Indoor Unit Periodic Packet Rearrangement for Bus Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-type air conditioners, the increased communication load between outdoor and indoor units due to direct connection of the central controller to indoor units leads to communication delays, failures, and packet loss, as the existing communication structure is overwhelmed by periodic and event packets, resulting in high occupancy rates that exceed acceptable limits.
Innovation Solution
The air conditioner rearranges periodic packets by splitting data, changing transmission periods, and filtering redundant data to reduce the communication load, allowing for efficient data transmission by directly connecting the central controller to indoor units and optimizing packet transmission schedules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the central controller is directly connected to indoor units to improve control speed and reduce installation complexity, then communication speed and installation flexibility are improved, but communication load between outdoor and indoor units increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments communication packets into periodic packets and event packets, allowing differentiated handling and transmission scheduling. This segmentation enables the system to manage communication load more effectively while maintaining direct connection benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic communication between outdoor and indoor units with scheduled transmission times. By using periodic action, the system reduces instantaneous communication load while maintaining efficient control, allowing the central controller to be directly connected without overwhelming the communication bus.
2Reliability
If periodic communication packets are transmitted frequently to maintain real-time control, then control responsiveness is improved, but communication line occupancy rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent schedules periodic communication at optimized intervals rather than continuous transmission. This maintains control responsiveness while significantly reducing communication line occupancy rates by transmitting data only when necessary according to predetermined periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts communication parameters including transmission periods and packet sizes based on system operating conditions. This dynamic adaptation maintains responsiveness when needed while reducing communication load during stable operating conditions.
3Productivity
If multiple indoor units are connected to a single outdoor unit to improve space utilization and energy efficiency, then installation efficiency and energy efficiency are improved, but communication complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments communication traffic into different packet types (periodic and event packets) and implements separate transmission schedules for each. This segmentation simplifies the management of multiple indoor units by providing structured communication protocols that reduce overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal communication protocol that handles multiple indoor units through standardized periodic and event packet structures. This multi-functional communication framework allows a single outdoor unit to efficiently manage multiple indoor units without proportionally increasing communication complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioner and a communication method for an air conditioner are provided. The air conditioner may include an outdoor unit; an indoor unit; and a central controller connected to the indoor unit through a communication line. The indoor unit may perform periodic communication for transmitting a plurality of periodic packets to at least one of the outdoor unit or the central controller at predetermined periods, and change and transmit the plurality of periodic packets so as to decrease a load on the communication line.