Method and system for a vehicle sanitizing mode

US11807072B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ford Global Technologies, LLC · US

Inventors

• Alan Gutowski · Wixom, US
• Curtis Mark Jones · Wixom, US
• Fred Koberstein · Troy, US
• Stephen White · Shanghai, CN
• Peter Mitchell Lyon · Birmingham, US
• John Eric Rollinger · Sterling Heights, US
• Scott Steadmon Thompson · Belleville, US
• M. Scott Christensen · Canton, US
• David Hancock · Plano, US
• Adam J. Richards · Canton, US
• Steve Skikun · Oakley Park, US
• Frank Fusco · Plymouth, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 19, 2020
• Grant date: Nov 7, 2023
• Expiry date: Sep 26, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60H2001/2234
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Methods and systems are provided for heat sanitizing a vehicle. In one example, a method may include, while receiving power from an external power source and responsive to receiving a request for cleaning an interior of a vehicle, operating an electric heater of a heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system to heat the interior above an upper threshold temperature for a first threshold duration using the power received from the external power source. In this way, the HVAC system may be advantageously used to expose the vehicle interior to temperatures that kill or inactive microbes while vehicle battery power and fuel are conserved by using power supplied from the external power source.