Air conditioning appliance and method for control
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Solution Overview
Problem
User-inaccessible air-conditioning and heat pump units require costly remote thermostats or simulator devices for maintenance and control, which can disrupt operation when external thermostats are unavailable.
Innovation Solution
A central air-conditioning and heat pump unit with an integrated control system that includes a temperature sensor, processor, and memory device, allowing for user input and control signal generation without external devices, and a dual-controller system for remote and local control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If user-inaccessible ACHP units use external thermostats for control, then temperature control functionality is provided, but maintenance and evaluation require costly remote thermostats or simulator devices when the external thermostat is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The ACHP unit incorporates an integrated control system with processor, memory device, and temperature sensor that enables the unit to perform self-diagnosis, self-testing, and self-control operations. This allows the unit to function independently without requiring external thermostats or simulator devices during maintenance and evaluation, eliminating the technical contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
2Ease of repair
If technicians disconnect the external thermostat for maintenance, then access to the ACHP unit is achieved, but control functionality is lost requiring expensive remote devices
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated control system enables the ACHP unit to maintain full control functionality during maintenance operations by using its internal processor, memory device, and temperature sensor. Technicians can disconnect external thermostats for maintenance access without losing control capability, as the unit independently manages temperature regulation and system operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system includes pre-programmed instructions in the memory device that enable maintenance modes, self-diagnosis routines, and evaluation protocols to be executed directly by the integrated controller. This preliminary preparation of control capabilities ensures reliability is maintained during maintenance without requiring external devices.
3Ease of operation
If remote thermostats or simulator devices are used for maintenance, then control during maintenance is achieved, but costs increase and performance may be mitigated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the thermostat control functions with the ACHP unit's internal control system, combining the processor, memory device, and temperature sensor into an integrated architecture. This eliminates the need for separate external thermostats or simulator devices, reducing costs while maintaining full control functionality during maintenance and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
By enabling the ACHP unit to perform self-diagnosis, self-testing, and self-control through its integrated system, the need for expensive external maintenance devices is eliminated. The unit serves its own control needs during maintenance operations, reducing costs without compromising ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system, a central air conditioner and heat pump unit, and a computer-implemented method for operating an air conditioner unit are provided. The system and method include a first controller positioned distal to the air conditioner unit, a first sensor positioned distal to the air conditioner unit, a second controller positioned at the air conditioner unit, and a second sensor positioned proximate to the air conditioner unit. The method includes transmitting, from the first sensor, a first temperature signal to the first controller; transmitting, via the first controller, a first control signal based on the first temperature signal to the second controller; operating the sealed system based on the first control signal; generating, via the second controller, a second control signal based on a second temperature signal received from the second sensor in response to a control command; and operating the sealed system based on the second control signal.