HVAC Control Link Registration for Secure Multi-Device Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional HVAC systems face challenges in communication, device interoperability, and user connectivity, relying heavily on Internet availability and centralized control, which limits their ability to seamlessly integrate and manage multiple HVAC units and devices efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A server-based system that registers and authenticates HVAC units and user devices, establishing a control link to facilitate communication and control commands between them, using a distributed network architecture that allows for wireless connectivity and secure data exchange without relying on a centralized server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a centralized server is used to connect HVAC devices, then device authentication and control can be established, but bandwidth allocation and device authentication problems arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized server architecture into distributed peer-to-peer connections. Each HVAC device and controller becomes an independent node that can directly communicate with user devices and other system components, eliminating the single point of complexity in bandwidth management while maintaining authentication capabilities through decentralized credentials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces digital credentials and authentication tokens as intermediaries between devices. These cryptographic intermediaries enable secure device authentication and authorized communication without requiring complex centralized bandwidth allocation, as each authenticated device receives appropriate access rights through the intermediary credential system.
2Ease of operation
If Internet availability is required for HVAC system operation, then remote access and control are enabled, but system reliability is reduced due to dependency on external networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic communication pathways that can switch between Internet-based remote access mode and local area network mode. The system dynamically adapts its operation mode based on network availability, allowing users to remotely access the system when Internet is available while automatically falling back to local operations when Internet connectivity is lost, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the HVAC system by implementing dual-mode network operation. The system can operate with Internet connectivity enabled for remote access features, then switch to local-only operation when needed, changing the network parameter from connected to disconnected state while maintaining core functionality through parameter adaptation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple HVAC units are integrated into a centralized system, then system-wide control is achieved, but communication efficiency and scalability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the HVAC system into independent controllable units that each maintain their own communication channels. Instead of all units communicating through a centralized hub, each unit can directly communicate with controllers and user devices, enabling system-wide integration while improving communication efficiency through direct peer-to-peer connections that reduce network traffic and latency.
Data Source
AI summary
A server that includes an interface configured to receive a registration request from a control unit. The server further includes a processor configured to authenticate the control unit based on the registration request. The server is further configured to register a primary user device associated with the control unit and register a secondary user device associated with the control unit. The server is further configured to establish a control link between the control unit and the primary and secondary user devices. The control links facilitate control commands between the control unit and the primary and secondary user devices. The server is further configured to store the installation report in a server database.