A thermal regulation system and a method thereof

Abstract

A thermal regulation system (100) comprises a control unit (102), and one or more thermal regulation member (106). The one or more thermal regulation member (106) connected to a one or more unit (104). The control unit (102) is connected to a user interface (108) which is associated with one or more unit (104). The control unit (102) is configured to receive an user input through the user interface (108) indicative of desired first parameter of the one or more unit (104). The desired first parameter is a target value. The control unit (102) further monitors a second parameter which is one or more vehicle (101) related parameters of a vehicle (101). Subsequently, the control unit (102) selectively regulate the first parameter, by controlling the operation of the one or more thermal regulation member (106) based on at least one of the target value and second parameter.

Description

TITLE OF INVENTION:A THERMAL REGULATION SYSTEM AND A METHOD THEREOF FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present subj ect matter is related, in general to a thermal regulation system for one or more unit and a method for regulating thermal parameter of the one or more unit.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Typically, vehicle’s seat assembly is provided with a thermal regulation system, sometimes referred as “system” involving one or more thermal regulation member installed in a vehicle, specifically designed to control the temperature of the seat assembly of the vehicle. The system operates based on a user selection or realtime vehicle parameters. When a user selects a temperature option, the control unit evaluates the real time conditions of the vehicle to determine if the power generated by the vehicle is adequate to support the operation of the thermal regulation member. If the real-time parameters are deemed sufficient, the control unit activates a thermal regulation member, thereby enabling the thermal system to set the thermal parameter as per the user selection. Conversely, if the real-time parameters indicate insufficient power resources to support the operation of the thermal regulation member, the system will remain inactive to prevent overloading or draining of the vehicle’s power source. Further, in such scenarios, to support operation of the thermal regulation members, the system must be connected to a high capacity power-source. However, using high-capacity power-source with higher dimensions and capacity is not preferred, especially in vehicles with a compact layout, primarily because high-capacity powersource can increase costs, add weight, and complicate maintenance.

[0003] In some instances, when the real time operating conditions of the vehicle are not sufficient to operate the thermal regulation system, the entire thermal regulation system is deactivated. This defeats the entire perspective of user’s comfort. Furthermore, the application is limited to controlling the thermal regulation of vehicleseats only. Expanding the thermal regulation system to include other vehicle-related accessories could significantly improve overall user comfort.

[0004] Accordingly, a need or requirement still exists in the field of thermal regulation of a vehicle and other related accessories of the vehicle which can enhance user comfort while ensuring optimum performance of a vehicle. This need poses a challenge for the designers to design a control unit which can provide a thermal comfort feature even in prime mover’s switch off condition or prime mover’s idling condition.

[0005] Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of described systems with some aspects of the present disclosure, as set forth in the remainder of the present application and with reference to the drawings.SUMMARY

[0006] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

[0007] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a thermal regulation system, comprises a control unit, and one or more thermal regulation member. The one or more thermal regulation member connected to a one or more unit. The control unit is connected to a user interface which is associated with one or more unit. The control unit is configured to receive a user input through the user interface indicative of desired first parameter of the one or more unit. The desired first parameter is a target value. The control unit further monitors a second parameter which is one or more vehicle related parameters of a vehicle. Subsequently, the control unit selectively regulate the first parameter, by controlling the operation of the one or more thermal regulation member based on at least one of the target value and second parameter.

[0008] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit being configured with a predefined look up table. The predefined look up table is amatrix of plurality of predefined range levels of the second parameter, and a plurality of predefined range levels of a third parameter. Each of the plurality of predefined range levels of a third parameter corresponds to each of the plurality of predefined range levels of the second parameter. The third parameter being proportionally associated to the first parameter.

[0009] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the first parameter being thermal regulation value of the one or more unit by the one or more thermal regulation member.

[0010] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the second parameter being at least one of vehicle speed, prime mover speed, prime mover temperature, energy level of an energy storage unit of the vehicle, and a temperature associated with the one or more units. The third parameter is a level of ranges of an electrical energy corresponding to the each level of range of the second parameter.

[0011] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit sets the first parameter of the one or more unit equal to the target value if a first set of conditions being satisfied. The first set of conditions includes at least one of the second parameter in real time and the third parameter in real time is more than or equal to the range of second parameter and the third parameter corresponding to the target value.

[0012] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, upon failure of the first set of conditions, the control unit is configured to set the first parameter of the one or more unit corresponding to the real time second parameter and the real time third parameter based on the predefined look up table.

[0013] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is configured to generate a notification signal to the user if the target value does not match the first parameter set by the control unit.

[0014] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is configured to regulate the first parameter after a predefined time “Tl” of the second parameter.

[0015] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the present invention provides a method of thermal regulation which comprises the steps ofreceiving, an user input through the user interface indicative of desired first parameter of the one or more unit, the desired first parameter being a target value. Based on the desired first parameter, monitoring by the control unit, a second parameter which is one or more vehicle related parameters of a vehicle. Subsequently, selectively regulating, by the control unit the first parameter, by controlling the operation of the one or more thermal regulation member based on at least one of the target values and second parameter.

