HVAC Touchscreen Interface for Easier Environmental Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern HVAC controllers are complex and difficult for novice and non-technical users to program and operate due to their increased functionality, necessitating a more intuitive and user-friendly interface.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a touch screen interface with a simplified user interface that includes a processor, memory block, and data port, allowing for flexible information display and input, such as temperature and humidity settings, schedule creation, and system control through a series of intuitive screens and menus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If HVAC controllers include increased functionality and complexity to control multiple environmental conditions, then the system's capability to control temperature, humidity, and ventilation is improved, but the difficulty of programming and operation increases for novice users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a simplified user interface that acts as an intermediary between the complex HVAC control system and the user. This interface includes intuitive display screens, graphical icons, and simplified input methods that mask the underlying complexity of the system while maintaining full functionality for controlling temperature, humidity, and ventilation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control interface is segmented into separate functional modules or screens, each handling specific tasks such as temperature control, humidity control, or schedule management. This segmentation allows users to interact with one function at a time rather than being overwhelmed by the entire system's complexity.
2Measurement precision
If HVAC controllers include multiple sensors and parameters for comprehensive environmental control, then the precision of environmental condition control is improved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complexity of multiple sensors and parameters from the user-facing interface while maintaining their full functionality in the background. The system processes data from temperature sensors, humidity sensors, and ventilation sensors independently, then presents simplified control options to users without requiring them to understand the underlying measurement complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An HVAC controller is described that is configured to be more intuitive and user friendly to program and operate than convention HVAC controllers. In some instances, the HVAC controller may include a touch screen interface that provides greater flexibility in displaying information to the user and/or soliciting information from the user.