Vehicle HVAC Sensor Mapping for Improper Installation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Improper installation of valves or sensors in vehicle heating and cooling systems leads to inefficient operation, and traditional diagnostic methods are time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a processing system that monitors sensor readings during system operation, identifies mismatched sensors or improperly installed valves using delta value comparisons and machine learning algorithms, and updates sensor mappings in vehicle software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional diagnostic methods are used to identify improper installation of valves or sensors, then diagnostic accuracy can be maintained, but diagnostic time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically activating heating or cooling operations and collecting sensor readings before diagnostic analysis. This preliminary data collection and system activation prepares the foundation for rapid delta value comparison, eliminating the need for manual inspection and significantly reducing diagnostic time while maintaining accuracy
2Productivity
If manual inspection methods are used to diagnose heating and cooling system issues, then measurement precision can be maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection methods with an automated electronic diagnostic system. The processing system automatically collects sensor readings, calculates delta values, compares them against expected ranges, and identifies sensor mismatches or improper valve installations. This substitution maintains measurement precision through systematic data analysis while dramatically improving diagnostic productivity and efficiency
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive sensor monitoring is implemented during system operation, then sensor mismatch detection accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing system performs multiple functions using a single integrated approach: it monitors sensor readings, activates heating or cooling operations, calculates delta values, compares readings against expected ranges, and identifies both sensor mismatches and improper valve installations. This multi-functional design improves detection accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity, as one system handles all diagnostic tasks
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include identifying improperly installed equipment in a heating and cooling system of a vehicle. Aspects include obtaining an initial reading from each of a plurality of sensors disposed in the vehicle, activating one or more of a heating system and a cooling system disposed in the vehicle, and obtaining a series of readings from each of the plurality of sensors. Aspects also include identifying, for each of the plurality of sensors, a delta value from the series of readings, comparing, for each of the plurality of sensors, the delta value to an expected delta value, identifying two or more sensors from the plurality of sensors that have been mismatched based on differences between the delta values and the expected delta values, and updating a mapping of the two or more sensors in a software of the vehicle.