Apparatuses, methods and systems for configuring electronically programmable HVAC system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring electronically programmable HVAC systems poses challenges in balancing standardization and customization, as manufacturers need to optimize performance for general conditions while dealers/installers require site-specific adjustments, leading to coordination difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an HVAC controller, server system, and database that allows for template configuration profiles, validation criteria, and modified profiles, enabling remote customization and standardization through a network communication, allowing dealers to interact with a cloud-based portal for configuring and managing HVAC systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manufacturers define and standardize configuration parameters for HVAC systems, then product performance, safety and reliability are ensured, but the ability to customize for site-specific conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration parameters are segmented into two distinct groups: manufacturer-defined parameters that ensure reliability and dealer-modifiable parameters that enable customization. This segmentation allows both manufacturers and dealers to work with appropriate parameter sets without conflict, resolving the contradiction between standardization and customization needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts configuration parameters based on the user role and installation context. Manufacturers can set initial parameters for reliability, while dealers can modify specific parameters for site-specific optimization. The system adapts to different stages of the HVAC system lifecycle, allowing flexibility where needed while maintaining constraints where safety is critical.
2Productivity
If manufacturers optimize system performance for specified conditions, then general performance is maximized, but coordination with dealer customization requirements becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
Manufacturers perform preliminary optimization of configuration parameters for general performance before deployment. The system includes pre-configured parameter sets that are optimized for typical installation scenarios. This preliminary action reduces the coordination complexity by providing a solid baseline that dealers can build upon for site-specific customizations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary layer of configuration management that mediates between manufacturer optimizations and dealer customizations. This intermediary framework allows both parties to work with their respective requirements without direct conflict, simplifying the coordination process while maintaining both general performance optimization and site-specific adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dealers customize HVAC system configuration for site-specific conditions, then installation-specific performance is improved, but standardization and safety constraints may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by allowing customization only in specific parameter areas that do not affect safety-critical functions. Dealers can modify parameters related to operational preferences and site-specific conditions while manufacturer-defined safety constraints remain intact. This localized approach to customization maintains standardization compliance while enabling site-specific optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that monitor configuration changes to ensure they do not compromise safety or reliability standards. When dealers attempt to modify parameters, the system provides feedback on which changes are permitted and which would violate standardization requirements. This feedback loop maintains reliability while allowing appropriate customization.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, methods and systems for configuring electronically programmable heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (“HVAC”) systems are disclosed. One embodiment is a system comprising a server system in operative communication with a database, a remote client and an electronically programmable HVAC controller. The system is structured to transmit a template HVAC configuration profile to the client, receive from the client a modification of the template profile transmitted to the remote client, validate the modification, in response to a programming request from the client, transmit a programming instruction including a modified HVAC configuration profile to the HVAC controller.