Air Conditioner Pipe Communication Repeat Node Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioner networks face challenges in implementing long-distance communication using pipe communication schemes, as increasing communication signal strength to ensure reliability can violate electromagnetic compatibility standards, limiting the application to actual long-distance pipe communication.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus that determines a repeat node by comparing status messages from multiple communication apparatuses to ensure effective signal transmission over long distances, using a controller to generate and compare first and second status messages containing recognition information and communication parameters, and a communicator to transmit and receive data to and from a master communication apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the communication signal is increased to ensure communication distance, then the communication reliability is improved, but the electromagnetic compatibility standard cannot be satisfied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the communication network into multiple segments by introducing repeat nodes that segment the long communication distance into shorter segments. Each segment maintains signal integrity without requiring excessive signal strength, thus satisfying EMC standards while ensuring communication reliability over long distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces repeat nodes as intermediary devices between the master control apparatus and slave control apparatuses. These intermediaries receive, regenerate, and retransmit signals, maintaining signal quality without requiring the master to transmit at high power levels, thereby resolving the conflict between communication distance and EMC compliance.
2Reliability
If wired communication (RS-485) is used between outdoor unit and indoor units, then communication reliability is improved, but additional communication lines and protective pipes have to be installed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the refrigerant pipes serve multiple functions: both refrigerant transport and communication transmission. By enabling communication signals to be transmitted through the existing refrigerant pipes, the system eliminates the need for separate communication lines and protective pipes, reducing installation complexity while maintaining communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired communication system (RS-485 with separate cables and protective pipes) with a system that uses the existing refrigerant pipe infrastructure. This substitution leverages the already-installed mechanical structure for dual purposes, eliminating additional installation requirements.
3Device complexity
If pipe communication scheme is used to replace RS-485, then installation complexity is reduced, but communication distance limitation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the long-distance communication path by introducing intermediate repeat nodes that periodically regenerate signals. This segmentation allows the pipe communication scheme to extend over long distances without signal degradation, overcoming the distance limitation while maintaining the installation simplicity of using existing refrigerant pipes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces repeat nodes as intermediary devices along the communication path. These intermediaries receive weak signals from distant slave control apparatuses, amplify and regenerate them, and retransmit to the master control apparatus, thereby extending the effective communication distance of the pipe communication scheme without compromising installation simplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A communication, an air conditioner, and a method for controlling the communication apparatus are disclosed. The communication apparatus includes a communicator and a controller. The communicator is configured to receive a recognition signal from each of one or more other communication apparatuses. The communicator is also configured to transmit a generated first status message generated based on the recognition signal. The communicator is also configured to receive at least one second status message generated by the one or more other communication apparatuses. The controller is configured to generate the first status message based on the recognition signal received by the communicator.. The controller is also configured to determine a repeat node by comparing the second status message with the first status message.