Distributed HVAC Control Network Using Wi-Fi Direct Pairing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional HVAC systems face challenges in creating and configuring distributed networks, relying heavily on Internet availability and centralized control, which limits user connectivity and device interoperability, and requires manual setup and control of multiple units.
Innovation Solution
A system with a control unit that uses Wi-Fi direct protocol and push button configuration to connect multiple HVAC units and interactive displays, enabling a self-sufficient, resilient network with automatic identification of members using layered security protocols, allowing users to control and monitor HVAC systems wirelessly from various interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a distributed HVAC network is created using traditional centralized control methods, then Internet availability and centralized control are maintained, but user connectivity and device interoperability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic network formation where control units autonomously discover and connect to each other using Wi-Fi Direct protocol without requiring manual configuration or Internet infrastructure. The push-button connection method allows devices to self-configure into a distributed network, eliminating the need for complex centralized setup while improving device interoperability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/wired HVAC control infrastructure with wireless Wi-Fi Direct communication. This substitution eliminates dependency on Internet availability and centralized control systems, allowing devices to communicate directly through wireless protocols, thereby enhancing adaptability while reducing configuration complexity.
2Ease of operation
If manual setup and control of multiple HVAC units is required, then centralized control is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs automatic device discovery and network formation capabilities where control units autonomously identify each other and establish connections through a simplified push-button interface. This self-service mechanism eliminates manual setup procedures while maintaining a distributed control architecture, significantly improving ease of operation without requiring users to understand complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the control system by transitioning from manual configuration modes to automatic discovery and connection modes. The push-button interface triggers automated network formation processes, changing the system behavior from requiring detailed manual setup to simple user activation, thereby improving ease of operation while preserving distributed control capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If Wi-Fi direct protocol with push button configuration is used, then ease of operation and device interoperability improve, but network security requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary authentication mechanism where control units exchange security credentials and establish trusted connections before communicating. The push-button configuration triggers a secure pairing process that acts as an intermediary step, verifying device identities and establishing encrypted communication channels, thereby maintaining network security while enabling wireless connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary security measures by establishing authentication and encryption protocols before actual HVAC control operations begin. The push-button connection initiates a pre-configuration phase where security parameters are set, devices are verified, and secure communication channels are established in advance, ensuring that network security requirements are met before operational connectivity is fully activated.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a system for operating an HVAC control network includes a first control unit communicatively coupled to a first plurality of HVAC units and a first interactive display, the first control unit further comprising a software access point (softAP). A second control unit, the second control unit communicatively coupled to a second plurality of HVAC units and a second interactive display. The second control unit may include a push button. The second control unit may connect to the first control unit to create an HVAC control network using a Wi-Fi direct protocol by invoking a Wi-Fi direct, push button configuration protocol in response to detecting that the push button has been depressed. The first control unit may control the second plurality of HVAC units over the HVAC control network in response to the second control unit connecting to the first control unit.