HVAC Remote Lock Out Event Clearance to Reduce Service Calls

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Solution Overview

Problem

HVAC systems often require physical intervention by technicians to clear lock out events, leading to increased maintenance costs and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A remote clearing system that allows dealers to access and clear lock out events via a user device and dealer device, enabling remote authorization and initiation of lock out event clearance without physical presence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a technician physically visits the residence to clear the lock out event, then the lock out event can be cleared reliably, but maintenance costs and time loss increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelock out event clearanceVSAvoidmaintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical presence of a technician at the HVAC system with an electronic communication system. The control system communicates lock out event data and clearance commands through electronic messages between the HVAC system, user device, and dealer device, eliminating the need for physical travel and on-site intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary communication system consisting of the control system, user device, and dealer device that mediates between the lock out event detection and the clearance action. This intermediary electronic communication channel enables remote interaction, allowing the dealer to clear lock out events without physically being present at the HVAC system location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a technician physically visits the residence to clear the lock out event, then the lock out event can be cleared reliably, but maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelock out event clearanceVSAvoidmaintenance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables a form of self-service where the HVAC system's control system automatically communicates lock out event information to the user device, and the dealer can remotely clear the event through electronic commands. This reduces the need for paid technician travel and on-site service calls, lowering maintenance costs for both the user and the service provider.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of energy

If remote clearing is enabled, then maintenance costs and service calls are reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance costVSAvoidremote clearing system

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into the existing control system, user device, and dealer device. The control system not only controls HVAC operation but also detects lock out events and communicates them remotely. The user device and dealer device serve both as communication interfaces and as authorization management systems, reducing the need for separate dedicated hardware and minimizing additional system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the lock out event detection, communication, and clearance functions into the existing control system architecture. Rather than adding completely separate remote clearing hardware, the system combines these functions with the existing control electronics, user interface, and dealer communication infrastructure, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10663936B2Remote clear of an HVAC system

Publication Date: 2020.05.26 JOHNSON CONTROLS LIGHT COMMERCIAL IP GMBH

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to a system for a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a control system of the HVAC system, a user device configured to be communicatively coupled to the control system and receive feedback indicative of a lock out event of the HVAC system, where the lock out event is configured to effectuate at least a partial shutdown of the HVAC system, and a dealer device configured to receive authorization from the user device to remotely clear the lock out event of the HVAC system, where the dealer device is configured to remotely clear the lock out event upon receiving the authorization from the user device.