Method and a mobile communication device for controlling an HVAC component in a building
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC systems face challenges in fast localization, identification, and control of components due to their often inaccessible locations and orientations, which hinders efficient monitoring and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A method and mobile communication device that utilize a physical identifier object associated with HVAC components, allowing the device to determine identifier information, transmit data wirelessly to a remote system, and generate a user interface for controlling the components, enabling remote access and control through a wireless network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If HVAC components are installed in inaccessible locations (ducts, behind walls, raised floors, lowered ceilings), then space utilization and system integration are improved, but accessibility for localization, identification, and control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (mobile communication device with display) that mediates between the field worker and the inaccessible HVAC component. The device displays identifier information and control interfaces, allowing the worker to interact with components behind barriers without physical access, thus resolving the contradiction between system integration and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical access requirements with electronic/optical systems. Instead of requiring physical presence at the component location, the system uses displays, wireless communications, and electronic interfaces to enable control and monitoring, substituting mechanical accessibility with electronic information transfer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If HVAC components are installed in orientations where control elements are difficult to activate manually, then space optimization is improved, but ease of control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control operations with electronic control through a mobile device interface. Control elements that would be difficult to activate manually are instead controlled through touchscreens or other electronic interfaces on the mobile device, eliminating the need for physical manipulation of hard-to-reach controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile communication device serves as an intermediary between the user and the HVAC component controls. It transmits control commands wirelessly to the component, allowing control without direct physical contact with the component's control elements, thus resolving the ease of control issue.
3Measurement precision
If field workers must physically locate and identify HVAC components among multiple components, then system monitoring accuracy is improved, but time consumption and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual search and physical identification processes with electronic display systems. The mobile device displays identifier information (such as QR codes, barcodes, or digital identifiers) that clearly indicates which HVAC component is being accessed, eliminating the need for workers to manually search through multiple components and significantly reducing identification time.
4Extent of automation
If on-site maintenance requires physical presence at inaccessible locations, then real-time control capability is improved, but worker safety and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile communication device acts as an intermediary that enables real-time control of HVAC components without requiring workers to physically access hazardous or inaccessible locations. Control commands are transmitted wirelessly through the device, maintaining real-time automation capability while protecting worker safety by eliminating the need for physical presence in dangerous areas.
Data Source
AI summary
For controlling an HVAC component (3), a physical identifier object (5) associated with the HVAC component (3) is arranged in an area (41) with access to a wireless network (6) and at a location distant and separated from the HVAC component (3). Identifier information is obtained from the physical identifier object (5) by a mobile communication device (1) and transmitted via the wireless network (6) to a remote computer system (2). The remote computer system (2) returns HVAC component data linked to the identifier information. The mobile communication device (1) uses the component data for generating a user interface (100) for an HVAC virtual room unit for controlling the HVAC component (3). User commands received via the user interface (100) are transmitted by the mobile communication device (1) via the remote computer system (2) to the HVAC component (3) for controlling the HVAC component (3).