[0016] As per one of the embodiments, a thermal regulation system as claimed in any of the preceding claims includes application in storage bag, storage box, Apparel, hand gloves, handgrips, riding gears, shoes, cap.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 1 shows a block diagram illustrative of one or more components of the thermal regulation system, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 1 (a) shows a block diagram illustrative of one or more components of the thermal regulation system, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure

[0020] Figure 2 exemplarily illustrates a user interface connected with the vehicle incorporating one or more aspects of the present subject matter, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0021] Figure 3 illustrates a method of thermal regulation of one or more units associated with a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 illustrates a process flow of the control unit of thermal regulation system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5 illustrates a predefined look up of the control unit of thermal regulation system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The present disclosure may be best understood with reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. Various embodiments are discussed below with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed descriptions given herein with respect to the figures are simply for explanatory purposes as the system may extend beyond the described embodiments. For example, the teachings presented, and the needs of a particular application may yield multiple alternative and suitable approaches to implement the functionality of any detail described herein. Therefore, any approach may extend beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown.

[0025] References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0026] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with different embodiments. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather those embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0027] The present invention is illustrated with a vehicle. However, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that the present invention is not limited to a two-wheeled, three-wheeled or four-wheeled vehicle but is extensible to multi -axle vehicles.

[0028] An objective of the present subject matter is to provide an improved thermal regulation system for one or more unit associated with a vehicle and aims atovercoming the technical problems mentioned above and the disadvantages in the existing art.

[0029] It is further another objective of the present invention to ensure consistent user comfort based on real-time vehicle conditions, thereby enhancing user experience under all circumstances without exhibiting unwanted stress / load on the vehicle system.

[0030] It is also an objective of the present invention to provide a thermal regulation system which ensures optimum user comfort without increasing the number of vehicle components such as increased number of power sources, or increasing the size of the power source. More specifically, the present invention aims to provide the thermal regulation system in economically significant way, without altering the existing layout of the vehicle.

[0031] It is also an objective of the present invention to provide a thermal regulation system which is configured to regulate thermal parameters of one or more units which are associated with a vehicle. Thereby, the present invention is not limited to a specific vehicle component.

[0032] It is also an objective of the present invention to provide a thermal regulation system which is configured to regulate the thermal parameter of the one or more unit based on user’s selection and / or real time operating condition of the vehicle.

[0033] It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a thermal comfort even in prime mover’s idling or prime mover’s switch-off condition.

[0034] In accordance with the present disclosure, the present subject matter relates to a thermal regulation system and a method for a unit which is associated with a vehicle. In an embodiment, the one or more unit includes a safety gears and accessories associated with the vehicle such as helmet, apparels, riding gloves, knee pads, etc. Further, the one or more unit also includes vehicle components such as seat assembly. The one or more unit comprises one or more thermal regulation member disposed therein. The one or more thermal regulation member are connected to a control unit. The control unit is configured to be connected with the vehicle. As per an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit connected with the one or more units. Thecontrol unit enables selective activation of the one or more thermal regulation member, based on a desired thermal value or user’s selection of the thermal value. In an embodiment, the thermal value which comprises pre-defined temperature ranges available on a user interface of the vehicle which enables the user to select the desired thermal value of the one or more units. The thermal value of the one or more unit is the first parameter. The user interface is an interactive platform such as display unit installed on a vehicle, or an electronic device connected with the vehicle. As per an embodiment the electronic device is connected to the control unit of a one or more unit.

[0035] Whilst known arts equipped with thermal regulation system for the seat assembly merely comprise an enabling and disabling of the thermal regulation system of the vehicle seat. In other words, in the known art the thermal regulation system simply toggles between ON and OFF conditions based on desired thermal value or the first parameter of the one or more unit by the user. On the contrary, the present invention provides an improved control and regulation of the thermal parameter of the one or more unit which provides optimum comfort to the user, based on both individual user preferences or / and real-time vehicle conditions.

[0036] For instance, since a vehicle is often operated in diverse and open environmental conditions, it is crucial for riders to experience optimal comfort when using vehicle-related accessories or any part of the vehicle. Whether driving in extreme heat, cold, or varying weather conditions, the comfort of the users can significantly impact their overall driving experience. Therefore, it is an objective of the present invention to ensure optimum comfort to the user while ensuring optimum power efficiency of the vehicle.

[0037] The present subject matter adequately addresses the above-stated limitations or drawbacks in real-time usage of the vehicle by configuring the control unit to operate based on received user input in conjunction with satisfaction of a first set of conditions to improve overall efficiency in terms of power consumption in the vehicle.

[0038] The present subject matter addresses above-mentioned concerns with reference to the vehicle layout and achieves a compact vehicle layout in its object bydisposition of one or more thermal regulation member below an external cover of the seat assembly. Further, since the present subject matter operates the one or more thermal regulation member through communication between the user interface and the control unit, the overall vehicle layout isn’t disrupted, and utility of weighty connection channels are avoided.

