Air Conditioner Pulse-Width Correction for Photocoupler Distortion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing communication systems between the outdoor and indoor units of air conditioners face challenges in achieving high-speed communication due to waveform distortion caused by photocouplers, which results in transmission errors and limited communication speed.
Innovation Solution
A communication system that corrects the pulse width of pulse signals transmitted between the units using a predefined correction time, calculated based on reference pulse widths, to mitigate the distortion and ensure consistent signal transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the communication speed is increased, then the data transmission efficiency is improved, but the waveform distortion caused by photocoupler increases leading to transmission errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring the pulse width at the receiving end and calculating the correction amount before re-transmitting the signal. The receiving device determines the difference between the transmitted pulse width and received pulse width, then uses this correction amount to adjust subsequent transmissions, preventing waveform distortion before it causes transmission errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by having the receiving device measure the actual pulse width of received signals and communicate this information back to the transmitting device. This feedback loop enables the transmitting device to adjust its pulse width dynamically, compensating for photocoupler distortion and maintaining signal integrity at higher communication speeds.
2Reliability
If the pulse width is corrected to be shorter, then the waveform distortion is reduced, but the communication protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the pulse width parameter based on measured distortion. Instead of fixing the pulse width, the system measures the actual pulse width at the receiving end, calculates the correction amount, and modifies the pulse width parameter for subsequent transmissions to compensate for photocoupler-induced distortion.
3Speed
If the switching time of phototransistor is reduced, then the response speed is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirement increases due to individual differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the communication system to automatically measure and compensate for its own photocoupler characteristics without requiring manual calibration or selection. The receiving device measures the pulse width distortion caused by its photocoupler and communicates the correction amount back to the transmitting device, allowing the system to self-adjust and maintain high-speed communication despite manufacturing variations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables high-speed and reliable communication between the outdoor and indoor units by correcting the pulse width of signals, thereby reducing waveform distortion and transmission errors.
Implementation Method 1
The photocouplers are used for electrical insulation between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit. Such a photocoupler includes a light emitting diode and a phototransistor
Implementation Method 2
The photocouplers are used for electrical insulation between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit. Such a photocoupler includes a light emitting diode and a phototransistor
Data Source
AI summary
An outdoor unit and an indoor unit communicate with each other. The outdoor unit includes a communication circuit that outputs a pulse signal to be transmitted to the indoor unit. The indoor unit includes a communication circuit that receives the pulse signal transmitted by the outdoor unit. An air conditioner 100 includes at least one photocoupler to transfer to the communication circuit the pulse signal output by the communication circuit. The communication circuit transmits a pulse signal with a first polarity and a pulse width corrected to be shorter by a predefined correction time than a predefined reference pulse width of the pulse signal.