Vehicle ITM Valve Control Using Refrigerant Pressure and Driving State

Solution Overview

Problem

Typical Integrated Thermal Management (ITM) systems for vehicles fail to perform efficient thermal management due to the lack of consideration for refrigerant pressure in vehicle air conditioners and excessive cooling water temperature rises during specific driving situations.

Innovation Solution

An ITM control apparatus and method that includes a driving information generator, a refrigerant pressure measuring device, and an ITM controller. The ITM controller adjusts the ITM valve openness based on generated driving information and measured refrigerant pressure, using predefined tables and correcting for torque values to ensure efficient thermal management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the ITM control apparatus considers refrigerant pressure and driving situations, then thermal management efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal management efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the ITM control function with refrigerant pressure monitoring and driving situation analysis into a single integrated control apparatus. The controller simultaneously processes multiple parameters (refrigerant pressure, outdoor temperature, engine cooling water temperature, driving situation) to determine ITM valve openness, merging what could be separate systems into one unified control unit that improves thermal management efficiency without requiring multiple independent devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The ITM control apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the ITM valve based on thermal management needs, monitors refrigerant pressure conditions, analyzes driving situations (highway driving, acceleration, deceleration, idling), and adjusts valve openness accordingly. This multi-functional approach allows a single apparatus to handle various operating conditions and priorities, improving overall system efficiency while avoiding the need for separate specialized devices for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Temperature

If the ITM valve openness is adjusted based on multiple parameters, then cooling performance is improved, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling water temperature controlVSAvoidcontrol logic complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of the ITM valve openness based on real-time changes in multiple parameters. The controller continuously monitors refrigerant pressure, outdoor temperature, engine cooling water temperature, and driving situation, and dynamically adjusts the valve openness accordingly. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to changing operating conditions, prioritizing either thermal management or engine cooling as needed, rather than using a static control approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control apparatus changes the openness parameter of the ITM valve based on variations in multiple input parameters (refrigerant pressure, temperatures, driving situation). By adjusting this single critical parameter (valve openness) in response to changes in multiple other parameters, the system achieves improved cooling performance while keeping the control mechanism relatively simple - essentially changing one output parameter based on multiple input parameters through predefined control logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If refrigerant pressure is monitored and considered, then air conditioner performance is improved, but measurement and control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair conditioner performanceVSAvoidpressure monitoring complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ITM control apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the ITM valve based on thermal management needs, monitors refrigerant pressure conditions, analyzes driving situations (highway driving, acceleration, deceleration, idling), and adjusts valve openness accordingly. This multi-functional approach allows a single apparatus to handle various operating conditions and priorities, improving overall system efficiency while avoiding the need for separate specialized devices for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the ITM control function with refrigerant pressure monitoring and driving situation analysis into a single integrated control apparatus. The controller simultaneously processes multiple parameters (refrigerant pressure, outdoor temperature, engine cooling water temperature, driving situation) to determine ITM valve openness, merging what could be separate systems into one unified control unit that improves thermal management efficiency without requiring multiple independent devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12311731B2Apparatus for controlling ITM for vehicle and method thereof

Publication Date: 2025.05.27 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

An Integrated thermal management valve (ITM) control apparatus of a vehicle includes a driving information generator that generates driving information of the vehicle, a refrigerant pressure measuring device that measures a refrigerant pressure of a vehicle air conditioner of the vehicle, and an ITM controller that is configured to control the ITM of the vehicle, according to the generated driving information and the measured refrigerant pressure.