Air-conditioning control system and remote control device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air-conditioning systems without a mechanism for connecting additional air-conditioning apparatuses via a common bus cannot easily install additional air-conditioning units.
Innovation Solution
The air-conditioning control system employs a master remote control device and slave remote control devices connected via a first communication system, allowing the master remote control device to control slave remote control devices and thereby facilitate the installation of additional air-conditioning apparatuses, even without a common bus mechanism, using a wireless communication system like BLE for increased connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a common bus mechanism is used to connect air-conditioning apparatuses, then additional air-conditioning apparatuses can be installed and connected, but the device complexity and wiring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between the air-conditioning apparatuses and the controller. The gateway receives control signals from the controller via wireless communication, converts them into control commands, and transmits them to the target air-conditioning apparatus. This mediator eliminates the need for a physical common bus while enabling flexible installation and control of additional apparatuses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired common bus system with a wireless communication system. The controller and gateway communicate wirelessly, eliminating the need for physical wiring infrastructure. This substitution maintains the ability to control multiple air-conditioning apparatuses while significantly reducing system complexity and installation requirements.
2Ease of operation
If wireless communication system like BLE is used for remote control devices, then connectivity and ease of installation improve, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic communication where the gateway and controller exchange control signals only when needed, rather than maintaining continuous communication. The gateway receives control signals from the user via the wireless remote control, processes them, and transmits to the target apparatus only when control actions are required. This periodic action reduces energy consumption while maintaining effective connectivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
An air-conditioning control system includes a plurality of air-conditioning apparatuses each provided with an indoor unit and an outdoor unit; a master remote control device associated with one or more of the plurality of air-conditioning apparatuses and adapted to control operation of the associated air-conditioning apparatus or apparatuses; and one or more slave remote control devices connected with the master remote control device using a first communication system, associated with a remaining one or ones of the plurality of air-conditioning apparatuses, and adapted to control operation of the associated air-conditioning apparatus or apparatuses, in which the indoor units of the air-conditioning apparatuses are connected with an associated one or ones of the master remote control device and the slave remote control device or devices using a second communication system different from the first communication system, and the master remote control device controls the operation of the remaining air-conditioning apparatus or apparatuses via the slave remote control device or devices.