Using an Exhaust Gas Sensor to Control a Recirculation Door During a Heat Demand Period

Abstract

A heating system for a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, comprising a blower motor, one or more vents, a heater core, and a controller in communication with a humidity sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, and an exhaust sensor. The controller is configured to open and close a recirculation air door in response to actuation of the humidity sensor, the vehicle speed sensor, the ambient temperature sensor, and the exhaust sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a vehicle HVAC system for controlling the heating of a vehicle passenger compartment, and more particularly to a multi-sensor system for controlling a recirculation door on a vehicle HVAC system. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally designed vehicle heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems cannot quickly heat a vehicle in extremely cold environments. When driving during extreme temperatures, vehicle users typically need to quickly heat the passenger compartment in the vehicle to avoid dangerous situations. Passengers desire to reach a comfortable level in the shortest possible time.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need to develop an improved system that can heat a vehicle's passenger compartment more quickly and efficiently than currently available options on the market. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a heating system for a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. The heating system includes a blower motor, one or more ventilation ducts, and a heater core. The heating system further includes a controller in communication with a humidity sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, and an exhaust sensor. The controller is configured to open and close a recirculation door in response to actuation by the humidity sensor, the vehicle speed sensor, the ambient temperature sensor, and the exhaust sensor.

[0005] Embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention may include any one or combination of the following features:

[0006] • The ambient temperature sensor is connected to one or more ventilation ducts;

[0007] • The controller is electrically connected to the humidity sensor, the vehicle speed sensor, the ambient temperature sensor, and the exhaust sensor;

[0008] • Open the recirculation door to recirculate air flow into the passenger compartment;

[0009] • Close the recirculation door to circulate fresh air flow into the passenger compartment;

[0010] • The humidity sensor is a relative humidity sensor;

[0011] • The controller is in communication with the heater core and the blower motor;

[0012] • The exhaust sensor is a real-time sensor;

[0013] • The passenger compartment has multiple heating zones; and

[0014] • The passenger compartment has multiple heating zones, each heating zone having one or more exhaust sensors located therein.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for supplying heated air to the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. The method includes circulating a fresh air stream through a recirculation door. The method further includes monitoring a vehicle speed value, an internal humidity value, an external temperature value, and an exhaust temperature value using a vehicle speed sensor, a humidity sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, and an exhaust sensor. The method also includes switching the fresh air stream to a recirculated air stream when each of the vehicle speed value, the internal humidity value, the external temperature value, and the exhaust temperature value reaches a threshold.

[0016] Embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention may include any one or combination of the following features:

[0017] • Detecting when the vehicle speed value exceeds 40 miles per hour;

[0018] • Detecting when the relative humidity value is higher than 50%;

[0019] • Detecting when the external temperature value is lower than 3°C; and

[0020] • Detecting when the exhaust temperature value is higher than 70°C.

[0021] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a heating system for the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. The heating system includes a controller connected to a humidity sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, and an exhaust sensor. The controller is configured to open and close the recirculation door in response to inputs from the humidity sensor, the vehicle speed sensor, the ambient temperature sensor, and the exhaust sensor.

[0022] Embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention may include any one or combination of the following features:

[0023] • A vehicle speed sensor;

[0024] • Closing the recirculation door to recirculate the air stream into the passenger compartment;

[0025] • Opening the recirculation door to circulate a fresh air stream into the passenger compartment; and

[0026] • The exhaust sensor is connected to one or more ducts.

[0027] According to the present invention, there is provided a heating system for the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, comprising:

[0028] A blower motor;

[0029] One or more vents;

[0030] A heater core; and

[0031] A controller in communication with a humidity sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, and an exhaust sensor,

[0032] The controller is configured to open and close the recirculation door in response to activation of a humidity sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, and an exhaust sensor.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ambient temperature sensor is connected to one or more vents.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the controller is electrically connected to a humidity sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, and an exhaust sensor.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the recirculation door is opened to recirculate air flow into the passenger compartment.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the recirculation door is closed to circulate fresh air flow into the passenger compartment.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the humidity sensor is a relative humidity sensor.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the controller communicates with a heater core and a blower motor.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the exhaust sensor is a real-time sensor.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the passenger compartment has multiple heating zones.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the passenger compartment has multiple heating zones, and each heating zone has one or more exhaust sensors located therein.

