Air treatment device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Long communication lines from the casing to sensors outside the casing in air treatment apparatuses are prone to external noise interference, particularly with the I2C communication standard, which affects the reliability of the system.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a conversion unit that converts signals from sensors using the I2C standard to a higher noise-tolerant standard like LIN, with the option of using a microcomputer for signal conversion and hardware circuits for different communication standards, allowing for longer communication lines and facilitating connections with various sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a long communication line is used to connect the casing to a sensor outside the casing, then the sensor can be positioned at various installation sites, but external noise interferes with the signal transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a conversion unit as an intermediary device between the sensor and the control board. This conversion unit converts signals from the first communication standard (prone to noise) to the second communication standard (highly noise-tolerant), thereby mediating the conflict between long communication lines and noise interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the communication standard parameter from the first communication standard to the second communication standard through the conversion unit. This parameter change enables the system to maintain signal integrity over long distances by switching to a more noise-tolerant communication protocol
2Adaptability or versatility
If the control board is designed to support multiple communication standards, then it can connect to various sensors, but the control board design becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion unit serves as an intermediary that handles the complexity of multiple communication standards. Instead of making the control board support multiple standards directly, the conversion unit translates different sensor communication standards into a unified internal standard, thereby reducing control board complexity while maintaining sensor compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the system into distinct functional modules: sensors, conversion units, and control board. Each module has a specific function, and the conversion units handle the complexity of communication standard translation, allowing the control board to remain simple while supporting various sensor types
Data Source
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AI summary
An air treatment apparatus 100 for conditioning air or providing ventilation of air includes: a casing 1c of an apparatus main body; a first sensor 3, 4, 15, 16 disposed outside the casing 1c and configured to output a signal in conformity with a first communication standard; a conversion unit 7, 8, 14 configured to convert the signal output from the first sensor 3, 4, 15, 16 into a signal conforming to a second communication standard higher in tolerance to noise than the first communication standard and to output the signal thus converted; and a main control unit 2 disposed in the casing 1c and configured to receive the signal output from the conversion unit 7, 8, 14.