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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air-conditioning systems require cumbersome reconfiguration and are costly due to the need for multiple temperature sensors when the layout of a living space changes, as they struggle to accurately control temperature at locations distant from the sensors, especially with heat-generating objects present.
Innovation Solution
A control device that uses wireless adapters and a portable terminal with sensors to calculate the location of the terminal, identify influencing air-conditioning devices, and correct target environmental values based on detected differences, allowing for automatic temperature adjustment without the need for sensor reconfiguration or multiple sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are installed in different locations to accurately control temperature at each position, then temperature control precision is improved, but device cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a portable terminal as an intermediary device that the user carries to their location. This terminal contains sensors that detect environmental information at the user's position and wirelessly transmit data to the air-conditioning control device, eliminating the need for installing fixed temperature sensors at every location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical installation of multiple fixed temperature sensors with a wireless communication system. The portable terminal uses wireless communication to transmit sensor data to the control device, substituting the traditional wired sensor network with a more flexible wireless approach.
2Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are installed in different locations to accurately control temperature at each position, then temperature control precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to expensive sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a copy approach by utilizing the portable terminal that the user already possesses (such as a smartphone) to perform temperature detection. Instead of manufacturing and installing expensive dedicated temperature sensors, the system leverages the existing portable device's sensors to achieve the same measurement function.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable terminal serves multiple functions: it acts as a temperature sensor, a wireless communication device, and a user interface. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated temperature sensing devices, reducing overall system cost.
3Reliability
If temperature sensors are fixed at specific locations to control air-conditioning, then temperature control at sensor locations is achieved, but adaptability to layout changes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static sensor installation system to a dynamic one where the sensing point moves with the user. The portable terminal allows the user to carry the sensor to their current location, making the system adaptable to changing layouts and user positions without requiring reinstallation of sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The user themselves becomes part of the sensing system by carrying the portable terminal to their location. This self-service approach allows the user to automatically provide location information for temperature control without requiring system reconfiguration when layouts change.
4Device complexity
If temperature sensors are installed near air intake or on walls to control air-conditioning, then system simplicity is maintained, but temperature control at distant occupant locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The portable terminal acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the air-conditioning system and the user's location. It detects temperature at the user's position and transmits this information to the control device, which then adjusts the air-conditioning output to account for the distance and environmental differences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by detecting temperature specifically at the user's location rather than relying on a single fixed sensor position. The system adjusts the air-conditioning control based on the local environmental conditions where the user actually is, considering factors like heat-generating objects in the user's vicinity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces the workload and cost by enabling automatic temperature adjustment at the occupant's location, improving comfort without the need for frequent sensor reconfiguration or multiple sensors, even as the living space layout changes.
Implementation Method 1
acquire, through wireless communication with a portable terminal which is able to be carried including sensors for detecting environmental information related to air conditioning, a distance to the portable terminal
Data Source
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AI summary
A sensor terminal location calculator (61) calculates the location of a sensor terminal based on the distance to the sensor terminal obtained by each of a plurality of wireless adapters installed in an living space. Based on the calculated sensor terminal location and installation location information for each air-conditioning device (indoor device), a related air-conditioning device identifier (62) indentifies from among the plurality of air-conditioning devices (indoor devices), a related device that influences the environment in the vicinity of the sensor terminal. Based on the difference between the temperature detected by the identified related device and the temperature detected by the sensor, a corrected set temperature calculation unit (63) corrects a target value for the temperature used by the related device for environmental control. A set temperature control executor (64) controls the related device based on the corrected target value.