groups of fins extend from the second side of the base. The groups of fins are positioned in an array and spaced apart lengthwise and width wise across the base to enable the heat sink to flex lengthwise and width wise. The heat sink is able to flex lengthwise and width wise between the groups of fins. The fins and groups of fins also may provide some flex. The fins may define triangular, rectangular, or u-shaped channels to enable air flow through the heat sink.