Air Conditioning System IP Address Assignment Without Dedicated Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning systems require dedicated devices for IP address assignment, complicating the integration of sensors and assistance devices, and necessitating protocol conversion.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioning system with a centralized controller that assigns IP addresses to multiple devices, including outdoor and indoor units, sensors, and assistance devices, eliminating the need for a dedicated device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated device is used for IP address assignment, then IP communication between air conditioners is enabled, but device complexity increases and system scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the IP address assignment function with the existing outdoor unit, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated device. The outdoor unit performs both air conditioning control and IP address assignment to indoor units, sensors, and assistance devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable IP communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The outdoor unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the air conditioning control device and the IP address assignment device. This multi-functional approach allows any outdoor unit in the system to assign IP addresses to connected devices, enhancing system scalability without requiring specialized hardware.
2Adaptability or versatility
If protocol conversion devices are used for sensor and assistance device integration, then communication with diverse devices is enabled, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The outdoor unit is designed to directly communicate with various types of devices including indoor units, sensors, and assistance devices without requiring protocol conversion. This universal communication capability allows the outdoor unit to handle multiple device types natively, reducing system complexity and eliminating the need for additional protocol conversion hardware.
3Reliability
If a dedicated IP address assignment device is deployed, then IP address management is centralized, but system scalability and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables any outdoor unit in the system to perform IP address assignment, rather than relying on a single dedicated device. This distributed approach enhances system scalability, as new outdoor units can be added to the system and immediately begin assigning IP addresses to connected devices without requiring centralized management infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioning system includes a plurality of devices that at least include one or more outdoor units, one or more indoor units, one or more sensor devices, and one or more assistance devices. At startup of the system, an IP address is assigned to each of the plurality of devices by at least one of the plurality of devices.