Indoor Unit Proximity Detection for Concealed Air Conditioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air-conditioning systems with concealed indoor units face challenges in user operation due to difficulty in visually identifying the closest unit, especially when the indoor unit's position changes frequently, requiring repetitive initial setting adjustments.
Innovation Solution
An air-conditioning system with wireless communication units in indoor units and a mobile terminal that detects radio wave intensities to notify and control operable units, allowing easy operation of the closest unit even in dynamic environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If concealed type packaged indoor units are used, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because it is hard to visually find the indoor unit close to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized controller with a display screen as an intermediary device. This controller displays a floor plan with images of indoor units superimposed on it, serving as a mediator between the user and the physically hidden indoor units. The user can visually locate the desired indoor unit through the display rather than searching for the physical unit itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the indoor units by displaying their images on the centralized controller's screen. Instead of interacting with the physical concealed units directly, users interact with their graphical representations on the display, making location and operation easier while maintaining the aesthetic benefits of concealed installation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the position of indoor units is changed frequently, then the adaptability is improved, but the loss of time increases due to repetitive initial setting adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to changes in indoor unit positions through automatic detection mechanisms. When an indoor unit is moved, the system automatically detects its new location and updates the floor plan display accordingly, eliminating the need for manual re-registration. This dynamic adaptation maintains accuracy without requiring user intervention during position changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the centralized controller continuously monitors and detects the positions of indoor units. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically update its internal map and display information, ensuring that the user interface always reflects the current physical arrangement without requiring manual reconfiguration.
3Loss of information
If images of indoor units are superimposed on the floor plan on the screen, then the information display is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because it is still hard for the user to recognize the indoor unit close to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color coding and visual differentiation on the display screen to make indoor units more distinguishable. By using different colors or visual indicators for different types or statuses of indoor units, the system enhances the user's ability to quickly identify and locate the desired unit among multiple options on the floor plan display.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables effortless operation of the nearest indoor unit by detecting and notifying the user of units with high radio wave intensity, improving user convenience and reducing the need for frequent initial setting adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of indoor units 2 each including a wireless communication unit 3 that emits radio waves
Implementation Method 2
The mobile terminal unit 6 detects radio waves emitted by the wireless communication units 3
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An air-conditioning system includes: a plurality of indoor units including respective wireless communication units each of which emits radio waves; and a mobile terminal unit configured to wirelessly communicate with each of the wireless communication units. The mobile terminal unit detects the radio waves emitted by the wireless communication units, and makes a notification indicating a presence of one or ones of the indoor units that are determined operable based on radio wave intensities of the detected radio waves.