Communication kit
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Solution Overview
Problem
In unitary air-conditioning systems, when the thermostat is out of order, the indoor unit and outdoor unit cannot maintain the set temperature, leading to overheating or overcooling and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A communication kit that operates the indoor and outdoor units based on the indoor temperature, allowing for emergency operation and adjustment of temperature settings even when the thermostat is out of order, and includes a dip switch for selecting backup function options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the thermostat is out of order, then the system cannot maintain temperature control, but the indoor unit and outdoor unit continue to operate without temperature regulation
Solution Approach 1:
The communication kit is pre-configured with backup thermostat functionality and reference temperature values before the actual thermostat failure occurs. When thermostat failure is detected, the system immediately switches to using the pre-programmed reference temperatures from the communication kit, allowing continuous operation without interruption or manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication kit acts as an intermediary device between the thermostat and the indoor/outdoor units. It monitors thermostat signals and, upon detecting failure, mediates by providing alternative temperature control commands based on reference temperatures, thereby maintaining system operation despite thermostat malfunction.
2Productivity
If the thermostat is out of order, then temperature control is lost, but indoor air may be overheated or overcooled causing user inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The communication kit continuously monitors indoor temperature conditions and compares them against reference temperature values. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect when temperatures deviate from acceptable ranges and automatically adjust operation accordingly, preventing overheating or overcooling even without a functional thermostat.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching from thermostat-controlled temperature settings to reference temperature values stored in the communication kit. This parameter change enables the system to maintain appropriate temperature control using predetermined safe operating temperatures when the thermostat is unavailable.
3Reliability
If the communication kit executes backup function, then temperature control is maintained, but signals from the faulty thermostat may cause confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The communication kit extracts and isolates the backup temperature control function from the main thermostat control path. When thermostat failure is detected, the system separates the faulty thermostat signals from the control logic and relies exclusively on reference temperatures from the communication kit, eliminating signal confusion while maintaining temperature control reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication kit comprising a communication module configured to communicate with a thermostat, an indoor unit, and an outdoor unit; and a controller configured to generate an operation signal to be transmitted to the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, based on a signal received from the thermostat, wherein the controller is configured to determine an operation mode of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit based on an indoor temperature when a backup function of the thermostat is executed.