Indoor Unit Polarity Switching for Stable Wired Remote Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multi-unit air conditioning systems, malfunctions can occur due to polarity mismatch between indoor units and wired remote controllers, leading to unstable communication circuits and potential system failures.

Innovation Solution

The system incorporates a power switch and ground switch in each indoor unit, connected to a communication module, which can be turned on or off to ensure proper polarity matching with the wired remote controller, using DC power two-wire communication to prevent circuit malfunctions by controlling power and ground connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple indoor units are connected to one outdoor unit with wired remote controllers, then system versatility and coverage are improved, but communication circuit reliability deteriorates due to polarity mismatch issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem versatilityVSAvoidcommunication circuit reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the electrical parameter configuration by introducing switches that can alter the polarity connections in the communication circuit. The controller dynamically adjusts the connection state of the first and second switches to match polarities between the indoor unit and wired remote controller, thereby resolving reliability issues while maintaining system versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic polarity matching through controllable switches that can change their connection state based on detection results. The controller dynamically adjusts switch configurations to ensure proper polarity alignment, transforming a static wiring problem into a dynamically adaptable communication system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If polarity matching is enforced between all devices, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional switches and control circuits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the controller automatically detects polarity mismatches and autonomously adjusts switch configurations to correct them. This eliminates the need for manual wiring adjustments or complex external control systems, achieving reliable communication through automated self-correction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the controller detects the polarity connection state between the indoor unit and wired remote controller, then uses this feedback information to control the switches appropriately. This closed-loop control ensures communication reliability while keeping the control logic centralized and manageable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Stability of the object's composition

If switches are added to control power and ground connections, then communication stability is improved, but power management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication stabilityVSAvoidpower management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the power management function with the existing communication control logic. The controller integrates the control of first and second switches (power and ground connections) into its existing operational framework, managing both communication and power through a unified control mechanism rather than separate systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9581349B2Indoor unit and air conditioning system using the same
Publication Date: 2017.02.28 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US9581349B2 patent drawing
  • US9581349B2 patent drawing
  • US9581349B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An indoor unit and an air conditioning system using the same include a first communication module to communicate with a wired remote controller, a power switch connected to a power terminal of one or the other side of the first communication module, a ground switch connected to a ground terminal of one or the other side of the first communication module to constitute a pair with the power switch, and an indoor unit controller to turn on the power switch and the ground switch when an indoor unit supplies power to the wired remote controller, and to turn off the power switch and the ground switch when another indoor unit supplies power to the wired remote controller.