HEV Heating Mode Control via Dynamic Temperature Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid electric vehicles lack user control over heating modes, leading to inefficient fuel economy due to static temperature thresholds that do not account for varying user needs, forcing users to wait until the next ignition cycle to transition between heating modes.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allow users to select between normal and economy heating modes through a non-emissions related system, adjusting temperature thresholds dynamically based on user input and vehicle state, enabling the internal combustion engine to be turned on or off based on user preference, with changes taking effect at the next ignition cycle or during the current cycle for HVAC operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the temperature threshold is set to a fixed value for heating mode control, then the system operation is simple, but the fuel economy cannot be optimized for varying user needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic temperature thresholds that change based on vehicle operating conditions (engine on/off status, HVAC requests). The threshold is not fixed but adapts between different levels (e.g., first threshold level when engine is off, second threshold level when engine is on), allowing optimization of fuel economy while maintaining simple user interaction through automatic adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature threshold parameter dynamically based on vehicle state and user selections. When the user selects economy heating mode, the threshold is adjusted to prevent unnecessary engine starts, and when normal mode is selected or HVAC is requested, the threshold is adjusted to allow engine operation. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between operational simplicity and fuel economy optimization.
2Ease of operation
If the heating mode is changed immediately upon user selection, then the user control responsiveness is high, but the emissions regulations may be violated
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares for mode transitions by setting conditions in advance. When the user selects economy heating mode, the system does not immediately change the threshold but waits for the next ignition cycle to occur, ensuring emissions compliance is maintained. The threshold change is preemptively scheduled to take effect only when it will not violate emissions regulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic evaluation of heating mode changes based on ignition cycles. The temperature threshold is adjusted only at specific periodic intervals (next ignition cycle) rather than continuously or immediately, ensuring that emissions regulations are not violated while still providing user control. This periodic action allows the system to balance responsiveness with regulatory compliance.
3Reliability
If the internal combustion engine is turned on frequently to maintain temperature threshold, then the temperature control reliability is high, but the fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the temperature threshold based on vehicle operating conditions rather than maintaining a fixed threshold. When the engine is off, a higher first threshold level is used to prevent unnecessary engine starts. When the engine is on or HVAC is requested, a lower second threshold level is applied. This dynamic adjustment maintains temperature control reliability while minimizing fuel consumption by avoiding unnecessary engine operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature threshold parameter between at least two different levels based on engine status and HVAC requests. This parameter switching allows the system to maintain reliable temperature control when needed while reducing fuel consumption by raising the threshold to prevent unnecessary engine starts during economy heating mode operation.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the temperature threshold is adjusted dynamically based on user input, then the fuel economy is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the dynamic temperature threshold adjustment functionality into existing vehicle control systems (emissions-related systems that already manage engine operation). The same emissions control module that handles emissions compliance also manages the heating mode temperature thresholds, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated control system. This multi-functionality approach improves fuel economy through dynamic threshold adjustment while minimizing the increase in system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically adjusts temperature thresholds based on pre-programmed logic and sensor inputs without requiring complex user interfaces or manual intervention. The emissions control module autonomously evaluates vehicle conditions (engine status, HVAC requests) and adjusts thresholds accordingly, reducing the complexity burden on the user interface and control architecture while achieving fuel economy improvements.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for providing a user of a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) more flexibility and control regarding the selection of heating modes, without adversely affecting vehicle engine emissions. According to one embodiment, when the HEV is in a normal heating mode, the user is able to switch to an economy or deferred heating mode, so long as the switch takes place during the following ignition cycle. When the HEV is in an economy heating mode the user is able to switch to a normal heating mode right away, but is only allowed to do so once per ignition cycle. In both instances, the switch between heating modes is initiated by the user through a non-emissions related system, such as a vehicle infotainment module or climate control module.