Vehicle Air Conditioner Control for Windshield Defogging Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle air conditioner control systems during autonomous driving prioritize occupant comfort over windshield defogging, leading to potential visibility issues when switching from autonomous to manual driving, as they reduce air conditioner power to conserve driving force, which can result in windshield fogging.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle air conditioner control system that includes a compressor and an autonomous driving controller, which prohibits air conditioner power cutting during the transition phase from autonomous to manual driving if windshield fogging is detected, ensuring defogging and maintaining vehicle driving force by allowing air conditioner power cutting only in the absence of fogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If air conditioner power cutting control is performed to secure vehicle driving force during autonomous driving, then vehicle driving performance is improved, but windshield defogging function deteriorates leading to visibility issues
Solution Approach 1:
The air conditioner controller dynamically adjusts the power cutting control strategy based on the detected driving mode transition state. When a transition from autonomous to manual driving is detected, the controller modifies the power allocation to prioritize windshield defogging over compressor operation, ensuring visibility is maintained during critical mode changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the driving mode state and adjusting the air conditioner power cutting control accordingly. The controller receives feedback about the driving mode transition and automatically adjusts the power distribution between the compressor and vehicle drive source to maintain both driving performance and defogging function.
2Loss of energy
If air conditioner power is reduced to conserve driving force during autonomous driving, then energy efficiency is improved, but occupant visibility deteriorates due to windshield fogging
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the driving mode transition state before the actual mode change occurs. By detecting the transition in advance, the controller can proactively adjust the power cutting control to prevent windshield fogging from occurring during the transition, rather than reacting after fogging has already compromised visibility.
3Ease of operation
If compressor operation is prioritized for air conditioning during autonomous driving, then occupant comfort is improved, but vehicle driving performance deteriorates due to power allocation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches the priority between occupant comfort and vehicle driving performance based on the detected driving mode. During normal autonomous driving, the system maintains power cutting control to prioritize driving performance. Upon detecting a transition to manual driving, the system dynamically adjusts to prioritize comfort and defogging functions, ensuring the driver receives adequate ventilation and visibility when taking control of the vehicle.
Data Source
AI summary
In a driving switching preparing section of a road wherein autonomous driving performed by an autonomous driving ECU or autonomous driving controller is switched to manual driving performed by a driver, an air conditioner ECU or an air conditioner controller is configured to prohibit air conditioner power cutting control.