HVAC system having electrical switch for supplying power to a fan and a compressor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing HVAC systems are unable to initiate operation under certain conditions, such as high ambient conditions, leading to delayed supply of conditioned air due to the interruption of compressor and fan operation by pressure switches.

Innovation Solution

A control system with an improved wiring arrangement that separately directs electrical signals to the compressor and fan motor in parallel, allowing independent operation of these components, thereby reducing the likelihood of pressure switch interruptions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a pressure switch is used to control compressor operation, then compressor safety is improved, but system reliability deteriorates because the fan also stops operating

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidconditioned air supply
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control circuits for the compressor and fan into separate parallel paths. The first electrical circuit directs current from the pressure switch to the compressor, while the second electrical circuit directs current from the same pressure switch to the fan. This segmentation allows the fan to continue operating even when the pressure switch interrupts the compressor circuit, resolving the contradiction by maintaining system reliability while ensuring continuous conditioned air supply.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If the compressor and fan share a common electrical circuit, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases due to simultaneous shutdown

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical circuit complexityVSAvoiddelay in conditioned air supply
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the electrical circuit into two separate parallel circuits that branch from a common electrical source. The first circuit connects to the compressor and the second circuit connects to the fan. This segmentation allows independent control of each component, enabling the fan to continue running during pressure switch interruptions while maintaining relatively simple overall circuit design, thus reducing time loss without significantly increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fan is kept in a ready state through the preliminary establishment of a separate electrical circuit that can be quickly activated. When the pressure switch interrupts the compressor circuit, the fan circuit is already in place and can immediately take over the cooling function, preventing delays in conditioned air supply while the compressor is interrupted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If the electrical circuit is configured to stop both compressor and fan on pressure switch activation, then energy consumption is reduced, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical energy consumptionVSAvoidHVAC system output
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the electrical load control by creating separate parallel circuits for the compressor and fan. When the pressure switch activates, it can selectively interrupt the compressor circuit while leaving the fan circuit active. This allows the system to reduce energy consumption by stopping the high-power compressor while maintaining minimal productivity through continued fan operation, which sustains air flow and prepares the system for rapid resume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12535241B2HVAC system having electrical switch for supplying power to a fan and a compressor
Publication Date: 2026.01.27 JOHNSON CONTROLS LIGHT COMMERCIAL IP GMBH
  • US12535241B2 patent drawing
  • US12535241B2 patent drawing
  • US12535241B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A control system for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes an electrical switch configured to close and enable supply of power to a compressor of the HVAC system based on receipt of an electric current, a first electrical circuit configured to direct the electric current to the electrical switch, and a second electrical circuit configured to direct the electric current to bypass the electrical switch and direct the electric current toward a fan controller of the HVAC system.