Room Temperature Control with Adaptive Sensor-Actuator Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional room thermostats are inflexible, require complex setup and reconfiguration for changes in heating or cooling devices, lack integration of different sensors and actuators, and do not facilitate energy-efficient or remote control of room temperatures.

Innovation Solution

A temperature control device comprising a combination of temperature sensors and a control unit with a stored control program, allowing for adaptive and remote control of room conditions, with electronically controllable actuators, and utilizing one-wire bus technology for simplified wiring and communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional room thermostats are used with fixed wiring and predefined positions, then the system provides basic temperature control functionality, but the system lacks flexibility for modifications and requires complex reconfiguration when heating or cooling devices are changed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility for modificationsVSAvoidreconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the building into multiple zones with individual temperature control units, each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows modifications in one area without affecting the entire system, eliminating the need for complex global reconfiguration when local changes are made.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The temperature control units are designed with universal interfaces and standardized communication protocols that can work with various types of heating and cooling devices. This multi-functionality allows the system to accommodate different device types without requiring specialized configuration, thereby reducing reconfiguration complexity when devices are changed.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional room thermostats are used with fixed configurations, then the system provides basic temperature control, but subsequent modifications require painstaking reconfiguration and rewiring

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of system modificationVSAvoidreconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic configuration capabilities where control units can be easily added, removed, or repositioned without permanent wiring changes. The modular architecture allows the system to adapt dynamically to changing requirements, significantly reducing the time needed for modifications compared to fixed configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical wiring and physical reconfiguration with electronic communication and software-based configuration. This substitution eliminates the need for painstaking rewiring when modifications are needed, as changes can be made through software interfaces and wireless communication, dramatically reducing reconfiguration time.

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

3Loss of energy

If conventional room thermostats are used, then basic temperature maintenance is achieved, but energy efficiency measures cannot be implemented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates multiple sensors that continuously monitor temperature, humidity, occupancy, and energy consumption. This feedback is processed by control algorithms that automatically adjust heating and cooling operations to optimize energy efficiency while maintaining comfort. The feedback mechanism enables energy efficiency measures without requiring overly complex manual intervention systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system dynamically adjusts operational parameters such as temperature setpoints, timing schedules, and device activation thresholds based on real-time conditions and historical data. These parameter changes enable energy efficiency optimization through automated decision-making, achieving energy savings without requiring complex user configuration or manual energy management procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If conventional room thermostats are used, then simple installation is achieved, but remote communication and data transmission are difficult to implement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote communication capabilityVSAvoidintegration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces communication modules and protocols as intermediaries between the temperature control units and external systems. These intermediaries handle data transmission, remote communication, and integration with building management systems in a standardized manner, enabling remote capabilities without requiring complex custom integration work for each device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3709122B1Apparatus for temperature control of rooms in a building and associated temperature control method
Publication Date: 2022.12.21 TTO THERMOTECHN D O O
  • EP3709122B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3709122B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

Temperature control device (10) and method for temperature control for a heating or cooling unit (20) of individual rooms in buildings with electronically controllable actuators (2) of heating units (3) or cooling units (4) which are controlled by a room temperature controller (1) in order to obtain a preset or adjustable setpoint temperature of the room, wherein in the room temperature controller (1) a detected actual temperature of the room is processed and compared with the respective setpoint temperature of the room and wherein the actuators (2) are directly or indirectly connected to the room temperature controller (1) in terms of control technology, wherein the room temperature controller (1) is a combination of at least one temperature sensor (5) in the room and a control program stored in a separate control unit (6) which is designed to take into account the room conditions of the room,to depict the steep drives (2) and the connections to the actuators (2) of the respective room and to take them into account in the temperature control together with the temperature detected by the temperature sensor (5).