[0039] Figure 1 shows a block diagram illustrative of one or more components of the thermal regulation system, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 1 (a) shows a block diagram illustrative of one or more components of the thermal regulation system, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure

[0041] With reference to Figure 1, 101 denotes a vehicle, 102 denotes a control unit, 102a denotes a processing unit, 102b denotes a memory, 102c denotes an input port, 102d denotes an output port, 104 denotes a unit which is associated with the vehicle, 106 denotes one or more thermal regulation member, 108 denotes a user interface, 110 denotes a prime mover of the vehicle, 112 denotes an energy storage unit.

[0042] The figure 1 and the figure 1(a) are explained together for sake of brevity. As per an embodiment, the vehicle 101 comprises the control unit 102, a prime mover 110, an energy storage unit 112. As per yet another embodiment, the control unit 102 is part of one or more units. The user interface 108 is connected to the vehicle 101. Further, one or more thermal regulation member 106 is connected to the control unit 102 of the vehicle 101. In an aspect of the present invention, the control unit 102 receives an input from the user interface 108, the prime mover 110 and the energy storage unit 112. The output of the control unit 102 comprises operation of the one or more thermal regulation member 106 of the unitl04.

[0043] The vehicle 100 may refer to an internal combustion engine driven vehicle, an electric driven vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. The vehicle 100 refers to any means of mobility configured to transport persons and goods. In view of achieving propulsion, the vehicle 100 comprises a prime mover 110. The prime mover 110 may be aninternal combustion engine, a combination of a battery pack and a motor unit or other forms of usable work generation devices.

[0044] The vehicle 100 is connected to the unit via the control unit of the vehicle. The unit 104 may be generically referred to as seats but is intended to include other parts of vehicle or other rider accessories which are used by rider during riding. As per an aspect of the present invention, the unit includes a safety wearable of the user such as helmet, or a rider jacket etc. In an aspect, one or more thermal regulation member 106 are disposed in at least a portion of the seat assembly 104.

[0045] The one or more thermal regulation member 106 may refer to thermoelectric devices such as, but not limited to, Peltier modules which are embedded in a portion of the one or more unit 104 and are covered by an external cover (not shown). The one or more thermal regulation member 106 are configured to operate in a temperature range based on the received input from the control unit 102.

[0046] The user interface 108 provided in the vehicle serves as a human machine interface platform. The user interface 108 may refer to a dashboard, an instrument cluster, or a speedometer of the vehicle. The user interface 108 comprises a display screen indicative of vehicle parameters and characteristics. The user interface is configured to receive user input through operation of control switches or a touch-based interface. As per an embodiment of the present invention the user interface may refer to smart devices such as smart wearable accessories, smart mobiles etc.

[0047] In accordance with the vehicle layout, the one or more thermal regulation member 106 may be powered by an energy storage unit 110 of the vehicle 100, or by the battery which is configured with the one or more thermal regulation member 106.

[0048] In an aspect, the control unit 102 comprises a processing unit 102a, a memory 102b, an input port 102c and an output port 102d. In an embodiment, the control unit 102 may include more than one of same or similar control units or controllers. In an aspect, the processing unit 102a may be coupled to the memory 102b, the transceiver, and the input / output unit 102c, 102d. In another embodiment, the control unit 102 may include only a processor which may be required to process the received instructions / signals from one or more inputs device like control switches, a user interface configured to receive a user input and process the same.

[0049] In an aspect, the processing unit 102a of the control unit 102 may include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and / or code that may be configured to execute a set of instructions stored in the memory 102b. The processing unit 102a may be implemented based on a number of processor technologies known in the art. The processor unit may work in coordination with the transceiver, the input / output unit including the input port 102c and the output port 102d to receive one or more vehicle related parameters. Examples of the processor unit include, but not limited to, an X86-based processor, a Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) processor, an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) processor, a Complex Instruction Set Computing (CIBC) processor, and / or other processor.

[0050] The transceiver as well as the input port 102c and the output port 102d of the control unit 102 may include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and / or code that may be configured to transmit and receive a user input indicative of desired thermal regulation and transmit an operative signal to the one or more thermal regulation member 106. The transceiver, input port 102c and the output port 102d may implement one or more known technologies to support wired or wireless communication with the communication network. In an embodiment, the transceiver, input port 102c and the output port 102d may include, but is not limited to, an antenna, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver, one or more amplifiers, a tuner, one or more oscillators, a digital signal processor, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) device, a coderdecoder (CODEC) chipset, a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, and / or a local buffer. The transceiver, input port 102c and the output port 102d may communicate via wireless communication with networks, such as but not limited to the Internet, an Intranet and / or a wireless network, such as a cellular telephone network, a wireless local area network (LAN) and / or a metropolitan area network (MAN). The wireless communication may use any of a plurality of communication standards, protocols and technologies, such as: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), wideband code division multiple access (W-CDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access(TDMA), Bluetooth, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) (e,g., IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g and / or IEEE 802.1 In), voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Wi-MAX.

