HVAC Motor Local Controller Display Scaling for Engineering Units
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing local control devices for variable speed motors in HVACR systems display output values as percentages, requiring operators to translate these to actual engineering units, which can be cumbersome and impractical.
Innovation Solution
A digital device loads a digital adjustment profile into the local control device, enabling Output Display Scaling, RPM Pulse Count Selection, and Output Limits, allowing for direct display of engineering units and precise control settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the local control device displays output values as percentages, then the display is simple and universal, but the operator must translate these to actual engineering units which is cumbersome and impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the display output from percentage values to actual engineering units (CFM, RPM, torque) through configurable scaling parameters. The system allows operators to select different engineering units and the device automatically scales the displayed values accordingly, eliminating the need for manual translation while maintaining the underlying percentage-based control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary scaling mechanism that sits between the motor control system and the display output. This intermediary layer converts internal percentage values to external engineering units through configurable parameters, acting as a mediator that translates between the control system's internal representation and the operator's needed representation without affecting the core control functionality.
2Loss of information
If the display shows percentage output values, then the control system remains simple, but operators cannot directly see actual motor output in engineering units
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter representation from abstract percentages to concrete engineering units by implementing configurable display parameters. The device stores scaling parameters that define the relationship between percentage values and actual engineering units, allowing the display to show meaningful values (e.g., 500 CFM, 1000 RPM) while maintaining the simplicity of the underlying percentage-based control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed display scaling is used, then the device is easier to manufacture, but it cannot adapt to different product needs and engineering units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the display scaling configurable and adaptable rather than fixed. The system allows different engineering units and scaling parameters to be selected and loaded into the control device, enabling it to adapt to various product requirements and applications. This dynamic configuration capability is achieved through programmable parameters that can be set during installation or operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a control device that can handle multiple engineering units and scaling configurations within a single platform. The configurable parameter system allows the same hardware to serve multiple functions and applications by simply changing the displayed units and scaling factors, eliminating the need for different devices for different applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for a visual local controller (VLC) for a variable speed motor (VS Motor) or other controlled device in an HVACR system to display the output in engineering units instead of the traditional percent of motor output or similar output, and to limit the output to a range between a high limit and a low limit, is disclosed. An engineering units display allows end users to directly see output as performed by the connected HVACR equipment. In place of zero to one-hundred percent output, the user may see torque, CFM, actual control voltage or other engineering units associated with the controlled HVACR equipment. Limiting the output allows the output to be constrained between high and low output limits to keep the connected device operating within a safe range for the HVACR equipment.