Battery-Based Cabin Thermal Management for Low-Mass EV Climate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle cabin thermal management systems add mass and power consumption, which is particularly problematic for electric vehicles and aircraft, impacting weight and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle cabin thermal management system that utilizes the battery's thermal mass for heating and cooling, integrating on-board and off-board subsystems to optimize temperature regulation and reduce mass and energy requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate control units are used for climate control, audio control, and navigation control, then each control function can be specialized, but the device complexity and interior space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions (climate control, audio control, navigation control, and other vehicle systems) into a single touchscreen display interface. The processor integrates these previously separate control units, allowing users to access and control all functions through one unified device rather than multiple separate control panels or buttons throughout the vehicle interior.
Solution Approach 2:
The touchscreen display is designed as a universal control interface that can handle multiple different control functions simultaneously. The system provides climate control, audio playback and control, navigation directions, vehicle settings, and other functions through a single multi-functional device, eliminating the need for specialized separate controls for each function.
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate control units are installed throughout the vehicle, then each control is easily accessible, but the interior space occupied and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple distributed control units into a single centralized touchscreen display. Instead of having separate climate controls on the dashboard, audio controls on the door panels, and navigation controls on the center console, all these functions are merged into one interface that occupants can access from their seating positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a three-dimensional distribution of control units throughout the vehicle interior to a two-dimensional touchscreen interface. Control functions that were previously spread out in physical space across multiple panels and surfaces are now organized on a flat display, reducing the overall volume occupied by control systems while maintaining accessibility.
3Reliability
If conventional separate control systems are used, then system reliability is maintained, but energy consumption increases due to multiple independent units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent control systems into a single integrated processor that manages all control functions. Instead of having separate power supplies, processors, and control circuits for climate control, audio systems, and navigation, all these functions share a common processing platform and power source, reducing total energy consumption while maintaining system reliability through centralized management.
4Device complexity
If a unified touchscreen control system is implemented, then device complexity and interior space are reduced, but control precision and reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
While the user interface is unified, the patent implements segmentation at the software and processing level, with distinct control modules for each function (climate control, audio control, navigation control) operating within the single processor. This allows each control function to maintain its own specialized logic and parameters while sharing the common hardware platform, ensuring reliability through functional separation within integration.
Data Source
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AI summary
The system can include an on-board thermal management subsystem. The system 100 can optionally include an off-board (extravehicular) infrastructure subsystem. The on-board thermal management subsystem can include: a battery pack, one or more fluid loops, and an air manifold. The system 100 can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable components.