Remote Air Conditioner Function Setting Across Installation Stages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioners face difficulties in easily switching function settings both before and after installation, as they require opening the electric component box or cannot be changed without energization.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioner configuration with a switch for function setting and a memory that stores and rewrites setting values, allowing switching via a remote controller, enabling priority selection between switch-based and remote controller-based settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If DIP switch on control board is used for setting switching, then setting values can be stored and changed, but operation requires opening electric component box which makes setting switching difficult after installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote controller as an intermediary device that communicates with the air conditioner via infrared or wireless signals. This mediator allows users to change settings without physically accessing the control board, eliminating the need to open the electric component box and making settings easily changeable after installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical DIP switch system with an electronic control system that receives signals from a remote controller. This substitution eliminates the need for physical manipulation of switches on the control board, allowing settings to be changed remotely through optical or wireless communication.
2Ease of operation
If EEPROM on control board is used for storing setting values, then settings can be changed with remote controller after installation, but settings cannot be changed before installation when air conditioner cannot be energized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic setting system where the source of setting values can switch between the switch unit (for pre-installation configuration) and the remote controller (for post-installation adjustment). The control board dynamically determines which setting source to prioritize based on the operational state and timing, allowing flexibility across different installation stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows settings to be preliminarily configured using the switch unit before the air conditioner is energized or installed. These preliminary settings are stored and can be later modified by the remote controller after installation, enabling configuration at any stage of the installation process.
3Ease of operation
If switch unit and memory are provided for setting switching, then settings can be changed easily at any time, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the control board to serve multiple functions: it can read settings from both the switch unit and remote controller, store settings in memory, and dynamically select which setting source to prioritize. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single integrated control board, minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the switch-based setting system and the remote controller-based setting system into a unified control architecture. The control board integrates both input methods and uses a single memory unit to store setting values, combining multiple setting mechanisms into one cohesive system rather than requiring separate independent systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A switch for switching a function setting of an air conditioner and a memory that stores therein a setting value of the function setting are provided. The setting value stored in the memory is rewritable according to an instruction from a remote controller. The function setting of the air conditioner is defined by the setting value stored in the memory. Regarding functions set in the air conditioner, priority as to whether to give priority to setting with the switch or to validate setting with the remote controller is switched for each function according to setting from the remote controller.