Telematics Thermal Layout With Active Heat Transfer Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle telematics systems face limitations in heat dissipation, leading to reduced operational temperatures and functionality, especially when exposed to high ambient temperatures, due to the stacking of Network Access Devices (NADs) and Telematics Control Units (TCUs), which restricts their performance.
Innovation Solution
Thermally separating the NAD and TCU boards, implementing an energy-moving device (EMD) for heat transfer between low-temperature-rated and high-temperature-rated devices, and using a temperature-controlling device (TCD) and air-moving device (AMD) to manage heat, with a controller and neural network optimizing voltage settings for effective heat management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If NAD and TCU are stacked one on top of the other, then device integration is improved, but heat dissipation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the thermal management system into separate zones for LTRD and HTRD, with dedicated heat dissipation paths. The NAD and TCU are thermally separated rather than stacked, creating independent thermal management segments that can be optimized separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary thermal management system including EMD, TCD, and AMD that mediates heat transfer between LTRD and HTRD. This intermediary system enables controlled heat redistribution without direct thermal coupling between the stacked devices.
2Ease of manufacture
If consumer grade components are used in NAD, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but operating temperature limit deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The TCD acts as an intermediary device that enables consumer-grade NAD components to operate in high-temperature environments by actively managing heat transfer. The TCD mediates between the NAD's temperature limitations and the harsh thermal environment, allowing cost-effective components to function reliably.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes thermal parameters by adjusting the operating conditions of TCD and AMD based on real-time temperature monitoring. This allows the NAD to maintain optimal operating temperatures despite ambient temperature variations, enabling the use of consumer-grade components in automotive environments.
3Temperature
If active thermal management devices are added, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The EMD serves multiple functions: it transfers heat from LTRD to HTRD, acts as a thermal buffer, and enables bidirectional heat flow. The TCD provides both heating and cooling capabilities, and the AMD functions as both a cooling device and a thermal management actuator, reducing the need for separate dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller implements a feedback control system that monitors temperatures of LTRD, HTRD, and ambient air, then dynamically adjusts the operation of TCD and AMD. This feedback mechanism enables precise temperature control while automating the management of the additional devices, offsetting the complexity increase through intelligent control.
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 continuous operation in higher ambient temperatures, maintains NAD component temperatures below critical limits, and enhances telematics system performance by effectively transferring heat, allowing for extended functionality in extreme conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an energy-moving device (EMD) transfers heat between a low-temperature-rated device (LTRD) and a high-temperature-rated device (HTRD)
Implementation Method 2
An air-moving device (AMD) generates an air stream for transferring heat from the EMD to ambient air
Data Source
AI summary
An energy-moving device (EMD) transfers heat between a low-temperature-rated device (LTRD) and a high-temperature-rated device (HTRD), wherein the LTRD is thermally separated from the HTRD such that the LTRD is not stacked above the HTRD. A temperature-controlling device (TCD) actively transfers heat between the LTRD and the EMD. An air-moving device (AMD) generates an air stream for transferring heat from the EMD to ambient air. A controller receives temperature information about the ambient air, the LTRD, and the HTRD; determines when heat should be removed from the LTRD, when heat should be added to the LTRD, and when no heat needs to be transferred to or from the LTRD; and determines a first voltage for the TCD and a second voltage for the AMD based on the received temperature information. And a neural network updates the voltage values based on how effectively the voltage values have performed.