Automotive climate control with infra-red sensing
US5518176A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 2, 1995 |
| Grant date | May 21, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 2, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05D23/1919
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An air temperature sensor and an infrared sensor are used along with an outside temperature sensor to control an HVAC system. During vehicle operation the IR sensor views an occupant seating area and realistically determines the thermal comfort level and the air temperature adds stability to that determination to control the air output. For dual zone systems two IR sensors separately monitor the two zones for accurate control of each zone air output. When the vehicle is not operating, the internal temperature is monitored and compared to a threshold and to outside temperature to turn on ventilation for limiting the internal temperature, subject to sufficient battery voltage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.