Central air-conditioning temperature control device, fan coil control method, medium and system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing central air conditioner fan coil control systems are cumbersome, require manual operation, lack remote control capabilities, and result in high networking costs and energy inefficiencies due to the need for manual temperature and mode settings.

Innovation Solution

A temperature control apparatus and method that allows for remote configuration and automatic operation of fan coils using a control terminal, which collects ambient temperature data to determine the running state and adjust settings accordingly, reducing the need for manual intervention and enabling remote management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual operation and local control panel are used, then control functionality is achieved, but operation convenience deteriorates and remote control is impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol convenienceVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a control terminal as an intermediary device between the user and the fan coil unit. The control terminal communicates with the fan coil unit through a network, enabling remote control without requiring the user to physically access the control panel near the fan opening. This resolves the contradiction by providing convenient remote operation while maintaining system functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from local physical control to remote network-based control by adding a spatial dimension to the control interface. Users can control fan coil units from distant locations through network connectivity, effectively moving the control interaction from the physical space near the device to any location accessible via the network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If special wiring is installed for remote control, then remote control capability is achieved, but networking cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidnetworking cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The control terminal is designed to communicate with multiple fan coil units through a standard network interface, making it a universal control device. This multi-functional approach allows a single control terminal to manage numerous units without requiring dedicated wiring for each connection, thereby reducing overall networking costs while maintaining remote control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If manual temperature and mode settings are required, then control precision is achieved, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to unreasonable settings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature control precisionVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The fan coil unit is equipped with automatic control functionality that allows it to self-regulate its operation based on environmental conditions and usage patterns. The unit can automatically adjust temperature settings and operating modes without requiring manual intervention, thereby optimizing energy consumption while maintaining precise temperature control through built-in sensors and control algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the fan coil unit continuously monitors its operating conditions and environmental parameters. Based on this feedback, the control terminal and unit automatically adjust settings to optimize both temperature precision and energy efficiency, preventing unreasonable settings that would lead to excessive energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Adaptability or versatility

If no authority control exists, then operational freedom is achieved, but system reliability deteriorates due to unauthorized operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational freedomVSAvoidsystem reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control system implements dynamic authority management where access rights and control permissions can be adjusted based on user roles and system conditions. This dynamic approach allows legitimate users to operate the system freely within their authorized parameters while preventing unauthorized operations, thereby maintaining both operational freedom and system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3633281B1Central air-conditioning temperature control device, fan coil control method, medium and system
Publication Date: 2023.12.27 ZTE CORP
  • EP3633281B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3633281B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3633281B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Disclosed is a temperature control apparatus of a central air conditioner, a method for controlling a fan coil, a medium and a system. The method is applied to the temperature control apparatus and includes following steps: if the temperature control apparatus is in a non-automatic working mode, a configuration instruction is received, and a running state of the temperature control apparatus is configured according to the configuration instruction; if the temperature control apparatus is in an automatic working mode, ambient temperature is collected according to a set period; a change trend of the ambient temperature is determined according to the collected ambient temperature; and the running state of the temperature control apparatus is configured according to the change trend of the ambient temperature; a corresponding control signal is sent to a fan coil connected with the temperature control apparatus according to the configured running state so as to enable the fan coil to start an action corresponding to the running state.