NFC Remote Controller Input for Multi-Unit Air Conditioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional air conditioning systems require labor-intensive and error-prone command input processes for multiple remote control devices, complicating settings and increasing operation time and error likelihood.

Innovation Solution

An air conditioning system utilizing short-range wireless communication between remote controllers and terminals allows for command input without operating input keys, simplifying the process and reducing labor and error risks by using NFC for bidirectional communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If commands are input individually to each remote control device using input keys, then each device can be controlled, but the setting operation becomes complicated and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommand input processVSAvoidoperation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

A terminal device is introduced as an intermediary between the user and multiple remote control devices. The terminal device receives commands from the user and automatically transmits them to the appropriate remote control devices, eliminating the need for manual operation of input keys on each device and significantly reducing operation time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical system of manually pressing input keys on each remote control device is replaced with an electronic communication system. The terminal device uses wireless or wired communication to transmit commands electronically to multiple remote control devices, eliminating the need for physical key operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If commands are input individually to each remote control device, then each device can be configured, but the possibility of setting errors increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetting accuracyVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device acts as an intelligent intermediary that manages command distribution to multiple remote control devices. It automatically handles address allocation, command routing, and transmission timing, eliminating manual configuration errors and ensuring reliable settings across all devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the terminal device receives status information from remote control devices and confirms successful command transmission. This feedback loop allows for error detection and correction, ensuring accurate configuration of all devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple remote control devices are installed for multiple air conditioning indoor units, then each unit can be controlled independently, but the complexity of command input increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem coverageVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device is designed as a universal control interface that can manage multiple types of remote control devices and air conditioning indoor units through a single system. It provides multi-functional capabilities including command transmission, address management, and status monitoring, reducing the need for separate control mechanisms for each device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Facilitates easier and faster command input to multiple remote control devices, reducing operation time and error occurrence, especially during initial settings and data transmission processes.

Implementation Method 1

a near field communication unit having a function of near field communication; performing short-range wireless communication

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear field communication (NFC): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3418643B1Air conditioning system
Publication Date: 2023.09.20 DAIKIN INDUSTRIES LTD
  • EP3418643B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3418643B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3418643B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An air conditioning system is provided in which a command is easily input to a plurality of remote control devices. An air conditioning system (100) includes: a plurality of indoor units (20) installed in a target space (SP); a plurality of remote controllers (30) arranged to respectively correspond to the indoor units (20); and a controller (50). A command is input to the remote controller (30), for setting of the corresponding indoor unit (20) or of the remote controller (30) itself. The controller (50) performs a process based on the command input to the remote controller (30). Each of the remote controllers (30) includes: a remote controller communicating unit (353) for performing a communication with a corresponding indoor unit (20); and a short range wireless communicating unit (34) for performing the short range wireless communication with a terminal (110) having a function of a short range wireless communication. A command can be input to each of the remote controllers (30) when the short range wireless communicating unit (34) acquires a signal transmitted from the terminal (110) by the short range wireless communication.