HVAC Wake-Up Alarm Scheduling for Automatic Temperature Setbacks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional programmable HVAC controllers require manual effort to program temperature adjustments, which does not accommodate varying sleep schedules and is inconvenient, especially since people often set wake-up alarms just before sleeping.
Innovation Solution
A programmable HVAC controller system that uses a smartphone or PDA with an alarm clock app to automatically set 'sleep' and 'wake' temperature adjustment times based on the wake-up alarm time, eliminating the need for explicit user action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual programming of temperature adjustments is used, then the HVAC system can be controlled, but the programming process is inconvenient and does not accommodate varying sleep schedules
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines temperature adjustment times by detecting when the alarm clock is activated and deactivated, eliminating the need for manual programming. The controller serves itself by using its own alarm clock operations as the basis for scheduling temperature changes, thereby accommodating varying sleep schedules without requiring user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The alarm clock serves multiple functions: it not only wakes the user but also automatically programs the HVAC system's temperature schedule. By integrating these functions, the system adapts to varying sleep patterns without requiring separate programming actions, improving both convenience and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If automatic programming based on alarm clock times is implemented, then adaptability to varying sleep schedules is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the alarm clock function and HVAC control function into a single integrated system. The alarm clock circuit and controller are merged such that the same device that wakes the user also automatically schedules temperature adjustments, eliminating the need for separate programming interfaces and reducing overall system complexity despite increased adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller automatically detects alarm clock activation and deactivation times and uses these events to program temperature adjustments without requiring additional sensors, user interfaces, or complex programming logic. This self-service approach increases adaptability while minimizing the addition of system complexity.
3Extent of automation
If manual programming is required, then the system can be controlled, but user convenience deteriorates since users must explicitly program settings
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically programs temperature adjustments by monitoring its own alarm clock operations. When the alarm is activated, the controller detects this event and automatically sets the appropriate temperature schedule without requiring users to interact with programming interfaces, thereby maximizing automation while utilizing existing system components.
Solution Approach 2:
The alarm clock activation serves as an intermediary event that triggers automatic programming. Instead of requiring direct user input for temperature scheduling, the system uses the alarm clock event as a mediator to automatically determine and implement the appropriate temperature schedule, simplifying the user interaction while achieving high automation.
Data Source
AI summary
A programmable HVAC controller, a method of automatically programming HVAC system temperature adjustment times and an HVAC system incorporating the system or the method. In one embodiment, the programmable HVAC controller includes: (1) a memory subsystem, (2) a communication subsystem configured to receive a wake-up alarm time and (3) a processing subsystem coupled to the memory and communication subsystems and configured to: (3a) set a “sleep” temperature adjustment time based on a time the wake-up alarm time is received and (3b) set a “wake” temperature adjustment time based on the wake-up alarm time.