Accelerate product development: Rapid sampling and tailored solutions with ASPINA’s seat ventilation blowers

The automotive industry is in a transformative era. As electric vehicles (EVs) become mainstream and car seats integrate more features to enhance comfort, manufacturers across the supply chain, from automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to seat and seat ventilation system suppliers, are confronting diverse challenges in this evolving landscape.

At the forefront of innovation, ASPINA offers a comprehensive lineup of seat ventilation blowers tailored to meet these needs. This article introduces three case studies that demonstrate how our products address unique industry demands, while also highlighting how customers can streamline their product development using ASPINA's tailored solutions.

Alongside the industry’s shift to EVs, we are seeing unique requirements that are reshaping vehicle design. Unlike traditional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles, EVs carry large batteries beneath the floor, which reduces the interior space designers have to accommodate seats. At the same time, EVs are remarkably quiet, which makes even trivial noises rather noticeable. Coupled with the growing expectation for added comfort features, such as massage functions and spacious seating, EVs demand a new generation of seat ventilation blowers that are compact and quiet, while also featuring high ventilation performance. These requirements present a significant challenge as compactness is often at odds with low noise and ventilation performance factors such as static pressure or airflow. However, ASPINA overcomes these constraints by proposing two of our blower models: the DRF-29A306 EV-T XL and DRF-29A306 XL.

Both have a compact 120x120mm footprint and a low profile 22mm housing scroll - perfect for slim seats. Together, these models provide seat and seat ventilation system manufacturers with versatile options to meet the unique demands of EV design.

Airflow image of DRF-29A306 EV-T XL (left) and DRF-29A306 XL blower (right)

As seat ventilation gains global popularity, demands from consumers in different climates are also increasing. Several studies foresee the Asia Pacific region as a high growth market, making it a high potential area for related manufacturers. However, it is important to consider how different climates could affect how consumers use this seat feature.

For example, in regions like Southeast Asia, where hot and humid climates dominate, rapid seat cooling has become a priority for consumers. Many activate the seat ventilation system at its maximum output before entering the vehicle, wait until the seats have cooled, and then enter and sit, ensuring a comfortable driving experience from start to end. However, existing blowers in the market often fall short when tasked with this rapid cooling. Pursuing compactness has long been the standard driven by the industry’s focus on space-saving, but these smaller blowers often struggle to provide airflow high enough for this cooling method. To address this gap, ASPINA introduces the DRF-29A306 XXL, specifically engineered to meet the demands of such environments.

Performance curve of DRF-29A306 XXL compared to ASPINA's other seat ventilation blower models

For seat and seat ventilation system manufacturers, the demands of automotive OEMs significantly influence product development. Other than mandatory specifications needed to comply with automotive industry safety regulations and quality standards, OEMs may impose specific component preferences tailored to their product concept or unique policies. Meanwhile, ventilated seats are becoming increasingly common, driving commoditization and intensifying cost competition. Manufacturers must now ensure their products not only align with OEM requirements but also meet the high cost-performance criteria demanded by the market.

When ASPINA conducted in-depth research into industry needs, we found that some OEMs specify the type of bearings used in seat ventilation blower motors. Here, we introduce our proposal for a customer with OEM specification for a ball bearing blower.

These optimizations were achieved through close collaboration between product design and production engineering teams. This approach delivered benefits that more than offset the higher unit cost of ball bearings compared to sleeve bearings, demonstrating how ASPINA tailors our products to meet customer needs without compromising on quality.

The cases above highlight a common theme: ASPINA’s readiness to support our customers with a wide range of products that not only meet market demands but are also readily available as off-the-shelf samples. We know that speed is crucial for our customers. Vehicle seat designs often come late in the development process, leaving seat and seat ventilation system manufacturers with little time to refine specifications. ASPINA offers rapid sampling from nine models in our current lineup, enabling customers to jumpstart their development process, finalize their design, and stay on track with production schedules.

Customization is a key strength and defining expertise that sets ASPINA apart. We understand that each project comes with unique challenges, from fitting blowers into compact spaces to optimizing performance for different seat materials. Backed by decades of experience and a proven track record with over ten OEMs, ASPINA offers tailored solutions that deliver optimal airflow, reduced noise, and unparalleled reliability.

With our expertise and commitment to innovation, we empower our customers to accelerate their product development and launch exceptional products to the market faster.

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