Power line communication-based pairing method and device for air conditioner, and storage medium
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication and connection methods between indoor and outdoor units of air conditioners, such as those using CAN or 485 buses, result in complex installations and high costs, inconvenient maintenance, and unreliable pairing without dedicated devices.
Innovation Solution
A Power Line Communication (PLC)-based pairing method using a Central Coordinator (CCO) module in the indoor unit and a Station (STA) module in the outdoor unit to establish a pairing relationship over a power line network, eliminating the need for additional pairing devices and simplifying the connection process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional communication lines (CAN bus or 485 bus) are used for connection between outdoor unit and indoor units, then reliable communication and connection can be achieved, but installation complexity and material/labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a pairing device as an intermediary to establish communication between the outdoor unit and indoor units over the power line network. The pairing device mediates the pairing process by receiving pairing requests, identifying target indoor units, and establishing communication channels, thereby enabling reliable communication without complex physical wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical communication line system (CAN bus or 485 bus wiring) with an electromagnetic field-based power line communication system. By modulating signals on the existing power lines, the system eliminates the need for separate communication wiring while maintaining communication reliability.
2Reliability
If traditional communication lines (CAN bus or 485 bus) are used for connection between outdoor unit and indoor units, then stable communication can be maintained, but maintenance convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical communication line infrastructure with power line communication technology. This substitution eliminates physical communication wires that require installation and maintenance, using the existing power line infrastructure instead. The pairing device manages communication sessions over power lines, providing stable communication without maintenance burdens associated with physical wiring.
3Reliability
If a dedicated pairing device is used to achieve paired connection between indoor unit and outdoor unit, then reliable pairing can be established, but operation complexity and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service pairing functionality where the pairing device automatically performs identification and pairing operations. The system autonomously receives pairing requests from the outdoor unit, identifies target indoor units based on transmitted information, and establishes connections without requiring manual intervention or complex user operations, thereby maintaining reliability while simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pairing device uses feedback mechanisms to verify successful pairing. After establishing a connection, the system receives confirmation feedback from the paired indoor unit, ensuring reliable pairing. This automated feedback loop eliminates the need for manual verification steps while maintaining pairing reliability.
4Device complexity
If power line network is used for communication between indoor unit and outdoor unit, then installation and maintenance costs are reduced, but pairing reliability without dedicated devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pairing device as an intermediary that operates over the power line network to establish reliable pairing. This mediator manages the pairing process by coordinating communication between the outdoor unit and indoor units, ensuring reliable connection establishment while utilizing the simple power line infrastructure for data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The pairing device performs multiple functions including receiving pairing requests, identifying target units, establishing connections, and verifying pairing success. This multi-functional approach ensures reliable pairing over the power line network while keeping the system architecture simple and cost-effective.
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 reliable and cost-effective pairing between indoor and outdoor units of air conditioners by utilizing the power line network, reducing installation and maintenance complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
Power Line Communication (or Carrier) (abbreviated as PLC) is a technology which modulates an analog or digital signal through a carrier and then couples the modulated signal to a power line, to transmit the modulated signal
Data Source
AI summary
A power line communication-based pairing method and device for an air conditioner, and a storage medium are provided. Based on a pairing request instruction, A CCO module on an indoor side selects an STA module to be paired, in a power line network, for use as a pairing object. The CCO module sends pairing request information to the power line network. The STA module receives the pairing request information. If the STA module determines that identification information thereof exists in the pairing request information, the STA module establishes a pairing relationship with the CCO module. The STA module sends pairing feedback information to the power line network. The CCO module receives the pairing feedback information. If the CCO module determines that the identification information thereof exists in the pairing feedback information, the CCO module determines that the pairing is successful and establishes a pairing relationship with the STA module.