Vehicle A/C Drip Valve Diagnostics Using Condensate Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Clogged air conditioner (A/C) drip valves in ground vehicles cause condensate to collect inside the vehicle, leading to occupant discomfort and potential water ingress, as existing systems lack effective diagnostic methods to detect and address valve malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing cameras and sensors to compare images of a target area before and after A/C operation, determining condensate presence or absence to diagnose drip valve functionality, with trigger signals from sensors like humidity or pressure sensors, and actuating components based on the diagnosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image comparison method is used to detect condensate, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses image copying and comparison - capturing a first image of the target area before A/C operation and a second image after operation, then comparing the two images to detect condensate. This optical copying method enables accurate detection without complex mechanical sensors inside the drip valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical sensor-based detection with an optical imaging system. Instead of using mechanical sensors to directly measure condensate flow, the system uses cameras to capture images and compares them to detect the presence of condensate, substituting mechanical measurement with optical detection.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If cameras and sensors are used for diagnostics, then detection capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into existing vehicle components. The camera system is used not only for A/C drip valve diagnostics but also potentially for other vehicle monitoring functions. The processor that compares images is part of the vehicle's existing control system, reducing the need for dedicated diagnostic hardware and lowering manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's existing infrastructure - the A/C system operates normally while the camera captures images during regular operation. The diagnostic function is self-contained, using the vehicle's own processor and memory to perform image comparison and generate diagnostic information without requiring external diagnostic equipment.
3Reliability
If periodic imaging is performed during A/C operation, then diagnostic reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic imaging during A/C operation - capturing a first image at a first time when the target area is dry, and a second image at a second time after A/C operation. This periodic capture at strategically chosen moments provides reliable diagnostic information while minimizing the total number of images taken and energy consumed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system captures the first image before A/C operation begins, establishing a baseline dry state. This preliminary action allows the system to detect any subsequent condensate formation during operation by comparing against this pre-operation reference, improving reliability while requiring minimal additional imaging.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for detecting a malfunction in a vehicle air conditioner (A/C) drip valve receives a trigger signal to initiate a vehicle A/C drip valve diagnostic for a vehicle, obtains a first image of a target area at a first time when the target area is dry, obtains a second image of the target area after operation of a vehicle A/C at a second time after the first time, compares the first image to the second image to determine a presence or absence of condensate from the vehicle A/C, and determines whether the vehicle A/C drip valve is malfunctioning based upon the comparison.