Occupancy-State Thermostat Programming for Simpler Energy Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional programmable thermostats require users to manually enter numerous temperature settings across different time periods, which can be daunting and lead to user apprehension, resulting in missed energy savings opportunities.
Innovation Solution
A thermostat with an electronic memory and microprocessor that stores three predefined occupancy states (unoccupied, occupied-awake, and occupied-asleep) and allows users to select these states for different time periods, automatically maintaining corresponding temperature set-points, thus simplifying programming and promoting energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional programmable thermostats require manual entry of numerous temperature settings for different time periods, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat includes pre-programmed temperature schedules and occupancy patterns stored in memory that automatically execute without requiring users to manually program each setting. The system performs the programming action in advance during manufacturing, allowing users to simply select from predefined options rather than entering numerous individual temperature settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermostat integrates multiple programming options and occupancy detection capabilities into a single device that can automatically adapt to different user needs. The system provides both manual selection interfaces and automatic occupancy-based control, allowing one device to serve multiple functions and eliminate the need for complex manual programming while maintaining precise temperature control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional programmable thermostats require manual entry of numerous temperature settings, then temperature control capability is improved, but user apprehension and energy savings realization worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat incorporates automatic occupancy detection sensors that sense when the home is occupied or unoccupied and automatically adjust temperature settings accordingly without requiring user intervention. The system serves itself by monitoring occupancy status and making appropriate temperature adjustments, eliminating user apprehension while maintaining sophisticated temperature control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes pre-configured temperature schedules and occupancy patterns that are ready to execute automatically. Users simply need to select their preferred occupancy pattern from predefined options, and the system handles all the complex temperature adjustments automatically, reducing user apprehension while preserving advanced temperature control capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the thermostat provides numerous buttons and screens for programming, then programming flexibility is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat combines multiple programming functions and occupancy detection capabilities into an integrated system with a unified interface. Rather than requiring separate buttons and screens for each programming function, the system merges these functions into a single cohesive control interface that simplifies user interaction while maintaining programming flexibility through software-based controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical button and screen interfaces with electronic and software-based controls. Instead of requiring numerous physical buttons and display screens for programming, the thermostat uses electronic sensors for occupancy detection and software menus for user selection, reducing physical complexity while maintaining or enhancing programming flexibility through digital interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A thermostat for a climate control system includes an electronic memory in which at least three occupancy settings are stored. The occupancy settings including a pre-defined unoccupied temperature set-point associated with an unoccupied state, a pre-defined occupied temperature set-point associated with an occupied-awake state and a pre-defined sleep temperature set-point associated with an occupied-asleep state. The thermostat's microprocessor is configured to communicate with the memory, and to establish at least three time periods during the day. The microprocessor assigns to each time period one of at least three user-selectable occupancy states including an unoccupied state, an occupied-awake state and an occupied-asleep state. The microprocessor controls operation of the climate control system to maintain the unoccupied temperature set-point during any time period assigned the unoccupied state, the occupied temperature set-point during any time period assigned the occupied-awake state, and the sleep temperature set-point to any time period assigned the occupied-asleep state.