Indoor Unit Communication Speed Detection Without Manual Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

In separation type air conditioners, the need for manual switching between different communication speeds for control information signals between the indoor and outdoor units complicates installation, increases the risk of setting errors, and raises product costs due to the requirement for manual changeover switches and associated circuits.

Innovation Solution

The indoor unit's control device includes communication speed recognizing means and confirmation means to automatically determine the communication speed without a manual changeover switch, using multiple communication means with different speeds and verifying the connected communication line to ensure proper communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a manual changeover switch is provided to select communication speed, then communication speed can be changed, but installation work becomes complicated and setting errors are likely to occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication speed selectionVSAvoidinstallation work

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control device automatically detects the communication speed capability of the connected unit and selects the appropriate communication speed without requiring manual intervention. The system self-configures by reading response signals at different communication speeds and determining which speed is supported, thereby eliminating the need for manual changeover switches and complex installation procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control device performs preliminary detection of communication speed capability before normal operation begins. By attempting to read response signals at multiple communication speeds in advance and storing the detected capability information, the system prepares the appropriate communication settings beforehand, avoiding the need for manual configuration during installation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If a manual changeover switch is provided to select communication speed, then communication speed can be changed, but product prices increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication speed selectionVSAvoidproduct cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The manual changeover switch and its associated mechanical components are completely removed from the system. The patent extracts only the essential function of communication speed selection and implements it through software-based automatic detection and selection, thereby eliminating the need for physical switching mechanisms and reducing manufacturing costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical changeover switch is replaced with an electronic/software-based automatic detection system. The control device uses signal processing and logical judgment to automatically determine the appropriate communication speed, substituting mechanical components with electronic control methods that are simpler and cheaper to manufacture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Extent of automation

If communication speed is automatically detected, then manual switching is eliminated, but communication speed recognition accuracy must be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication speed selectionVSAvoidcommunication speed recognition

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control device sends test signals at different communication speeds and analyzes the response signals returned from the connected unit. By monitoring whether response signals are successfully received at each speed, the system obtains feedback information that enables accurate determination of the communication speed capability, ensuring reliable automatic detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control device attempts to detect communication speed at multiple different speeds (excessive action) rather than assuming a single speed. By testing at several communication speeds and selecting the highest speed at which successful communication is achieved, the system ensures accurate recognition while maximizing communication performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS10317106B2Air conditioner

Publication Date: 2019.06.11 HITACHI JOHNSON CONTROLS AIR CONDITIONING INC

AI summary

In the control device 12 of the indoor unit 11, a plurality of communication means 14a to 14c having different communication speeds; communication speed recognizing means 18 for recognizing whether or not a communication line 15 from an outdoor unit 10 is connected to any of the communication means, from the communication speed of the control information signal; and communication means confirmation means 18 for confirming the communication means that performs the following communication based on the recognized communication speed, are provided. According to this, it is possible to recognize the communication speed of an input signal without providing a manual changeover switch. Therefore, it is possible to solve at least one or more of the problems that the installation work is complicated, that a setting error of the changeover switch is likely to be generated, and that the product prices increase.