Infrared Command Management Device for Air Conditioner Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infrared-controlled electrical equipment, such as air conditioners, are difficult to integrate into existing energy consumption management systems due to the lack of standardization in infrared commands, leading to issues with resetting operating parameters and compatibility with universal remote controls.
Innovation Solution
A command management device with an infrared receiver, transmitter, and interface module that intercepts and processes infrared control signals from both conventional remote controls and third-party management systems, applying compatibility and priority rules to ensure seamless integration and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If infrared-controlled equipment is integrated into energy management systems, then energy consumption modulation capability is improved, but device complexity and integration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an infrared command management device as an intermediary between the remote control and the air conditioner. This mediator intercepts infrared commands, manages their execution according to priority rules, and prevents direct communication between the remote control and the air conditioner's infrared receiver module, thereby simplifying integration while maintaining control capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the remote control, the infrared command management device, and the air conditioner. The command management device is further divided into an infrared receiver, controller, and infrared transmitter module, allowing each component to be optimized independently and reducing overall integration complexity
2Use of energy by moving object
If power supply modulation is applied to infrared-controlled equipment, then energy consumption management is improved, but operating parameter stability deteriorates due to equipment reset issues
Solution Approach 1:
The infrared command management device performs preliminary actions by intercepting and analyzing infrared commands before they reach the air conditioner. It proactively manages command execution based on priority rules and detects potential reset-inducing commands, preventing parameter instability before it occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the controller monitors executed commands and their effects on equipment operation. This feedback loop allows the system to adjust command execution strategies to prevent equipment resets while maintaining energy consumption management goals
3Adaptability or versatility
If universal remote controls are used to replace conventional remote controls, then control versatility is improved, but compatibility and functionality are worsened due to lack of standardized infrared commands
Solution Approach 1:
The infrared command management device is designed with universal functionality to work with multiple types of remote controls and air conditioner models. It can intercept and manage commands from various remote control types while adapting to different air conditioner infrared protocols, providing universal control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its command management parameters based on the detected remote control type and air conditioner model. The controller modifies its behavior to accommodate different infrared command formats and protocols, ensuring reliable operation across diverse equipment
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 the integration of infrared-controlled equipment into complex management systems, allowing for efficient energy consumption modulation while maintaining user control via conventional remote controls, reducing the risk of equipment reset issues and improving energy management efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared receiver, able to receive any infrared control signal from said remote control
Implementation Method 2
an infrared transmitter, able to transmit to said electrical equipment infrared control signals generated from the infrared control signals received by the infrared receiver
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus (4) for managing the control of an electrical device (1), said device being controllable by infrared control signals (IR_Cmd) from an IR remote control (2) associated with the electrical device (1). The apparatus (4) includes an IR receiver (40), an IR emitter (41) and an interface module (42) suitable for receiving control signals emitted by a third-party management system (3). The apparatus (4) is placed opposite an IR receiver module (10) of the electric device (1) such as to receive on the IR receiver (40) any infrared control signal (IR_Cmd) from the remote control (2) and to prevent any infrared control signal (IR_Cmd) from said remote control (2) from directly reaching the IR receiver module (10). A controller of the apparatus (4) controls the transmission to the electrical device (1), via the IR emitter (41), of infrared control signals generated from infrared control signals (IR_Cmd) received by the infrared receiver (40) or control signals received by the interface module (42), in accordance with a set of compatibility and/or priority rules relating to the execution of the received control signals.