Vehicle Cabin Climate Preconditioning for Exit Temperature Shock

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle climate control systems do not adequately prepare vehicle occupants for the external weather conditions upon exiting the vehicle, particularly when there is a significant temperature difference between the vehicle compartment and the outside environment.

Innovation Solution

A vehicular system that adjusts the vehicle compartment climate by increasing or decreasing the temperature to achieve a boosted temperature offset from the current compartment temperature, based on the external weather conditions and approaching destination location.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the vehicle compartment climate is maintained at a constant comfortable temperature during the ride, then the vehicle occupant comfort during travel is improved, but the occupant comfort upon exiting the vehicle is worsened due to sudden temperature shock from the climate difference between inside and outside the vehicle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoccupant comfort during travelVSAvoidtemperature shock upon exiting

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by detecting the vehicle's approach to the destination location and proactively adjusting the compartment temperature in advance. The processing circuitry determines when the vehicle is approaching the destination and modifies the climate control settings before the occupant exits, thereby preparing the occupant for the external temperature conditions and avoiding sudden temperature shock.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies dynamics by making the climate control adaptive and dynamic rather than static. The processing circuitry continuously monitors vehicle location and external temperature conditions, dynamically adjusting the compartment temperature based on real-time data. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to transition from maintaining a constant comfortable temperature during travel to preparing for external conditions near the destination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the vehicle compartment temperature is adjusted frequently to match external conditions, then the occupant comfort upon exiting is improved, but the energy consumption of the climate control system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature difference between inside and outsideVSAvoidclimate control energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies self-service by using the vehicle's existing navigation system to determine location and destination information. The processing circuitry leverages data already available in the vehicle (navigation routes, destination coordinates) to trigger climate adjustments, eliminating the need for separate sensors or systems and reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining the preparatory function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Prepares the vehicle occupant for the external weather by exposing them to a boosted vehicle compartment temperature, ensuring a comfortable transition from the vehicle to the outside environment.

Implementation Method 1

adjust the vehicle compartment climate by increasing the temperature inside of the vehicle to a third temperature that is higher than the second temperature while approaching a destination location to achieve a boosted vehicle compartment temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy transfer: Heating

Implementation Method 2

adjust the vehicle compartment climate by decreasing the temperature inside of the vehicle to a fourth temperature that is lower than the second temperature while approaching the destination location to achieve a boosted vehicle compartment temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy transfer: Cooling

Data Source

PatentUS20250289284A1Vehicle system and method for controlling a vehicle compartment climate

Publication Date: 2025.09.18 NINGBO GEELY AUTOMOBILE RES & DEV CO LTD

AI summary

A vehicular system and a method for controlling a vehicle compartment climate in order to achieve a comfort experience for the vehicle occupant when the vehicle occupant is leaving the vehicle. The system includes a processing circuitry configured to determine a first temperature of the weather outside of the vehicle, determine a second temperature of the vehicle compartment climate inside of the vehicle, and in a determination that the first temperature is lower than the second temperature, adjust the vehicle compartment climate by increasing the temperature inside of the vehicle to a third temperature that is higher than the second temperature while approaching a destination location to achieve a boosted vehicle compartment temperature that is offset from the second temperature.