[0042] According to the present invention, there is provided a method for supplying hot air to a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, the method comprising:

[0043] Circulating fresh air flow through the recirculation door;

[0044] Monitoring a vehicle speed value, an internal humidity value, an external temperature value, and an exhaust temperature value using a vehicle speed sensor, a humidity sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, and an exhaust sensor; and

[0045] Switching the fresh air flow to a recirculated air flow when each of the vehicle speed value, the internal humidity value, the external temperature value, and the exhaust temperature value reaches a threshold.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises:

[0047] Detecting when the vehicle speed value is higher than 40 miles per hour.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises:

[0049] Detecting when the relative humidity value is higher than 50%.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises:

[0051] Detecting when the external temperature value is lower than 3°C.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises:

[0053] Detecting when the exhaust gas temperature value is higher than 70°C.

[0054] According to the present invention, there is provided a heating system for a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, comprising:

[0055] A controller connected to a humidity sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, and an exhaust gas sensor; and

[0056] Wherein the controller is configured to open and close a recirculation door in response to the humidity sensor, the vehicle speed sensor, the ambient temperature sensor, and the exhaust gas sensor.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the heating system further comprises:

[0058] A vehicle speed sensor.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the recirculation door is closed to recirculate the air flow into the passenger compartment.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the recirculation door is opened to circulate fresh air flow into the passenger compartment.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the exhaust gas sensor is connected to one or more ducts.

[0062] Those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate these and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention when studying the following specification and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063] In the drawings:

[0064] Figure 1 Is an isometric side rear perspective view of a vehicle engaged with an HVAC system according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0065] Figure 2 Is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of an HVAC system according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0066] Figure 3 Is a partial schematic isolated view of an instrument panel in an HVAC system according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0067] Figure 4Schematic flowchart of a controller in an HVAC system according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0068] Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart showing a method for providing maximum heat in an HVAC system according to some aspects of the present disclosure; and

[0069] Figure 6 is a schematic flowchart showing a method for supplying heated air to the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle according to some aspects of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0070] For purposes of description, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof herein shall refer to the orientation of the device as Figure 1 shown. However, it should be understood that unless explicitly stated to the contrary, the device may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes shown in the drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the defined inventive concepts. Thus, unless otherwise explicitly stated, the specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting.

[0071] When the term “and / or” as used herein is used in a list of two or more items, it means that any one of the listed items can be used alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be used. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, the composition can contain A alone; contain B alone; contain C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

[0072] Referring to Figures 1-5 , reference numeral 10 generally denotes a heating system for the passenger compartment 14 of a motor vehicle 18. The heating system 10 includes a blower motor 22, one or more vents 26, a heater core 30, and a controller 34 in communication with a humidity sensor 38, a vehicle speed sensor 42, an ambient temperature sensor 46, and an exhaust sensor 50. The controller 34 is configured to open and close a recirculation door 54 in response to the humidity sensor 38, the vehicle speed sensor 42, the ambient temperature sensor 46, and the exhaust sensor 50. In some aspects, the heating system 10 as used herein is understood to be a component or part of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system 58. Depending on the application, the disclosed heating system 10 may be an independent heating system herein, or may be combined with other known HVAC 58 components, including, for example, an air conditioning system, a ventilation system, an exhaust system, and / or a filtration system.