[0051] In some embodiments, the memory 102b in communication with the control unit 102 is capable of storing machine executable instructions. Further, the control unit 102 is capable of executing the machine executable instructions to perform the functions described herein. The control unit 102 is in communication with components such as the processing unit 102a and the analytic module. In another embodiment, the control unit 102 is embodied as a multi-core processor, a single core processor, or a combination of one or more multi-core processors and one or more single core processors. For example, the control unit 102 is embodied as one or more of various processing devices, such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processing circuitry with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices including integrated circuits such as, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, or the like. In yet another embodiment, the control unit 102 is configured to execute hard-coded functionality. In still another embodiment, the control unit 102 is embodied as an executor of instructions, where the instructions are specifically configured to the control unit 102 to perform the steps or operations described herein for operating the one or more thermal regulation member 106.

[0052] The control unit 102 may be configured to include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and / or code that may be configured to store the set of instructions, which are executed by a processing unit 102a of the control unit 102. In an embodiment, the memory 102b may be configured to store one or more programs, routines, or scripts that may be executed in coordination with the processor. The memory 102b may be implemented based on a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), a Hard Disk Drive (HDD), a storage server, and / or a Secure Digital (SD) card for storing various one or more vehicle related parameters, thermal indices of the one or more thermal regulation member 106. Furthermore, the memory 102b may comprise one or more computer-readable storage media which may be utilized in implementing embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. A computer-readable storage medium refers to any type of physical memory on which information or data readable by a processor may be stored. Thus, a computer-readable storage medium may store instructions for execution by one or more processors, including instructions for causing the processor(s) to perform steps or stages consistent with the embodiments described herein. The term “computer-readable storage medium” should be understood to include tangible items and exclude carrier waves and transient signals, i.e., be non-transitory. Examples include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), volatile memory, non-volatile memory, hard drives, CD ROMs, DVDs, flash drives, disks, and any other known physical storage media”. In a preferred embodiment the memory 102b is a dynamic memory.In an aspect, the control unit 102 is configured to be connected to one or more thermal regulation member 106 disposed in a portion of the one or more unit 104 which are associated with the vehicle 100. As per an aspect of the present invention, the control unit 102 is configured to detect the presence of one or more thermal regulation member 106 embedded in the one or more unit 104 by transmission of an input signal from the control unit 102 to the one or more thermal regulation member 106. The input signal may be a pre-defined transient current transmitted through CAN. The one or more thermal regulation member 106 in view of the received input signal transmits a feedback signal. The control unit 102 receives the feedback signal associated with the input signal from the one or more thermal regulation member.

[0053] In an embodiment, if a feedback signal is received by the control unit 102, the control unit 102 concludes as to error free configuration of the one or more thermal regulation member 106 embedded in the one or more units 104, and otherwise concludes on the error of the one or more thermal regulation member 106. In another embodiment, only if the received feedback signal matches a pre-set feedback signal range, the control unit 102 concludes to an error free presence of the one or more thermal regulation member 106 embedded in the one or more units 104, and otherwise concludes on the error.

[0054] The control unit 102, based on the status of the input signal and the feedback signals, transmits a signal indicative of a state of detection of the one or more thermal regulation member 106 to an user interface 108 of the vehicle 100. The signalindicative of the state of detection being one of present and absent of the one or more thermal regulation member 106 in the one or more units 104 of the vehicle 100.

[0055] In an aspect, the user interface 108 comprises a graphic element associated with thermal regulation of the seat assembly 104. The transmitted signal by the control unit 102 configures the control parameters of the user interface 108 comprises enabling the graphic element to receive the user input upon state of detection of the one or more thermal regulation member 106 being configured in an error free state. At vehicle start or initiation of ignition, the graphic element is configured to be dormant, and only upon error free detection of the one or more thermal regulation member 106 by the control unit 102 is the graphic element enabled. In the event the vehicle 100 is in a non-running condition, the user may communicate with the control unit 102 via the user interface 108, through a personal digital assistant of the occupant or user such as mobile phone.

[0056] In another exemplary embodiment, the user interface 108 comprises a plurality of graphic elements, whereby each graphic element being linked to each of the one or more units. The disclosed configuration provides customizable thermal value or first parameter for each of the units based on user desirability.

[0057] The user interface 108 at this stage is responsive to receipt of a user input indicative of desired thermal value of each of the one or more units 104. The control unit 102, being connected to the user interface 108, is now configured to receive the user input indicative of desired thermal value. As per an aspect of the present invention, the thermal value of the one or more units is the first parameter.

[0058] In an aspect, the control unit 102 monitors second parameter. The second parameter is one or more vehicle related parameters of the vehicle 100. The one or more vehicle related parameters being at least one of vehicle speed, prime mover speed, prime mover temperature, energy level of an energy storage unit of the vehicle 100, and a temperature associated with the one or more units 104. In an embodiment, the one or more vehicle related parameters of the vehicle 100 is indicative of a running state and a non-running state of the vehicle 100.

