Ventilated Seat Surface Temperature Estimation for Dynamic Airflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing climatized vehicle systems struggle with inaccurate temperature regulation at vehicle surfaces due to the inability to dynamically adjust airflow rates, reliance on pre-determined setpoints, and the need for additional sensors, which are costly and prone to wear, while also failing to account for leakage and environmental fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
A method to estimate surface temperature by determining heat transfer rates between convective air, material layers, and occupants, using existing sensors to control blowers dynamically, eliminating the need for additional sensors and lookup tables, and adapting to changing ambient conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional sensors are provided to detect surface temperature, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the temperature sensor functionality through mathematical modeling. Instead of physically placing sensors at multiple surface locations, the system uses a single sensor reading combined with heat transfer equations to calculate and estimate temperatures at other locations, effectively copying the measurement capability without additional physical sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical sensor system with a computational/algorithmic system. Rather than using physical sensors to directly measure surface temperature, the system substitutes a mathematical model that computes temperature based on heat transfer principles, using inputs from existing sensors and system parameters.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are placed in compressible layers, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to wear and comfort impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the temperature sensing function from the compressible seat layer and relocates it to a non-compressible, protected location. The sensor is placed in the air distribution device or nearby structure where it is not subjected to repeated compression, thereby extracting the measurement capability from the wear-prone environment while maintaining measurement accuracy through computational methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational model between the physical sensor and the surface temperature measurement. The sensor measures a proxy parameter (such as air temperature or device temperature), and the heat transfer model acts as an intermediary to translate this into the desired surface temperature information, allowing the sensor to be placed in a protected location.
3Device complexity
If pre-determined setpoints are used for airflow control, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, pre-determined setpoint system into a dynamic system that continuously adapts to changing conditions. The control algorithm uses real-time inputs from sensors (temperature, humidity, occupancy) and continuously updates airflow commands based on current thermal conditions, enabling the system to dynamically respond to environmental changes rather than relying on fixed setpoints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control loop where sensor measurements of actual thermal conditions are continuously fed back to the control algorithm. The system compares measured conditions with desired conditions and adjusts airflow rates accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to changing environmental conditions rather than operating open-loop with fixed setpoints.
4Measurement precision
If calibration lookup tables are used for all scenarios, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to extensive calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach from creating comprehensive lookup tables for all possible scenarios to using a continuous mathematical model with adjustable parameters. Instead of discretizing all environmental conditions into pre-calculated tables, the system uses heat transfer equations with parameters that can be tuned to match specific vehicle configurations, reducing calibration effort while maintaining accuracy across diverse scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal heat transfer model that can apply to multiple vehicle types and configurations through parameter adjustment rather than requiring separate calibration tables for each scenario. The mathematical framework is designed to be universally applicable, with parameters that can be modified to account for different seat designs, materials, and environmental conditions, eliminating the need for extensive scenario-specific calibration.
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
Provides accurate and precise temperature estimation at vehicle surfaces, enabling dynamic airflow control that adapts to real-time conditions, enhancing thermal comfort without additional sensors or calibration efforts.
Implementation Method 1
determining a heat transfer rate to or from a material layer based on a temperature applied to the material layer by convective air
Implementation Method 2
determining a heat transfer rate to or from a trim layer based on the temperature of the material layer, which is applied to the trim layer
Data Source
AI summary
A method for estimating a surface temperature of a ventilated seat. A heat transfer rate to or from a material layer is determined based on a temperature applied to the material layer by convective air. A temperature of the material layer is estimated based on the heat transfer rate to or from the material layer. A heat transfer rate to or from a trim layer is determined based on the temperature of the material layer, which is applied to the trim layer. A change rate of the surface temperature is calculated based on the heat transfer rate to or from the trim layer. A surface temperature is estimated based on the change rate of the surface temperature.