Vehicle HVAC Preconditioning With Remote Start Authorization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle HVAC systems require significant time to adjust the internal temperature after starting the vehicle, leading to discomfort for users when entering a vehicle with extreme interior temperatures.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that allow remote adjustment of a vehicle's internal temperature by determining an initiating event, monitoring the internal temperature, sending notifications to the user when the temperature is outside a preferred range, requesting user authorization to activate the HVAC system, and remotely starting the vehicle if authorized.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If the vehicle HVAC system is activated after the vehicle is started, then the system can adjust the temperature, but it takes a significant period of time to bring the interior temperature into a preferred range

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime to adjust interior temperatureVSAvoiduser convenience when entering vehicle

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by remotely activating the HVAC system before the user enters the vehicle. The notification system alerts the user of upcoming vehicle use, and the HVAC system is activated in advance to adjust the interior temperature before the user arrives, eliminating the waiting time upon entry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the HVAC system is activated remotely before vehicle use, then the interior temperature can be adjusted in advance, but the system requires user notification and authorization mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenience when entering vehicleVSAvoidsystem components for notification and authorization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a multi-functional approach where the notification system serves multiple purposes: alerting users of upcoming vehicle use, providing temperature information, and obtaining authorization for remote HVAC activation. The telematics system integrates communication, sensing, and control functions into a unified platform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If the system monitors internal temperature continuously, then it can detect when temperature is outside preferred range, but it requires temperature sensors and telematic units

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinternal temperature monitoring accuracyVSAvoidtemperature sensors and telematic unit

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs self-service principles where the temperature sensors automatically monitor and report internal temperature conditions without manual intervention. The telematics unit autonomously processes temperature data, compares it against preferred ranges, and triggers notifications or HVAC activation based on pre-programmed criteria.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250162377A1Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) control system to turn on the HVAC system based on climate conditions and to remote start the vehicle with the HVAC system on

Publication Date: 2025.05.22 FCA US LLC

AI summary

A vehicle system and method for determining an internal temperature of the vehicle prior to a predetermined event and comparing the internal temperature to a predetermined temperature range. If the internal temperature is not within the preferred internal temperature range the system notifies a user and allows the user to authorize the system to remote start the vehicle and/or turn on the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system to adjust the internal temperature to be within the preferred internal temperature range.