Programmable Climate Controller for Vehicle HVAC Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing HVAC systems in vehicles face challenges when the Original Equipment Manufacturer's (OEM) controller becomes defective, as replacement controllers are often expensive, difficult to find, and vary significantly across different vehicle models, leading to increased manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A programmable replacement climate controller with embedded climate control data compatible with multiple vehicle groups, featuring a 24-pin connector and programmable controls that allow for direct plug-in compatibility and configuration through a user-friendly interface, enabling identification and programming for specific vehicle models and years.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single programmable controller is used to replace multiple OEM controllers, then manufacturing cost and complexity are reduced, but compatibility with different vehicle models must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single programmable controller design that can replace multiple OEM controllers across different vehicle makes, models, and years. The controller achieves universality through programmable features that allow it to adapt to various vehicle HVAC systems, eliminating the need for multiple specialized replacement controllers and thereby reducing manufacturing cost and complexity while maintaining compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller utilizes programmable parameters and configurable settings that can be adjusted to match different vehicle specifications. By changing operational parameters and programming the controller for specific vehicle applications, a single hardware design can serve multiple vehicle types, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and vehicle compatibility.
2Reliability
If OEM replacement controllers are used for different vehicle models, then vehicle-specific compatibility is ensured, but the variety of controllers increases storage space and handling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal programmable controller that can replace multiple vehicle-specific OEM controllers. By programming the single controller for different vehicle makes, models, and years, the system maintains vehicle-specific compatibility without requiring separate physical controllers for each vehicle type, thereby reducing the number of controller variants and simplifying inventory management.
Solution Approach 2:
The programmable controller replicates the functionality of various OEM controllers through software programming rather than requiring physical copies of each OEM controller design. This allows the single controller to emulate multiple different controller behaviors and interfaces, maintaining compatibility across vehicle models without increasing physical device complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If used controllers are obtained from the secondary market, then cost is reduced, but reliability and performance guarantees are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an affordable programmable replacement controller that provides a cost-effective alternative to expensive OEM controllers. Rather than relying on used controllers from the secondary market, this new design offers a reliable, programmable solution at a lower cost, eliminating the need to compromise on reliability by purchasing used units.
Solution Approach 2:
The programmable controller includes self-programming capabilities that allow it to be configured for specific vehicle applications without requiring specialized service equipment or expertise. This self-service feature ensures reliable performance while maintaining cost-effectiveness, as the controller can be programmed and deployed independently without additional service costs or reliance on used units.
Data Source
AI summary
A programmable replacement controller that has a number of embedded applications corresponding to a number of OEM vehicle systems and a selected application within the controller can be called to service or activated through the programming feature of the replacement controller.