Multi air conditioner

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multi air conditioners, when the operating mode instructed for one indoor unit differs from the previously instructed mode, the other unit remains inactive, leading to unnecessary operation and electricity wastage, especially when users are in different rooms.

Innovation Solution

A multi air conditioner system that allows users to remotely control both indoor units via a terminal device, such as a remote controller or portable terminal, to start or stop operations based on current user location and intended mode, ensuring that only the necessary unit operates according to the user's intended settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the earliest operation instruction is prioritized in multi air conditioner control, then the system maintains simple control logic, but unnecessary operations occur and electricity is wasted when users are in different rooms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol logic simplicityVSAvoidelectricity waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically determines operation priority based on user location detection. When users are detected in different rooms, the indoor unit corresponding to the user's location is prioritized for operation. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the control logic context-aware rather than static, preventing unnecessary operations while maintaining simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses user location detection feedback to adjust operation priority. By continuously monitoring which room the user is in and comparing it with the operation instructions, the system can intelligently determine which indoor unit should operate, thereby avoiding electricity waste while keeping the control mechanism straightforward.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Stability of the object's composition

If the first indoor unit continues operation when a different mode is instructed to the second indoor unit, then the system maintains stable operation, but usability deteriorates when users need different modes in different rooms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation stabilityVSAvoidusability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts operation modes based on user location. When users are detected in different rooms, the system allows different indoor units to operate in different modes simultaneously, with priority given to the unit corresponding to the user's current location. This resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable to different usage scenarios while maintaining overall operational stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the second indoor unit is kept in operation stop state when operating mode differs from first indoor unit, then the system maintains simple control logic, but usability deteriorates and electricity is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidusability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically determines which indoor unit should operate based on real-time user location detection. When users are in different rooms, the system prioritizes the indoor unit corresponding to the user's location, allowing flexible operation mode selection without increasing control complexity. This resolves the contradiction by implementing context-aware control that adapts to usage patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3492830B1Multi air conditioner
Publication Date: 2022.01.19 DAIKIN INDUSTRIES LTD
  • EP3492830B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3492830B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3492830B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Electricity wasting due to an unnecessary operation is prevented and the usability is improved. A multi air conditioner includes an outdoor unit, a first indoor unit and a second indoor unit. The first indoor unit and the second indoor unit are connected to the outdoor unit and are respectively disposed in different rooms. When the first indoor unit is operated based on a first operating mode, if an operation start instruction based on a second operating mode which is different from the first operating mode is sent to the second indoor unit from a remote controller without using an internet (S5: YES, S7: NO), the first indoor unit becomes an operation stop state and the second indoor unit starts an operation based on the second operating mode on condition that the last instruction to the first indoor unit is sent from a smart phone via the internet (S9: YES) (S12).