Wirelessly configuring climate control system controls
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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 due to small buttons, LEDs that are hard to read in confined or extreme environments, and the challenge of providing universal controls with numerous options.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a short-range wireless communication interface, such as Bluetooth or NFC, into HVAC control systems, allowing configuration via a smartphone app that queries the control type, extracts parameters, and downloads settings, enabling wireless configuration and setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional HVAC control systems use physical buttons and LEDs for configuration, then technicians can directly access and configure control settings, but the configuration process becomes difficult and error-prone in confined or extreme environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical configuration system (physical buttons, switches, and LEDs) with a wireless electronic configuration system. A mobile device communicates with the HVAC control through wireless communication interfaces, allowing technicians to configure settings remotely via a user interface on the mobile device, eliminating the need to physically access confined spaces with harsh environmental conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If HVAC controls provide numerous configuration options for different system types, then the controls become more versatile and universal, but the complexity of configuring and understanding all options increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the technician and the HVAC control system. The mobile device presents a simplified user interface that guides technicians through configuration options, managing the complexity by organizing numerous settings into structured menus and workflows, while the HVAC control maintains its full versatility of configuration options in the background.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal configuration approach that works across different HVAC control types and manufacturers. The mobile device application provides a standardized interface for configuring various HVAC systems, eliminating the need for technicians to learn multiple proprietary configuration methods while maintaining support for diverse system requirements.
3Productivity
If technicians must physically access control boards in confined spaces, then they can directly manipulate controls, but the time required for configuration and the potential for errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual physical manipulation of controls with wireless electronic configuration. The mobile device transmits configuration data electronically to the HVAC control, eliminating manual errors associated with physical switches and buttons while speeding up the configuration process by allowing technicians to work remotely from comfortable positions.
Data Source
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.