The development of a heated car seat was a project that was undertaken by Gorix Ltd as part of their ongoing research into alternate automotive applications for Gorix E-CT. Two distinctly different heating elements evolved from the work. The first was a specially configured laminate based upon Gorix E-CT encapsulated between 2 outer sheets of 40 denier nylon and intended to be used as an easy to fit stand alone product by either Original Equipment Manufacturers or Aftermarket trim shops whilst the second method developed a way of laminating the outer face of one side with a self adhesive layer complete with silicone release paper for ease of fitting to seat foam. When in place, the finished plush trim seating fabric was applied with an ultra thin open cell foam intermediary layer. The combination worked equally well with leather trim finishes.

Traditionally, car seat heater elements have been made from Ni-chrome wire within a cotton scrim carrier cloth; a substantial plus pad is required with this type of element particularly with leather trim to avoid print through of the wire pattern on the seat sitting surface; with ageing on leather, this problem is exacerbated. The other negative point about the use of the plus pad is that the relatively thick foam acts as a thermal insulator effectively holding the heat from the wire down into the seat foam rather than transferring it to the occupant.

The advantages and benefits that the Gorix E-CT element have over the existing wire system are:-

* A Uniform temperature distribution

* Pliability

* Strength (resistance to flex and stress)

* Non-corrosive (non-metallic)

* Eliminates problems of wire breakage

* Cost effectiveness

A Gorix Seat Heater system can be constructed to any size or configuration or wattage, but generally, the seat squab panels would draw approximately 3.5 to 5 amps with the back rest drawing approximately 1.7 to 2.5 amps. A unique electro-thermal property of Gorix E-CT when used in conjunction with a simple electronic circuit, facilitates temperature control within + 1 degree Celsius tolerance. Gorix E-CT can in effect electronically read its own temperature, thereby eliminating the need for external thermostatic devices and circuits. Gorix offers a highly cost effective solution to the problem of seat temperature control.

There is an additional benefit, in that, the same temperature control circuit can compensate for voltage change (in most cars this can vary from 9 to 15.5 volts depending on engine speed, battery condition etc).

In summary, for the car seat heater market, Gorix Ltd can produce a circuit and heater element combination that will heat and control its own temperature within a 2 degree Celsius tolerance over a 30 degree Celsius temperature range, regardless of external environmental changes and electrical potential changes.