Control unit for transport refrigeration device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transport refrigeration devices face challenges in adapting to the proprietary solutions of vehicle manufacturers, affecting usability and traffic safety due to their conventional retrofitting nature.
Innovation Solution
A control unit with a multi-color display and touch screen interface that matches the vehicle's instrument panel color scheme, allowing for intuitive operation and enhanced visibility, along with adaptive illumination based on vehicle conditions, is integrated into the vehicle's cabin to improve usability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If transport refrigeration devices are retrofitted to vehicles, then they can be installed in existing vehicles, but they cannot adapt to proprietary vehicle solutions affecting usability and traffic safety
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically adapts its illumination color to match the vehicle's instrument panel color scheme. The system detects the vehicle's ambient lighting conditions and adjusts its display colors accordingly, transforming from a static display to a dynamic one that adapts to different vehicle environments, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining usability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the illumination parameter (color) of the control unit display to match the vehicle's instrument panel. By adjusting the color parameter of the LED illumination, the control unit integrates aesthetically and functionally with the vehicle's proprietary design, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If the control unit uses fixed color illumination, then the display is simple to implement, but it does not match different vehicle instrument panel color schemes
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically detects the vehicle's instrument panel color scheme and adjusts its own illumination color without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously adapting to the vehicle's lighting environment, which improves adaptability while keeping the implementation relatively simple through automatic detection and adjustment mechanisms
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the control unit illumination does not match the vehicle instrument panel, then the implementation is simpler, but it causes driver distraction and reduces traffic safety
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit changes its illumination color to match the vehicle's instrument panel color scheme. By using the same color palette as the surrounding vehicle instruments, the display creates a harmonious visual environment that reduces driver distraction and improves traffic safety, while the color change mechanism adds only moderate complexity through LED technology
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4a~7
AI summary
A control unit for a transport refrigeration device comprises a multi-color display for displaying at least one view including at least one graphical element, a memory storing two or more color settings for the multi-color display, wherein the color settings define illumination colors of the multi-color display, and a processing unit operatively coupled with the multi-color display and the memory to cause applying a color setting to the multi-color display of the transport refrigeration device, and displaying the view using the applied color setting, wherein the at least graphical element is illuminated in a color defined by the applied color setting.