Radiant heating system comprising a steering wheel position monitoring device

Abstract

A radiant heating system comprising a radiant heating element, a steering wheel position monitoring device, and a controller configured to control the radiant heating element in response to steering wheel position data received from the steering wheel position monitoring device. Also disclosed is a method of controlling operation of a radiant heating system.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present document relates generally to the field of motor vehicle equipment and more specifically to a new and improved radiant heating system incorporating steering wheel position monitoring means. BACKGROUND

[0002] Radiant heating technology is starting to be implemented in the field of motor vehicles. Radiant heating panels provide heat through infrared radiation. Radiant heating panels work most efficiently when they maintain a maximum view factor between the radiant heating panel and the surface to be heated, i.e. when the radiant heating panel is perpendicular to the surface to be heated.

[0003] Motor vehicle drivers come in many sizes and shapes. Drivers adjust the position of the seat, headrest and steering wheel to the desired position while operating the motor vehicle. There is a need for an intelligent radiant heating system to adjust the spatial orientation or position of the radiant heating panels in response to changes in the position of the motor vehicle occupant to ensure that these radiant heating panels are positioned to provide efficient and effective heating.

[0004] The present document relates to a new and improved radiant heating system that includes a controller configured to control radiant heating elements in response to steering wheel position data, seat position data and headrest position data to more efficiently and effectively deliver fast heating and thermal comfort to a driver of a motor vehicle, regardless of the driver's size and shape or the position of that driver in the motor vehicle. SUMMARY

[0005] In accordance with the objects and benefits described herein, a radiant heating system is provided for efficiently and effectively providing heat and thermal comfort to a driver of a motor vehicle. The radiant heating system includes radiant heating elements, steering wheel position monitoring means and a controller. The controller is configured to control the radiant heating elements in response to steering wheel position data received from the steering wheel position monitoring means.

[0006] The radiant heating system can further include seat position monitoring means. Additionally, the controller can be further configured to control the radiant heating elements in response to seat position data received from the seat position monitoring means.

[0007] Still further, the radiant heating system can include headrest position monitoring means. Additionally, the controller can be further configured to control the radiant heating elements in response to headrest position data received from the headrest position monitoring means.

[0008] The radiant heating element can further include a position adjustment component, and the controller can be configured to control the position adjustment component. In some embodiments, the radiant heating element can include a radiant heating panel. In some embodiments, the radiant heating element can include a radiant mirror for reflecting infrared radiation from the radiant heating panel onto the target. In yet other embodiments, the radiant heating element can include a plurality of radiant heating panels.

[0009] According to a further aspect, a method of controlling operation of a radiant heating element is provided. The method can include the steps of monitoring a position of a steering wheel by a steering wheel position monitoring device, and configuring a controller to control operation of the radiant heating element in response to steering wheel position data received from the steering wheel position monitoring device.

[0010] The method can further include the steps of monitoring a position of a headrest by a headrest position monitoring device, and configuring the controller to control operation of the radiant heating element in response to headrest position data received from the headrest position monitoring device.

[0011] The method can further include the steps of monitoring a position of a seat by a seat position monitoring device, and configuring the controller to control operation of the radiant heating element in response to seat position data received from the seat position monitoring device.

[0012] Additionally, the method can include the step of adjusting a position of the radiant heating element by a position adjustment component in response to a control signal from the controller to heat a hand on the steering wheel. Still further, the method can include the step of configuring the radiant heating element to include a plurality of radiant heating panels. Moreover, the method can include the step of configuring the controller to selectively activate one of the plurality of radiant heating panels that is best positioned to heat the hand on the steering wheel.

[0013] In the following description, numerous preferred embodiments of a radiant heating system and related methods of controlling operation of a radiant heating element are shown and described. It should be recognized that the radiant heating system and related methods are capable of other different embodiments, and that numerous details of the same can be varied in many obvious respects without departing from the systems and methods as set forth in the following claims and as described herein. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not restrictive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the radiant heating system and related methods, and together with the description, serve to explain certain principles of the same.

