Vehicle Conditioning Algorithm Optimizes Start Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote start features for vehicles often require users to estimate conditioning time, leading to inefficiencies such as vehicles being either too cold or wasting fuel, as they turn on the entire vehicle unnecessarily, without allowing customization of which features to activate.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves receiving a departure time and conditioning preferences, using a conditioning algorithm to determine the optimal start time for vehicle conditioning, and selectively activating vehicle components to minimize energy consumption and ensure the vehicle is ready by the desired departure time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire vehicle is turned on using remote start, then all vehicle features are activated and ready for use, but unnecessary fuel is consumed and energy is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the vehicle startup process into two distinct phases: a wake-up phase that activates only essential components (engine, basic systems) and a conditioning phase that activates additional features (HVAC, seats, mirrors) only when needed. This segmentation allows the vehicle to be partially ready without consuming full energy, resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by waking up the vehicle in advance of when the user actually needs it, based on predicted arrival time. The vehicle performs essential startup functions beforehand, then enters a low-power state until the user arrives, eliminating the need to keep the entire vehicle running continuously and reducing fuel consumption while maintaining readiness.
2Temperature
If the vehicle is conditioned earlier to ensure warmth, then the vehicle is comfortable when used, but fuel is wasted during extended waiting time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the conditioning duration flexible and adaptive rather than fixed. The system calculates the minimum necessary conditioning time based on ambient temperature, desired interior temperature, and vehicle insulation characteristics, then adjusts the conditioning window dynamically. This allows the vehicle to achieve comfortable temperature with minimal energy expenditure, resolving the contradiction between temperature comfort and energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by adjusting conditioning duration and intensity based on real-time conditions. Instead of using a fixed conditioning period, the system modifies the conditioning parameters (time, temperature setpoint, HVAC intensity) based on ambient conditions, user preferences, and vehicle state, optimizing the balance between comfort and energy consumption.
3Ease of operation
If users manually estimate conditioning time, then they can activate remote start, but the vehicle may be too cold or fuel is wasted due to inaccurate estimation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the vehicle to automatically calculate and execute the optimal conditioning duration without requiring user input or estimation. The system uses embedded algorithms that consider ambient temperature, vehicle insulation, desired interior conditions, and predicted usage time to determine the precise conditioning window, eliminating user estimation errors while maintaining ease of operation through simple remote start activation.
4Use of energy by moving object
If selective features are activated instead of the entire vehicle, then fuel consumption is reduced, but the vehicle may not be fully ready for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by activating essential vehicle systems (engine, basic electrical systems, safety features) in advance during the wake-up phase, ensuring the vehicle is operationally ready before the user arrives. Non-essential features (HVAC, heated seats, power mirrors) are then activated only if needed and time permits, maintaining reliability while improving fuel efficiency through selective activation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for conditioning one or more aspects of a vehicle, where a user may customize their vehicle by providing desired departure times and conditioning preferences so that the vehicle automatically wakes up, performs the requested conditioning, and is ready for operation by the requested departure time. Some examples of potential conditioning events include activating: a heated or cooled seat, a heated steering wheel, a heated engine block, a heated mirror, a cabin heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, a heating or cooling element for a battery pack, a heating or cooling element for a battery charger, and a heating or cooling element for a fuel cell, to name a few.