[0059] In an aspect of the present invention, the control unit 102 is configured with a predefined lookup table. The pre-defined lookup table is a matrix of plurality of predefined range levels of the second parameter, and a plurality of predefined range levels of a third parameter. The third parameter is the range of energy generated corresponding to each level of predefined range levels of the second parameter. As per an embodiment of the present invention, the second parameter is the rotation per minute (RPM) of the power unit. Importantly, the third parameter is proportionally associated with at least one of the first parameter and the second parameter.

[0060] Figure 2 exemplarily illustrates a user interface connected with the vehicle incorporating one or more aspects of the present subject matter, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0061] With reference to Figure 2 in conjunction with Figure 1, a preferred embodiment 200 of the user interface 108 in the vehicle 100 is depicted. The displayed user interface 200 in the preferred embodiment, may be arrived by the occupant or user or rider, upon invoking a settings icon (not shown) during a stand-by condition or an ignition ON-condition of the vehicle 100. Upon invoking the settings icon, the user is directed to a “general tab” 202. Further, upon invoking the “general tab” 202 the user is directed to a “first page” 204. The “first page” 204 may contain various tabs relating to customization of the vehicle parameters. In the “first page” 204 the user is also provided with a “Thermal regulation”. Upon invoking the “Thermal regulation” the user is directed to a “second page” 206, which pertains to selection of one or more units for controlling their respective first parameter. In the “second page” 206, the user is provided with a menu or display list which enlists each of the one or more units which are connected with the control unit for thermal regulation. If the user selects “seat assembly” tab 208, the user is provided with option to select the desired thermal value to be enabled in the one or more thermal regulation member 106.

[0062] Further, upon invoking the “seat assembly” tab 208, the user is further directed to a “third page” 310. The “third page” 310 provides the necessary customization pertaining to desired thermal value in the one or more units 104.

[0063] In an embodiment, the “select thermal value” tab corresponds to customization pertaining to first parameter of the one or more units 104. In the present exemplary embodiment, the selection bar is provided with a scale between 1 unit to 5 units, wherein 1 unit represents minimal thermal requirement closes to a pre-set ambient temperature, while 5 units represents maximum permissible thermal value that can be accorded to the one or more units 104. The first selection bar for illustration purposes is depicted from a scale of 1 unit to 5 unit, however the same shall not be construed to limit the present subject matter to the depicted embodiment. In an embodiment, the pre-set ambient temperature is at least 25°C.

[0064] In an embodiment, the scale in the selection bar may be based on a percentage scale or a unit scale or any other metric as per design feasibility and requirement in the vehicle.

[0065] In an embodiment, the selections provided by the user may be stored in the instrument cluster as a user profile (not shown). Accordingly, the control unit 102 may activate the selections made by the user, when the user selects the relevant user profile.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the one or more thermal regulation member 106 comprises Peltier units. The Peltier units comprise of circuit formed by dissimilar conductors where the electric current flowing through the circuit modifies the heat emission and heat absorption characteristics. The disposition of the one or more thermal regulation member 106 in the vehicle 100 does not disrupt the intended compact vehicle layout of the vehicle or the existing structure of the one or more units.

[0067] Figure 3 illustrates a method of thermal regulation of one or more units associated with a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] With reference to Figure 3, the method 300 begins at step 302 and proceeds to step 304. At step 304, the control unit 102 enables the user interface to display the user interface as described in figure 2. In an aspect, the user interface 108 comprises a graphic element associated with thermal regulation of the one or more units 104. The method then proceeds to step 306, in which the parameters of the user interface 108 comprises enabling the graphic element to receive a user input which is received by the control unit 102 through the input port 102c. At step 308, the control unit 102 isconfigured to monitor the second parameter, and the third parameter of the vehicle 100. At step 310, the control unit 102 is configured to selectively operate the one or more thermal regulation unit based on at least one of the received user inputs and a first set of condition (elaborated in figure 4). The process 300 then flows to step 314 where the process 300 stops.

[0069] Figure 4 illustrates a process flow of the control unit of thermal regulation system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] The process 400 starts at step 402. Subsequently, the process 400 flows to step 403. At step 403, the control unit 102 is configured to detect the error free presence / connection of the one or more thermal regulation member 106. In accordance with the present configuration, the one or more thermal regulation member 106 are embedded in one or more units 104. In an embodiment, the control unit 102 transmits an input signal to the one or more thermal regulation member 106 and awaits a feedback signal in response to the transmitted input signal. The feedback signal is indicative of the error free presence of the one or more thermal regulation member 106 in the one or more unit. After receipt of the feedback signal by the control unit 102 from the one or more thermal regulation member 106, the control unit 102 transmits a signal indicative of a state of detection of the one or more thermal regulation member to a user interface 108 of the vehicle 100. Once, the control unit 102 detects an error free presence of the one or more thermal regulation unit 106, the process 400 flows to step 404. However, if the control unit detects some error in the one or more thermal regulation member 106, the process flows to step 405 where a notification signal is transmitted to the user through the user interface. Subsequently, the process end at step 428.

