Air Conditioner Remote Control with NFC Data Transfer Without Power-On
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Solution Overview
Problem
In building multi-system air conditioning setups, operators face the cumbersome task of repeatedly setting data on multiple remote controls, which is time-consuming and requires each remote control to be powered on and manually operated, limiting efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The remote control incorporates a radio frequency identification (RFID) or near field communication (NFC) system that allows data exchange even when the controller is off, enabling data to be set and stored without manual button operation, using an external communication unit and auxiliary storage for collective address setting and other configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the remote control uses manual button operation to set data, then the controller can be kept simple and reliable, but the setting process becomes extremely troublesome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external apparatus as an intermediary device that communicates with the remote control's microcomputer to set data. The external apparatus serves as a mediator between the operator and the remote control system, allowing data to be transmitted automatically without manual button operations. This resolves the contradiction by making data setting easy and fast while keeping the remote control's internal structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables data to be transmitted to the remote control before the microcomputer is fully powered on, using the communication unit that operates independently of the main controller power state. This preliminary action allows address and other data to be pre-loaded into the microcomputer's memory, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual operations after power-on.
2Reliability
If the remote control requires power supply to the controller for data setting, then data can be reliably transmitted, but the remote control cannot receive data from external PC before installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the communication unit's power supply from the main controller's power supply. The communication unit can be powered independently through the power supply unit even when the microcomputer is not fully operational. This segmentation allows data transmission to occur in a preliminary state before full system initialization, enabling pre-installation data configuration while maintaining reliable power management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the communication unit to receive and process data from external apparatus before the microcomputer is fully powered on. Data can be transmitted to the communication unit's buffer or directly to the microcomputer's memory in advance, allowing the system to be configured before installation without compromising data transmission reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple remote controls are set individually in each room, then each remote control can be configured accurately, but the operator must visit each room repeatedly which is extremely troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables multiple remote controls to be set collectively by combining them in one location and using a single external apparatus to transmit data to all of them simultaneously or sequentially. This merging approach allows addresses and other data to be configured for multiple remote controls without visiting each room individually, while still maintaining accurate setting through the automated communication process.
Solution Approach 2:
The external apparatus serves as an intermediary that can efficiently manage the setting of multiple remote controls. By using this mediator device, the operator can configure multiple addresses and data sets in one location, which are then automatically transmitted to the respective remote controls, eliminating the need for repeated room visits while ensuring precise configuration.
4Extent of automation
If the communication unit operates independently of the controller power state, then data can be received when controller is OFF, but the controller must be protected from power effects during external communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power management system into distinct components: a power supply unit that can independently power the communication unit, and the main controller that remains unaffected during external communication. This segmentation allows the communication unit to operate autonomously for data reception while the controller stays in an OFF state, protected from power fluctuations and interference during the communication process.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply unit acts as an intermediary between the external power source and the communication unit, providing controlled power delivery that protects the controller from power effects. This mediator component enables automated data reception while isolating the controller from potential power-related issues during external communication.
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
This solution streamlines the data setting process by allowing multiple remote controls to be set collectively without powering each unit individually, reducing operator effort and time, and enabling data transfer to indoor and outdoor units without manual button operation.
Implementation Method 1
a communication unit as a radio frequency identification (RFID) including, for example, near field communication (NFC) capable of exchanging data in short range communication
Data Source
AI summary
A remote control for an air conditioner facilitates setting of various kinds of data without operation of a button. A remote control (30) includes an external communication unit (45) having an NFC circuit (42) and an NFC antenna (43). The external communication unit (45) is capable of wirelessly communicating with an external apparatus even when a microcomputer (36) in the remote control (30) is not supplied with power (i.e., in a non-operating state). Hence, through the wireless communication between the external communication unit (45) of the remote control (30) and the external apparatus, the various kinds of data is forwarded from the external device to the remote control (30), and stored in the remote control (30).