[0073] Now referring to Figure 1, the motor vehicle 18 includes a passenger compartment 14 configured to accommodate one or more passengers. The passenger compartment 14 can be enclosed to separate the interior environment for one or more passengers from the exterior environment outside the motor vehicle 18. In some cases, one or more passengers may desire or expect the air quality within the passenger compartment to be improved compared to the exterior environment. The motor vehicle 18 is shown as a minivan, but the type of vehicle 18 is not meant to be limiting, and the vehicle 18 can alternatively be, for example, a minibus, a truck, a commercial vehicle, or any other wheeled motor vehicle.

[0074] Reference Figure 2 , the HVAC system 58 can at least partially condition and / or filter fresh outside air (ambient air) and / or cabin air (recirculated air) by using the heating system 10. The ambient air can first pass through the cabin air filter 62, where the recirculation door 54 can be positioned to control the input of ambient air and / or recirculated air into the duct system 70 of the HVAC system 58. The air is circulated through the duct system 70 of the HVAC system 58 by using a blower motor 22 connected to a fan 74. Once the air circulates through the recirculation door 54, the air can continue through an evaporator core 78 (cabin air conditioner) that may include an evaporator drain pipe 82. The air can then continue through the duct system 70 to a mixing baffle 86, and the mixing baffle 86 directs the air through a heater core 30 (cabin heater) or to one or more vents 26. One or more vents 26 can include, for example, a defrost vent 26a, a main upper vent 26b, and / or a floor vent 26c. The conditioned (heated or cooled) and / or filtered air can be directed to one or more vents 26 by using a first molded baffle 94 and / or a second molded baffle 98. Figure 2 The duct system 70 and components shown for the HVAC system 58 are merely exemplary, and the connectivity and components can be arranged in any configuration known in the art according to the desired application.

[0075] Still referring Figure 2 , the HVAC system 58 (or more specifically, the heating system 10) includes a controller 34 and a plurality of sensors 110 ( Figure 4 shown). The controller 34 is shown electrically connected to a humidity sensor 38, a vehicle speed sensor 42, an ambient temperature sensor 46, and one or more exhaust sensors 50. In some aspects, as Figure 2As shown, data can be directed from each sensor 110 to the controller 34 along a one-way path. In other respects, data can be directed from each sensor 110 to the controller 34 or directed back along a two-way path (not shown). The term "sensor 110" as used herein is defined to include one or more humidity sensors 38, one or more vehicle speed sensors 42, one or more ambient temperature sensors 46, and one or more exhaust sensors 50. The number, location, combination, and type of sensors 110 can vary according to the desired applications and / or environments in which the motor vehicle 18 can be used. In some aspects, the HVAC system 58 (or more specifically, the heating system 10) includes at least one humidity sensor 38, at least one vehicle speed sensor 42, at least one ambient temperature sensor 46, and a plurality of exhaust sensors 50. The position of the recirculation door 54 can be moved between 100% fresh air mode and 100% recirculated air mode to optimize heating based on thresholds and data sent from the humidity sensor 38, vehicle speed sensor 42, ambient temperature sensor 46, and exhaust sensors 50 to the controller 34.

[0076] The humidity sensor 38 is configured to detect the relative humidity within the passenger compartment 14 to reduce the risk of fogging on the windshield or other glass surfaces located within the passenger compartment. In some aspects, the humidity sensor 38 is an interior humidity sensor. Relative humidity (RH) is the ratio of the partial pressure of water vapor to the equilibrium vapor pressure of water at a given temperature. Relative humidity depends on the temperature and pressure of the passenger compartment 14, and thus the ambient temperature sensor 46 can assist in determining relative humidity in some aspects. The threshold of relative humidity detected and / or measured by the humidity sensor 38 can be greater than 35%, greater than 40%, greater than 45%, greater than 50%, greater than 55%, or greater than 60%. In some aspects, the threshold of relative humidity detected and / or measured by the humidity sensor 38 is greater than 50%. When the relative humidity detected and / or measured by the humidity sensor 38 is below the threshold and each of at least one vehicle speed sensor 42, at least one ambient temperature sensor 46, and / or the plurality of exhaust sensors 50 is below their respective thresholds, the recirculation door 54 is triggered or opened for the heating system 10 to use recirculated air to optimize heating. In some aspects, a second humidity sensor (not shown) can be used to provide input / information regarding ambient relative humidity values, and the second humidity sensor can be used in combination with the plurality of sensors 110 and the controller 34 to control the use of fresh air and / or recirculated air to optimize heating.

