Vehicle Interior Ventilation Sensor Module Merging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interior ventilation systems for motor vehicles are expensive due to the need for multiple sensors to detect harmful substances, which increases the cost of sensors, installation, and cabling.
Innovation Solution
A combined air quality sensor module is used in an air measurement chamber, accessible to both ambient and internal air, with a control device that selectively activates sensors based on air quality measurements, reducing the need for individual sensors and simplifying installation, and includes sensors for PM, NOx, CO, CO2, and VOC to prioritize air quality and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple individual air quality sensors are used to detect harmful substances, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple air quality sensors (CO, CO2, NOx, VOC sensors) into a single integrated sensor module with a common measurement chamber. This merging approach maintains the ability to detect multiple harmful substances while reducing system complexity by eliminating separate sensor housings, mounting structures, and cabling for each individual sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor module is designed as a universal multi-functional unit that can simultaneously measure multiple air quality parameters (CO, CO2, NOx, VOC) through a single device. The measurement chamber serves multiple sensing functions, allowing one modular component to replace multiple specialized sensors while maintaining comprehensive air quality monitoring capability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple individual air quality sensors are installed, then air quality detection capability is improved, but installation cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple sensors into one integrated module, the installation process is simplified from installing multiple separate components to installing a single unit. The module includes all necessary connections (power, ground, signal) in one package, reducing installation steps and potential error sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is segmented into a self-contained modular unit that can be installed as a complete package. This segmentation allows the entire sensor assembly to be treated as a single replaceable component, simplifying both initial installation and future maintenance or upgrades.
3Measurement precision
If all air quality sensors are continuously activated, then measurement precision is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous operation, the control device activates sensors periodically or selectively based on ventilation mode and air quality conditions. The measurement air control device can switch between ambient air and internal air modes, activating specific sensors as needed, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining measurement precision when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor activation system is made dynamic and adaptive, allowing the control device to adjust which sensors are active based on current operating conditions. This dynamic control enables the system to maintain measurement precision when needed while minimizing energy consumption during normal operation by activating only the necessary sensors.
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 reduces the cost of the ventilation system by allowing for the use of combined sensors, energy savings through selective activation, and ensures safer air quality by prioritizing ventilation from less harmful sources based on sensor readings.
Implementation Method 1
a PM sensor for measuring a fine dust content in the ambient air, a NOx sensor for measuring a NOx content in the ambient air
Implementation Method 2
a CO sensor for measuring a CO content in the ambient air, and a CO2 sensor for measuring a CO2 content in the internal air
Data Source
AI summary
An interior ventilation system for a motor vehicle includes an air measurement chamber, into which outdoor air of the motor vehicle can be fed via an outside air supply line and vehicle interior air of the motor vehicle can be fed via an inside air supply line, air quality sensors for measuring a harmful-substance content in air located in the air measurement chamber, and a measurement air control unit, which is designed to selectively supply outdoor air and/or vehicle interior air to the air measurement chamber. A motor vehicle includes such an interior ventilation system.