Vehicle Heating Element Temperature Control via Resistive Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature control systems for vehicles, such as snowmobiles, lack precise control over heating elements, leading to inconsistent rider comfort in varying environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a thermometer or resistive measurement method to determine the temperature of heating elements, allowing for precise control by adjusting current or power based on user input, using a controller to maintain a selected temperature within a specific range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a heating system is operated at a selected current with selected resistive parties, then heat is generated, but selective control to maintain precise temperature is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a thermometer continuously measures the temperature of the heating element and feeds this information back to a controller. The controller compares the measured temperature with the desired setpoint and automatically adjusts the current through the heating element to maintain the selected temperature, providing both precision and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control of heating elements with an automated electronic control system. Instead of manually adjusting resistive parties or current levels, the system uses electronic controllers and thermometers to automatically regulate temperature, enabling precise control without complex manual operations.
2Measurement precision
If temperature measurement is performed with a thermometer positioned at a distance from the heating element, then temperature can be determined, but measurement precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the heating element itself as an intermediary for temperature measurement. By measuring the electrical resistance of the heating element, the system indirectly determines its temperature without requiring a thermometer to be in direct contact with or positioned precisely at the heating element, thus maintaining measurement precision while reducing positioning complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical thermometer positioning with an electrical measurement method. Instead of mechanically positioning a thermometer near or on the heating element, the system uses electrical resistance measurements of the heating element itself to determine temperature, eliminating positioning requirements while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Reliability
If the system continuously monitors and adjusts current to maintain selected temperature, then rider comfort is ensured, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic temperature monitoring and adjustment rather than continuous operation at maximum power. The controller periodically measures the temperature and only activates the heating element when temperature deviation is detected, maintaining reliable temperature control while reducing overall energy consumption through intermittent operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic current adjustment where the heating element operates at varying current levels based on real-time temperature conditions. The controller modulates the current to provide just enough heating to maintain the selected temperature, avoiding constant maximum power consumption while ensuring reliable temperature maintenance through adaptive control.
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 precise and efficient temperature control of heating elements, ensuring rider comfort by maintaining a selected temperature, even in harsh environments, with the ability to adjust power delivery to achieve and maintain the desired temperature.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element configured to generate heat when a current is driven through a conductive member of the heating element
Implementation Method 2
outputting a duty cycle signal to control the current to the heating element based on the compared received temperature to the selected temperature
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a vehicle with a heater and a control method and mechanism therefore. The heater may be controlled to a selected temperature, such as by an operator. The heating system may be controlled substantially precisely, such as within a selected range of a temperature selected by the user.