Apparatus control method and device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Air conditioners with failed temperature sensors in multi-split systems cannot perform normal operation control, leading to shutdowns and user inconvenience, as existing methods do not effectively utilize sensor parameters from other units for compensation.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that read and utilize sensor parameters from other indoor units operating in the same mode to control the device, employing median average filtering and threshold-based screening to adjust compressor power, expansion valve opening, and fan speed, allowing continued operation when a sensor fails.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the indoor unit uses its own temperature sensor for control, then the control accuracy is high, but the system reliability deteriorates when the sensor fails

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem operational reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces other indoor units as intermediary sources of temperature data. When one indoor unit's sensor fails, the control system mediates by acquiring temperature parameters from other indoor units through communication networks, allowing the system to continue operating with substituted data rather than shutting down completely.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the source of temperature parameters from local sensor data to remote sensor data from other indoor units. This parameter substitution allows the control system to maintain functionality by using alternative data sources when the primary sensor fails, thereby improving system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the indoor unit shuts down when sensor fails, then the control accuracy is maintained, but the operational duration deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol accuracyVSAvoidindoor unit operational time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by establishing communication networks and data sharing mechanisms between indoor units before sensor failure occurs. When a sensor fails, the system can immediately switch to using temperature parameters from other indoor units without interruption, extending operational duration while maintaining control accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses temperature parameter copies from other indoor units as substitutes for failed sensor data. By copying and utilizing temperature data from other indoor units operating in the same space, the system maintains control functionality and extends operational time without requiring immediate shutdown for sensor replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If the indoor unit uses sensor parameters from other indoor units, then the system reliability improves, but the measurement precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem operational reliabilityVSAvoidtemperature measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by using temperature parameters from other indoor units only when necessary (i.e., when the local sensor fails). The system continues to prioritize local sensor data for normal operation, using remote data as a supplementary or emergency source, thus minimizing the potential precision deterioration while maximizing reliability benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3657086B1Apparatus control method and device
Publication Date: 2023.09.27 QINGDAO HAIER AIR CONDITIONING ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3657086B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3657086B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3657086B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to the technical field of information processing. Provided is an apparatus control method capable of extending an operation duration of an indoor unit to certain extent when a fault occurs in a temperature sensor of the indoor unit. The method comprises: if a fault occurs in a temperature sensor, selecting, from all indoor units, other indoor units operating in the same mode as the current indoor unit; acquiring, from temperature sensors of the indoor units in the same mode, corresponding sensor parameters; and performing apparatus control according to the acquired sensor parameters.