Air Conditioner Control Device with User-Adjustable Automatic Rules

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air-conditioning systems do not allow residents to adjust the control content of the control program defined by operators according to their preferences or changing environmental conditions.

Innovation Solution

An air conditioner control device and system that enables residents to adjust the control content of the control program through a remote controller connected to a network, allowing for real-time changes in temperature, humidity, and operation mode settings, with automatic control rules that can be modified using a user-friendly interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the control program is strictly defined by operators to ensure proper air conditioner operation, then the reliability of air conditioner control is improved, but the adaptability to resident preferences and environmental changes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol program reliabilityVSAvoidadaptability to resident preferences
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control program is segmented into two distinct parts: a basic control program defined by operators that ensures reliable operation, and an adjustable control content that residents can modify according to their preferences. This segmentation allows both reliability and adaptability to coexist by separating the fixed reliable framework from the flexible user-adjustable parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control program transitions from a static, operator-defined configuration to a dynamic system where residents can adjust control content in real-time. The controller allows modification of control parameters such as temperature settings, operation modes, and timing based on user input and environmental conditions, making the system adaptable while maintaining operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the control program allows resident adjustment according to preferences, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of control adjustmentVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller acts as an intermediary between the complex control program and the resident user. It provides a simplified interface that masks the underlying complexity of the control system while enabling users to adjust control content easily. The controller handles the complexity of program management, memory storage, and parameter adjustment internally, presenting only simple adjustment operations to the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses memory to store and manage multiple versions of control programs and adjustable parameters. When residents adjust control content, the system creates modified copies of the control program with updated parameters, allowing easy reversal or restoration of previous settings without affecting the original operator-defined program structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP2479507B1Air conditioner control device, air conditioning system, facility/equipment system
Publication Date: 2022.04.27 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP2479507B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2479507B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP2479507B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The goal is for automatic control rules that the disclosed air conditioner control device has to be easily alterable. A system communication means (102) receives from a network (20) signals indicating the state of air conditioner (40), and updates the content of an air-conditioning information memory (101). An automatic control rule memory (105) stores automatic control rules which are used when an air conditioner control content is determined. An air conditioner automatic control means (104) determines the air conditioner control content based on the content of the air-conditioning information memory and the automatic control rules recorded in the automatic control rule memory, and changes the content of the air-conditioning information memory. A rule adjustment screen generation means (107) stores in a rule adjustment screen memory (106) screen creation information generated based on the content of the automatic control rule memory. A rule adjustment operation means (108) displays the content of the rule adjustment screen memory as a screen, and receives operation to adjust the content of the automatic control rule memory.