Vehicle Cabin Temperature Setpoint Control by Passenger Voting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle air conditioning systems struggle to maintain optimal passenger comfort by setting a predefined temperature that may not adapt to changing circumstances, leading to discomfort and excessive energy consumption, as it is typically set by flight attendants or maintenance personnel and not easily adjustable during operation.
Innovation Solution
A method where passengers collectively determine a setpoint value for controllable equipment, such as air conditioning systems, through a voting process using mobile communication terminals connected to a control device, which aggregates individual choices to calculate an optimized temperature setting, also displaying energy consumption and CO2 equivalents to inform passengers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the set temperature is fixed by operating personnel at the start of service, then the air conditioning system can be easily controlled, but the temperature becomes inappropriate for changing circumstances leading to passenger discomfort and excessive energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic temperature control by enabling passengers to adjust the set temperature point through mobile devices during vehicle operation. The control device receives adjustment requests from multiple passengers and automatically updates the temperature setpoint, transforming the static temperature control system into a dynamic one that adapts to changing passenger needs and environmental conditions without requiring manual intervention from operating personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables passengers to self-adjust the temperature settings using their own mobile devices. Passengers can independently submit temperature adjustment requests through the control device, eliminating the need for flight attendants or maintenance personnel to manually change temperature settings. The system processes these self-service requests automatically, allowing passengers to take control of their thermal comfort.
2Ease of operation
If the set temperature is adjusted frequently by operating personnel to satisfy all passengers, then passenger comfort is improved, but the complexity of operation increases and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the control device automatically processes temperature adjustment requests from passengers and updates the air conditioning system accordingly. The feedback loop includes receiving passenger preferences, calculating optimal temperature setpoints based on multiple inputs, and automatically implementing changes without requiring operating personnel to manually adjust settings repeatedly. This reduces the time and effort required while maintaining high passenger satisfaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device acts as an intermediary between passengers and the air conditioning system. Instead of passengers directly controlling the complex HVAC system or requiring flight attendants to make adjustments, the control device mediates by receiving requests from multiple passengers, processing them according to predefined algorithms, and automatically adjusting the temperature setpoint. This intermediary function streamlines the adjustment process and eliminates time losses associated with manual intervention.
3Ease of operation
If the set temperature is set too low to satisfy cold-sensitive passengers, then comfort for those passengers is improved, but energy consumption increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the temperature setpoint parameter based on aggregated passenger preferences rather than maintaining a fixed low temperature. By processing adjustment requests from passengers and updating the temperature parameter in real-time, the system avoids the excessive energy consumption associated with maintaining unnecessarily low temperatures while still accommodating passengers who require cooler conditions. The temperature parameter is adjusted only when needed based on actual passenger feedback.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for determining a setpoint value for controlling controllable equipment (8) comprises steps consisting of: a) initializing (102) a control device (12) with a setpoint value (T0) to regulate the operation of the equipment (8) to this setpoint value; b) acquiring (104) choice values (ΔCi) expressed by the persons present inside the enclosure by means of selection devices (14), these choices aiming to influence the environmental physical quantity; c) calculating (106) a quantity statistically representative of the choices expressed; d) correcting (108), by means of the control device (12), the setpoint value according to the calculated quantity statistically representative of the choices expressed, the operation of the equipment (8) being regulated with this corrected setpoint value.