Vehicle Seat And Steering Wheel Temperature Preconditioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicle passengers experience discomfort due to the slow temperature adjustment of interfaceable elements like seats and steering wheels, which are not effectively linked to the thermal feelings perceived by passengers, leading to suboptimal thermal comfort and increased energy consumption in air conditioning.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a control unit processes temperature data from interfaceable elements, the passenger compartment, and external conditions to adjust the temperature of seats and steering wheels using heating and cooling elements, ensuring they reach desired comfort levels based on passenger input, while optimizing energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the conditioning system is activated to adjust the temperature inside the passenger compartment, then the air temperature reaches the requested level, but the interfaceable elements (seats, steering wheel) do not immediately reach the desired temperature due to slow heat exchange with the passenger body
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit activates heating or cooling elements of interfaceable elements in advance based on the requested temperature and current thermal conditions, before the passenger actually contacts the element. This preliminary temperature adjustment ensures that when the passenger touches the seat or steering wheel, the element is already at or near the desired temperature, eliminating the delayed thermal comfort experience
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the temperature of interfaceable elements in real-time based on continuous monitoring of internal and external temperature conditions, requested temperature, and thermal exchange rates. The control unit modifies heating/cooling power levels adaptively to optimize the temperature adjustment speed while energy efficiency
2Temperature
If electrical resistances are activated to heat interfaceable elements or fans are activated to cool them, then the temperature of these elements is adjusted, but the activation is not linked to the thermal feelings perceived by passengers, resulting in suboptimal thermal comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors multiple parameters including internal temperature, external temperature, requested temperature, and thermal exchange conditions to determine the actual thermal state experienced by the passenger. This feedback loop enables the system to adjust heating/cooling of interfaceable elements based on the passenger's perceived thermal comfort rather than just target temperature settings
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically calculates and adjusts the temperature of interfaceable elements based on processed thermal data and passenger preferences, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The control unit independently determines when and how much to activate heating or cooling elements to optimize thermal comfort
3Ease of operation
If heating elements and fans are continuously activated to maintain optimal temperature of interfaceable elements, then thermal comfort is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit activates heating or cooling elements only to the extent necessary to achieve the desired thermal comfort level, rather than continuous full-power operation. The system calculates the precise heating/cooling power needed based on current thermal conditions and adjusts accordingly, avoiding excessive energy consumption while maintaining comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic monitoring and adjustment of interfaceable element temperatures, activating heating or cooling only when thermal conditions warrant intervention. The control unit cycles between monitoring mode and adjustment mode, reducing continuous energy consumption while maintaining thermal comfort through timely interventions
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 significantly enhances passenger comfort by automatically adjusting the temperature of interfaceable elements to match passenger preferences, reducing energy consumption associated with air conditioning without compromising thermal comfort.
Implementation Method 1
heating elements, which can be operated to heat the at least one interfaceable element
Implementation Method 2
cooling elements, which can be operated to cool the at least one interfaceable element
Implementation Method 3
designed to come into contact—and, hence, exchange heat—with the body or with body portions of the passengers
Data Source
AI summary
A method to adjust a first temperature of an element of a motor vehicle to be interfaced with a passenger of the motor vehicle, comprising the steps of i) adjusting a second temperature on the inside of the motor vehicle based on a second temperature currently requested to an adjustment system for said second temperature; ii) detecting a third external temperature on the outside of a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle; iii) detecting a fourth current temperature on the inside of the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle; iv) detecting a current value of the first temperature of the element; v) processing a fifth temperature based on said first, fourth and fifth temperature; and vi) exchanging a quantity of heat with the element so as to adjust the first temperature; the quantity of heat depends on the fifth temperature.