Controller of air-conditioning unit, and air-conditioner

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Solution Overview

Problem

Air-conditioning controllers in multi-split systems require dedicated installation devices, leading to inconvenient use and reduced user experience due to fixed installation and complex wiring.

Innovation Solution

A controller using Power Line Communication (PLC) that can be plugged into any socket, allowing flexible placement and operation without the need for a dedicated installation box, enabling communication and control between indoor and outdoor units through a PLC network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a dedicated mounting device is provided to fix the controller, then the controller can be installed on the wall, but the controller cannot be moved optionally and requires additional construction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontroller installation stabilityVSAvoidcontroller mobility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is designed with a plug component that enables it to be dynamically positioned in different sockets. The controller transitions from a fixed installation to a movable one by being plugged into different sockets at different locations, allowing optional positioning while maintaining stable electrical connection through the plug-socket interface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller can be installed in any socket within the PLC communication network coverage area, not limited to a specific mounting location. The plug component serves multiple functions: electrical connection, positioning, and enabling mobility. This universal compatibility with any socket provides installation flexibility without requiring dedicated mounting devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If dedicated communication lines are arranged for multi-split system devices, then communication between outdoor unit, indoor unit, and controller is established, but additional construction, complicated wiring, high cost and difficult maintenance occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication connection stabilityVSAvoidwiring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The existing power line infrastructure is utilized for both power supply and communication purposes. The PLC technology enables the power lines to carry communication signals, eliminating the need for separate dedicated communication wiring. This multi-functional use of power lines simplifies the overall wiring structure while maintaining reliable communication

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

PLC communication technology acts as an intermediary that enables data transmission through the power line infrastructure. The power lines, which already exist in the building, serve as the communication medium through PLC modulation, avoiding the need to lay new communication cables while ensuring stable signal transmission

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 convenient and flexible control of air-conditioning units by allowing the controller to be moved and repositioned easily within the PLC network, reducing installation costs and improving user experience.

Implementation Method 1

the air-conditioning unit uses a Power Line Communication (PLC) to perform communication

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPower Line Communication:

Data Source

PatentEP3779310B1Controller of air-conditioning unit, and air-conditioner
Publication Date: 2024.03.20 GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCE INC OF ZHUHAI
  • EP3779310B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3779310B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

A controller of an air-conditioning unit, and an air-conditioner. The air-conditioning unit uses a power line carrier communication (PLC) to perform communication. The air-conditioning unit includes multiple air-conditioner indoor units (1101) and multiple air-conditioner outdoor units (1102). The operation of the air-conditioning unit is controlled by a controller (12). The controller (12) includes: a plug component (1201) configured to be plugged into a socket in a preset PLC communication network and a controller body component (1202) connected to the plug component (1201) and configured to receive a communication signal from a target device and transmit the communication signal to a device matching the target device, the target device including one of an air-conditioner indoor unit and an air-conditioner outdoor unit.