LAN-Connected Remote Thermostats for Precise Room Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current home automation systems for HVAC are costly and inefficient due to the need for multiple thermostats and air conditioning units to achieve precise temperature control across different rooms, and they lack integrated security and safety features without increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A home automation system utilizing remote thermostats with environmental sensors and intelligent fans, connected via a local area network to a primary thermostat controller, allowing for precise temperature and humidity control, integration with security systems, and remote access through a mobile device or computer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple thermostats and air conditioning units are installed to achieve precise temperature control in each room, then temperature regulation accuracy is improved, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the home into multiple zones with individual remote thermostats placed in different rooms. Each remote thermostat independently monitors and controls temperature in its specific zone, allowing precise temperature regulation without requiring a completely distributed AC system. The central thermostat coordinates these zone controllers to achieve overall home temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a wireless communication dimension to the traditional thermostat system. Remote thermostats communicate with the central thermostat via wireless signals, eliminating the need for complex hardwired connections between multiple thermostats and AC units. This wireless layer simplifies installation and reduces system complexity while maintaining precise temperature control capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If multiple thermostats and air conditioning units are installed to achieve precise temperature control in each room, then temperature regulation accuracy is improved, but installation and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The remote thermostats serve multiple functions: they act as temperature sensors, wireless communication devices, and control units for their respective zones. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated devices for each function, reducing the total number of components needed and lowering both installation and operational costs while maintaining precise temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The central thermostat acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the remote thermostats and the HVAC system. Rather than requiring direct hardwired connections from each remote thermostat to the AC units, the central thermostat mediates communication and control signals, simplifying installation infrastructure and reducing costs.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single thermostat is used to control HVAC systems, then system cost is reduced, but the ability to precisely determine and control temperature in each room is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single thermostat function into multiple remote thermostats distributed throughout the home. Each remote thermostat independently measures temperature in its specific room, providing accurate local temperature data without requiring multiple expensive AC units. The central thermostat aggregates this data to make coordinated HVAC control decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical hardwired connection system with wireless communication technology. Remote thermostats transmit temperature data and control signals wirelessly to the central thermostat, eliminating the need for complex electrical wiring between multiple thermostats and HVAC equipment, thereby reducing installation costs while maintaining precise temperature monitoring.
4Adaptability or versatility
If security and safety features are integrated into home automation systems, then system functionality is improved, but complexity and potential for failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges security and safety sensor functions into the existing remote thermostat devices. Motion sensors, proximity sensors, and other security features are integrated into the same units that perform temperature monitoring and HVAC control. This consolidation adds functionality without requiring separate security systems, thereby improving versatility while minimizing increases in overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of home automation comprising one or more remote thermostats each having an environmental sensor array configured to sense temperature and humidity and at least one thermostat controller in electrical communication with an HVAC system. Intelligent fans are along-side or integrated with the remote thermostats. The thermostat controller receives, over the local area network, computer-readable environmental data from the remote thermostats corresponding to the temperature and said humidity in the location where the remote thermostat is installed. The thermostat controller conditionally controls the intelligent fans and HVAC system based on the environmental data received from the remote thermostats, allowing for more precise and accurate environmental control of the entire home or building. Operation of the fans permits more precise control of environmental conditions in a particular room or locations and augments the performance of the HVAC system. The system is controllable remotely by mobile device or computer.