Air Conditioner Shared Sensor Control to Reduce Manufacturing Cost
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost of air conditioners is attributed to the need for various sensors to realize their functions, which increases the overall expense and reduces the utilization rate of these sensors.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for controlling air conditioners using data from shared sensors, where a first air conditioner rents a shared sensor from a second air conditioner to detect outdoor environmental information, receives the detection value, and controls its operation based on the weighted average of the sensor data from multiple nearby air conditioners, reducing the need for individual sensors and lowering costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If various sensors are installed on the air conditioner to realize various functions, then the functional versatility is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a single air conditioner's sensor to serve multiple purposes: it detects data for the renting air conditioner's own operation control, and simultaneously provides shared sensor data to other air conditioners in the vicinity. This multi-functional use of the sensor reduces the need for each unit to have dedicated sensors for all functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements copying by transmitting sensor data from one air conditioner to multiple other air conditioners. Instead of each air conditioner having its own physical sensor, they receive copies of the sensor data through wireless communication, allowing lower-priced air conditioners to access sensor information without installing their own sensors.
2Measurement precision
If various sensors are installed on the air conditioner to realize various functions, then the measurement capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensing functions of multiple air conditioners into a shared resource. One air conditioner's sensor serves multiple units by wireless transmission, combining the detection capability of one sensor with the needs of multiple air conditioners, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication as an intermediary that transfers sensor data between air conditioners. This mediator allows measurement data to be shared without physical connection or additional sensors, reducing device complexity while preserving detection capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A control method includes receiving, by a first air conditioner, a detection value of a shared sensor sent by a second air conditioner, and controlling operation of the first air conditioner according to the detection value. The shared sensor is configured to detect outdoor environment information.