Switching apparatus for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional HVAC systems require a dedicated thermostat for temperature and humidity control, which can be costly and complex, especially when integrating with other control systems like security or home automation panels.

Innovation Solution

A switching device with relays and a remote control panel that splits the thermostat functionality into a switching box for HVAC control and a control panel for user interface and logic, allowing wireless communication and remote control, reducing the need for a dedicated thermostat and lowering costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a dedicated thermostat is used for HVAC control, then temperature and humidity control functionality is achieved, but system cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveHVAC control functionalityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the thermostat functionality into two separate components: a remote control panel that handles user interface and control logic, and a switching device that handles HVAC system control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The switching device is designed to be universally applicable for HVAC control without requiring a dedicated thermostat. By integrating wireless communication capabilities and relay switching functionality into a single device, the system achieves multi-functionality that reduces the need for separate dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a dedicated thermostat is installed, then HVAC control is achieved, but integration with other control systems becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveHVAC controlVSAvoidintegration capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The remote control panel and switching device are designed with universal communication capabilities that enable integration with various control systems including security systems and home automation panels. The wireless communication interface allows flexible integration without complex wiring or proprietary protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If wireless communication is implemented, then remote control capability is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical wiring and physical connections with wireless communication technology. This substitution eliminates the need for complex wiring installations while enabling remote control capabilities, thereby improving ease of operation without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20240310070A1Switching apparatus for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
Publication Date: 2024.09.19 TYCO FIRE & SECURITY GMBH
  • US20240310070A1 patent drawing
  • US20240310070A1 patent drawing
  • US20240310070A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Some present aspects provide a switching device for controlling a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a premises. The switching device includes a transceiver configured to receive a command from a remote control panel; one or more switching relays each having an output for coupling with the HVAC system; and one or more processors that, individually or in combination, are configured to control an operation of the one or more switching relays in response to the command received from the remote control panel.