HVAC Control Configuration via Pre-Power NFC Component Pairing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems require complex and time-consuming configuration processes, often necessitating multiple visits by technicians and requiring electricians to have knowledge of component arrangements and configurations, which can lead to inefficiencies and errors.
Innovation Solution
A tax device and a mobile service device equipped with a passive NFC transponder and an active NFC module, respectively, allow for the configuration of HVAC system components before power is supplied, enabling the storage and transmission of identifiers and control signals, thus simplifying the configuration process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If configuration is performed after power supply using traditional service tools, then correct assignment and parameter settings can be achieved, but multiple technician visits are required and installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by enabling configuration of HVAC system components before power supply is connected. The portable device reads identifiers from RFID transponders and stores configuration data in non-volatile memory of the components, allowing all configuration work to be completed during the initial installation phase without requiring follow-up visits for system assignment and parameter setting.
2Reliability
If configuration is performed after power supply, then control signals can be transmitted correctly, but electricians must have knowledge of component arrangements and configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service through automatic component identification and assignment. The control device automatically reads identifiers from RFID transponders on each component, stores them in non-volatile memory, and uses them for automatic component assignment and control signal routing. This eliminates the need for electricians to manually configure components or understand complex system arrangements, as the system self-configures based on the stored identifiers.
3Reliability
If multiple visits by technicians are used for configuration, then proper system setup is achieved, but installation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs all configuration actions preliminarily during the initial installation phase. The portable device reads RFID identifiers, stores them in non-volatile memory of each component, and configures all necessary parameters before the system is powered on. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for subsequent technician visits, thereby maintaining configuration accuracy while significantly improving installation efficiency.
4Use of energy by moving object
If configuration data is stored in volatile memory, then power consumption is reduced, but configuration is lost when power is disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action by storing configuration data in non-volatile memory during the pre-power configuration phase. The portable device writes identifiers and configuration parameters to non-volatile memory in each component's memory unit before power is connected. This ensures configuration data is retained without requiring continuous power, allowing the system to maintain reliability while minimizing power consumption during operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables the efficient configuration of HVAC systems in the second stage of installation, eliminating the need for subsequent visits and allowing electricians to focus solely on electrical wiring, thereby improving installation efficiency and quality.
Implementation Method 1
a passive NFC transponder configured to receive and store a unique identifier of each of the one or more components from a mobile service device before a power supply to the control device is switched on
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A control device (3) for an HVAC system (5) includes a communication module (33) for communication with one or more components of the HVAC system (5). The control device comprises a sensor device of the HVAC system (5) and a passive NFC transponder (34) configured to receive and store, prior to the control device (3) being powered on, a unique identifier (341) of each of the components and associated component parameters from a mobile service device (2), and a control module (35) configured to access the stored component parameters and identifiers (341) after the control device (3) has been powered on and to transmit the component parameters via the communication module (33) to components identified by the identifiers.