Vehicle Articulated Opening Control for Thermal and Security Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles face challenges in maintaining passenger comfort due to temperature fluctuations and safety concerns from external threats, as passengers may be distracted and unaware of their surroundings, leading to difficulty in managing interior temperature and detecting potential threats effectively.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system incorporating a vision system for exterior condition monitoring, a temperature sensor for interior temperature regulation, and a controller that adjusts articulable openings based on temperature thresholds and threat assessments to manage both thermal comfort and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vehicle openings are closed to enhance security when the user is away, then security is improved, but interior temperature increases beyond passenger comfort levels
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by closing vehicle openings before the user arrives to ensure security, then proactively monitors interior temperature and opens openings in advance to prevent excessive heat buildup, resolving the contradiction between security and thermal comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses temperature sensors to continuously monitor interior temperature and provides feedback to the controller, which adjusts opening positions accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain both security and thermal comfort by dynamically responding to temperature conditions
2Temperature
If vehicle openings are opened to reduce interior temperature, then thermal comfort is improved, but vulnerability to external threats increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vision system continuously monitors the exterior environment and provides feedback to the controller about detected threats. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts opening positions to maintain thermal comfort while closing openings when threats are detected, thus protecting against external harmful factors
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts opening positions based on real-time conditions. Openings are opened to allow heat dissipation when safe, and closed when threats are detected. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to respond to changing environmental and security conditions, balancing thermal comfort and safety
3Reliability
If passengers remain fully aware of vehicle surroundings to detect threats, then safety is improved, but ability to perform unrelated tasks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle system performs the safety monitoring function itself through integrated vision systems and sensors, freeing passengers from the burden of constant surveillance. The system autonomously detects threats and takes appropriate actions, allowing passengers to focus on their tasks while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/cognitive system of passenger awareness with an automated electronic vision and sensing system. This substitution allows the vehicle to autonomously monitor its surroundings and respond to threats, eliminating the need for passengers to maintain constant situational awareness
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a vision system configured to output a signal indicative of exterior conditions in a vicinity of the vehicle and a temperature sensor configured to output a signal indicative of an interior temperature of the vehicle. The vehicle also includes a plurality of articulable openings arranged to allow fluid flow communication between an interior and an exterior of the vehicle. The vehicle further includes a controller programmed to adjust at least one articulable opening toward an open position in response to the interior temperature exceeding a temperature threshold. The controller is also programmed to adjust at least one articulable opening toward a closed position in response to detection via the vision system of a threat condition in the vicinity of the vehicle.