[0077] The vehicle speed sensor 42 is configured to detect the real-time speed or velocity of the motor vehicle 18. In some aspects, the vehicle speed sensor 42 is a tachometer that uses a toothed ring and a pickup to measure the rotational speed of the wheels of the motor vehicle 18. The type or device for detecting the speed of the motor vehicle 18 is not meant to be limiting, and the vehicle speed sensor 42 can be any sensor known in the art for detecting the speed of the motor vehicle 18. In some aspects, the threshold for the speed detected and / or measured by the vehicle speed sensor 42 can be less than 25 miles per hour (mph), less than 30 mph, less than 35 mph, less than 40 mph, less than 45 mph, or less than 50 mph. In some aspects, the threshold for the speed detected and / or measured by the vehicle speed sensor 42 is less than 40 mph. When the speed detected and / or measured by the vehicle speed sensor 42 is less than the threshold, at least one humidity sensor 38 is below its threshold, and at least one ambient temperature sensor 46 and the plurality of exhaust sensors 50 are each below their respective thresholds, the recirculation door 54 is triggered or opened for the heating system 10 to use recirculated air to optimize heating.

[0078] The ambient temperature sensor 46 (also referred to as a thermometer or thermocouple) is configured to detect the real-time external temperature or ambient temperature of the motor vehicle 18. A thermometer has two important elements: (1) a temperature sensor in which some physical change occurs with temperature (such as the bulb of a glass mercury thermometer), and (2) some device that converts this physical change into an electrical signal and / or a numerical value (such as the visible scale marked on a glass mercury thermometer). The type or means for detecting the ambient temperature outside the motor vehicle 18 is not meant to be limiting, and the ambient temperature sensor 46 can be any sensor known in the art for detecting ambient temperature. In some aspects, the threshold for the temperature detected and / or measured by the ambient temperature sensor 46 can be less than -5 °C, less than -4 °C, less than -3 °C, less than -2 °C, less than -1 °C, less than 0 °C, less than 1 °C, less than 2 °C, less than 3 °C, less than 4 °C or less than 5 °C. In some aspects, the threshold for the temperature detected and / or measured by the ambient temperature sensor 46 is less than -3 °C. When the temperature detected and / or measured by the ambient temperature sensor 46 is less than the threshold, at least one humidity sensor 38 is below its threshold, and at least one vehicle speed sensor 42 and the plurality of exhaust sensors 50 are each below their respective thresholds, the recirculation door 54 is triggered or opened for the heating system 10 to use recirculated air to optimize heating.

[0079] The exhaust sensor 50 (also known as a thermometer or thermocouple) is configured to detect the real-time air temperature of the air circulating out of or through the respective vents 26 and / or duct system 70 of the motor vehicle 18. As described above, there can be many different vents 26 in a motor vehicle, such as a defrost vent 26a, a main upper vent 26b, and / or a floor vent 26c. The number, geometry, location, and general aesthetics of the vents 26 can vary depending on the circulation required in the passenger compartment 14. In some aspects, each vent 26 in the motor vehicle 18 can have an exhaust sensor 50 connected to the inner wall of the respective vent 26. In some aspects, the exhaust sensor 50 can be located in the duct system 70 in the range from 0.20 meters to 0.75 meters or from 0.25 meters to 0.50 meters from the outlet of the vent 26. The type or means of detecting the temperature of the air circulating out of the respective vent 26 is not limiting and the exhaust sensor 50 can be any sensor known in the art for detecting the temperature of the circulating air environment. In some aspects, the threshold for the temperature detected and / or measured by the exhaust sensor 50 can be less than 55 °C, less than 60 °C, less than 65 °C, less than 70 °C, less than 75 °C, less than 80 °C, or less than 85 °C. In some aspects, the threshold for the temperature detected and / or measured by the exhaust sensor 50 is less than 70 °C. When the temperature detected and / or measured by the exhaust sensor 50 is less than the threshold, at least one humidity sensor 38 is below its threshold, and at least one vehicle speed sensor 42 and ambient temperature sensor 46 are each below their respective thresholds, the recirculation door 54 is triggered or opened for the heating system 10 to use recirculated air to optimize heating.

