HVAC Memory Recovery Scheme for Parameter Updates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional HVAC systems lack advanced control and data acquisition techniques, making them less flexible, harder to install and maintain, and less efficient in temperature and humidity control, with limited self-diagnostic capabilities and shorter service life.

Innovation Solution

A distributed-architecture HVAC system with a memory recovery scheme and data structure that allows for parameter updates and configuration through an interface device, active subnet controller, and user interface, enabling improved communication and control among components, facilitating easier installation, operation, and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional HVAC systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the system lacks flexibility and is harder to install and maintain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem flexibilityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The HVAC system is divided into multiple independent addressable units that can be individually configured and controlled. Each unit has its own microprocessor and memory, allowing modular installation and maintenance without affecting other parts of the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs a universal communication protocol and standardized interface that allows different HVAC components to interoperate through a common data bus. This enables flexible system configuration while maintaining structural simplicity through standardization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of repair

If conventional HVAC systems are used, then the system is easier to manufacture, but the system is harder to install and maintain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance easeVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates self-diagnostic capabilities where each addressable unit continuously monitors its own status and communicates fault information through the data bus. This automated feedback mechanism simplifies maintenance by enabling rapid problem identification without requiring complex manual diagnostics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Each addressable unit contains embedded intelligence with microprocessors that autonomously manage local control functions and participate in system-wide coordination. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex centralized control and simplifies both installation and maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If conventional HVAC systems are used, then the system has simpler control, but the system is less efficient in temperature and humidity control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic control where each addressable unit can independently adjust its operating parameters based on real-time sensor feedback and system conditions. This dynamic responsiveness improves temperature and humidity control efficiency while the distributed architecture prevents excessive overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces traditional mechanical control linkages with electronic communication through a digital data bus. This substitution enables more precise and efficient control of HVAC parameters while reducing mechanical complexity through电子化 means.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If conventional HVAC systems are used, then the system has fewer components, but the system has limited self-diagnostic capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveself-diagnostic capabilityVSAvoidsystem components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each addressable unit continuously monitors its operational status and communicates diagnostic information through the data bus to the controller. This distributed feedback system provides comprehensive self-diagnostic capabilities without requiring a separate complex diagnostic subsystem for each component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The diagnostic functionality is merged into each addressable unit's microprocessor and communication interface. This integration allows self-diagnosis without adding separate diagnostic components, maintaining system reliability while controlling overall complexity through functional consolidation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9377768B2Memory recovery scheme and data structure in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network

Publication Date: 2016.06.28 LENNOX IND INC

AI summary

A method for updating a parameter in a device in an HVAC network includes, in one embodiment, sending, by an interface to the device, 1) a parameter value change message, and 2) a new value of an installer parameter. The device determines if the new value is within an allowed range. The parameter is updated with the new value in a memory of the device if the parameter update is within the allowed range. The device sends the parameter to the interface. The parameter is relayed by the interface to an active subnet controller of the HVAC network.