HVAC Data Bus Architecture for Precise Climate Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional HVAC systems lack advanced control and data acquisition techniques, making them inflexible, difficult to install and maintain, and less efficient in temperature and humidity management.

Innovation Solution

A data processing and communication network for HVAC systems that uses a subnet controller, environmental sensors, and user interfaces connected via a data bus, allowing for flexible control, improved installation, operation, and maintenance, and enhanced energy efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional HVAC systems use basic thermostat control, then the system structure is simple, but the temperature and humidity control precision is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature and humidity control precisionVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into multiple independently addressable devices including subnet controllers, environmental sensors, and user interfaces. Each device can be individually configured and controlled via the data bus, allowing precise temperature and humidity management without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A data bus serves as an intermediary communication network connecting various HVAC components. This allows sophisticated control and data acquisition without requiring complex direct point-to-point connections, maintaining relative system simplicity while enabling advanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional HVAC systems use manual configuration methods, then the device complexity is low, but the ease of installation and maintenance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installation and maintenanceVSAvoidconfiguration system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-configuration through automated device discovery and address assignment via the data bus. Devices can be automatically detected and integrated into the network without requiring manual configuration, significantly easing installation and maintenance while reducing the need for specialized technician knowledge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Environmental sensors continuously monitor temperature and humidity conditions, providing feedback to subnet controllers. This automated feedback loop enables the system to self-adjust and optimize performance without manual intervention, simplifying operation while enhancing control precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If conventional HVAC systems lack networked communication, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity and energy efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidcommunication network complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The data bus serves multiple functions simultaneously: device addressing, data transmission, configuration, and monitoring. This universal communication infrastructure enables enhanced energy efficiency through coordinated system operation without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts HVAC operations based on real-time environmental data and occupancy information transmitted through the data bus. This dynamic control optimizes energy consumption by adjusting heating and cooling levels according to actual conditions rather than operating at fixed settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2241836B1Device abstraction system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning system
Publication Date: 2018.12.12 LENNOX IND INC
  • EP2241836B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2241836B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2241836B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The disclosure provides an HVAC data processing and communication network and a method of manufacturing the same. In various embodiments, the network includes a subnet controller configured to control networked devices via a data bus. The subnet controller is configured to be addressable over the data bus. An environmental sensor is configured to provide environmental data to the subnet controller, and is further configured to be addressable over the data bus independent of addressing the subnet controller. A user interface is configured to provide access by an operator to the network. The user interface is further configured to be addressable over the data bus independently of addressing the subnet controller and the environmental sensor.