Networked Thermostats for Multi-Room HVAC Temperature Averaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional HVAC systems rely on a single thermostat, which fails to effectively control temperature variations across different rooms in a dwelling, leading to discomfort and requires manual adjustments for Daylight Saving Time, causing inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a multi-thermostat system where multiple thermostats communicate with each other and a central unit, allowing for localized temperature control, averaging temperatures, and automatic adjustments for Daylight Saving Time through wireless or hard-wired connections, enabling users to control the system from any thermostat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single thermostat is used to control the HVAC system, then the system complexity is low and installation is simple, but the temperature control precision and comfort in different rooms deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single thermostat into multiple thermostats distributed in different rooms or zones. Each thermostat independently measures the temperature in its local area, providing segmented temperature monitoring that improves control precision for each zone while maintaining a manageable system through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point temperature measurement to multi-point spatial distribution. By placing thermostats in different locations (different spatial dimensions), the system captures temperature variations across the building, enabling zone-specific control and improving overall temperature management precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple thermostats are deployed in different rooms, then the temperature control adaptability and comfort in various zones improve, but the system complexity and communication requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal thermostats that can function independently or as part of a networked system. Each thermostat is designed with multi-functionality: it can operate as a standalone control device for its zone or communicate with other thermostats and the HVAC system to provide coordinated control, thereby enhancing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where each thermostat continuously monitors local temperature and communicates this data to the HVAC system and other thermostats. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of temperature setpoints based on actual conditions in each zone, improving adaptability while managing system complexity through standardized communication protocols.
3Extent of automation
If programmable thermostats are used to change temperature settings at different times, then the automation and energy efficiency improve, but the complexity of time zone adjustments and Daylight Saving Time synchronization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the time-synchronization function across all programmable thermostats by connecting them to a common communication network. Instead of each thermostat independently managing time zone changes and Daylight Saving Time adjustments, the system combines these functions centrally, allowing automatic propagation of time changes to all devices and reducing individual device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables programmable thermostats to automatically adjust their own time settings and temperature schedules based on pre-programmed rules and received signals from the HVAC system. This self-service capability reduces the need for manual intervention during Daylight Saving Time transitions and simplifies the user interface while maintaining high automation levels.
4Ease of operation
If manual adjustments are required for Daylight Saving Time, then the device complexity remains low, but the user convenience and time required for adjustments deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary programming of Daylight Saving Time transitions into the thermostat system. Before the actual time change occurs, the system is pre-configured with the appropriate adjustment schedules, enabling automatic execution of time changes without requiring user intervention. This preliminary setup improves ease of operation while the associated complexity is managed through one-time configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioning (HVAC) system for a residential dwelling or other building with enclosed spaces includes multiple thermostats hard wire interconnected or communicating via radio frequency transceivers. The thermostats each include control circuits for adjusting the setpoint temperature at any one thermostat and displaying the set temperature at all thermostats, setting the time at any one thermostat and displaying the time at all thermostats, controlling the thermostat temperature setting from a selected one of the thermostats and providing a setpoint for control of the air conditioning system based on an average temperature sensed by all of the thermostats. A method for correctly setting a thermostat time display to one of Daylight Saving Time or Standard Time and displaying an icon identifying one or the other is disclosed.