Plug-In Air Conditioner Controller Using PLC for Flexible Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Air-conditioning unit controllers require a dedicated installation device, making them inconvenient to use and reducing user experience as they need to be fixed in a specific location.

Innovation Solution

A controller with a plug-in mounting mode using Power Line Communication (PLC) that allows direct connection to any socket, enabling flexible placement and control of air-conditioning units without the need for a dedicated installation box, utilizing a plug component that can be moved and fixed to different socket positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a dedicated installation device is used to fix the controller, then the controller can be securely installed, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to fixed location requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation stabilityVSAvoidcontroller mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is designed with a universal plug component that can be inserted into standard power sockets, allowing it to function in multiple locations without requiring dedicated installation infrastructure. This enables the controller to be moved freely while maintaining reliable electrical and communication connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The traditional mechanical screw-fixed installation method is replaced with an electrical plug-socket connection system. This substitution eliminates the need for dedicated installation boxes and screws, allowing the controller to be easily plugged into any standard socket and moved to different locations as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a dedicated installation box is provided, then the controller can be properly mounted, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation stabilityVSAvoidinstallation structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller extracts the essential installation function to a simple plug component that interfaces with existing standard power sockets. This removes the need for complex dedicated installation boxes and mounting structures, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

By using standard power sockets that already exist in most environments, the controller leverages existing infrastructure for both power supply and communication. This eliminates the need to install separate dedicated mounting structures, reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the controller is fixed by screws, then the installation is stable, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to specialized installation requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation stabilityVSAvoidinstallation convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The screw-fixed mechanical installation system is replaced with an electrical plug-socket system. This substitution standardizes the installation process to use common electrical components rather than specialized mechanical mounting structures, improving ease of manufacture and installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of actively fixing the controller to a surface with screws, the solution inverts the approach by having the controller passively connect to existing sockets through plugs. This reversal simplifies installation by leveraging existing infrastructure rather than requiring new installation structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Enables convenient and flexible control of air-conditioning units by allowing the controller to be easily moved and repositioned while maintaining communication and control over the units, improving user experience by eliminating the need for a dedicated installation device.

Implementation Method 1

the controller includes: a plug component configured to be plugged into a socket in a preset PLC communication network

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPower Line Communication (PLC):

Data Source

PatentUS11619415B2Intelligent plug for controlling an air conditioner system over a PLC network

Publication Date: 2023.04.04 GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCE INC OF ZHUHAI

AI summary

A controller of an air-conditioning unit, and an air-conditioner. The air-conditioning unit uses a power line carrier communication (PLC) to communicate. The air-conditioning unit includes multiple air-conditioner indoor units and multiple air-conditioner outdoor units. The operation of the air-conditioning unit is controlled by a controller. The controller includes: a plug component configured to be plugged into a socket in a preset PLC communication network and a controller body component connected to the plug component and configured to receive a communication signal from a target device and transmit the communication signal to a device matching the target device, the target device including one of an air-conditioner indoor unit and an air-conditioner outdoor unit.