System and method for enabling and controlling management of HVAC features
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current HVAC systems lack flexibility and optimization in feature usage and performance over their lifetime, with fixed capabilities and high upfront costs.
Innovation Solution
A Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system with a remote control device that enables and configures operational characteristics based on user requests, using subscription information to manage feature enablement and disablement, and monitors usage to alert users and adjust settings accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If HVAC system features are fixed at installation, then system reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic feature activation where HVAC system features can be enabled or disabled at runtime based on user needs and subscription status. The system transitions from a static configuration fixed at installation to a dynamic configuration that can change over time, allowing features to be activated when needed and deactivated when not required, thus achieving both reliability through controlled changes and adaptability through flexible feature management.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all HVAC features are included in the base system, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments HVAC features into core features included in the base system and optional features that can be added through subscriptions. By dividing the feature set into mandatory and optional components, the system maintains simplicity for basic operations while providing access to advanced features when needed, reducing overall system complexity while preserving versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal subscription management platform that can control multiple different HVAC features through a single interface. This multi-functional approach allows one subscription system to manage diverse features (filter monitoring, extended warranties, priority support, etc.), reducing the need for separate control mechanisms for each feature and thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If subscription-based feature activation is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a subscription management server as an intermediary between the user and the HVAC system features. This external mediator handles the complexity of subscription processing, feature activation, and status monitoring, keeping the HVAC controller itself relatively simple while enabling flexible feature management through the intermediary service.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated feature activation and deactivation based on subscription status without requiring manual configuration. The subscription management system automatically enables or disables features based on payment status and user preferences, reducing the operational complexity for users while maintaining high adaptability.
4Productivity
If features are activated based on monitoring and alerts, then productivity is improved, but loss of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts sensitive user data processing from the local HVAC system and relocates it to a secure subscription management server. By separating data collection, storage, and processing functions from the HVAC controller, the system can implement monitoring and alerting features while minimizing local data retention and reducing privacy risks associated with storing sensitive information in the HVAC system itself.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an HVAC system for enabling and controlling management of HVAC features. The system includes at least one HVAC equipment, and at least one remote control device communicatively connected with the at least one HVAC equipment. The at least one remote control device includes a processor(s) configured to receive a request including an indication to enable and configure operational characteristic(s) of the at least one HVAC equipment, and at least one of user identification information or HVAC equipment identification information. The processor(s) is further configured to determine a validity of the received request and to enable and configure the operational characteristic(s) upon determining that the received request is valid.