Vehicle Heater Device Contact Detection Switching Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radiant heater devices require dedicated operation switches for each installation location, limiting flexibility in vehicle layout and complicating individual control for occupants.
Innovation Solution
A heater device with a contact detection unit and determination unit that differentiate between intentional switching operations and accidental contacts, allowing for energy management without dedicated switches, ensuring flexibility in placement and user control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If dedicated operation switches are provided for each heater device installation location, then individual control for each occupant is enabled, but flexibility in vehicle layout is reduced and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the switching operation function from dedicated physical switches and integrates it into the contact detection unit. The contact detection unit, which originally only detected accidental contacts to stop heating, is enhanced to also detect intentional switching operations through determination unit logic. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated switches at each heater location, restoring layout flexibility while maintaining individual control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact detection unit is designed to serve multiple functions: detecting accidental contacts for safety shutdown, detecting intentional switching operations for heater control, and potentially detecting other user interactions. By making the contact detection unit multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated switches while preserving individual control capabilities for each heater device.
2Ease of operation
If dedicated operation switches are provided for each heater device, then heater control is enabled, but spaces must be secured for mounting switches, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the switching operation functionality into the contact detection unit by adding a determination unit that analyzes contact characteristics. The determination unit distinguishes between accidental contacts (for safety shutdown) and intentional switching operations (for heater control) based on contact duration, pressure, or pattern recognition. This consolidation eliminates dedicated switches and reduces overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact detection unit performs self-service by autonomously determining the type of contact encountered and executing appropriate control actions. The determination unit analyzes contact characteristics and automatically decides whether to shutdown for safety or to control heater operation, eliminating the need for external dedicated switches and reducing system complexity.
3Reliability
If the contact detection unit detects any contact, then heating is stopped for safety, but intentional switching operations cannot be distinguished
Solution Approach 1:
The determination unit implements feedback mechanisms by analyzing contact characteristics such as duration, pressure magnitude, and temporal patterns. Intentional switching operations exhibit distinct characteristics (e.g., longer duration, specific pressure patterns) compared to accidental contacts. The system uses this feedback information to distinguish between safety-critical accidental contacts and operational switching commands, enabling both safety shutdown and intentional control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameters from simple contact presence to multi-parameter analysis including contact duration, pressure magnitude, and temporal patterns. By monitoring these parameter variations, the determination unit can differentiate between accidental contacts (short duration, variable pressure) and intentional switching operations (controlled duration, consistent pressure patterns), enabling both safety and control functions.
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
Enables flexible placement and individual control of heater devices within vehicles, eliminating the need for dedicated switches while ensuring safe and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a heat generation unit (13), which is to generate heat when energized
Implementation Method 2
to emit radiation heat caused by heat generated with the heat generation unit
Data Source
AI summary
A heater unit emits radiation heat caused by heat generated with a heat generation unit when energized. The heater device includes a contact detection unit having a contact detection region overlying the heater unit to detect a contact by an object on the contact detection region. The heater device includes a determination unit to determine, when a contact by the object on the contact detection region is detected by the contact detection unit, whether the contact is for a predetermined switching operation. A control unit stops energization of the heat generation unit when the determination unit determines that the contact is not for the predetermined switching operation. The control unit switches between a start and a stop of energization of the heat generation unit when the determination unit determines that the contact is for the switching operation.