Mobile-Based HVAC Configuration to Reduce Installation Time and Errors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional HVAC equipment configuration and troubleshooting methods require on-site technicians with laptops, leading to inaccuracies, increased installation time, and higher costs due to manual steps and lack of access to necessary software.
Innovation Solution
A mobile application that simplifies HVAC equipment configuration and troubleshooting by guiding users through a series of questions, automating the process, and reducing the number of parameters to be configured, using a controller-centric approach.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional laptop-based tools are used for HVAC equipment configuration, then technicians can access comprehensive software functionality, but installation time increases and manual errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical laptop-based configuration system with a mobile device-based system that uses wireless communication and mobile applications to achieve the same configuration functions, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the interface parameters from laptop software to mobile device applications, and modifies the interaction parameters from manual step-by-step configuration to automated guided configuration, resulting in faster installation while preserving configuration accuracy
2Ease of operation
If manual configuration steps are used for each HVAC device, then technicians have control over the process, but inaccuracies increase and re-work is required
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile application performs automated configuration tasks based on device detection and pre-programmed logic, reducing the need for manual technician intervention and minimizing human error while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback to technicians during the configuration process, guiding them through each step and confirming correct settings, thereby improving accuracy while keeping the process simple and controlled
3Adaptability or versatility
If technicians use on-site laptop tools for troubleshooting, then comprehensive diagnostic capabilities are available, but access to software is limited and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile application provides universal access to HVAC configuration and troubleshooting software functionality across multiple mobile devices, eliminating the need for dedicated laptop tools and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive diagnostic capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, specialized laptop-based software with affordable, widely-available mobile devices that run the configuration application, reducing overall system cost and simplifying device requirements while maintaining full functionality
Data Source
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AI summary
There is described a system and method for configuring, commissioning and troubleshooting an HVAC unit. A unit type configuration (214) is established based on a type of HVAC system and temperature data, humidity data, and/or indoor air quality data. A fan configuration (214) is established based on whether a variable frequency drive fan is identified. Cooling and heating stage configurations (214) are established based on a compressor parameter and a heating stage parameter. An available auxiliary termination is identified in response to establishing the configurations. A safety is assigned to the available auxiliary termination in response to identifying the available auxiliary termination. An IO table (216) is provided to an HVAC controller, which includes physical input/output assignments for the terminations of the HVAC controller based on the configurations and the assigned safety. For another embodiment, The fan configuration is established based on one of a traditional stage blower fan or a variable frequency drive fan.