Rotary Dial Schedule Configuration for Environmental Control Systems
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing environmental control systems, such as heating and hot water supply systems, have cumbersome and inflexible user interfaces that limit user convenience and flexibility in scheduling and control operations.
Innovation Solution
A method using a control device with a display and directional input element allows users to configure a control schedule by adding and adjusting time periods and associated control information, such as temperature settings, through a rotary dial or similar input mechanism, enabling efficient and accurate scheduling without the need for additional devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical timers or digital control devices are integrated into the boiler, then scheduling functionality is provided, but the user interface becomes cumbersome and inflexible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions (schedule programming, temperature adjustment, time period configuration) into a single integrated control device with a unified user interface. This merging eliminates the need for separate mechanical timers or digital control devices, providing both scheduling flexibility and ease of operation through a consistent interface paradigm using the directional input element.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device implements a universal directional input element that handles multiple functions including schedule programming, temperature control, and time period adjustment. This multi-functional input mechanism allows users to perform diverse scheduling operations and parameter adjustments through a single consistent interface, resolving the contradiction between versatility and ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If schedule programming is done from a personal computer, tablet PC or smartphone using a web interface or application, then flexibility is improved, but reliance on additional devices and home networking infrastructure is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the scheduling functionality from external devices (PCs, smartphones) and networking infrastructure, bringing it directly into the control device itself. The directional input element and display unit provide all necessary scheduling capabilities locally, eliminating dependency on additional devices and home networking while maintaining full scheduling flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device is designed to be self-sufficient for schedule programming and configuration. Users can directly program schedules, adjust time periods, and modify parameters using the integrated directional input element and display, without requiring external devices or network connectivity. This self-service capability reduces system complexity while preserving adaptability.
3Measurement precision
If multiple discrete input components are used for different adjustment directions, then input precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete input components into a single directional input element that can detect activation in multiple directions (first direction for reducing parameter values, second direction for increasing parameter values). This unified input mechanism provides precise directional control while minimizing the number of physical components, resolving the contradiction between input precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The directional input element serves multiple functions: it detects rotation direction for parameter adjustment, provides confirmation input through pressing activation, and enables navigation through menu options. This multi-functional design achieves precise input control with a single component, eliminating the need for separate buttons or controls for each function.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
A method of configuring a control schedule for an environmental control system using a control device is disclosed. The control device has a display and a directional input element such as a rotary dial. The method involves performing a time period configuration process for a sequence of time periods. A time period is added to the control schedule and a representation of the added time period is displayed. In response to directional activation of the directional input element, a duration of the added time period is adjusted, with the representation being updated to indicate the adjusted duration. The adjusted duration is stored in response to a confirmation input signal. The time period configuration process is repeated until it is determined that no more time periods are to be added to the control schedule. Further disclosed are a method of editing a time period in a schedule, and a method of configuring a boost function for an environmental control system.