[0071] At step 404, the user interface is enabled by the control unit 102. More specifically, the control unit 102 is configured to transmits a signal which enables the user interface. In an embodiment, the enablement of the user interface 108, activates a menu content on the user interface for the user. The activation of the menu content may be activation of a graphic element disposed on the menu content of the user interface 108 or activation of a tab as illustrated in Figure 2 of the present disclosure. The activation configuration of the user interface 108 comprises enablement of receiptof one or more user inputs pertaining to thermal regulation of the one or more units, via control switches, a keypad or even a touch-based interface. The process flows to step 406. At step 406, the control unit is configured to receive the user input from the user interface. The user input is indicative of desired first parameter of the one or more unit, wherein the first parameter is the thermal value of the one or more unit.

[0072] Subsequently, the process 400 flows to step 408. At step 408, the control unit 102 is configured to set the desired first parameter as a target value in the memory of the control unit 102. The target value asserts a final value of first parameter to be achieved via operation of the one or more thermal regulation member 106. In an embodiment, the desired first parameter is a predefined range of thermal value associated with the one or more unit. Illustratively, the predefined range is unique to each unit of the one or more units.

[0073] The process 400 flows to step 412. At step 412, the control unit 102 is configured to constantly monitor at least one of the real time first parameter, and at least one of the second parameter, and the third parameters. As per an aspect of the present invention, the second parameter is range of one or more vehicle related parameters, and the third parameter is a level of ranges of an electrical energy corresponding to each level of range of the second parameter. More specifically, the second parameter is at least one of vehicle speed, prime mover speed, prime mover temperature, energy level of an energy storage unit of the vehicle, and a temperature associated with the one or more units. While the first parameter is thermal regulation value of the one or more unit, the third parameter is proportional to the value of the second parameters, while the third parameter is proportional to the first parameter.

[0074] Subsequently, the process 400 flows to step 414. At step 414, the control unit 102 is configured to a check a first set of conditions by referring the pre-defined look up table. As per an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 102 is configured with a predefined look up table. The predefined look up table is a matrix of plurality of predefined range levels of the second parameter, and a plurality of predefined range levels of a third parameter, and first parameter. The range level of the first parameter is corresponding to each level of range of the third parameter. While, the each of the plurality of predefined range levels of a third parameter iscorresponding to each of the plurality of predefined range levels of the second parameter. The first parameter of the one or more units, is directly proportional to at least one of the second parameter, and the third parameter where the third parameter is proportionally associated to the second parameter.

[0075] The first set of conditions includes the real time second parameter of the vehicle is equal to or more than the predetermined second parameter which is required corresponding to the target value of the first parameter for a predefined time “Tl”. If the first set of condition is satisfied, then the process 400 flows to step 418. At step 418, the control unit 102 sets the first parameter of the one or more unit equal to the target value, by controlling the operation of the one or more thermal regulation member. As per yet another embodiment, the control unit 102 is configured to set the target value equal to the real time first parameter of the one or more unit, in the event where the target value is already achieved by one or more thermal regulation member 106.

[0076] However, if the control unit detects that the first set of conditions is failed, or the first set of conditions is not satisfied, the process 400 flow to step 416. At step 416, the control unit is configured to set the first parameter of the one or more unit equal to the first parameter which is corresponding to at least one of the second parameter and the third parameter. The control unit is configured to regulate the first parameter after a predefined time “Tl” of the second parameter. Once, the first parameter of the one or more units is set, the process 400 flows to step 420. At step 420, the control unit 102 is configured to generate a notification signal to the user. The purpose of the notification signal is to inform the user about the status of the thermal regulation system. In case the first parameter is set different from the user selected value i.e., the desired first parameter, the notification signal notifies the user about the action that they can take to enable the first parameter equal to the desired first parameter of the one or more units (104).

[0077] Figure 5 illustrates a predefined look up of the control unit of thermal regulation system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0001] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 102 is configured with a pre-defined look up table 500. The pre-defined look up table 500 is illustrates a relationship between first parameter with the second parameter and the third parameter which is corresponding to the second parameter. The second parameter is a predefined level of range of vehicle RPM. Illustratively, the range of xl ranges from 1000 RPM to 2500 RPM, x2 ranges from 1500 RPM to 3500 RPM, x3 ranges from 2500 RPM to 5500 RPM, while the x4 ranges from 4500 RPM to 10000 RPM. The third parameter ranges proportionally to the second parameter. Illustratively, the range of Y1 is in the range of 0.2 to 0.4, the range of Y2 is in the range of 0.3 to 0.8, and the range of Y3 is in the range of 0.6 to 1. The “P” in the table is a constant value. As seen from the pre-defined look up table, the range level to the first parameter is corresponding to the range value of the second parameter and the third parameter.

