Vehicle Cabin Temperature Determination Using IR Surface Mapping
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining cabin temperature in vehicles, especially large ones like buses and airplanes, fail to accurately record temperature inhomogeneities and asymmetries, leading to discomfort and inefficient air conditioning.
Innovation Solution
A device using an IR sensor system to measure surface temperatures of objects within the cabin, applying mathematical relationships to derive air temperatures and assess passenger comfort, allowing for precise temperature determination and comfort level evaluation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If point temperature sensors are used to measure cabin temperature, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision is insufficient to detect temperature inhomogeneities and asymmetries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an infrared camera to capture thermal images of the cabin interior, creating a visual copy of the temperature distribution. This allows comprehensive temperature mapping without placing multiple physical sensors throughout the cabin, thus improving measurement precision while avoiding proportional increases in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical contact temperature sensors with non-contact infrared detection. The infrared camera detects thermal radiation from surfaces and objects in the cabin, eliminating the need for physical sensor placement and providing comprehensive spatial temperature data without increasing system complexity
2Measurement precision
If infrared camera is used to detect temperature distribution, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temperature derivation unit that acts as an intermediary between the infrared camera and the climate control system. This unit applies the first functional relationship to convert surface temperature measurements into air temperature estimates, reducing the need for direct complex infrared air temperature measurement while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct air temperature to surface temperature of objects in the cabin. By measuring the temperature of surfaces and objects that are in thermal equilibrium with the cabin air, the system indirectly determines air temperature with simpler infrared detection technology
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive temperature mapping is performed throughout the cabin, then the measurement precision improves, but the loss of energy increases due to inefficient air conditioning control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where the temperature determination unit continuously monitors cabin temperature distribution and provides data to the climate control system. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of air conditioning operation based on actual temperature conditions, optimizing energy consumption by targeting climate control to areas that need it most
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables zone-specific climate control by identifying areas with temperature inhomogeneities or asymmetries. The climate control system can then apply different control strategies to different zones of the cabin, such as adjusting vents or local heating/cooling, rather than uniformly controlling the entire space, thus reducing overall energy consumption
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 enables accurate air temperature determination and comfort assessment, enabling targeted climate control to eliminate temperature asymmetries and improve passenger comfort while reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor device for detecting infrared, IR, radiation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for determining a temperature in a passenger compartment (5) of a vehicle (4), comprising a sensor device (2) for detecting infrared (IR) radiation, preferably an IR camera and/or thermal imaging camera, and a temperature determination device (3). The temperature determination device can be configured to determine, based on measurement data from the sensor device (2), a surface temperature of a predetermined object (7a, 7b) located in the passenger compartment (5) of the vehicle (4) and, from the determined surface temperature (22) of the object (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b), to determine an air temperature (21) in the passenger compartment of the vehicle by means of a first functional relationship (20).The temperature determination device (3) can alternatively or additionally be configured to determine a surface temperature (41), preferably a face and/or hand temperature, for at least one occupant of the occupant compartment, depending on measurement data from the sensor device (2), and to determine a measure of personal comfort (43a, 43b, 43c, 43d) from the determined surface temperature (41) by means of a second functional relationship (40).