HVAC Control Wireless Configuration Using Bluetooth and Mobile App

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional HVAC control systems are complex, requiring technicians to physically access control boards to configure settings, which can be difficult in confined or extreme environments, and replacing controls is challenging due to numerous options and the need to manually set parameters.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a short-range wireless communication interface, such as Bluetooth, into HVAC control systems, allowing configuration through a smartphone app that queries the control type, extracts parameters, and downloads settings, enabling wireless setup and replacement of controls with reduced error and increased ease.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional HVAC control systems use physical access to control boards for configuration, then settings can be configured, but it becomes difficult to operate in confined or extreme environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of configurationVSAvoiddifficult operating conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical interaction system (technicians manually accessing control boards, flipping dipswitches, reading LED codes) with a wireless communication system using Bluetooth and smartphone applications. This allows configuration and diagnostics to be performed remotely without physical contact with the control board, eliminating the hardships of working in confined or extreme temperature environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If HVAC controls have numerous configuration options and parameters, then system functionality is enhanced, but replacement and setup become more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidease of setup

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a control copying feature where the smartphone application can read and store the configuration parameters from an existing HVAC control board, then transfer these settings to a replacement control board. This eliminates the need for technicians to manually reconfigure numerous parameters, making replacement straightforward even when controls have many configuration options and high functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Ease of operation

If HVAC control interfaces use dipswitches and LEDs, then hardware configuration is possible, but reading and interpretation become error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidconfiguration accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the analog dipswitch and LED indicator system with a digital interface accessed through a smartphone application. The application displays configuration parameters as readable text and allows selection through touchscreen interfaces, eliminating errors associated with misreading LED blink codes or incorrectly positioning dipswitches. This digital representation significantly improves configuration accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If technicians must physically access control boards in confined spaces, then configuration can be performed, but installation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the time-consuming process of physically accessing control boards in confined spaces with wireless Bluetooth communication. The smartphone application can pair with the control board and perform all configuration, diagnostics, and parameter adjustments remotely, eliminating the need for technicians to crawl into tight spaces or work in awkward positions, thereby significantly reducing installation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11193682B2Wirelessly configuring climate control system controls

Publication Date: 2021.12.07 COPELAND COMFORT CONTROL LP

AI summary

An example HVAC system includes an HVAC component, and an HVAC control configured to control the HVAC component according to an HVAC system configuration parameter. The HVAC control includes a controller wireless interface and a memory. The system also includes a mobile device having a user interface and a mobile wireless interface in wireless communication with the controller wireless interface of the HVAC control. The mobile device is configured to display the HVAC system configuration parameter on the user interface, receive user input settings for the HVAC system configuration parameter, and wirelessly transmit the received user input settings to the controller wireless interface of the HVAC control. The HVAC control is configured to store the received user input settings in the memory of the HVAC control to control the HVAC component. Example methods of controlling an HVAC system are also disclosed.