Vehicle Mirror Temperature Sensor Correction via Wireless Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ambient air temperature sensors located on vehicle side mirrors can provide inaccurate readings due to sun loading, affecting engine control and diagnostics, especially when mirrors are folded, reducing air flow and leading to overestimated temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A system using a wireless communication network, such as DSRC, to compare sensor readings with nearby vehicles' readings, and automatically adjust the mirror position to improve air flow and correct temperature measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the AAT sensor is mounted on the side mirror, then the temperature reading is easily accessible and can be displayed on the dashboard, but the reading becomes inaccurate due to sun loading and inadequate air flow when the mirror is folded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary wireless communication system to obtain reference temperature data from external sources (other vehicles, infrastructure) to validate and correct the AAT sensor readings. This mediator allows the system to detect when the mounted sensor is providing inaccurate data due to sun loading or poor air flow, without changing the physical mounting location of the sensor itself.
2Productivity
If the side mirror is folded back to avoid obstacles and improve aerodynamics, then fuel economy improves and collision risk decreases, but the AAT sensor experiences reduced air flow and produces inaccurate temperature measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts mirror positioning based on real-time temperature measurement validity. When the wireless communication system indicates that temperature readings are unreliable (suggesting the mirror is folded and blocking air flow), the system automatically unfolds the mirror to restore proper sensor cooling and measurement accuracy, then refolds it when readings become reliable again.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where temperature readings from the AAT sensor are continuously monitored and compared against reference data from wireless communications. When discrepancies indicate the sensor is not properly cooled (mirror folded position), the system sends a signal to unfold the mirror, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains measurement accuracy while minimizing mirror deployment time.
3Speed
If the AAT sensor is exposed to direct sunlight, then the sensor can be positioned for optimal air flow, but the temperature reading becomes inflated due to sun loading
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary validation of temperature readings by comparing them against wireless reference data before using the readings for engine control or diagnostic decisions. This preliminary check allows the system to identify sun loading conditions early and trigger mirror deployment to eliminate the harmful effect before it impacts vehicle operations.
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
This approach ensures accurate ambient air temperature readings by mitigating sun loading effects, preventing unnecessary engine control actions and diagnostic errors.
Implementation Method 1
an air temperature sensor located in a mirror assembly for measuring an ambient air temperature
Implementation Method 2
air flow across the side mirror and/or sensor, thus cooling down the sensor to ambient air temperature levels
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include a vehicle comprising a mirror assembly attached to a vehicle side and including an air temperature sensor for measuring a first temperature value; a wireless transceiver for receiving a second temperature value from a wireless network; and a processor configured to, upon determining that the first temperature value is greater than the second temperature value, cause the mirror assembly to move to a first position relative to the vehicle side. Another embodiment includes a method of correcting air temperature reading in a vehicle, the method comprising obtaining a first temperature measurement from an air temperature sensor located in a mirror assembly attached to a vehicle side; obtaining a second temperature measurement from a wireless network; and upon determining that the first temperature measurement is greater than the second temperature measurement, causing the mirror assembly to move to a first position relative to the vehicle side.