HVAC Controller Web-Service Pairing for Remote Thermostat Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems lack the ability to be remotely controlled and monitored effectively, limiting user access and management from external locations.
Innovation Solution
An HVAC controller that forms a wireless network with a user's device, allowing access parameters to connect to a wider network for remote control and monitoring through an external web service, enabling association with a user account and facilitating remote access and control via mobile devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an HVAC controller is equipped with wireless networking capabilities for remote access, then user convenience and remote control capability are improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a smartphone device as an intermediary between the user and the HVAC controller. The smartphone runs a mobile application that communicates with the HVAC controller via wireless networks (WiFi, Bluetooth). This intermediary handles the complexity of network configuration, authentication, and data transmission, while presenting a simplified user interface to the end user. The HVAC controller itself remains relatively simple, focusing on HVAC control functions, while the smartphone absorbs much of the networking complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The HVAC controller automatically performs network discovery, connection establishment, and registration with external web services without requiring manual configuration by the user. The device self-configures its wireless networking parameters, automatically connects to available networks, and registers itself with remote servers. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex manual setup while maintaining remote accessibility.
2Loss of information
If the HVAC controller connects to external networks for remote monitoring, then data accessibility and user management capabilities are improved, but security risks and system vulnerability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary authentication and authorization mechanisms before allowing the HVAC controller to connect to external networks or allow remote access. The device performs pre-registration with external web services, establishing secure credentials and encryption keys before actual data transmission begins. User accounts are pre-configured with permission levels, and the system performs preliminary security handshakes to verify the legitimacy of connection requests. This preliminary action ensures that only authenticated users can access the system, reducing security risks while maintaining data accessibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the HVAC system implements remote access through multiple network protocols, then compatibility and ease of integration are improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic protocol selection and adaptive communication modes. The HVAC controller automatically detects which network protocols are available and active (WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular) and dynamically switches between them based on current conditions. The device can operate in low-power modes using simpler protocols when appropriate, and only activates more power-intensive protocols when necessary for remote communication. This dynamic adaptation maintains broad compatibility while minimizing power consumption by using the most efficient available communication path at any given time.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless thermostat may be associated with a user account of an external web service that may facilitate remote access and/or control of the wireless thermostat. A remote device may be used to access a user's account hosted by the external web service. The wireless thermostat may be identified to the external web service and associated with the user's account by one or more unique identifiers previously delivered to the remote device from the wireless thermostat.