Refrigerant Pipe Communication Using Low-Frequency Signal Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Air conditioning systems with long refrigerant pipes or multiple branches experience weakened communication signals due to distance and noise interference, leading to reduced reliability and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A pipe communication apparatus using a low frequency signal band and a magnetic core with specific inductance is coupled to the refrigerant pipe to enhance communication reliability by filtering noise and amplifying signals, allowing data transfer between outdoor and indoor units without a separate communication line.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the refrigerant pipe length is increased to connect outdoor unit and indoor unit located at farther distance, then the coverage area is improved, but the communication signal becomes weak and attenuated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidcommunication reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the signal frequency parameter to a low frequency band (e.g., 50 Hz to 500 Hz) to reduce signal attenuation in long refrigerant pipes. This parameter change allows the communication signal to maintain sufficient strength over extended pipe lengths, enabling broader coverage while preserving communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a communication apparatus with a magnetic core as an intermediary device installed at the outdoor unit. This apparatus couples the communication signal to the refrigerant pipe through electromagnetic induction, serving as a mediator that efficiently transfers the signal into the pipe system and compensates for attenuation effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the number of pipe branches is increased to serve multiple indoor units, then the system versatility is improved, but the communication signal strength is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem versatilityVSAvoidsignal strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

By using low frequency signals, the patent reduces the impact of signal division and attenuation that occurs at pipe branches. The low frequency characteristic allows the signal to maintain adequate strength even when distributed across multiple branches, supporting system versatility without compromising signal strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The communication apparatus with magnetic core acts as a signal booster and coupler at the outdoor unit, compensating for signal strength loss that occurs at branch points. This intermediary device ensures that sufficient signal strength is maintained across multiple branches to serve multiple indoor units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If conventional communication methods are used without frequency consideration, then the device complexity is reduced, but noise interference and signal attenuation occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidnoise interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent selects a low frequency band (50 Hz to 500 Hz) that is less susceptible to electromagnetic noise and interference from other electrical devices. This parameter selection naturally reduces noise interference without requiring complex filtering or shielding mechanisms, maintaining relatively simple device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This solution improves communication stability and efficiency by minimizing signal attenuation and noise interference, enabling reliable data transfer over longer refrigerant pipes without separate communication lines.

Implementation Method 1

a signal connecting unit having a magnetic core forming a specific inductance with respect to the low frequency signal and configured to connect the low frequency signal to the refrigerant pipe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a signal coupling unit located between the signal converting unit and the signal connecting unit to filter the low frequency signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic filtering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentUS8936039B2Communication apparatus, air conditioning system having the same and communication method thereof using refrigerant pipes

Publication Date: 2015.01.20 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A communication apparatus, an air conditioning system having the same, and a communication method for the air conditioning system using a refrigerant pipe are provided. The refrigerant pipe may be used as a transmission line to allow communications between an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, and a low frequency band signal and a core having an inductance value appropriate for the characteristic of a pipe communication frequency may be used to perform the pipe communication, which allows communications between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit without a separate communication line, resulting in minimizing noise interruption and affection of surge, and avoiding signal strength attenuation and signal radiation.