[0015] Figure 1ais a schematic view of a first aspect of a radiant heating system and a method of heating, with the steering wheel in a first position.

[0016] Figure 1b is a view similar to Figure 1a but showing the steering wheel in a second position and the ability of the radiant heating system to heat a hand on the steering wheel in that second position in response.

[0017] Figure 1c is a schematic block diagram showing the control architecture of the radiant heating system shown in Figure 1a and 1b is a schematic block diagram showing the control architecture of the radiant heating system shown in

[0018] Figure 1d is a schematic block diagram of the controller of the radiant heating system shown in Figure 1c

[0019] Figures 2a to 2d is a series of schematic front views showing how the radiant heating system controls the radiant heating elements at various positions of the car seat and the headrest on that seat.

[0020] Figure 2e is a schematic block diagram of the control architecture of the embodiment shown in Figures 2a to 2d

[0021] Figure 3a and Figure 3b show alternative embodiments of the radiant heating system in combination with a radiant heating element having multiple radiant heating panels.

[0022] Figure 3c is a block diagram of the control architecture of the radiant heating system shown in Figure 3a and Figure 3b

[0023] Reference will now be made in detail to the current preferred embodiments of the radiant heating system and related methods of controlling the operation of the radiant heating element, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Reference is now made to Figures 1a to 1d which shows a first aspect of a novel and improved radiant heating system 10. The radiant heating system 10 includes a radiant heating element 12 in the form of a radiant heating panel disposed on the upper surface of the dashboard 14 of a motor vehicle. As Figure 1c ​​​As best shown, the radiant heating element includes a position adjustment component 16 for moving the radiant heating element 12 between different operating positions. The position adjustment component 16 can include, for example, a linear actuator, and the radiant heating element 12 can be pivoted about a hinge 18. Of course, such a construction should not be considered limiting in scope, and it should be recognized that the position adjustment component 16 can include any suitable construction for allowing the radiant heating element 12 to be moved between different operating positions.

[0025] As Figure 1c Further shown, the radiant heating system 10 can include a steering wheel position monitoring device 20 for monitoring the position of the steering wheel 22. The steering wheel position monitoring device 20 can take any form of position monitoring device that can be used for this purpose, including, for example, linear position sensors, including but not limited to technologies based on resistive, magneto resistive, linear variable inductance transducers, and linear variable differential transducers, Hall effect concepts, and / or linearly dispersed electrical contacts. Rotary and angular sensors can also be used, including but not limited to technologies based on Hall effect, magneto resistive, resistive, optical, rotary variable inductance transducers, rotary variable differential transducer concepts, and / or angularly dispersed electrical contacts.

[0026] As Figure 1c Further shown, the radiant heating system 10 can also include a controller 24. The controller 24 is configured to control the radiant heating element 12 in response to steering wheel position data received from the steering wheel position monitoring device 20. More specifically, the controller 24 can include a computing device, such as a special purpose microprocessor or electronic control unit (ECU) that operates in accordance with instructions received from appropriate control software. Thus, as Figure 1d As shown, the controller 24 can include one or more processors 26, one or more memories 28, and one or more network interfaces 30, all in communication with one another over a communications bus 32.

[0027] In some embodiments, the controller 24 can include a body control module or BCM as shown in Figure 1d The controller 24 also includes a human-machine interface 34, a GPS / geolocator component 36, a display device 38, such as a multifunction display having touchscreen functionality and haptic feedback functionality, and a voice processor 40, all in communication with one another over the communications bus 32. The voice processor 40 provides the controller 24 with the ability to accept voice commands from an operator.

[0028] Figure 1a And Figure 1b Both show a driver D seated in a driver seat 42 located behind the steering wheel 22 that protrudes from the instrument panel 14. Figure 1a The steering wheel 22 is shown in a first position. Figure 1bThe steering wheel 22 is shown in a second position.

