HVAC Controller Auto Addressing and GPS Time Synchronization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional HVAC systems require manual programming of network addresses for each unit, leading to increased installation time, costs, and potential errors, and lack a reliable method to maintain date and time without a battery backup.

Innovation Solution

An HVAC controller that automatically generates a unique default network address using a seed value, such as GPS coordinates or a serial number, and employs GPS data to determine the current date and time, eliminating the need for manual configuration and battery backup.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual programming of network addresses is used for each HVAC unit, then network communication reliability is ensured, but installation time and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork communication reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The HVAC controller automatically generates its own network address using a seed value stored in its memory, eliminating the need for manual programming by technicians. This self-service approach reduces installation time while maintaining network communication reliability through the structured address generation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The network address is pre-configured in the controller's memory during manufacturing as a default address. This preliminary action ensures the controller is ready for network communication from the start of installation, eliminating the need for on-site address programming and reducing installation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If manual programming of network addresses is used for each HVAC unit, then network communication reliability is ensured, but installation costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork communication reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The automatic self-configuration of network addresses eliminates the need for technician time spent on manual programming, directly reducing installation labor costs. The controller performs the address generation autonomously, making the installation process more cost-effective while maintaining communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If battery backup is used to maintain date and time, then operational reliability during power loss is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliability during power lossVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical battery backup system with a GPS-based time synchronization system. The GPS receiver provides time information that the controller uses to set and maintain accurate date and time, eliminating the need for battery backup while maintaining operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If battery backup is used to maintain date and time, then accurate timekeeping during power loss is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccurate timekeeping during power lossVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The GPS-based time synchronization system replaces the battery backup mechanism, providing accurate timekeeping without the ongoing costs associated with battery replacement or rechargeable battery systems. The GPS receiver continuously provides accurate time information from satellite signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9933174B2HVAC unit, a method of generating a network address for a HVAC unit and a HVAC controller therefor

Publication Date: 2018.04.03 LENNOX IND INC

AI summary

An HVAC controller, a method for operating a HVAC unit and a HVAC unit are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the HVAC controller includes: (1) a memory configured to store a unique default network address for the controller and (2) a processor configured to automatically generate the unique default network address based on a seed value that is uniquely associated with the HVAC unit.