In-Vehicle Equipment Control Device for Flexible Temperature Setting
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-vehicle air conditioning control devices and apparatuses limit the operator's freedom in setting temperatures between the maximum and minimum set temperatures, and require additional buttons, such as a reset button, which complicates the operations panel design.
Innovation Solution
An in-vehicle equipment control device with input units for increasing and decreasing set values, including a halting mechanism to stop changes when a prescribed value is reached and a resuming mechanism to restart changes after a pause, allowing for simple and flexible temperature adjustments without additional buttons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the set temperature is automatically returned to a stored set temperature when the in-vehicle room temperature reaches a prescribed temperature, then the in-vehicle room temperature can be quickly adjusted to a comfortable temperature, but the degree of freedom in setting by an operator is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control device prestores multiple set temperatures (first through fourth set temperatures) in advance. When the operator presses the temperature adjustment switch, the system automatically switches between these predetermined temperatures based on the current room temperature conditions, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while providing multiple temperature options.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different set temperatures based on real-time conditions. The control device monitors the in-vehicle room temperature and automatically selects from multiple prestored temperatures, allowing the set temperature to change dynamically rather than being fixed or requiring manual intervention.
2Ease of operation
If a reset button is added to reset the current set temperature to an initially registered set temperature, then the operator can easily reset the temperature, but the operations panel design becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature adjustment switch serves multiple functions: it can increase/decrease temperature, reset to initial set temperature, and switch between multiple prestored temperatures. By making the switch multi-functional, the need for separate reset buttons is eliminated, simplifying the operations panel while maintaining ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device combines the reset function with the existing temperature adjustment switch. The same switch that adjusts temperature up and down also performs the reset function when pressed in specific conditions, merging multiple functions into a single component and reducing the number of buttons required.
3Ease of operation
If the set temperature is automatically changed to a stored set temperature, then the temperature adjustment is simplified, but the operator cannot set the temperature between the maximum or minimum set temperature and the stored set temperature
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple set temperatures (first through fourth set temperatures) are prestored in the control device, providing a range of temperature options. The operator can select from these predetermined temperatures, and the system can automatically switch between them, offering both automatic control and a variety of temperature choices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides dynamic temperature selection capability, allowing automatic switching between multiple prestored temperatures based on conditions, while also enabling manual adjustment. This creates a flexible system that adapts to different operator needs and temperature requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A disclosed in-vehicle equipment control device “S” includes input units 2 and 3 for increasing and decreasing a set value of in-vehicle equipment, and a set value increase/decrease halting unit 13 for stopping the increase/decrease of the set value when the set value reaches a prescribed value after being increased and decreased by the input units 2 and 3. Further, the in-vehicle equipment control device “S” may further include a set value increase/decrease resuming unit 14 for resuming increasing or decreasing the set value when an input of the input unit 2 or 3 is continued after the increase or decrease of the set value is stopped by the set value increase/decrease halting unit 13.