[0002] For the sake of illustration, let us consider a 2 wheeled vehicle, and the specific values and parameters to demonstrate the functionality of the claimed invention is provided below:Example: Thermal regulation system:One or more unit: Seat assembly of the vehicle.Thermal regulation member: Embedded in the seat cushionControl Unit: Central vehicle control systemUser Interface: Dashboard display / Instrument cluster of the 2W vehicle First Parameter: Thermal value of the seat assemblySecond Parameter: Vehicle Speed, Prime Mover Speed (engine speed) Third Parameter: Energy generated by the second parameter.The control unit initiates a signal to detect the thermal regulation member embedded in the seat cushion. The feedback signal confirms the error free presence of thermal regulation member. Upon detecting the thermal regulation member, the control unit activates a graphic element on the dashboard display (user interface) associated with seat temperature control. The user generated a user desired thermal value i.e., thedesired first parameter of the seat assembly through the user interface. Let us consider, the user has selected level 3 of cooling. The control unit continuously monitors at least one of the second parameter and the third parameter of the vehicle as listed below:• Vehicle Speed: 60 mph• Second Parameter (Prime Mover Speed): 3000 RPM• Third Parameter (Energy generated): 21 Watt• Energy Level of the Battery (SOC): 80%

[0003] The control unit checks the first set of condition which requires that the real time second parameter of the vehicle is equal to or more than the predefined second parameter which is required corresponding to the target value of the first parameter for a predefined time “Tl”. Based on the predefined lookup table, the control unit determines that for the level 3 of cooling, which is requested by the user, the RPM of the prime mover should be at least in the range of 2500 RPM - 5500 RPM, and the third parameter should be at least 21 Watt. Since first set of condition are satisfied, the control unit operates the thermal regulation member to adjust the seat temperature according to the user's input. In an embodiment, the first set of conditions comprises user input received during a vehicle running state, prime mover speed is within the acceptable range, and energy level of the battery is above a threshold, where the threshold is less 20% of the total capacity of the battery.

[0004] The control unit continuously verifies the satisfaction of the predefined conditions. If, over a set time threshold, the conditions are not met (e.g., the vehicle stops, or the prime mover temperature exceeds the threshold), the control unit selectively regulates the operation of the thermal regulation member. The control unit sets the first parameter based on the real time second parameter, and the third parameter.

[0005] On another scenario, consider that another scenario where the real time operating condition of the vehicle are:Vehicle Speed: 60 mphSecond Parameter (Prime Mover Speed): 2000 RPMThird Parameter (Energy generated): 10 WattEnergy Level of the Battery (SOC): 80%

[0006] Now, as the user has selected level 3 of cooling, the real time vehicle operating condition would fail to meet the desired first input. Thus, the control unit is configured to operate the thermal regulation member to based on the real time operating conditions of the vehicle and predefined look up table. For example, if the real time operating conditions of the vehicle can support operating the thermal regulation member at level 2 of cooling instead of level 3 of cooling as desired by the user, the control unit will operate the thermal regulation member at level 2 of cooling. Simultaneously, a user notification is generated for the user indicating the actions to be taken to by the user for operating the thermal regulation member at desired first parameter. The claimed invention is related to a system and method for a thermal regulation system, particularly in a one or more unit which is associated with the vehicle. The described invention involves a control unit that detects thermal regulation member, communicates their status to a user interface, receives user input for desired first parameter, monitors a second parameter and a third parameter, and selectively regulated the first parameter by controlling the operation of the thermal regulation member based on user input and a first set of conditions. This concrete application may make it less likely to be considered abstract.

[0007] The claimed invention includes technical details such as the detection of thermal regulation member, communication between the control unit and user interface, monitoring of vehicle-related parameters, and operation of thermal regulation member based on specific conditions. These technical details suggest a practical, tangible implementation. The claimed invention integrates various components, including the control unit, user interface, thermal regulation member, and vehicle-related parameters. The coordination of these components for the specific purpose of thermal regulation in a vehicle adds a level of complexity beyond abstract concepts.

[0008] The combination of detecting the presence of thermal regulation member, receiving user input, monitoring vehicle-related parameters, and operating the thermalregulation member based on specific conditions may not be obvious to a person skilled in the art. The specific conditions, such as vehicle speed, temperature thresholds, and energy levels, contribute to the non-obviousness of the claimed invention. In view of the above, the claimed invention may not be considered abstract and may not be obvious to a person skilled in the art include:

[0009] The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “the embodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “some embodiments”, and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the invention(s)” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including”, “comprising”, “having” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0010] The claimed invention provides a thermal regulation system for a one or more units which are associated with a vehicle. The present disclosure provides a control unit 102 which regulates the first parameter by controlling the operation of the one or more thermal regulation member 106 to optimize power consumption in the vehicle, and ensuring optimum comfort to the user in all environmental conditions, whilst maintaining the vehicle torque and speed requirements.

[0011] Additionally, the accessibility of the user interface in setting a desired thermal value by an user remotely via a personal digital assistant, further improves the realtime applicability of the present disclosure in vehicle level implementation.

[0012] In light of the above-mentioned advantages and the technical advancements provided by the disclosed system and method, the claimed system and the undertaken method of operation as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed system and claimed method enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Further, the claimed system and claimed method clearly brings an improvement in the functioning of the control unit 102 in conjunction with the one or more thermal regulation member 106 itself as the claimed system and constructional features provide a technical solution to a technical problem.

