Air Conditioner Group Channel Scanning for Wireless Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

As the number of devices connected via wireless communication in air conditioner systems increases, there is a need for a method to set an optimal communication channel to prevent degradation in communication quality, such as reduced speed and interference.

Innovation Solution

A control method is provided to set an optimal wireless communication channel, allowing units in the air conditioner system to communicate effectively regardless of their installation environment, using a wireless communication module that supports various frequency bands and communication methods, including sub-GHz bands, Zigbee, Bluetooth, and NFC, to ensure high-quality communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the number of devices connected via wireless communication is increased, then system functionality and user control capabilities are improved, but communication quality deteriorates due to interference and reduced communication speed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidcommunication quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically switching communication channels based on detected interference levels and signal quality. The system monitors communication parameters and adjusts the selected channel to maintain optimal performance despite increasing device count, directly resolving the contradiction between system versatility and communication reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If wireless communication channels are increased to handle more devices, then communication capacity is improved, but channel interference and signal degradation worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication capacityVSAvoidchannel interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors communication quality metrics including signal strength, interference levels, and transmission success rates. Based on this feedback, the system automatically selects optimal communication channels and adjusts transmission parameters, thereby maintaining high communication capacity while minimizing interference effects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If wireless communication is used to enable flexible installation, then ease of installation and system adaptability are improved, but communication reliability through obstacles like walls and floors deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidcommunication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the communication system adaptive to environmental conditions. The system dynamically selects communication channels based on detected obstacle presence and signal propagation characteristics, allowing flexible installation while maintaining reliable communication through continuous environmental assessment and parameter adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3462095B1Control method of air conditioner system
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3462095B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3462095B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3462095B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

Disclosed is a control method of an air conditioner system including: receiving, by one of an outdoor unit and a plurality of indoor units, a command; transmitting, by the outdoor unit belonging to the particular group, a channel scan start command to the plurality of indoor units belonging to the particular group; performing a channel scan by each of the outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units; transmitting, by the plurality of indoor units, channel scan results to the outdoor unit; determining, by the outdoor unit, a channel for use of the particular group based on a result of a channel scan performed by the outdoor unit and the channel scan results received from the plurality of indoor units; and outputting, by the outdoor unit, information on the determined channel to the plurality of indoor units. According to the control method, an optimal wireless communication channel may be set.