Motion-Activated AC Remote Display for Energy-Saving Guidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Air conditioner remote controllers lack the capability to display comprehensive energy-saving advice and incorporate acceleration sensors to receive pre-operation information instantly, leading to user confusion and inefficient operation.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an acceleration sensor into the remote controller to enable the display of detailed energy-saving advice and receiving pre-operation information such as indoor environment and electricity rate data, allowing users to access this information by simply raising the remote controller.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the remote controller buttons are made smaller and closer together to accommodate more functions, then the number of functions increases, but the user interface becomes difficult to operate and understand

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of functionsVSAvoiduser interface usability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a liquid crystal display screen that presents functional information in a two-dimensional visual space, allowing multiple function explanations to be displayed simultaneously without reducing button size or increasing button density. This dimensional transition from one-dimensional button arrays to two-dimensional display resolves the contradiction by providing comprehensive function information while maintaining simple button interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a visual copy of the functional information on the liquid crystal display screen, showing explanatory text and icons that represent the buttons' functions. This copying approach allows users to understand multiple functions without needing multiple physical buttons, as the display provides a comprehensive visual reference that replaces the need for extensive button labeling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Loss of information

If pre-operation information is made available instantly by raising the remote controller, then information accessibility improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation accessibilityVSAvoidremote controller complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical information access mechanisms (such as multiple physical buttons, switches, or manual navigation) with an acceleration sensor that automatically detects the remote controller's orientation. When the user raises the remote controller, the sensor triggers the liquid crystal display to show pre-operation information automatically, eliminating the need for complex mechanical interfaces while providing instant information access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enhances user experience by simplifying operation and improving energy efficiency through clear, comprehensive advice and real-time data access, reducing user confusion and promoting optimal energy usage.

Implementation Method 1

incorporates an acceleration sensor in the remote controller, so that the pre-operation information (pre-operation indoor environment information, running cost (future electricity rate) information) and the like from the main body can be received instantly only by raising the remote controller

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcceleration sensor detection: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentEP2363653B1Air conditioner
Publication Date: 2019.10.16 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP2363653B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2363653B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2363653B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To provide an air conditioner that displays the whole content of energy saving advice at once on the interface part of a remote controller and incorporates an acceleration sensor in the remote controller, so that pre-operation information from a main body can be received instantly only by raising the remote controller. An air conditioner includes an almost box-shaped main body, a controller, a remote controller, and a communication part. The almost box-shaped main body has a suction port to take in room air and a blowing port to blow out conditioned air. The controller controls operation of the air conditioner. The remote controller includes a remote controller main body, an acceleration sensor provided in the remote controller main body, and an interface display part constituted by a full-dot liquid crystal display, and allows a user to control operation of the air conditioner. The communication part performs bidirectional communication between the controller and the remote controller. When the user raises the remote controller, pre-operation information is displayed on the interface display part.