Air conditioner and communication apparatus and method thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air conditioners face signal interference issues when using the same refrigerant pipe for communication between indoor and outdoor units and the central controller, affecting system efficiency and operation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a communication apparatus with a wireless communication unit and signal converting unit to use signals with different frequency bands for communication, allowing for wireless and dedicated line communication methods, thereby reducing interference and enhancing system efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the same refrigerant pipe is used for communication between indoor/outdoor units and for communication with the central controller, then installation complexity is reduced, but signal interference occurs between the two communication signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by assigning different frequency bands to different communication purposes: the first frequency band is used for communication between indoor and outdoor units, while the second frequency band is used for communication with the central controller. This frequency separation allows both communication functions to coexist on the same refrigerant pipe without signal interference, thus maintaining installation simplicity while eliminating the harmful interference effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a communication apparatus that includes a signal separating unit. This unit acts as a mediator that receives combined signals from the refrigerant pipe, separates them based on frequency bands, and routes them to appropriate communication interfaces. This intermediary structure enables the system to handle multiple communication functions through a single shared medium without mutual interference.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If separate dedicated lines are used for communication between indoor/outdoor units and for communication with the central controller, then signal interference is eliminated, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the refrigerant pipe serve multiple functions: it simultaneously acts as a thermal transfer medium for refrigeration and as a communication medium for both unit-to-unit communication and controller communication. By implementing frequency-division multiplexing, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated communication lines, thus eliminating the need for additional installation infrastructure while maintaining signal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple communication functions into a single communication channel (the refrigerant pipe). Instead of using separate physical lines for different communication purposes, the system combines first communication signals and second communication signals on the same medium, separating them through frequency band differentiation and signal processing. This merging reduces installation complexity while maintaining communication reliability.
3Device complexity
If power line communication method is used at the indoor unit, then separate communication lines are not needed, but signal interference and communication reliability issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional power line communication approach with a dedicated communication apparatus that includes signal separating and processing units. Instead of relying on the power line infrastructure which is susceptible to interference, the system uses a purpose-built communication interface that actively manages signal separation and processing, thereby improving communication reliability while maintaining the benefit of not requiring additional external communication lines.
Data Source
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AI summary
The air conditioner includes indoor units, at least one outdoor unit connected to the indoor units via a refrigerant pipe to drive the indoor unit using a first signal, a central controller to control operations of the outdoor unit and the indoor units using a second signal, the second signal having a frequency band spaced from that of the first signal, and a communication apparatus installed in the outdoor unit or one of the indoor units connected to the outdoor unit to communicate with the central controller using the second signal, whereby signals with different frequency bands can be used upon communication between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit and communication between the outdoor unit or indoor unit and the central controller, so as to reduce signal interference and enhance efficiency of a system operation, resulting in improving safety of the system.