HVAC Interface Layout With Seasonal Programs for Clear Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current HVAC system user interfaces often confuse users with the transition between programming and manual modes, as buttons for both modes are present on a single screen, and programming options are abstract, leading to user frustration and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A user interface with separate manual and programming mode screens, featuring seasonal programs with descriptive names and factory preconfigured settings, allowing easy toggling between modes and providing intuitive program selection, with a touchpad and display driven by a processor and memory for input and information processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If both manual mode buttons and programming mode buttons are present on a single screen, then the user interface provides comprehensive control options, but user confusion increases and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol optionsVSAvoiduser confusion

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The user interface is segmented into separate screens: a manual mode screen displaying only manual control buttons, and a programming mode screen displaying only programming options. This segmentation eliminates the confusion of having both modes on a single screen while maintaining comprehensive control capabilities through screen transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If programming options are presented with abstract names, then the device complexity is reduced, but user understanding and ease of operation worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming optionsVSAvoiduser understanding

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses descriptive, season-based names (Cool, Heat, Cool/Heat) instead of abstract programming identifiers. These names directly convey the functional purpose and timing of each program, making the interface more intuitive and easier to understand while maintaining clear distinction between different programming options.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the user interface provides detailed programming options, then adaptability improves, but the transition between programming and manual modes becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming optionsVSAvoidmode transition

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interface separates programming mode and manual mode into distinct screens. Users can easily transition between modes by navigating to the appropriate screen, rather than managing complex mode switches within a single cluttered interface. This segmentation simplifies the transition process while preserving full programming capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9063555B2Heating, ventilation and air conditioning system user interface having seasonal programs and method of operation thereof

Publication Date: 2015.06.23 LENNOX IND INC

AI summary

A user interface for use with an HVAC system, a method of providing service reminders on a single screen of a user interface of an HVAC system and an HVAC system incorporating the user interface or the method. In one embodiment, the user interface includes: (l) a display configured to provide information to a user, (2) a touchpad configured to accept input from the user and (3) a processor and memory coupled to the display and the touchpad and configured to drive the display and provide a plurality of seasonal programs.