Vehicle Cabin Temperature Estimation via Surface Heat Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automotive climate control systems face inaccuracies in cabin temperature estimation due to factors like air stratification and heat storage, leading to overheating or overcooling, and often rely on temperature sensors that may vary significantly from true cabin temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that estimate cabin temperature by obtaining surface temperatures using sensors, calculating heat transfer through the vehicle's interior surfaces, and using a processor to adjust climate control settings, eliminating the need for a cabin air temperature sensor and providing real-time corrections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature sensor is used to measure cabin temperature, then the climate control system can regulate temperature, but the measurement can vary significantly from the true cabin temperature due to air stratification, heat storage in the instrument panel, and discharge from nearby HVAC vents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational model that acts as a mediator between the physical temperature sensor and the climate control system. This model uses the sensor reading along with other inputs (HVAC settings, solar load, vehicle speed) to compute an estimated true cabin temperature, thereby mediating the inaccurate direct measurement and producing a reliable control signal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical/physical temperature sensing approach with a computational estimation system. Instead of relying solely on a physical sensor to directly measure cabin temperature, the system uses a computational model that processes multiple inputs to estimate the true temperature, substituting the direct physical measurement mechanism with an information-processing approach.
2Extent of automation
If the climate control system relies on the temperature sensor reading, then it can operate automatically, but it may overheat or overcool the cabin due to inaccurate temperature tracking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the computational model continuously estimates the true cabin temperature and compares it with the desired setpoint. The climate control system adjusts its operation based on this feedback loop, using the estimated temperature rather than the raw sensor reading, thereby maintaining accurate temperature control while operating automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct reliance on physical sensor feedback with a computational estimation feedback system. The automated control operates on the estimated true temperature derived from the computational model, substituting the flawed direct sensor feedback with a processed information feedback that accurately reflects the true cabin thermal state.
3Ease of operation
If a cabin air temperature sensor is used, then temperature control is possible, but the sensor reading can be as much as ten degrees Celsius different from the air temperature at breath level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a computational model as an intermediary that processes the sensor reading and other vehicle operational parameters to estimate the breath-level temperature. This intermediary computation bridges the gap between the physically accessible sensor location and the occupant-relevant breath-level temperature, maintaining ease of operation while achieving measurement precision.
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
This approach allows for accurate and real-time cabin temperature estimation, improving climate control system performance by accurately tracking the true cabin temperature and eliminating sensor-related inaccuracies, thereby enhancing passenger comfort.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining, via at least one temperature sensor, a surface temperature of at least a first internal surface of the cabin of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
estimating, via a processor and using at least the obtained surface temperature, the heat transfer from the at least one surface to cabin air within the cabin
Implementation Method 3
estimating, via a processor and using at least the obtained surface temperature, the heat transfer from the at least one surface to cabin air within the cabin
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for estimating a temperature of a cabin of a vehicle and using the estimated cabin temperature. The methods and systems obtain, via at least one temperature sensor, a surface temperature of at least a first internal surface of the cabin of the vehicle. The methods and systems estimate, via a processor and using at least the obtained surface temperature, the heat transfer from the at least one surface to cabin air within the cabin. The methods and systems estimate, via a processor and using at least the estimated heat transfer, the cabin temperature of the vehicle. The methods and systems use the estimated cabin temperature of the vehicle to control at least one feature of an air conditioning module of the vehicle.