Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Advanced Thermal Management Module Design Innovation

Publication ID: 24-11857004_0006_PTD
Published: October 27, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Advanced Thermal Management Module Design Innovation,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857004_0006_PTD, Published October 27, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857004_0006_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,004.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent, 'Heating and cooling technologies,' described a heating and cooling system with a sheeted thermally conductive material. However, this system had limitations in terms of thermal management, module performance, and design flexibility. The new invention addresses these limitations by introducing an integrated thermal management layer, optimizing thermoelectric module performance, and providing modular designs for increased efficiency and user customization.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel and non-obvious improvements to the original patent, including the integrated thermal management layer, thermoelectric module performance optimization, and modular design. These innovations provide enhanced thermal management, increased efficiency, and improved user experience, making the new invention distinct from the original patent.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention could include the use of different materials for the thermal management layer, varying the design of the thermoelectric module, or incorporating additional features such as temperature sensors or user interface controls. Variations of the modular design could include different configurations of thermoelectric devices, flexible thermally conductive materials, and thermal management layers.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced thermal management and modular design of the new invention have significant commercial potential in industries such as automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and consumer electronics. The invention could be used in applications such as heated and cooled seats, thermally controlled medical devices, and advanced climate control systems.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A41 A41D13/005
A A47 A47C7/744
B B60 B60N2/5635
B B60 B60N2/5678
F F25 F25B21/04
H H10 H10N10/13
H H10 H10N10/10
H H10 H10N10/17

Field of Art

Thermal management technologies, specifically heating and cooling systems for personal and vehicular applications, involving thermoelectric devices, flexible thermal materials, and temperature control systems

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

An engineer with expertise in thermal engineering, materials science, and electronic thermal control, possessing knowledge of thermoelectric principles, material properties, and heat transfer mechanisms

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core thermal management technology, utilizing standard engineering techniques to optimize thermal performance, modify material configurations, and enhance modular design approaches

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Heating and cooling system with sheeted thermally conductive material
PTD Variation
Dynamic thermal conductivity layer that adjusts to environmental conditions
Obviousness Reasoning
A PHOSITA would find it obvious to implement adaptive thermal management using known temperature-responsive materials and control systems, representing a predictable improvement to existing thermal transfer technologies
Source Patent Element
Heat transfer plate with thermal communication capabilities
PTD Variation
Thermoelectric module performance optimization through current adjustment based on temperature monitoring
Obviousness Reasoning
Monitoring and dynamically adjusting electrical parameters of thermoelectric devices is a standard thermal management technique known to those skilled in the art, representing a routine optimization strategy
Source Patent Element
Flexible sheeted thermally conductive material with potential material variations
PTD Variation
Modular design with interconnectable thermal modules using thermoelectric devices and flexible materials
Obviousness Reasoning
Configuring thermal systems with modular, interconnectable components is a common design approach that would be obvious to a PHOSITA seeking scalable and adaptable thermal management solutions
Source Patent Element
Thermal transfer system with potential material configurations
PTD Variation
Thermal insulation layer positioned between thermoelectric device and flexible material
Obviousness Reasoning
Introducing intermediate thermal management layers to control heat transfer is a standard engineering technique for optimizing thermal performance, representing a predictable design variation
Source Patent Element
Heating and cooling system with material-based heat transfer
PTD Variation
Manufacturing method for thermoelectric devices involving material deposition and patterning
Obviousness Reasoning
Semiconductor and materials processing techniques for creating patterned thermoelectric elements are well-established in the art, representing a routine manufacturing approach
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857004 and the disclosed technical variations, a person having ordinary skill in thermal management technologies would find the claimed innovations obvious, as they represent predictable extensions of existing thermal control methodologies utilizing standard engineering techniques, material modifications, and design optimizations that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner in the field

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,004
TitleHeating and cooling technologies
Assignee(s)GENTHERM GMBH