[0080] The positioning of at least one exhaust sensor 50 in each vent 26 in the passenger compartment 14 can be well utilized in a motor vehicle 18 for dual-zone or multi-zone climate control. In some aspects, the passenger compartment 14 can have multiple heating zones. In additional aspects, the passenger compartment 14 can have multiple heating zones, where each heating zone has one or more exhaust sensors 50 located in the vent 26 of the corresponding heating zone. The exhaust sensor 50 can be connected to the duct system 70 of the corresponding vent 26, and the duct system 70 is positioned such that a vent insert or control nozzle (not shown) at the end of the vent 26 does not interfere with or damage the exhaust sensor 50. The exhaust sensor 50 positioned in or connected to each vent 26 is individually connected to the controller 34 such that the temperature input / information generated by the exhaust sensor 50 can be used in combination with at least one humidity sensor 38, at least one vehicle speed sensor 42, and at least one ambient temperature sensor 46. In some aspects, the exhaust sensor 50 can be used in combination with at least one vehicle speed sensor 42 and at least one ambient temperature sensor 46. In some aspects, the exhaust sensor 50 can be used in combination with at least one humidity sensor 38 and at least one ambient temperature sensor 46. In some aspects, the exhaust sensor 50 can be used in combination with at least one humidity sensor 38 and at least one vehicle speed sensor 42.

[0081] Now referring to Figure 3 , a partial schematic view of an HVAC housing 90 including an instrument panel 102 and a plurality of main upper vents 26b of an HVAC system 58 is shown. The number, geometry, location, and general aesthetics of the vents 26 can vary according to the circulation desired in the passenger compartment 14 of the motor vehicle 18. One or more vents 26 are shown extending from the HVAC system 58 positioned to face the passenger compartment 14 to circulate conditioned and / or filtered air. Floor vents 26c circulate air into the footwell for the front seat passengers, rear floor vents circulate air into the floor portion in the rear of the motor vehicle 18, and rear side vents circulate air directly into the middle portion of the rear seat area. The position and positioning of one or more vents 26 can vary according to the desired circulation and dimensions of the passenger compartment 14 in the corresponding motor vehicle 18.

[0082] Referring to Figure 4, shows a schematic flow chart of a controller 34 for an HVAC system 58 that communicates with one or more selectors 106 (also known as control hosts), one or more sensors 110, a blower motor 22, and a heater core 30. The controller 34 includes a memory 114 that stores instructions executable by a processor 118. Additionally, the controller 34 receives input / information regarding relative humidity, vehicle speed, ambient temperature, and exhaust from a humidity sensor 38, a vehicle speed sensor 42, an ambient temperature sensor 46, and / or an exhaust sensor 50, respectively. The controller 34 can also receive input / information from the selector 106 when a user selects a desired cycle method, including a heating method 106a, a cooling method 106b, or a ventilation method 106c. Once the desired cycle method to be used is selected, the selector 106 sends the input / information regarding the cycle method to the controller 34, where the processor 118 in the controller 34 controls the blower motor 22 and the corresponding recirculation flap actuator 122 and / or the blend flap 86 ( Figure 2 ). When two, three, or four sensors 110 detect stored thresholds related to relative humidity, vehicle speed, ambient temperature, and exhaust, the sensors 110 send the input / information to the controller 34, where the processor 118 in the controller 34 will activate the heater core 30 and the blower motor 22 to circulate hot air into the passenger compartment 14. Depending on the input from two, three, or four sensors 110 to the controller 42, the input air entering the duct system 70 ( Figure 2 ) can be 100% fresh air, 100% recirculated air, or any combination of fresh air and recirculated air.

