HVAC controller including leds for illuminating a display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems lack intuitive and energy-efficient methods for controlling temperature settings, particularly in environments where both heating and cooling are required simultaneously, leading to inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a dial with LEDs on an HVAC controller that indicates heating or cooling modes through color changes and a projection ring that projects a halo light pattern to display temperature settings, allowing for seamless user interaction and efficient mode switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional HVAC controls are used without visual indicators, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of intuitive mode indication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes through LEDs to indicate HVAC operational modes. Different colors represent different modes (e.g., red for heating, blue for cooling), providing intuitive visual feedback to users without adding complex controls. This resolves the contradiction by significantly improving ease of operation while adding only minimal device complexity through simple LED indicators.
2Ease of operation
If multiple indicators and displays are added to HVAC controller, then the ease of operation is improved, but the use of energy worsens due to continuous illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by illuminating LEDs only during relevant operational phases rather than continuously. The visual indicators are activated when needed to show current mode or in response to user interaction, and remain off during other periods. This approach maintains excellent ease of operation while dramatically reducing energy consumption compared to continuous illumination schemes.
3Loss of information
If visual indicators are added to show operational modes, then the loss of information is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color changes in LEDs to convey operational mode information efficiently. Each color represents a specific HVAC mode, allowing users to immediately understand system status without complex displays. This minimalistic approach reduces information loss while adding very little device complexity, as simple LEDs require minimal additional components compared to traditional display systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances user interface clarity and energy efficiency by visually indicating operational modes and temperature settings, promoting optimal heating or cooling based on current conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A light emitting diode (LED) may be selectively illuminated based on the operational mode
Implementation Method 2
A projection ring may be positioned below the top plate and may reflect light from the LED onto the display
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
In some examples, a device includes an analog display configured to indicate a current temperature and one or more temperature set points. Additionally, the device includes processing circuitry is configured to control a set of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to emit one or more optical beams to reflect off of a projection ring onto the analog display. The one or more optical beams are a first color if the current temperature is lower than a set point temperature of the one or more set point temperatures. The one or more optical beams are a second color if the current temperature is greater than the set point temperature of the one or more set point temperatures.