Windshield-Mounted Sensor for Vehicle Sun Load HVAC Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle HVAC systems rely on separate sun load sensors to adjust temperature control, which can be redundant and inefficient, as they do not effectively utilize existing relative humidity/temperature sensors mounted on windshields for determining sun load on vehicle cabins.
Innovation Solution
A method using a relative humidity/temperature sensor affixed to a windshield, combining readings of air relative humidity, air temperature, glass temperature, cabin air temperature, and outside air temperature to calculate sun load through an equation, eliminating the need for a separate sun load sensor and integrating this data into HVAC system control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate sun load sensor is used to determine sun load for HVAC control, then sun load measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sun load sensing function with the existing relative humidity/temperature sensor by mounting it on the windshield. The sensor integrates multiple measurement capabilities (humidity, air temperature, glass temperature) into a single device, eliminating the need for a separate sun load sensor while deriving sun load information from the temperature differential between the glass and air sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The relative humidity/temperature sensor mounted on the windshield serves multiple functions: it measures relative humidity, air temperature, and glass temperature. By utilizing the glass temperature sensor in conjunction with the air temperature sensor, the system derives sun load information from this multi-functional sensor, making it applicable for both humidity control and sun load compensation in HVAC systems.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a separate sun load sensor is installed to provide sun load input to HVAC controller, then sun load detection capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sun load detection capability into the existing relative humidity/temperature sensor system. By mounting the sensor on the windshield and utilizing the glass temperature sensor already present in the sensor assembly, the system derives sun load information without requiring an additional dedicated sun load sensor, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing relative humidity/temperature sensor assembly serves itself by providing sun load detection capability through its glass temperature sensor. The sensor system that was originally designed for humidity and temperature measurement now also provides sun load information, eliminating the need for separate dedicated hardware and reducing overall system cost.
3Device complexity
If existing relative humidity/temperature sensor on windshield is utilized for sun load determination, then device complexity is reduced, but sun load measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the glass temperature sensor and air temperature sensor to calculate sun load. By continuously monitoring the temperature differential between the glass and the air, the controller can derive sun load information and use it to adjust HVAC operation, maintaining measurement precision through computational analysis of sensor data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter being measured from direct sun load detection to temperature differential measurement. By measuring the difference between glass temperature and air temperature, the system indirectly determines sun load with sufficient precision for HVAC control purposes, trading direct measurement for a computationally derived parameter that is equally effective.
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
Enables accurate determination and adjustment of HVAC settings based on sun load without a dedicated sun load sensor, enhancing cooling or heating operations by correlating glass temperature with sun load impact on vehicle occupants, thus optimizing temperature control.
Implementation Method 1
a glass temperature sensor that senses temperature of glass of the windshield
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor that senses temperature of the air at the relative humidity sensor
Implementation Method 3
a relative humidity sensor that senses relative humidity of air at the relative humidity sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Sun load on a cabin of a vehicle is determined without a sun load sensor by affixing a relative humidity/temperature sensor to an inside of a windshield of the vehicle. The relative humidity/temperature sensor includes a relative humidity sensor that senses relative humidity of air at the relative humidity sensor, a temperature sensor that senses temperature of the air at the relative humidity sensor and a glass temperature sensor that senses temperature of glass of the windshield. A controller determines the sun load based on readings from the relative humidity/temperature sensor of relative humidity of the air at the relative humidity sensor, temperature of the air at the relative humidity sensor and temperature of the glass of the windshield.