Vehicle HVAC Recirculation Control for Washer Fluid Odor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems in vehicles fail to effectively prevent washer fluid odor from re-entering the cabin after switching from outdoor to indoor air recirculation mode, as residual odor on the windshield glass is reintroduced.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that adjusts the time for returning from indoor to outdoor air recirculation mode based on weather information, wiper operation level, vehicle speed, and washer fluid odor concentration to prevent residual odor from entering the cabin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the HVAC system automatically returns from indoor air recirculation mode to outdoor air recirculation mode after a predetermined reference time, then the system simplicity is maintained, but washer fluid odor re-enters the cabin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the return time from indoor to outdoor air recirculation mode variable rather than fixed. The control unit adjusts the return time based on multiple dynamic parameters including weather conditions (rainy vs. non-rainy), windshield wiper operation levels (intermittent, low, high, parking), and vehicle speed. This dynamic adjustment ensures the system maintains simplicity while effectively preventing washer fluid odor re-entry by optimizing the return timing according to real-time conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the return time is extended to prevent odor re-entry, then odor prevention is improved, but energy consumption and system response time worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the return time parameter based on specific operating conditions. Instead of using a fixed extended return time that would increase energy consumption, the system adjusts the return time parameter dynamically: shorter returns when conditions favor rapid odor dissipation (rainy weather, high vehicle speed, high wiper levels) and longer returns when needed (non-rainy weather, low vehicle speed, intermittent wiper). This optimized parameter adjustment prevents odor re-entry while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption.
3Ease of operation
If the HVAC system uses fixed return time, then control simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different weather and driving conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a control unit that continuously monitors multiple parameters (weather conditions, windshield wiper operation level, vehicle speed) and uses this feedback to automatically adjust the return time from indoor to outdoor air recirculation mode. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to different weather and driving conditions while maintaining ease of operation, as the adjustment occurs automatically based on sensor inputs without requiring complex user intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a system and a method for controlling switching between an indoor air recirculation mode and an outdoor air recirculation mode of a vehicle, including a washer fluid spray switch, a weather information provider, a rain detection sensor that provides rainfall information, a windshield wiper switch that provides a windshield wiper operation level signal, and a vehicle speed sensor. A controller receives an ON operation signal from the washer fluid spray switch, changes an operation mode of an HVAC system from the outdoor air recirculation mode to the indoor air recirculation mode, and controls adjusting a time for returning the indoor air recirculation mode to the outdoor air recirculation mode to be different from a reference time, on the basis of the information or signals provided from the weather information provider, the rain detection sensor, the windshield wiper switch, and the vehicle speed sensor.