Autonomous Vehicle Climate Control via Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current remote vehicle start systems, such as key fob features, are limited by user forgetfulness, timing constraints, remote work location issues, potential malfunctions, and the need for additional feature-packing, which hinder effective temperature control in vehicle passenger compartments.
Innovation Solution
A method that automatically senses and compares the interior temperature of a parked vehicle to a preferred temperature, initiates the engine and climate control system if necessary, and adjusts or turns off the system based on predefined conditions, eliminating the need for a key fob and allowing for preprogramming of climate control operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a key fob remote start system is used to control vehicle temperature, then the vehicle can be preheated or pre-cooled before arrival, but the system requires user intervention which may be forgotten or timed incorrectly
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle's computer system automatically monitors ambient temperature, compares it to stored preferred temperature settings, and autonomously activates the climate control system without requiring user input. The system serves itself by detecting when temperature adjustment is needed and executing the appropriate heating or cooling sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is pre-programmed with preferred temperature settings and ambient temperature thresholds during vehicle operation or through user setup. When the vehicle is parked, the computer retrieves these pre-stored parameters and automatically initiates climate control adjustments without waiting for user commands.
2Temperature
If the vehicle is remotely started too early to ensure optimal temperature, then the temperature may become excessively hot or cold before arrival, but starting later risks insufficient time to reach optimal temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The climate control system continuously monitors the actual temperature inside the vehicle passenger compartment and compares it to the preferred temperature setting. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts or terminates heating/cooling operations to achieve and maintain the optimal temperature without overshooting.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the duration and intensity of climate control operation based on real-time temperature conditions. Rather than running for a fixed predetermined time, the system modulates its operation to respond to changing thermal conditions inside the vehicle.
3Temperature
If a key fob with remote start capability is provided, then temperature control is possible, but the key fob cost increases and may malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the temperature monitoring and control decision-making functions from the key fob and relocates them to the vehicle's existing computer system. The key fob is reduced to a simple remote ignition trigger, while the intelligent temperature management is handled autonomously by the vehicle's onboard computer and sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle's computer system, which already manages engine operation and climate control functions, is enhanced to perform automatic temperature monitoring and decision-making. This existing multi-functional system handles both the remote start coordination and the intelligent temperature management, eliminating the need for specialized key fob hardware.
4Temperature
If the climate control system runs for extended periods to ensure optimal temperature upon arrival, then temperature comfort is improved, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by activating climate control only when and for as long as necessary to achieve the preferred temperature, rather than running continuously or for excessive durations. The computer calculates the minimum required operation time based on ambient conditions and thermal mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (duration, intensity) of climate control based on ambient temperature differences and vehicle thermal characteristics. When ambient temperature is close to the preferred setting, the system uses minimal or no climate control operation, thereby reducing energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a temperature in a vehicle passenger compartment of a parked vehicle includes the steps of: (a) sensing a temperature inside the vehicle at a predetermined time; (b) comparing the sensed temperature to a preferred temperature; (c) confirming an absence of any object near a front and a rear of the parked vehicle; (d) turning on an engine of the parked vehicle if the absence of any object is confirmed and the sensed temperature is not the preferred temperature; and (e) utilizing a climate control system to change the temperature inside the vehicle passenger compartment.