HVAC Controller Backup Memory for Fast Main Board Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC systems face delays and potential improper operation due to the loss of unit-specific information during main system controller replacement, leading to error codes and incorrect feature set loading, which requires manual intervention and can result in system failures.
Innovation Solution
A copy of main controller application information, including model-specific data and feature sets, is automatically stored on an auxiliary controller during manufacturing, allowing the system to retrieve this information during initial power-up or replacement, eliminating the need for external hardware and manual input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If main controller application information is stored only on the main system controller, then the system structure is simple, but the reliability deteriorates when the main controller is replaced or fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a backup copy of the main controller application information and stores it on an auxiliary controller. This copying approach maintains system reliability by preserving critical data while keeping the overall structure relatively simple, as the auxiliary controller already exists for other system functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-storing the main controller application information on the auxiliary controller before the main controller fails or needs replacement. This advance preparation ensures that when replacement is needed, the information is already available, eliminating delays and manual intervention.
2Productivity
If manual intervention is required to transfer controller information during replacement, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically transferring the main controller application information to the auxiliary controller without requiring manual intervention. The auxiliary controller autonomously receives and stores the backup information, eliminating the need for technicians to manually transfer data during controller replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the auxiliary controller automatically receives and stores the main controller application information. This automated feedback loop ensures that the backup process occurs seamlessly in the background, improving replacement speed without adding significant complexity to the user interface.
3Reliability
If external hardware is used to store backup information, then reliability improves, but device complexity and construction costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using the auxiliary controller for dual purposes: its original system function plus storing backup main controller application information. This eliminates the need for separate external backup hardware, maintaining reliability while avoiding additional hardware complexity and construction costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the backup storage function with the existing auxiliary controller. By combining these two functions into a single component, the system achieves reliable data backup without requiring separate external hardware, thereby reducing overall device complexity and construction costs.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides, in one aspect, an integrated controller for a HVAC system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the integrated controller includes: (1) an interface coupled to an auxiliary controller of the HVAC system and configured to communicate therewith, the auxiliary controller having an auxiliary non-volatile memory, (2) a processor, coupled to the interface and configured to direct the operation of the HVAC system, and (3) a main non-volatile memory coupled to the processor and configured to receive a copy of main controller application information associated with the main system controller via the interface and store the main controller application information, the processor further configured to automatically send a copy of the main controller application information during manufacturing of the HVAC system to the auxiliary controller of the HVAC system to store as back-up data on the auxiliary non-volatile memory of the auxiliary controller.