In-Vehicle Ventilation Control Using Outside Air Quality Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-vehicle ventilation systems require manual operation to maintain a clean air environment, which is often difficult due to the inability to assess external air quality accurately, leading to potential pollution and inefficiencies in temperature regulation.
Innovation Solution
An in-vehicle ventilation system utilizing a host ECU for wireless communication, an air conditioner ECU, a zone ECU, and a power window unit to automate ventilation control based on internal and external information, including air quality, temperature, and occupancy, interlocking window and air conditioner operations for optimal ventilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the window is opened manually to ventilate the vehicle compartment, then the air environment in the vehicle can be improved, but the occupant cannot accurately determine whether ventilation should be performed due to inability to visually confirm air pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an air quality measurement device as an intermediary to objectively measure outside air quality parameters (PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2, CO concentrations) and transmits this data to the ECU. This mediator bridges the gap between the occupant's inability to visually assess air quality and the need for informed ventilation decisions, enabling automated control based on actual air quality conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring outside air quality through measurement devices, comparing the data against predetermined thresholds, and automatically adjusting ventilation operations accordingly. The ECU receives real-time air quality information and feedback from sensors, then autonomously decides whether to open/close windows or switch air conditioner modes, creating a closed-loop control system that eliminates the need for manual judgment.
2Productivity
If the window is opened to ventilate the vehicle, then inside air can be exchanged with outside air, but polluted outside air (pollen, yellow sand, exhaust gas, dust) may enter the vehicle compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses air quality measurement devices to continuously monitor outside air conditions and provides feedback to the ECU. Based on this feedback, the ECU automatically determines whether outside air quality is suitable for ventilation by comparing measured values against predetermined thresholds, thereby preventing polluted air from entering the vehicle compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation system operates autonomously without requiring manual intervention. The ECU automatically controls window opening/closing and air conditioner operation based on real-time air quality data from measurement devices and internal sensors, enabling the system to serve itself by making intelligent ventilation decisions according to environmental conditions.
3Ease of operation
If the air conditioner outside air introduction duct is used for ventilation, then the vehicle compartment can be ventilated with the window closed, but polluted outside air may still enter through the duct
Solution Approach 1:
The ECU receives real-time feedback from air quality measurement devices monitoring outside air conditions. Based on this feedback, the system automatically switches between inside air circulation mode and outside air introduction mode, or adjusts the outside air introduction amount, thereby preventing polluted air from entering through the air conditioner duct while maintaining effective ventilation when air quality is good.
Solution Approach 2:
The air quality measurement devices act as intermediaries between the outside environment and the air conditioner system. They objectively assess outside air quality and transmit this information to the ECU, which then mediates the decision-making process for controlling the outside air introduction valve, replacing manual judgment with automated, data-driven control.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual ventilation operation is performed, then the occupant can control window opening/closing, but it requires continuous manual intervention and cannot respond automatically to changing air quality conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system operates autonomously without requiring manual intervention. The ECU automatically controls window opening/closing and air conditioner operation based on real-time air quality data from measurement devices and internal sensors, enabling the system to serve itself by making intelligent ventilation decisions according to environmental conditions and temperature requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements comprehensive feedback loops that continuously monitor outside air quality, inside air quality, and temperature conditions. The ECU processes this feedback information and automatically adjusts ventilation operations, creating a responsive system that adapts to changing conditions without manual input while maintaining optimal ventilation control.
Data Source
AI summary
An in-vehicle ventilation system includes a host ECU configured to acquire vehicle outside information using wireless communication, an air conditioner ECU configured to control an air conditioner installed in a vehicle compartment, a zone ECU configured to control a device in the vehicle compartment and to communicate with the host ECU and the air conditioner ECU and a power window unit configured to open and close a window of a vehicle. The zone ECU or the host ECU is configured to perform, based on information acquired inside the vehicle compartment and the vehicle outside information to be acquired by the host ECU, interlocked ventilation control interlockingly controls the power window unit and the air conditioner ECU.