Electronic device and method of controlling ambient temperature using the same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for regulating body temperature through ambient control are inefficient and do not account for individual user preferences or thermal sensations, potentially leading to discomfort or health risks due to prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device equipped with first and second temperature sensors and a processor that estimates skin heat loss and thermal sensation score to predict and control ambient temperature, adjusting external devices like air conditioners or heaters based on user-specific data to maintain thermal comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing methods for regulating body temperature through ambient control are used, then ambient temperature can be controlled, but the control is inefficient and does not account for individual user preferences or thermal sensations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindividual user preferencesVSAvoidcontrolling efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors skin temperature and heat loss through temperature sensors, processes this data through algorithms to determine thermal sensation scores, and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust ambient temperature control, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to individual user needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the control parameters from generic ambient temperature settings to personalized thermal sensation scores based on skin temperature and heat loss measurements, enabling individualized temperature regulation that accounts for user-specific physiological responses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If existing ambient temperature control methods are used, then ambient temperature can be adjusted, but user comfort may be compromised due to lack of consideration for thermal sensations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser comfortVSAvoidthermal comfort reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically monitors user thermal state through skin temperature sensors and autonomously adjusts ambient temperature without requiring user input, allowing users to passively receive personalized thermal comfort management based on their physiological responses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If ambient temperature control without considering skin heat loss is used, then simple temperature regulation is achieved, but health risks may occur due to prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system simplicityVSAvoidextreme temperature exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system proactively monitors skin temperature and calculates heat loss before extreme temperature exposure becomes dangerous, enabling preventive adjustment of ambient temperature to avoid health risks associated with prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The device effectively maintains optimal ambient temperatures by continuously monitoring and adjusting environmental conditions to match user thermal preferences, enhancing comfort and safety by preventing extreme temperature exposure.

Implementation Method 1

a first temperature sensor configured to measure a first temperature of body skin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a second temperature sensor configured to measure a second temperature at a position spaced apart from the body skin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 3

calculate skin heat flux by subtracting the second temperature from the first temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat flux: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 4

The human body releases heat to the outside by radiation, convection, conduction, evaporation, respiration, and the like

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 5

The human body releases heat to the outside by radiation, convection, conduction, evaporation, respiration, and the like

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 6

The human body releases heat to the outside by radiation, convection, conduction, evaporation, respiration, and the like

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS12590725B2Electronic device and method of controlling ambient temperature using the same

Publication Date: 2026.03.31 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device may include: a first temperature sensor configured to measure a first temperature of body skin; a second temperature sensor configured to measure a second temperature at a position spaced apart from the body skin; and a processor configured to estimate skin heat loss based on the first temperature and the second temperature, and to determine a target ambient temperature for controlling an ambient temperature based on the first temperature and the skin heat loss.