[0083] Now refer to Figure 5 , one way to accelerate the heating of the passenger compartment 14 is to activate the recirculation flap actuator 122 located in the heating system 10 and / or the HVAC system 58 ( Figure 4). In these aspects, first start or initiate motor vehicle 18 (step 204) and the user requests maximum heat in a non - defrost mode (step 208). Once maximum heat is requested, a combination of data / information is collected and / or measured from one or more humidity sensors 38 (step 212), vehicle speed sensor 42 (step 216), ambient temperature sensor 46 (220), and / or exhaust sensor 50 (step 224), and this combination of data / information is compared with the respective thresholds listed herein for each parameter. The positioning of recirculation door 54 can determine the composition of the incoming air into passenger compartment 14 (between 100% fresh air and 100% recirculated air) to optimize heating. Recirculation door 54 will be positioned at the 100% fresh air option or 100% recirculated air option based on the readings of sensor 110. When the system is in the defrost mode for defogging purposes, recirculation door 54 will not open above the humidity sensor threshold. When the thresholds are met for each respective sensor 110 (step 228), recirculation door 54 will be positioned or opened to engage the 100% recirculated air option to maximize heating of passenger compartment 14 (step 232). If any of the corresponding sensors 110 do not meet the criteria or thresholds (step 236), then heating system 10 will actuate recirculation door 54 to close or move to the 100% fresh air option before all thresholds are met for each sensor 110 (step 240).

[0084] Advantages provided by the claimed heating system 10 include the introduction of exhaust sensor 50. The exhaust sensor will be used in place of using engine coolant temperature as a component of a set of criteria for opening recirculation door 54. Since standard vehicles can typically only heat to a certain engine coolant temperature at certain vehicle speeds, recirculation door 54 will be severely limited in these cases. However, if exhaust sensor 50 is provided, the air and passenger compartment 14 will continue to warm regardless of the engine coolant temperature. Additionally, keeping recirculation door 54 open for a longer time will also have a positive impact on fuel economy.

[0085] Now referring to Figure 6 , a method 300 is shown for using heating system 10 to provide heat to passenger compartment 14 of motor vehicle 18 provided in Figures 1-5 . Method 300 can start at step 304, which includes the user selecting a maximum heat option in a non - defrost mode to heat passenger compartment 14 of motor vehicle 18.

[0086] Next, step 308 includes providing a circulation of fresh air flow through recirculation door 54. In some aspects, the fresh air flow can include 100% fresh air (ambient air) from outside motor vehicle 18.

[0087] Next, step 312 is provided: Monitor a humidity value, a vehicle speed value, an external temperature value, and an exhaust temperature value using a humidity sensor 38, a vehicle speed sensor 42, an ambient temperature sensor 46, and an exhaust sensor 50.

[0088] Next, step 316 is provided: Switch the fresh air stream to a recirculated air stream when each of the vehicle speed value, the internal humidity value, the external temperature value, and the exhaust temperature value reaches a threshold.

[0089] It should be understood that the overview and teachings previously discussed for the heating system 10 and / or the HVAC system 58, which can be used in any combination, are equally applicable to the method 300 of using the heating system 10 to provide heat to the passenger compartment 14 of the motor vehicle 18.

[0090] Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the construction of the described devices and other components may not be limited to any particular material. Unless otherwise specified herein, other exemplary embodiments of the devices disclosed herein may be formed from a variety of materials.

[0091] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "connected" (in its full forms, connected, connecting, being connected, etc.) generally means that two components (electrical or mechanical) are directly or indirectly connected to each other. Such a connection can be stationary in nature or can be movable in nature. Such a connection can be achieved by the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate member that forms a single integral body with each other or with the two components as a whole. Unless otherwise specified, such a connection can be fixed in nature or can be removable or releasable in nature.

