I. Structural Differences
Blowing-type Ventilation System
- Structure: Relatively simple, suitable for seats with straightforward ventilation zones and minimal grooves or complex surface designs on the A-side.
- Working Principle: A fan generates airflow, which is channeled through ventilation ducts into the 3D fabric layer. The airflow then passes sequentially through the 3D fabric layer, heating pad, and leather upholstery to achieve ventilation.
Suction-type Ventilation System
- Structure: More complex, suitable for seats with intricate ventilation structures, excessive grooves, or specialized leather designs.
- Working Principle: A fan generates airflow that is directed into the 3D fabric layer. Airflow is then channeled through ventilation ducts designed in the foam layer toward the heating pad and upholstery. Simultaneously, air is drawn in from the seat surface and expelled from the underside of the seat.
II. Performance Comparison
Blowing-type Ventilation
- Advantages:
- Delivers a more immediate cooling effect, allowing occupants to feel the airflow directly, similar to the sensation of a fan in summer.
- Disadvantages:
- Direct airflow toward the body can be uncomfortable and potentially harmful to health, especially with air-conditioned seats, as it may cause backaches or muscle soreness. It may also pose risks to women during certain physiological cycles.
- Applications:
- Widely used in mid-to-low-end vehicle models. Most aftermarket seat ventilation retrofits adopt this method.
Suction-type Ventilation
- Advantages:
- Provides gentler airflow that draws heat and moisture away from the occupant’s skin, creating a cooling effect without direct airflow exposure.
- More sophisticated design and higher cost, typically found in mid-to-high-end models.
- Disadvantages:
- Initial cooling effect is less noticeable; optimal comfort is achieved after the cabin temperature decreases over time.
- Sweat stains may remain on the seatback after prolonged use by a heavily perspiring occupant.
- Applications:
- Common in mid-to-high-end vehicles. Some models combine both blowing and suction modes for enhanced comfort: blowing at low speeds for rapid cooling and suction at higher speeds for gentler airflow.
