Programmable Vehicle Climate Controller for Multi-Model Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle OEM climate controllers are expensive, difficult to find, and require multiple SKUs due to variations in PCBA arrangements and optional components, making them costly and inefficient to manufacture and distribute.
Innovation Solution
A programmable replacement climate controller with embedded data for multiple vehicles, featuring a compatible 24-pin connector and configurable PCBAs, which can be programmed to match specific vehicle models using vehicle identification and on-board diagnostics, allowing a single unit to replace multiple OEM controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple OEM replacement controllers are provided for different vehicle models, then compatibility with specific vehicles is improved, but manufacturing complexity and inventory costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal replacement controller that can serve multiple vehicle models through programmability. The controller is designed with a standardized form factor and interface that can be programmed with different vehicle-specific parameters and climate control logic, allowing a single physical device to replace multiple OEM-specific controllers across different vehicle makes and models.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller utilizes programmable parameters to adapt to different vehicle applications. By storing and loading different sets of control parameters, vehicle identification data, and climate control algorithms, the same hardware platform can be customized for specific vehicle models, eliminating the need for multiple hardwired controller variants.
2Reliability
If OEM replacement controllers are manufactured for each vehicle model, then operational compatibility is improved, but manufacturing costs and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The universal controller design consolidates multiple vehicle-specific controller functions into a single platform. This reduces manufacturing complexity by standardizing production processes, reducing the number of unique components needed, and simplifying quality control, while maintaining operational compatibility through software programming.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller system uses programmable copies of vehicle-specific control logic rather than physical copies of dedicated hardware. The same hardware template can be programmed with different vehicle data sets, allowing rapid adaptation to new vehicle models without creating new hardware designs, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
3Ease of manufacture
If a universal programmable controller is used for multiple vehicles, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but programming complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-programs multiple vehicle-specific parameter sets and climate control algorithms into the controller's memory before deployment. This preliminary preparation allows the controller to be quickly configured for different vehicle models without requiring complex on-site programming, reducing the skill level needed for installation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A programmable controller stores operational data for a number of embedded functions in multiple vehicles from a known manufacturer and is programmable to operation in a selected vehicle among the multiple vehicles.