Air Conditioner Remote Control Menu for Fault Response Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Remote control units for air conditioning apparatuses become complex and difficult to use as the number of functions increases, despite efforts to reduce switch complexity, leading to operational challenges.

Innovation Solution

A remote control unit with a display unit, cursor-moving means, and confirmation means that prioritizes selected items, positions fault response information at the top of the menu upon receiving specific inputs, and simplifies the user interface by displaying essential information without requiring manual consultation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the number of functions is increased, then the versatility of the remote control unit is improved, but the device complexity increases making it more difficult to use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of functionsVSAvoidcomplexity of remote control unit
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal menu system where a single interface structure handles multiple functions including fault notifications, filter maintenance requests, and general control operations. The controller dynamically adapts the menu display based on the type of signal received, allowing one interface to serve multiple purposes without requiring separate controls for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The remote control unit dynamically adjusts its interface behavior based on the input signal type. When a fault notification or filter maintenance request is detected, the controller automatically repositions the corresponding response item to the top of the menu, creating a dynamic adaptation that prioritizes relevant functions without requiring structural changes to the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If the number of switches is reduced, then the device complexity is decreased, but the ease of operation deteriorates as users have more difficulty finding needed functions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of switchesVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The controller performs preliminary action by automatically repositioning the fault response item or filter maintenance item to the top of the menu before the user needs to search for it. This anticipatory repositioning based on the received signal type eliminates the need for users to search through the menu, maintaining ease of operation despite having fewer switches and a more condensed interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback by detecting the type of signal received (fault notification, filter maintenance request, or other control signals) and automatically adjusting the menu display accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the most relevant functions are always prominently displayed, compensating for the reduced number of physical switches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If fault information is immediately displayed, then the productivity of fault resolution is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional display requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault resolution speedVSAvoiddisplay control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller performs preliminary action by automatically repositioning the fault response item to the top of the menu immediately upon receiving a fault notification signal or filter maintenance request. This eliminates the need for users to search through the menu, providing immediate access to fault information and accelerating resolution without requiring complex additional display hardware or multiple interface modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2123988B1Remote control unit for air conditioner
Publication Date: 2018.10.31 DAIKIN INDUSTRIES LTD
  • EP2123988B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2123988B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP2123988B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(c)

AI summary

The present invention provides a remote control unit of an air conditioning apparatus, the remote control unit having excellent operability and being easily handled by a user. In this remote control unit (10), when a controller (20) has received from an air conditioning apparatus (1) a fault notification signal input notifying of a fault or a filter maintenance request signal input requesting that the filter of an air conditioning apparatus (1) be cleaned, the controller positions at the top of a menu (21) a fault response item (211) showing the locations of a plurality of information relevant to the fault needed by the user.