A method and a mobile communication device for controlling an HVAC component in a building
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC systems face challenges in fast and efficient localization, identification, and control of components due to their often inaccessible locations and orientations, which complicates maintenance and operation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a mobile communication device to detect a physical identifier object associated with an HVAC component via a wireless network, allowing remote control of the component through a user interface on the device, even when the component is not directly accessible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If HVAC components are installed in inaccessible locations (within ducts, behind walls, raised floors, or lowered ceilings), then the HVAC system can be compact and integrated into building structures, but field workers face difficulty in localization, identification, and control of these components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary identifier object that mediates between the inaccessible HVAC component and the field worker. This identifier object, placed in an accessible location, contains identification information that enables the worker to locate and control the component remotely via a mobile device, thus resolving the accessibility contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual representation (copy) of the HVAC component accessible through a mobile device interface. This virtual copy allows field workers to interact with, monitor, and control the physical component remotely, eliminating the need for direct physical access to inaccessible locations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If HVAC components are placed in orientations where control elements are difficult to activate manually, then the system can be optimized for space utilization and aesthetic integration, but ease of control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical interaction with electronic/digital interaction. Instead of requiring physical contact with control elements on the HVAC component, the system uses a mobile device to transmit control commands electronically, eliminating the need for manual activation in difficult orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device acts as an intermediary between the user and the HVAC component control elements. This intermediary enables control without direct physical contact, allowing the component to be installed in orientations optimized for space and aesthetics while maintaining ease of control.
3Ease of operation
If field workers must physically locate and access each HVAC component for control and monitoring, then direct control is possible, but time is lost in navigation and identification among multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual interface that replicates HVAC component information and control capabilities on a mobile device. This virtual copy allows workers to identify and control components remotely without physically navigating to each component's location, significantly reducing localization time while maintaining control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback by transmitting identification information and component status back to the mobile device. This feedback mechanism enables workers to quickly identify components and verify their location without physical inspection, reducing time loss while maintaining direct control.
4Adaptability or versatility
If barriers (walls, ducts, raised floors, lowered ceilings) are used to integrate HVAC systems into building structures, then architectural integration is improved, but accessibility and visibility of components are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The identifier object serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap created by architectural barriers. It provides detectable identification information in accessible locations, allowing workers to detect and locate components behind barriers without compromising the architectural integration provided by walls, ducts, and raised floors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the component's identification and status information that is accessible through mobile devices. This virtual representation makes components detectable and controllable even when physically hidden behind architectural barriers, maintaining both integration and detectability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
For controlling an HVAC component (3), a physical identifier object (5) associated with the HVAC component (3) is arranged in an area (41) with access to a wireless network (6) and at a location distant and separated from the HVAC component (3). Identifier information is obtained from the physical identifier object (5) by a mobile communication device (1) and transmitted via the wireless network (6) to a remote computer system (2). The remote computer system (2) returns HVAC component data linked to the identifier information. The mobile communication device (1) uses the component data for generating a user interface (100) for an HVAC virtual room unit for controlling the HVAC component (3). User commands received via the user interface ( 100) are transmitted by the mobile communication device (1) via the remote computer system (2) to the HVAC component (3) for controlling the HVAC component (3).