Vehicle HVAC Control via Portable Device Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle HVAC systems are limited in controlling cabin parameters beyond temperature and incident radiation, failing to account for localized thermal flux and heating effects, and require extensive wiring and complex integration for accurate characterization of internal environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A portable device interface is introduced to communicatively couple with the vehicle's HVAC system, using sensors to measure environmental conditions and generate control signals for the HVAC system, allowing for customizable and accurate control without the need for extensive wiring or complex integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If extensive wiring and additional components are used to fully characterize internal environmental conditions of the cabin, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A portable computing device serves as an intermediary between the sensors and the HVAC system. The portable device receives sensor data wirelessly, processes the information to determine HVAC settings, and communicates control signals to the HVAC system, eliminating the need for complex wired integration while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/wired connection system with a wireless communication system. Sensors communicate with the portable device via wireless signals (such as Bluetooth or other wireless protocols), eliminating the need for extensive wiring and physical integration components
2Ease of operation
If known HVAC systems use integrated temperature and radiation sensors, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to account for localized thermal flux and heating effects
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the measurement function by using multiple distributed sensors throughout the cabin rather than relying on a single integrated sensor. This allows for capturing localized thermal flux and heating effects from different positions, improving overall measurement precision while maintaining automatic operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring sensor data, processing it to determine appropriate HVAC settings, and adjusting the HVAC system accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism maintains ease of automatic operation while improving measurement precision through comprehensive sensor data analysis
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 solution enables highly effective and customizable HVAC control, improving accuracy and reducing costs by using wireless sensors and portable devices to analyze and direct HVAC systems based on various cabin parameters, including thermal comfort and air quality, enhancing passenger comfort and reducing system complexity.
Implementation Method 1
localized thermal flux/heating effects
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for vehicle HVAC control are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a portable device interface of a vehicle, the portable device interface to be communicatively coupled with a portable device, a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) control system of the vehicle, where the HVAC control system is to be communicatively coupled to the portable device interface. The example apparatus also includes a processor to control the HVAC control system based on signals received at the portable device interface from the portable device.