Unified HVAC Controller for Multi-System Wireless Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing HVAC systems often require separate user interfaces and controllers for each system, making it inconvenient to monitor and control multiple systems, especially when they are located in close proximity or on the same premises, as users need to physically switch between controllers to manage different HVAC systems.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a single user interface for a system controller that can monitor and control multiple HVAC systems via wireless communication using the IEEE 802.11 protocol, allowing bidirectional communication between controllers and enabling users to manage multiple systems from a single interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If each HVAC system has its own separate controller and user interface, then each system can be independently controlled, but users must physically travel between controllers to manage multiple systems, increasing time and operational complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUser convenience in managing multiple HVAC systemsVSAvoidTime required to physically travel between controllers

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple HVAC system controllers into a single unified controller that can manage up to eight different HVAC systems through wireless communication. This merging eliminates the need for users to physically travel between separate controllers located in different zones, allowing centralized monitoring and control from one location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The unified controller is designed with multi-functional capability to control multiple independent HVAC systems simultaneously. It can selectively communicate with and control different HVAC systems in various zones through wireless protocols, making a single device serve multiple functions that previously required separate dedicated controllers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate controllers are used for each HVAC system, then each controller can be optimized for its specific system, but the overall system complexity increases and requires multiple user interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAbility to control multiple HVAC systems from single interfaceVSAvoidNumber of controllers and communication interfaces required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The unified controller incorporates multi-functional design to handle multiple HVAC systems through a single interface. It can selectively communicate with different HVAC systems using wireless protocols and switch between controlling different zones and systems, reducing the number of devices from multiple separate controllers to one versatile controller.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The unified controller acts as an intermediary device that mediates between the user and multiple HVAC systems. It provides a single user interface that communicates wirelessly with various HVAC systems, translating user commands to the appropriate systems and consolidating status information from multiple sources into one display.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If wireless communication is implemented between controllers, then physical travel between controllers is eliminated, but communication reliability and protocol compatibility become critical factors

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRemote control capability of HVAC systemsVSAvoidWireless communication reliability between controllers

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical system of direct controller proximity with wireless communication technology. Controllers communicate through wireless protocols (such as IEEE 802.11) instead of requiring physical connection or close proximity, enabling remote monitoring and control without physical travel while eliminating mechanical connection points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9494952B2Systems and methods for controlling multiple HVAC systems

Publication Date: 2016.11.15 TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

An HVAC control system has a first system controller associated with a first HVAC system and configured to control the first HVAC system and a second system controller associated with a HVAC system and configured to control the second HVAC system wherein the first system controller is selectively operable to control the second HVAC system. A method of controlling multiple HVAC systems includes providing a first HVAC system which may include a required first system controller, providing a second HVAC system which may include a required second system controller, and enabling wireless communication between the first system controller and the second system controller.