Vehicle Seat Zone Temperature Control for Battery-Aware Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems fail to efficiently manage energy consumption and occupant comfort by adjusting seat temperatures based on external temperature and battery state of charge (SoC) when traveling to a destination outside a temperature range.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle processor determines the time to a destination and the battery SoC, and adjusts the temperature of specific seat portions using heating or cooling mechanisms to conserve energy and maintain occupant comfort, rather than heating or cooling the entire cabin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the entire cabin is heated or cooled to maintain occupant comfort in extreme temperatures, then occupant comfort is improved, but battery energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cabin temperature control into segmented zones, specifically controlling only the seat areas where occupants are located rather than the entire cabin. This is achieved through independent heating/cooling elements in seats, allowing targeted temperature adjustment to specific occupied regions while leaving unoccupied areas at ambient temperature, thereby reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing differentiated temperature control to different spatial zones based on occupancy. Temperature adjustment is applied locally to occupied seats rather than uniformly across the entire cabin, enabling comfort optimization in occupied areas while minimizing energy expenditure in unoccupied regions.
2Loss of energy
If seat temperature is adjusted based on time to destination and battery SoC, then energy conservation is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the existing climate control system: temperature adjustment based on external temperature, time to destination, battery state of charge, and occupancy detection. The system universally handles various input parameters and automatically selects appropriate temperature settings, combining navigation data, battery management, and climate control into a single coordinated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring battery state of charge, time to destination, and external temperature conditions, then automatically adjusting seat temperature settings based on this feedback. The system uses real-time data from multiple sensors and systems to dynamically optimize temperature control decisions, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing conditions.
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 approach conserves battery energy by reducing the need for air conditioning or heating, while maintaining individual occupant comfort, especially in extreme temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
adjusts the temperature of one or more portions of a seat... using heating or cooling mechanisms
Implementation Method 2
adjusts the temperature of one or more portions of a seat... using heating or cooling mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
An example operation includes one or more of determining a time to a destination of a vehicle maneuvering to the destination when an external temperature is outside of a temperature range, determining a state of charge (SoC) of a battery of the vehicle, and setting a temperature of one or more portions of a seat occupied by an occupant of the vehicle, based on the time and the SoC.