[0029] The steering wheel position monitoring device 20 continuously monitors the position of the steering wheel 22. The steering wheel position monitoring device 20 provides steering wheel position data to the controller 24. The controller 24 responds to this steering wheel position data and controls the spatial orientation or position of the radiant heating element 12 in response to this data to ensure that heat from the radiant heating element is reflected from the windshield 44 onto the hand H of the driver D positioned on the steering wheel 22. Thus, as Figure 1a The radiant heating element 12 is shown in a first position, in which infrared radiation from the radiant heating element is reflected from the windshield 44 onto the hand H, as the hand H is positioned on the steering wheel in the first position.

[0030] As Figure 2b The steering wheel 22 is shown in a second position, which is lower than the first position and closer to the driver than the first position. When the steering wheel 22 is moved to this second position, steering wheel data reflecting the new position of the steering wheel is provided by the steering wheel position monitoring device 20 to the controller 24. The controller 24 responds to this data by sending a control signal to the position adjustment component 16, such that the radiant heating element 12 is repositioned or reoriented to the second position. The warmed infrared radiation from the repositioned radiant heating element 12 is reflected from the windshield 44 toward the hand H of the driver D in the second position of the steering wheel 22 (see Figure 1b ). Thus, Figure 1a and Figure 1b The radiant heating system 10 is shown how it adjusts according to the position of the steering wheel 22 to most efficiently direct the warmed infrared radiation from the radiant heating element 12 toward the hand H and to maximize the comfort of the driver.

[0031] Reference is now made to Figures 2a to 2b which shows another aspect of the radiant heating system 10. More specifically, as Figure 2e Best shown, the radiant heating system 10 also includes a seat position monitoring device 46 for monitoring the position of the driver seat 42. More specifically, the seat position monitoring device 46 monitors the position of the seat bottom 48 in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle. The seat position monitoring device also monitors the angular orientation A of the seat back 50 relative to the seat bottom 48.

[0032] In addition, the radiant heating system 10 includes a headrest position monitoring device 52, which monitors the position of a headrest 54 provided on the seat back 50. In one of many possible embodiments, the headrest position monitoring device 52 monitors the height HH of the headrest relative to the top of the seat back 50. In addition, the headrest 54 can include a pressure sensing device to determine the height of the head on the headrest.

[0033] The controller 24 is configured to control the radiant heating element 56 disposed at the roof 58 of the motor vehicle in response to seat position data received from the seat position monitoring device 46 and headrest position data received from the headrest position monitoring device 52.

[0034] As Figure 2e Further shown, the radiant heating system 10 also includes a position adjustment component 60 for adjusting the position of the radiant heating element 56. In the illustrated embodiment, the position adjustment component 60 is a linear actuator that adjusts the angular orientation of the radiant heating element 56 about a hinge 62. It will be appreciated herein that other position adjustment components known in the art can be used for this purpose.

[0035] Figure 2a A driver D in the driver seat 42 behind the steering wheel 22 is shown. As Figure 2a Shown, the driver seat 42 is in a first position in which the seat back 50 forms an angle of about 90 degrees with the seat bottom 48 and the headrest 54 is only slightly elevated above the top of the seat back. The seat position monitoring device 46 provides seat position data to the controller 24 regarding the position of the driver seat 42, including the longitudinal position of the seat bottom 48 and the angular position A of the seat back 50. The headrest position monitoring device 52 provides headrest position data regarding the extent to which the headrest 54 is elevated above the top of the seat back 50. The controller 24 responds to this data by sending control signals to the position adjustment component 60 to adjust the angular orientation of the radiant heating element 56 about the hinge 62 such that the infrared radiation emitted by the radiant heating element is directed toward the head HD of the driver D.

[0036] In Figure 2b In this figure, the driver has adjusted the angular orientation A of the seat back 50 relative to the seat bottom 48. In addition, the steering wheel position has been adjusted because it has been extended and elevated. The angle N is the angle between the normal surface of the radiant heating element 56 and the target point or head HD of the driver D after the controller 24 has adjusted in response to the seat position data received from the seat position monitoring device 46 and the steering wheel position data received from the steering wheel position monitoring device 20.

