HVAC Controller Configuration Using Virtual Wiring Schemes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current HVAC systems with serial communications are difficult for service technicians to configure and troubleshoot due to unfamiliar structures, as they replace traditional 24 VAC signals with command signals and communication packets.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a processor and configuration code that discovers operational configurations of indoor and outdoor units' control circuits, allowing users to input system configurations and emulate wired system arrangements through digital signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If serial communications replace traditional 24 VAC signals in HVAC systems, then system functionality and communication capability are improved, but ease of operation and troubleshooting difficulty worsen due to unfamiliar structures for service technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by creating a virtual representation of the traditional 24 VAC wiring scheme within the digital communication system. The system includes a database of wiring schemes that stores information about conventional wiring arrangements, and the controller can retrieve and display these schemes to guide technicians through configuration processes that mirror familiar analog wiring patterns in the digital domain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an intermediary approach by introducing a configuration interface and wiring scheme database that acts as a mediator between the traditional technician knowledge base and the new digital communication system. This intermediary layer translates familiar wiring concepts into digital communication configurations, allowing technicians to work with serial communications using their existing expertise in analog wiring.
2Extent of automation
If serial communications replace traditional 24 VAC signals, then system intelligence and control capability are improved, but device complexity increases making the system more difficult to configure and troubleshoot
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring and storing multiple wiring schemes in a database before the technician needs to configure the system. The system includes a database of wiring schemes that contains pre-analyzed and validated configuration information, allowing technicians to select from pre-prepared options rather than manually configuring complex digital communication parameters from scratch.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automatic configuration capabilities where the controller can automatically retrieve appropriate wiring schemes from the database and apply them to the system configuration. The system can also automatically detect wiring arrangements and match them to appropriate digital communication configurations, reducing the burden on technicians to manually configure complex parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
Control devices for configuring heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and cooling (HVAC) systems are provided. The control devices are designed to detect operational parameters of units within HVAC systems and present system configurations consistent with the detected parameters. In response to user selection of a system configuration, the control device may apply the system configuration to the HVAC system and may reconfigure settings of control circuits within system units. The system configurations presented by the control device may correspond to wiring diagrams that are familiar to service technicians. Methods of configuring HVAC systems with the control devices are also provided.