Vehicle Blower Power Control for Cabin Comfort and Low NVH

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicle climate systems generate high levels of noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) when operating at maximum power to achieve quick temperature control, which compromises passenger comfort and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A controller adjusts the blower power based on cabin temperature, operating it at a predetermined value outside a moderate temperature range and reducing power within that range to minimize NVH, with power adjustments independent or dependent on temperature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the blower is operated at maximum power capability to provide optimal heating or cooling, then the system performance and customer comfort are improved, but high levels of noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) are generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecabin temperature controlVSAvoidnoise, vibration, and harshness (NVH)
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the blower speed adjustable based on operating conditions. The controller dynamically selects from multiple predetermined speeds (including a first speed and a second speed lower than the first) depending on whether the vehicle is stationary or moving, and whether cabin temperature is within a comfort range. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing maximum power when needed for temperature control while reducing power when acoustic comfort is the priority.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the blower by implementing multiple predetermined speeds rather than a single maximum speed. The controller modifies the blower speed parameter based on vehicle state (stationary/moving) and thermal conditions (temperature within/outside comfort range). This parameter change enables the system to optimize between temperature control performance and NVH reduction by selecting appropriate speed levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the blower is operated at maximum power to achieve quick temperature control, then the heating or cooling efficiency is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating or cooling efficiencyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by using multiple speed levels instead of always operating at maximum power. When the cabin temperature is within the comfort range or when the vehicle is moving, the controller selects lower predetermined speeds (second speed, third speed) that consume less power. Maximum power (first speed) is used only when necessary for rapid temperature adjustment, thus achieving the desired heating/cooling efficiency while minimizing overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic speed adjustment strategy allows the system to adapt power consumption to actual needs. The controller continuously monitors temperature and vehicle state, dynamically switching between high-power and low-power modes. This resolves the contradiction by ensuring maximum productivity only when thermally necessary while reducing energy use during stable or transient conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11865897B2Temperature based blower strategy for acoustic comfort
Publication Date: 2024.01.09 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC
  • US11865897B2 patent drawing
  • US11865897B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A vehicle climate system includes a blower and a controller. The controller is configured to, responsive to input of a particular user selected climate setting, operate the blower with an initial power having a predetermined value corresponding to the climate setting provided that cabin temperature is outside a predetermined range. The controller is also configured to operate the blower with an initial power having a value less than the predetermined value provided that the cabin temperature is within the predetermined range.