[0037] As Figure 2b Shown, first, the controller 24 incorrectly aims the infrared radiation from the radiant heating element 56 at the driver's chest and neck area instead of the head HD of the driver (labeled action arrow A). This incorrect aiming of the controller 24 of the radiant heating element 56 is a direct result of the driver D not being able to properly adjust the height of the headrest 54 for the new positions of the driver seat 42 and the steering wheel 22. If the position of the headrest 54 were correct, the controller 24 would have oriented the radiant heating element 56 to the proper position to direct the infrared radiation toward the target area or head HD of the driver D.

[0038] When the position of the radiant heating element 56 is not properly adjusted, the driver D manually repositions the radiant heating element to direct the infrared radiation from the radiant heating element toward the desired target: the driver's head HD (see Figure 2c and labeled as action arrow B).

[0039] For optimal safety at the next destination, the controller 24 responds to this manual adjustment of the radiant heating element 56 by prompting the driver D to check the height of the headrest 54 and adjust the headrest height. In an alternative embodiment, the controller 24 actually automatically adjusts the height of the headrest 54 in response to the data input. In embodiments where the controller 24 maintains and updates the profile for the particular driver D, the new positions of the driver's seat 42, the headrest 54, the steering wheel 22, and the radiant heating element 56 are overwritten and saved in memory for use the next time the driver D enters and drives the motor vehicle. Figure 2d The headrest 54 is shown raised to the proper position.

[0040] Figures 3a to 3c An alternative embodiment of the radiant heating system 10 is shown, wherein the radiant heating element 64 comprises a first radiant heating panel 66, a second radiant heating panel 68, and a third radiant heating panel 70. As Figures 3a to 3b shown in the middle, the three radiant heating panels 66, 68, and 70 are positioned along the roof line 72 of the motor vehicle, with the second radiant heating panel 68 positioned forward of the first radiant heating panel 66 and the third radiant heating panel 70 positioned forward of the second radiant heating panel 68. Thus, the third radiant heating panel 70 is closest to the steering wheel 22 of the motor vehicle.

[0041] Figure 3a The driver D is shown seated in the driver's seat 42 behind the steering wheel 22, with the driver's seat 42, the headrest 74, and the steering wheel 22 all in the first position. The controller 24 receives steering wheel position data from the steering wheel position monitoring device 76, seat position data from the seat position monitoring device 78, and headrest position data from the headrest position monitoring device 80 (see Figure 3c ). The controller responds to this data by activating the second radiant heating panel 68 and the third radiant heating panel 70 of the radiant heating element 64, as these two panels are optimally positioned to direct infrared radiation to heat the driver's head HD and to maintain the driver's comfort in the most efficient manner (labeled as action arrow C). Thus, in the first position shown, it should be understood that the first radiant heating panel 66 remains deactivated. Figure 3a

[0042] In the Figure 3b ​In the meantime, the driver D has repositioned the driver's seat 42 by increasing the angle A formed between the seat bottom 48 and the seat back 50. In addition, the headrest 74 has been raised from the top of the seat back 50. The seat position monitoring device 78 provides seat position data to the controller 24 that reflects the change in position of the driver's seat 42. Additionally, the headrest position monitoring device 80 provides headrest position data to the controller 24 that reflects the change in position of the headrest 74. The controller 24 responds to the new seat position data and headrest position data by activating the first radiant heating panel 66 and the second radiant heating panel 68 of the radiant heating elements 64 that are optimally positioned to direct infrared radiation to heat the head HD of the driver D (labeled action arrow E). The third radiant heating panel 70 is disengaged from the position of most efficient heating of the head HD of the driver D at this time, and thus the third radiant heating panel is deactivated by the controller 24.

