Multi Air Conditioner Mode Switching Based on User Presence Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In multi air conditioners, when the operating mode instructed to one indoor unit differs from the previously instructed mode of another unit, the latter unit does not start operation, leading to unnecessary operation of the first unit and electricity wastage, especially when the user is in a different room.
Innovation Solution
A multi air conditioner system where the first indoor unit stops operation and the second indoor unit starts based on a different mode when the last instruction to the first unit is sent via internet, and the second unit is instructed via a terminal device without internet, ensuring the second unit operates only when a user is present in its room, thereby preventing unnecessary operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the earliest operation instruction is prioritized in a multi air conditioner, then the system maintains simple control logic, but electricity is wasted due to unnecessary operation of indoor units when users are not present in those rooms
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by determining user presence in rooms before executing operation mode changes. The control unit checks whether users are present in the first room or second room before allowing mode switching, preventing unnecessary operations in advance. This preliminary check avoids the contradiction by stopping energy waste before it occurs, rather than relying on simple earliest-instruction prioritization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring user presence information from terminal devices and adjusting indoor unit operations accordingly. The control unit receives presence information and uses it to dynamically control whether indoor units should operate or stop, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to actual user needs rather than following fixed instruction priority rules.
2Ease of operation
If the earliest operation instruction is prioritized, then control logic remains simple, but usability deteriorates when users need different operating modes in different rooms
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary determination of user presence before executing operation mode changes. By checking whether users are present in specific rooms in advance, the system enables appropriate mode switching only when needed, improving usability without implementing complex real-time coordination logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from terminal devices about user presence to dynamically adjust operation permissions. This feedback mechanism allows the system to understand user intentions and provide appropriate operational flexibility, enhancing ease of use while maintaining manageable control logic through structured presence-based decision making.
3Productivity
If indoor units operate based on earliest instruction priority, then system control is straightforward, but operational efficiency decreases when later instructions reflect actual user needs
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary checks of user presence information before allowing operation mode changes. This preliminary action ensures that operational decisions align with actual user needs, improving productivity by preventing unnecessary operations while maintaining straightforward control logic through structured presence-based permission granting.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where terminal devices provide user presence information that the control unit uses to adjust operational efficiency. This feedback mechanism enables the system to optimize productivity dynamically based on actual usage patterns without requiring complex real-time control algorithms, as presence-based rules provide structured decision guidance.
Data Source
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).