System for detecting occupant in vehicle and method for controlling air conditioning using the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle air-conditioning systems face challenges in accurately determining the presence, position, and number of occupants, leading to inefficient energy consumption and incorrect discrimination between occupants and objects, particularly with existing buckle switch and mat sensor technologies, which are costly and heavy, affecting fuel efficiency and power consumption in electric vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing proximity sensors installed at the back of seats to detect occupants, integrated with a smart key system and starter, allowing for individual air-conditioning control based on sensor values, door unlock signals, and starting signals to determine the presence, position, and number of occupants, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption and improving fuel efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mat sensors are installed in seat cushions to detect occupant presence and position, then occupant detection capability is improved, but device cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical mat sensors with a combination of proximity sensors and weight distribution analysis. The proximity sensors detect objects near the seat, while the controller analyzes weight distribution patterns to determine if the object is an occupant or cargo, eliminating the need for heavy mat sensors installed in seat cushions.
Solution Approach 2:
The proximity sensors serve multiple functions: detecting object presence, determining object position, and contributing to occupant vs. cargo discrimination. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated sensors for each detection task, thereby reducing overall system weight and cost.
2Measurement precision
If buckle switch sensors and mat sensors are used to determine occupant presence, then detection capability is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive proximity sensors instead of costly buckle switches and mat sensors. These proximity sensors provide sufficient detection capability for determining occupant presence and position at a lower cost, making the system more economically viable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines data from proximity sensors, door unlock signals, and starting signals to determine occupant presence and position. This integration of multiple low-cost signal sources replaces the need for expensive dedicated occupant detection sensors, reducing overall system cost while maintaining detection accuracy.
3Temperature
If air conditioning system operates continuously to maintain interior temperature, then temperature control is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air conditioning system operates partially rather than continuously by activating only when actual occupants are detected. The controller receives starting signals and checks for occupant presence before activating the air conditioning, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption when no occupants are present while maintaining temperature control when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from proximity sensors, door unlock signals, and starting signals to dynamically control air conditioning operation. The controller continuously monitors these inputs and adjusts air conditioning activation accordingly, ensuring energy-efficient operation based on real-time occupancy status.
4Measurement precision
If mat sensors detect weight or pressure to determine occupant position, then position detection is improved, but reliability decreases due to misidentification of objects as occupants
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection using proximity sensors before final occupant identification. The proximity sensors detect objects near the seat and provide initial position information, which the controller then uses in conjunction with door unlock signals and starting signals to reliably determine whether the object is an actual occupant or cargo.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically evaluates multiple signals (proximity sensor data, door unlock status, starting signal) to determine occupant presence and position. This dynamic, multi-factor assessment approach replaces static weight/pressure detection, enabling reliable differentiation between occupants and objects based on the pattern and timing of signals rather than just weight magnitude.
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
Enables accurate detection of occupants and efficient air-conditioning control for driver, passenger, and rear seats, reducing costs and weight, and enhancing fuel efficiency by using inexpensive, lightweight proximity sensors, while preventing unnecessary power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a proximity sensor installed at a back of a seat and detecting an object
Data Source
AI summary
A system for detecting an occupant in a vehicle includes a proximity sensor installed at a back of a seat and detecting an object. An automotive key locks and unlocks a door. A starter starts and stops an engine of the vehicle. A controller is configured to determine whether the occupant is in the seat based sensor values of the proximity sensor, a door unlock signal from the automotive key, and a starting signal from the starter.