Vehicle Trim Surface Temperature Estimation via Heat Transfer Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing climatized vehicle systems struggle to accurately and precisely estimate surface temperatures felt by occupants, leading to slow temperature regulation, increased calibration efforts, and discomfort due to overheating or overcooling.
Innovation Solution
A method for dynamically estimating the surface temperature of a trim layer in a vehicle component by determining heat transfer rates between the trim layer and surrounding mediums, including thermal effectors, material layers, occupants, and cabin air, and updating the estimated temperature based on these rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are placed proximate to surfaces to detect surface temperature, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary estimation model that calculates surface temperature based on measurements from existing sensors located in accessible positions. Rather than placing sensors directly on surfaces, the system uses thermal models and heat transfer equations to estimate surface temperature from measurements taken at accessible locations, thereby avoiding the complexity of direct surface sensor placement while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the surface temperature through mathematical modeling. Instead of physically placing sensors on surfaces, the system replicates surface temperature measurements by calculating equivalent temperatures based on thermal conduction models and measurements from adjacent accessible locations, effectively copying the surface temperature data without direct contact
2Reliability
If multiple thermal effectors are used to condition a surface, then temperature regulation effectiveness is improved, but calibration effort and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of multiple thermal effectors into a unified control framework. Instead of calibrating each effector independently, the system combines their effects into a single thermal model that treats the group of effectors as an integrated system, significantly reducing calibration effort while maintaining the temperature regulation effectiveness of multiple effectors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal calibration approach that works across different configurations of thermal effectors. The thermal model is designed to be agnostic to the specific number, type, or arrangement of effectors, allowing the same calibration procedure to be applied universally to various system configurations, thereby reducing the overall calibration burden
3Reliability
If thermal effectors operate cautiously to avoid overheating or overcooling, then occupant comfort is improved, but temperature regulation speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors estimated surface temperature and adjusts effector operation in real-time. This allows the system to operate more aggressively by providing continuous feedback that prevents overheating or overcooling, thereby achieving faster temperature regulation while maintaining occupant comfort through active control rather than cautious operation
4Manufacturing precision
If individual thermal effectors are calibrated separately, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but productivity and system coordination decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges individual effector calibrations into a single system-level calibration process. Rather than calibrating each effector separately, the method combines their thermal effects into a unified model that can be calibrated as one system, significantly improving calibration productivity while the model maintains the precision needed for individual effector control through its detailed thermal representation
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 method allows for rapid and accurate temperature regulation of vehicle surfaces, reducing calibration efforts and enhancing occupant comfort by enabling dynamic control of thermal effectors based on real-time surface temperature estimates.
Implementation Method 1
determining heat transfer rates between the trim layer and surrounding mediums, including thermal effectors, material layers, occupants, and cabin air
Implementation Method 2
determining heat transfer rates between the trim layer and surrounding mediums, including thermal effectors, material layers, occupants, and cabin air
Implementation Method 3
determining heat transfer rates between the trim layer and surrounding mediums, including thermal effectors, material layers, occupants, and cabin air
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure related to a method for estimating a surface temperature of a trim layer. The method comprises determining a first heat transfer rate and a second heat transfer rate. The method comprises calculating a rate of change of the surface temperature based on the first and second heat transfer rates, and optionally one or more additional heat transfer rates. The method comprises updating an estimated surface temperature of the trim layer from a prior program cycle based on the rate of change of the surface temperature and the estimated surface temperature of the trim layer from the prior program cycle.