Motion-Sensing Evaporator Control for Vehicle Occupancy Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing evaporator devices for volatile substances in vehicles are not effectively activated by movement, leading to unnecessary evaporation and aromatic saturation due to sensitivity to external movements and light conditions, causing waste and discomfort.

Innovation Solution

An evaporator device with a movement sensor integrated into the casing that detects the movement of the vehicle, activating or enhancing the diffusion of volatile substances only when the vehicle is in use, using programmable electronic means to control the fan or heater, ensuring evaporation occurs only when the user is inside.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If light sensors or movement sensors are used to enable automatic activation, then the device can be activated when the user is present, but the device becomes sensitive to movements or light conditions outside the vehicle, causing unnecessary evaporation and aromatic saturation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic activationVSAvoidsensitivity to external movements and light conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system is segmented into multiple independent sensors (light sensor, movement sensor, temperature sensor) that detect different parameters. By segmenting the detection function, the system can process multiple signals and determine vehicle occupancy more accurately, reducing false activation from external factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A control unit acts as an intermediary between the sensors and the evaporation mechanism. The control unit processes signals from multiple sensors and makes the final decision on whether to activate evaporation, filtering out false signals from external movements or light conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the device evaporates continuously to ensure fresh air, then the interior remains aromatic, but unnecessary consumption of volatile substance occurs and aromatic saturation is caused

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintaining aromatic environmentVSAvoidconsumption of volatile substance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The evaporation operates periodically rather than continuously. The control unit activates the evaporation mechanism only when occupancy is detected, and can adjust the evaporation rate or pause it based on real-time sensor feedback, reducing unnecessary consumption while maintaining aromatic environment during actual use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from sensors (light, movement, temperature) to continuously monitor vehicle conditions and adjust evaporation accordingly. When the vehicle is occupied, evaporation is activated; when unoccupied, it is deactivated, optimizing substance usage based on actual need.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If multiple sensors are used to accurately detect vehicle occupancy, then false activation is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoccupancy detection accuracyVSAvoidnumber of sensors and control mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit serves multiple functions: it processes signals from different sensor types (light, movement, temperature), makes occupancy determination, controls evaporation activation, and adjusts evaporation rates. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be multiple separate components into a single integrated unit, managing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution ensures the volatile substance is evaporated only when the vehicle is in use, reducing unnecessary consumption and preventing interior saturation, providing a more efficient and user-friendly experience.

Implementation Method 1

it comprises at least a movement sensor of said casing, whereby said diffusion means are operable by means of said sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMovement detection: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

either by means of increasing the speed of a fan

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 3

raising the temperature of a heater

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 4

evaporator device for volatile substances

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS8463114B2Motion-sensing evaporator device for volatile substances

Publication Date: 2013.06.11 ZOBELE ESPANA

AI summary

The present invention relates to an evaporator device for volatile substances, preferably usable in vehicles, which is activated by the movement of the device, whereby the device will begin to evaporate a volatile substance when the user is in the vehicle. The device comprises a casing, a diffuser, and at least one movement sensor, the diffuser being operable by the sensor.