Room temperature control by remotely controlling an air handling device and using the temperature sensor of a wirelessly connected volatile composition dispenser

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional thermostats are fixed in one location, making it difficult to control temperature and humidity uniformly across a building, and existing volatile composition dispensers struggle to achieve desired fragrance or malodor control levels due to environmental factors, often requiring additional devices.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a central communication unit connected to a volatile composition dispenser with temperature sensors, allowing wireless communication and control of an air handling device to maintain set points in any room, enabling the dispenser to be moved and serving as a dual-purpose device for climate and fragrance control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional thermostat is fixed in one location, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the temperature control cannot be adjusted to different rooms and the climate control is not uniform across the building

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroom control flexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The volatile composition dispenser is designed to serve dual purposes: dispensing volatile compositions and functioning as a remote temperature sensor for climate control. By integrating a temperature sensor into the dispenser, the system can monitor temperature in any room where the dispenser is placed, eliminating the need for additional dedicated remote sensors and allowing flexible room-specific temperature control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional remote temperature sensors are purchased to enable remote temperature sensing, then the temperature control flexibility is improved, but the device quantity and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote temperature sensing capabilityVSAvoidnumber of devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the temperature sensing function with the volatile composition dispenser by integrating a temperature sensor into the dispenser device. This merging of functions allows the single device to both dispense compositions and provide remote temperature readings, eliminating the need for separate remote temperature sensor devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The volatile composition dispenser is transformed into a multi-functional device that simultaneously performs volatile composition dispensing and temperature monitoring. This universal design allows one device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate devices (dispenser + remote temperature sensor).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the volatile composition dispenser is placed in a specific room, then the fragrance delivery is targeted, but the temperature control is limited to the thermostat location

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroom-specific controlVSAvoidtemperature measurement accuracy at target location
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the temperature at the dispenser location and using this information to control the air handling device. The processor receives temperature data from the sensor, compares it to the set point, and adjusts the HVAC system accordingly, ensuring accurate temperature control at the specific room where the dispenser is placed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 allows for precise and remote control of temperature and humidity in any room, reducing the number of devices needed and improving the dispersion of volatile compositions, enhancing comfort and energy efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature in a room

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature sensing: Thermistor

Data Source

PatentEP3360024B1Room temperature control by remotely controlling an air handling device and using the temperature sensor of a wirelessly connected volatile composition dispenser
Publication Date: 2021.02.17 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO
  • EP3360024B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3360024B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3360024B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A system for controlling the temperature in at least one room includes - a central communication unit that is communicably connected with a memory configured to store at least one temperature set point - a volatile composition dispenser having a temperature sensor, wherein the temperature sensor is communicably connectable with the central communication through a wireless communication link. - an air handling device communicably connectable with the central communication unit. The central communication unit compares incoming signals of temperature measurement from the temperature sensor with the temperature set point and sends outgoing instructions to the air handling device to heat or cool a room to the temperature set point if the temperature measurement is different from the temperature set point and to turn off if the temperature measurement is equal to the temperature set point.