Computerized vehicle controller and routing method for a vehicle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle auxiliary systems fail to effectively maintain cabin temperature and recharge batteries when the primary engine is turned off, often leading to uncomfortable or dangerous temperatures and battery drain due to complex and power-intensive designs.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary system that includes a mechanically driven air conditioning compressor, alternator, condenser, battery, blower, and an auxiliary controller that remains operational when the primary engine is off, using electric relay switches and motors to route refrigerant flow and activate the alternator to maintain cabin temperature and recharge the battery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If an auxiliary air conditioning system is used to cool the cabin when the primary engine is off, then the cabin temperature is maintained within comfort zone, but the system requires extensive power that rapidly drains the vehicle's battery
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the air conditioning function into two independent compressors: a primary engine-driven compressor and an auxiliary battery-driven compressor. This segmentation allows the auxiliary compressor to operate independently when the engine is off, providing cooling without requiring the entire system to consume excessive power from the battery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between the primary and auxiliary compressors based on engine status and cooling requirements. The auxiliary compressor operates only when needed (engine off and cooling required), rather than continuously, optimizing power consumption while maintaining cabin temperature control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex clutching arrangement is used to engage the air conditioning system with the auxiliary engine, then the system can operate independently, but the device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical clutching arrangements with electric motor-driven compression. The auxiliary compressor is directly driven by an electric motor, eliminating the need for mechanical engagement mechanisms like clutches and shafts, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining independent operation capability.
3Reliability
If the auxiliary alternator-motor is activated to recharge the battery, then the battery is recharged during engine-off periods, but additional power consumption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary alternator-motor enables the system to recharge the battery using power generated during its own operation. The alternator converts mechanical energy from the auxiliary compressor motor into electrical energy, creating a self-sustaining power system that reduces net battery consumption while maintaining reliability.
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
The system efficiently cools the cabin and recharges the battery for extended periods without draining the vehicle's battery, ensuring passenger comfort and maintaining battery health even when the primary engine is off.
Implementation Method 1
an auxiliary electric alternator-motor (162) coupled to operate an auxiliary alternator (160)
Implementation Method 2
an auxiliary compressor (150) coupled to be operated by a first-auxiliary-compressor-motor (152)
Implementation Method 3
a condenser (80) that is operatively coupled with a fan (90) that is operated by a fan-motor (92)
Implementation Method 4
a pair of electric relay switches (140)... the first electric relay switch (140a) and a second electric relay switch (140b)
Data Source
AI summary
A computerized vehicle controller and routing method for a vehicle that has at least one of a gasoline powered engine and an electric powered engine.