Remote Function Setting for Air Conditioner Control Boards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioners require additional work and are difficult to switch settings, as they necessitate opening the electric component box for DIP switch operation or cannot change settings before energization when using EEPROM on the control board.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioner configuration that allows switching of function settings using either a DIP switch or a remote controller, with the ability to store and rewrite setting values in memory, enabling easy switching before or after installation without needing to energize the unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If DIP switch is used on control board for setting switching, then setting values can be changed, but operation requires opening electric component box which adds work and reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote controller as an intermediary device that communicates with the control board via infrared or wireless signals. This mediator allows users to change settings without physically accessing the electric component box, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining the DIP switch setting mechanism on the control board.
2Adaptability or versatility
If EEPROM on control board is used to store function setting values, then settings can be stored, but settings cannot be changed before completion of installation when air conditioner cannot be energized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary setting changes by allowing the remote controller to send commands to the control board even before the air conditioner is fully installed or energized. The control board processes these preliminary setting commands and stores them in the EEPROM, ensuring settings can be configured in advance without requiring the system to be powered on.
3Ease of manufacture
If DIP switch operation is required for setting switching, then settings can be modified, but additional work is required after installation completion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical DIP switch operation with an electronic/remote control system. The remote controller transmits setting commands wirelessly or via infrared to the control board, which then modifies the settings in EEPROM. This substitution eliminates the need to physically open the electric component box and manually flip switches, significantly reducing the time and effort required for setting modifications.
Data Source
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AI summary
A switch 230 for switching a function setting of an air conditioner 1 and a memory 240 that stores therein a setting value of the function setting are provided. The setting value stored in the memory 240 is rewritable according to an instruction from a remote controller 30. The function setting of the air conditioner is defined by the setting value stored in the memory 240. Regarding functions set in the air conditioner, priority as to whether to give priority to setting with the switch 230 or to validate setting with the remote controller 30 is switched for each function according to setting from the remote controller 30.