Vehicle Air-Conditioning Control for Neglected Occupant Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Despite rear occupant alert systems, there is a risk of safety accidents when drivers do not recognize or respond to occupants neglected in rear seats, leading to potential heat or cold-related hazards in parked vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An air-conditioning control system for vehicles that includes an occupant sensing unit, ventilation control unit, and temperature control unit, utilizing ultrasonic sensors to detect occupants and control airflow and temperature based on their location and number, with an alarm system to alert drivers or others if an occupant is present, and automatically adjusting ventilation and heating/cooling settings to ensure safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rear occupant alert system is implemented, then safety warning capability is improved, but response effectiveness deteriorates when driver does not recognize or respond to the warning
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the vehicle to automatically perform air conditioning control actions without requiring driver intervention. When an occupant is detected and the driver does not respond to warnings, the system autonomously adjusts ventilation and temperature settings to protect the neglected occupant, making the system self-responsible for the safety function.
Solution Approach 2:
The air conditioning control system acts as an intermediary between the driver's lack of awareness and the neglected occupant's safety needs. By automatically adjusting environmental conditions (ventilation and temperature), the system mediates the safety protection without requiring direct driver action or presence.
2Reliability
If automatic air conditioning control is implemented for parked vehicles, then occupant safety protection is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air conditioning control system is extended to perform multiple functions: it not only provides normal climate control but also detects neglected occupants through ultrasonic sensors, issues warnings, and automatically adjusts ventilation and temperature settings. This multi-functionality consolidates safety monitoring and response actions into an existing system rather than adding separate dedicated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the safety monitoring function (occupant detection using ultrasonic sensors) with the existing air conditioning control system. By merging these functions into a single integrated control unit, the system reduces overall complexity compared to having separate independent systems for detection, warning, and environmental control.
3Reliability
If ventilation and temperature control are automatically adjusted based on occupant detection, then safety effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by adjusting air conditioning parameters only to the extent necessary for safety protection rather than maintaining optimal comfort settings. When a neglected occupant is detected, the system modifies ventilation and temperature settings specifically aimed at preventing harm (e.g., ensuring minimum oxygen supply and preventing extreme temperatures) rather than providing full comfort optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic monitoring through ultrasonic sensors to detect occupant presence and movement. The air conditioning adjustments are triggered periodically based on detection results rather than continuously operating at full capacity, allowing the system to balance safety effectiveness with energy conservation by activating control functions only when needed.
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
The system effectively protects occupants from heat or cold-related hazards by ensuring ventilation and temperature control in parked vehicles, even if drivers are not responsive, thereby enhancing vehicle safety and customer satisfaction.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic sensor configured to sense a movement inside the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
An air-conditioning control system for a vehicle includes: an occupant sensing unit that determines whether or not there is an occupant inside the vehicle when a driver exits from the vehicle; a ventilation control unit that performs control to allow external air to be introduced into the vehicle, upon sensing that there is an occupant in the vehicle; and a temperature control unit that senses at least one of an interior temperature of the vehicle and an external temperature at the time of controlling ventilation. The system is configured to control heating or cooling based on the sensed interior temperature or the external temperature.