Main Controller Signal Conversion for Air Conditioner Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioners face limitations in compatibility and energy efficiency when attempting to replace outdoor units with more efficient inverter units without replacing the indoor controller and unit.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a main controller that converts multiple communication signals from an indoor controller into a single communication signal compatible with both contact-type and inverter outdoor units, allowing seamless integration and improved energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an existing contact-type indoor controller is used, then compatibility with existing systems is maintained, but energy efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
A main controller is introduced as an intermediary device between the contact-type indoor controller and the inverter outdoor unit. The main controller receives multiple first communication signals from the indoor controller, converts them into a single second communication signal, and transmits it to the outdoor unit. This mediator enables compatibility between legacy control systems and modern inverter technology, allowing energy-efficient outdoor units to be integrated with existing indoor controllers without requiring replacement of the entire system.
2Ease of operation
If multiple communication signals are transmitted from the indoor controller, then control functionality is maintained, but signal complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The main controller merges multiple first communication signals received from the indoor controller into a single second communication signal. By combining these signals and transmitting them as one unified signal to the outdoor unit, the system reduces signal complexity while preserving all necessary control functionality. This merging process simplifies the communication interface between the control system and the outdoor unit.
Data Source
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AI summary
An air conditioner may include an indoor controller configured to receive an operation command from a user, and generate a plurality of first communication signals corresponding to the operation command; and outdoor unit; and a main controller configured to connect to the indoor controller and the outdoor unit,, receive the plurality of first communication signals, convert the plurality of first communication signals into a single second communication signal by combining the plurality of first communication signals and transmit the single second communication signal to the outdoor unit to control operation of the outdoor unit, wherein the outdoor unit is configured to receive the single second communication signal, and operate based on the single second communication signal.