HVAC Room Unit Wireless Data Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC room units have limited functionality due to size constraints, allowing only a small number of values to be set and displayed, with operation parameters and measured values accessible to anyone and prone to unauthorized alteration.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a short-range wireless communication module in the room unit for data exchange with mobile devices, enabling flexible configuration and secure data access through a controller, allowing extensive data display and value setting on mobile devices, and secure data transmission based on access rights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the room unit is made small for easy installation and discreet appearance, then it is easier to install and less obtrusive, but the number of values that can be set and displayed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the interaction space from the physical room unit to a mobile device interface. By implementing a wireless communication module, the system utilizes the spatial dimension of the user's mobile device to provide an expanded control interface, allowing numerous parameters to be configured and displayed without increasing the physical footprint of the room unit itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device acts as an intermediary between the user and the HVAC system. Instead of directly interacting with the limited physical interface of the room unit, users interact with a comprehensive graphical interface on their mobile device, which then communicates with the room unit wirelessly. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by providing extensive control capabilities through the mobile device while keeping the room unit compact.
2Loss of information
If operation parameters and measured values are displayed on the room unit for user visibility, then users can monitor system status, but anyone passing by can access and potentially alter the parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensitive parameter display and control functions from the physical room unit environment and relocates them to the user's mobile device. By displaying operation parameters and measured values on the mobile device rather than on the room unit itself, the system maintains full visibility for the authorized user while eliminating the security vulnerability of having sensitive information exposed in public spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device serves as a secure intermediary that provides authenticated access to system parameters. The wireless communication module establishes a secure connection with authorized mobile devices, allowing them to view and control parameters without exposing the room unit's interface to unauthorized individuals in the physical environment.
3Device complexity
If the room unit has a limited physical interface with few buttons and display areas, then the device remains compact and simple, but the flexibility for configuration and operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by transitioning the configuration interface from the two-dimensional physical space of the room unit to the larger display space of the mobile device. The wireless communication module enables the room unit to maintain its simple, compact form factor while the mobile device provides access to extensive configuration options and operational controls through its larger screen and input capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device serves as a universal control interface for multiple functions. Instead of requiring dedicated physical buttons and displays for each function on the room unit, the system uses the mobile device's touchscreen interface to provide comprehensive control over heating, cooling, ventilation, and configuration parameters, making the compact room unit highly versatile.
Data Source
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Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The present application discloses a room unit for an HVAC system, which comprises an electric connection means to connect the device to the HVAC system and a controller. The room unit further comprises a short-range wireless communication module, which allows wireless communication with a mobile device for the exchange of data between the mobile device and the HVAC system or vice versa. Further, the present application relates to a method for exchanging data between a mobile device and an HVAC system or vice versa using a room unit as disclosed. Additionally, a method for the configuration of a room unit according to the present application is also disclosed.