Fan Control Unit Integrating Motor and Lighting for Unified Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ventilation systems with integrated lighting require separate control systems for ventilation and lighting, leading to increased costs and limited functionalities, as well as independent operation of these components, which complicates usage.

Innovation Solution

A ventilation system with a control unit that retrieves and compiles command data to generate a single control signal for integrated management of ventilation and lighting, using a processor to correlate data for correlated control signals, allowing for simultaneous and dependent operation of all functionalities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If separate control systems are used for ventilation and lighting, then independent control of each function is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIndependent control of ventilation and lightingVSAvoidMultiple control systems
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate control systems for ventilation and lighting into a single integrated control unit. The controller receives user inputs and generates coordinated control signals for both the motor (ventilation) and lighting means, eliminating the need for separate control systems while maintaining independent functionality of each component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls both the ventilation motor and the lighting means, manages different operating modes (night mode, daytime mode), and responds to various sensor inputs (presence detection, ambient light sensing). This universal controller replaces multiple specialized control systems.

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

2Ease of operation

If separate control systems are used for ventilation and lighting, then distinct management of each function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDistinct management of ventilation and lightingVSAvoidManufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges separate control systems into a single integrated control unit, reducing the number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to distinctly manage ventilation and lighting functions through software control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The universal controller is designed to handle multiple functions (ventilation control, lighting control, sensor processing) within a single device, reducing overall system cost compared to using multiple specialized control units.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If ventilation and lighting operate independently with separate programs, then each function can be controlled separately, but ease of operation decreases due to multiple interactions required

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSeparate control capabilityVSAvoidNumber of interactions with control unit
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines control of ventilation and lighting into a single integrated program. When a user activates a function (e.g., lighting), the controller automatically coordinates related functions (e.g., adjusting ventilation), reducing the number of separate interactions needed while maintaining adaptability through programmable modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller is programmed with pre-defined operating modes (night mode, daytime mode) that automatically coordinate multiple functions. When a mode is activated, the controller preliminarily determines the appropriate settings for both ventilation and lighting, reducing the need for multiple user interactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Device complexity

If integrated control is implemented for ventilation and lighting, then device complexity is reduced, but functionality may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveControl scheme complexityVSAvoidFunctionalities offered
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated control unit is designed with multi-functionality to compensate for the simplification of control scheme. It can control ventilation at different speeds, manage lighting intensity and timing, respond to sensor inputs, and implement various operating modes, thereby offering diverse functionalities within a single control system.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The controller implements dynamic control capabilities, allowing it to adapt its behavior based on sensor inputs (presence detection, ambient light levels) and user preferences. This dynamic responsiveness enables the simplified control system to provide versatile functionalities across different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3143341B1Method for controlling a fan
Publication Date: 2020.08.19 SEB SA
  • EP3143341B1 patent drawingFigure 1~1bis
  • EP3143341B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3143341B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for controlling a fan (1) which comprises a control unit (2), characterized in that the control method comprises at least the following steps: - the selection of an operating program (22) of the fan (1) from a plurality of operating programs pre-recorded in the control unit (2), the operating programs comprising at least first and second fan control data; - and the sending, by the control unit (2), of a control signal comprising at least the first control data for controlling a motor, which are correlated with at least the second control data for controlling at least one secondary device (24) of the fan (1) selected from: - a lighting device; - a gas or liquid spraying device; - an acoustic device; - a video device.