[0013] Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter, and is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

[0014] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. A person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the systems, modules, and sub-modules have been illustrated and explained to serve as examples and should not be considered limiting in any manner. It will be further appreciated that the variants of the above disclosed system elements, modules, and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined to create other different systems or applications. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any of the aforementioned system modules may be suitably replaced, reordered, or removed, and additional steps and / or system modules may be inserted, depending on the needs of a particular application.

[0015] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A thermal regulation system (100) comprising:one or more thermal regulation member (106), the one or more thermal regulation member (106) is connected to a one or more unit (104);one or more control unit (102), the one or more control unit (102) being connected to a user interface (108), the user interface (108) being associated with the one or more unit (104);wherein the control unit (102) being configured to:receive, a user input through the user interface (108) indicative of desired first parameter of the one or more unit (104), the desired first parameter being a target value;monitor, a second parameter, wherein the second parameter being one or more vehicle related parameters of a vehicle (101); and selectively regulate the first parameter, by controlling the operation of the one or more thermal regulation member (106) based on at least one of the target values and / or the second parameter.

2. The thermal regulation system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (102) being configured with a predefined look up table (500), the predefined look up table (500) being a matrix of plurality of predefined range levels of the second parameter, and a plurality of predefined range levels of a third parameter, wherein each of the plurality of predefined range levels of the third parameter being corresponding to each of the plurality of predefined range levels of the second parameter, and wherein the third parameter being proportionally associated to the first parameter.

3. The thermal regulation system (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first parameter includes a thermal regulation value of the one or more unit (104) by the one or more thermal regulation member (106).

4. The thermal regulation system (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the second parameter being at least one of vehicle speed, prime mover speed, prime mover temperature, energy level of an energy storage unit (112) of the vehicle (101), and a temperature associated with the one or more unit (104) and, wherein the third parameter being a level of ranges of an electrical energy corresponding to the each level of range of the second parameter.

5. The thermal regulation system (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (102) sets the first parameter of the one or more unit (104) equal to the target value if a first set of conditions being satisfied, wherein the first set of conditions includes at least one of the second parameter in real time and the third parameter in real time is more than or equal to the range of second parameter and the third parameter corresponding to the target value as per the pre-defined look up table (500).

6. The thermal regulation system (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein upon failure of the first set of conditions, the control unit (102) is configured to set the first parameter of the one or more unit (104) corresponding to the real time second parameter and the real time third parameter based on the predefined look up table (500).

7. The thermal regulation system (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (102) being configured to generate a notification signal to the user if the target value does not match the first parameter set by the control unit (102).

8. The thermal regulation system (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (102) being configured to regulate the first parameter after a predefined time “Tl” of the second parameter.

9. A method of thermal regulation (300), the method comprising the steps of: receiving, an user input through the user interface (108) indicative of desired a first parameter of the one or more unit (104), the desired first parameter being a target value at step 306;monitoring, a second parameter, wherein the second parameter being one or more vehicle related parameters of a vehicle (101) at step 308; and selectively regulating, the first parameter, by controlling the operation of the one or more thermal regulation member (106) based on at least one of the target value and second parameter at step 310.

10. The method of thermal regulation (300) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the control unit (102) being configured with a predefined look up table (500), the predefined look up table (500) being a matrix of plurality of predefined range levels of the second parameter, and a plurality of predefined range levels of a third parameter, wherein each of the plurality of predefined range levels of a third parameter being corresponding to each of the plurality of predefined range levels of the second parameter, and wherein the third parameter being proportionally associated to the first parameter.

11. The method of thermal regulation (300) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first parameter being thermal regulation value of the one or more unit (104) by the one or more thermal regulation member (106).

12. The method of thermal regulation (300)as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the second parameter being at least one of vehicle speed, prime mover speed, prime mover temperature, energy level of an energy storage unit (112) of the vehicle (101), and a temperature associated with the one or more unit (104)s and, wherein the third parameter being a level of ranges of an electrical energy corresponding to the each level of range of the second parameter.

13. The method of thermal regulation (300)as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (102) sets the first parameter equal to the target value at step 418 if a first set of conditions being satisfied at step 414, wherein the first set of conditions includes at least one of the second parameter in real time and the third parameter in real time is more than or equal to the range of second parameter and the third parameter corresponding to the target value.

14. The method of thermal regulation (300) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein in case of non-satisfaction first set of conditions, is the control unit (102) is configured to set the first parameter of the unit corresponding to the real time second parameter and the real time third parameter based on the predefined look up table (500) at step 416.

15. The method of thermal regulation (300) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (102) being configured to generate a notification signal at step 420, to the user if the target value does not match the first parameter set by the control unit (102).

16. The method of thermal regulation (300) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (102) being configured to regulate the first parameter after a predefined time “Tl” of the second parameter.

17. A thermal regulation system as claimed in any of the preceding claims includes application in storage bag, storage box, Apparel, hand gloves, handgrips, riding gears, shoes, cap.

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