Movable Thermostat Housing for Touch-Based HVAC Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wall-mounted thermostats have aesthetically unattractive designs due to the combination of a housing and actuators, and there is a need for improved efficiency and user interaction in controlling temperature and HVAC systems.
Innovation Solution
A wall-mounted thermostat with a movable housing that functions as the actuator, allowing users to make adjustments by touching different areas of the housing, which includes sensors to detect movement and touch location, enabling temperature adjustments, HVAC control, and other functions, and communicates with HVAC devices through a transceiver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional wall-mounted thermostats use separate actuators and housing, then the thermostat can perform basic control functions, but the design becomes aesthetically unattractive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the housing and actuator into a single integrated unit. The housing itself becomes the actuator, eliminating the need for separate control components. This integration resolves the aesthetic issue by removing the visual clutter of separate actuators while maintaining full control functionality through touch-sensitive surfaces on the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural enclosure, aesthetic appearance, and acts as the control interface through its touch-sensitive surface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated actuator components, resolving the contradiction between aesthetic design and device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the entire housing is made movable for touch control, then user interaction is enhanced and aesthetics are improved, but the device complexity increases due to integrated sensors and movement detection
Solution Approach 1:
The housing serves as both the interface and the sensing element. By making the housing itself touch-sensitive rather than adding separate sensors, the system achieves enhanced user interaction while minimizing added complexity. The housing essentially senses its own manipulation, eliminating the need for external sensing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The control interface and sensing functionality are merged into the housing structure. The housing's physical structure directly provides the touch-sensitive surface, eliminating the need for separate actuator and sensor components. This integration enhances ease of operation while managing device complexity through consolidation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the housing is made movable in multiple directions, then control versatility is improved, but the mounting stability and structural integrity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with dynamic movement capabilities in multiple directions (up, down, left, right, and diagonally) while maintaining stable mounting through a carefully engineered balance. The system allows controlled mobility for input purposes while the mounting structure provides sufficient stability to prevent unintended movement or detachment, resolving the contradiction between versatility and stability.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are described for operating a wall mounted thermostat. An example computer-implemented method includes receiving an indication of a physical touch to an exposed portion of a housing of the thermostat, wherein the housing is movable when touched. The method also includes determining a thermostat command associated with where the housing is touched and movement of the housing in response to the touch, and operating the thermostat according to the determined thermostat command.