[0092] It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the devices shown in the exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily understand that many modifications are possible (e.g., changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape, and proportions of various elements, parameter values, installation settings, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple components, or elements shown as multiple components may be integrally formed, the operation of interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the structure and / or length or width of components or connectors or other elements of the system may be changed, and the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between elements may be changed. It should be noted that the elements and / or assemblies of the system may be composed of any of various materials that provide sufficient strength or durability in any of various colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and settings of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0093] It should be understood that any of the described processes or steps in the processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present device. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as restrictive.

[0094] It should also be understood that variations and modifications may be made to the above structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present invention.

[0095] The above description is considered only as a description of the illustrated embodiments. Modifications to the device will be possible for those skilled in the art and for those who manufacture or use the device. Accordingly, it should be understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the device as defined by the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. A heating system for a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, comprising: A blower motor; One or more vents; Heater core; And A controller in communication with a humidity sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, and an exhaust sensor, wherein the exhaust sensor is configured to detect a real-time air temperature of air flowing out in a cycle from a corresponding vent and / or duct system of the motor vehicle or a real-time air temperature of air flowing through a corresponding vent and / or duct system of the motor vehicle; Wherein the controller is configured to trigger the opening of a recirculation door to enable recirculation air flow when the sensed data of the humidity sensor, the vehicle speed sensor, the ambient temperature sensor, and the exhaust sensor are all below their respective threshold levels, and to close the recirculation door when at least one of the sensed data of the humidity sensor, the vehicle speed sensor, the ambient temperature sensor, and the exhaust sensor is above its respective threshold level.

2. The heating system according to claim 1, wherein the ambient temperature sensor is connected to the one or more vents.

3. The heating system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is electrically connected to the humidity sensor, the vehicle speed sensor, the ambient temperature sensor, and the exhaust sensor.

4. The heating system according to claim 1, wherein the recirculation door is opened to recirculate air flow into the passenger compartment.

5. The heating system according to claim 1, wherein the recirculation door is closed to circulate fresh air flow into the passenger compartment.

6. The heating system according to claim 1, wherein the humidity sensor is a relative humidity sensor.

7. The heating system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is in communication with a heater core and the blower motor.

8. The heating system according to claim 1, wherein the exhaust sensor is a real-time sensor.

9. The heating system according to claim 1, wherein the passenger compartment has a plurality of heating zones.

10. The heating system according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the passenger compartment has a plurality of heating zones, and each of the heating zones has one or more exhaust sensors located therein.

11. A method for providing hot air to a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, the method comprising: Circulating fresh air flow through a recirculation door; Monitoring a vehicle speed value, an internal humidity value, an external temperature value, and an exhaust temperature value using a vehicle speed sensor, a humidity sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, and an exhaust sensor, wherein the exhaust sensor is configured to detect a real-time air temperature of air flowing out in a cycle from a corresponding vent and / or duct system of the motor vehicle or a real-time air temperature of air flowing through a corresponding vent and / or duct system of the motor vehicle; and Enabling recirculation air flow when each of the vehicle speed value, the internal humidity value, the external temperature value, and the exhaust temperature value is below its respective threshold level.

12. A heating system for a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, comprising: A controller, the controller being connected to a humidity sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, and an exhaust sensor, wherein the exhaust sensor is configured to detect the real-time air temperature of the air flowing out in a cycle from the corresponding vent and / or duct system of the motor vehicle or the real-time air temperature of the air flowing through the corresponding vent and / or duct system of the motor vehicle; and wherein the controller is configured to trigger the opening of a recirculation door to enable a recirculation air flow when the sensed data of the humidity sensor, the vehicle speed sensor, the ambient temperature sensor, and the exhaust sensor are all lower than their respective threshold levels, and to close the recirculation door when at least one of the sensed data of the humidity sensor, the vehicle speed sensor, the ambient temperature sensor, and the exhaust sensor is higher than its respective threshold level.

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