[0043] As will be appreciated from a careful comparison of Figure 3a and Figure 3b , the steering wheel 22 has also been repositioned. Although not shown in Figure 3a and Figure 3b for the sake of simplicity, it will be appreciated that, as shown in Figure 1a and Figure 1b , the steering wheel position monitoring device 20 provides steering wheel position data to the controller 24 that indicates the change in position of the steering wheel, and the controller 24 will respond by adjusting the position of the radiant heating elements 12 on the instrument panel 14 as needed to properly heat the hands H of the driver D on the steering wheel. Thus, it will be recognized that Figures 1a to 1c the various aspects of the radiant heating system 10 shown in Figures 2a to 2d and Figures 3a to 3b may be combined as needed with the various aspects of the radiant heating system 10 shown in and

[0044] to provide a radiant heating system that effectively targets the head HD and hands H of the driver D on the steering wheel 22 regardless of how the driver is positioned. Efficient heating of the head HD and hands H of the driver D can provide a quick warm feeling even before the air temperature inside the motor vehicle has a chance to rise on a cold winter day. Thus, the radiant heating system 10 provides significant benefits and advantages as perceived by the operator of the motor vehicle.

[0045] The foregoing has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications and alterations are possible by persons skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. All such modifications and alterations are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A radiant heating system, comprising: a radiant heating element; a steering wheel position monitoring device; and a controller configured to control the radiant heating element in response to steering wheel position data received from the steering wheel position monitoring device; wherein the radiant heating element comprises a plurality of radiant heating panels, the controller is configured to receive steering wheel position data from the steering wheel position monitoring device, seat position data from a seat position monitoring device, and headrest position data from a headrest position monitoring device to selectively activate at least one radiant heating panel of the plurality of radiant heating panels, wherein the at least one radiant heating panel is optimally positioned to heat a driver's head before and after changes in position of the driver's seat, headrest, and steering wheel, radiant heating panels of the plurality of radiant heating panels that are out of position for the most efficient heating of the driver's head are deactivated by the controller. the controller is further configured to control the radiant heating element in response to the seat position data received from the seat position monitoring device.

2. The radiant heating system of claim 1, wherein, the controller is further configured to control the radiant heating element in response to the headrest position data received from the headrest position monitoring device.

3. The radiant heating system of claim 2, wherein, the radiant heating element comprises a position adjustment component, and the controller is configured to control the position adjustment component.

4. The radiant heating system of claim 3, wherein, the radiant heating element comprises a radiant mirror.

5. The radiant heating system of claim 4, wherein, the headrest further comprises a pressure sensing device that determines a head height on the headrest.

6. The radiant heating system of claim 1, wherein, 7. A method of controlling operation of a radiant heating element, comprising: monitoring a position of a steering wheel by a steering wheel position monitoring device; and configuring a controller to control operation of the radiant heating element in response to steering wheel position data received from the steering wheel position monitoring device; wherein the radiant heating element comprises a plurality of radiant heating panels, the controller is configured to receive the steering wheel position data from the steering wheel position monitoring device, seat position data from a seat position monitoring device, and headrest position data from a headrest position monitoring device to selectively activate at least one radiant heating panel of the plurality of radiant heating panels, wherein the at least one radiant heating panel is optimally positioned to heat a driver's head before and after changes in position of the driver's seat, headrest, and steering wheel, radiant heating panels of the plurality of radiant heating panels that are out of position for the most efficient heating of the driver's head are deactivated by the controller.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: configuring the controller to control operation of the radiant heating element in response to the headrest position data received from the headrest position monitoring device.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: configuring the controller to control operation of the radiant heating element in response to the seat position data received from the seat position monitoring device.

10. The method of claim 9, comprising adjusting a position of the radiant heating element by a position adjustment component in response to a control signal from the controller to heat a hand on the steering wheel. ​ ​ 11. The method of claim 7, including configuring the controller to selectively activate one of the plurality of radiant heat panels, wherein the one radiant heat panel is optimally positioned to heat a hand on the steering wheel.

12. The method of claim 7, including adjusting a position of the radiant heat element by a position adjustment component in response to a control signal from the controller to heat a hand on the steering wheel.

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