Rotary Dial Schedule Programming for Environmental Control Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating and hot water control systems are cumbersome and inflexible due to limitations in user interfaces, making it difficult for users to efficiently configure schedules and interact with the systems.
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 temperature settings through rotary input, enabling efficient and accurate programming of heating and hot water schedules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical timers or digital control devices are integrated into the boiler, then schedule control capability is provided, but the user interface becomes cumbersome and awkward to use
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface is segmented into distinct operational modes (schedule programming mode and interactions mode) with clearly separated functions. The directional input element is dedicated solely to navigation and selection, while separate input mechanisms handle parameter entry, preventing functional clutter and improving usability.
Solution Approach 2:
The directional input element acts as an intermediary between the user and the system's control functions. It provides intuitive directional navigation through menu structures and parameter options, mediating complex schedule programming tasks into simple directional selections rather than requiring direct manipulation of multiple controls simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If web interfaces or mobile applications are used for schedule programming, then flexibility is improved, but reliance on additional devices and home networking infrastructure is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control device integrates multiple functions into a single unit: it serves as both the schedule programming interface and the runtime control interface. The same directional input element and display are used for both initial schedule configuration and ongoing system interactions, eliminating the need for separate programming devices and networking infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device is self-sufficient for both schedule programming and operational control. It contains all necessary input mechanisms and processing capability locally, allowing users to program schedules and interact with the system directly at the device without requiring external computers, smartphones, or network connections.
3Device complexity
If traditional user interfaces are used for schedule programming, then device simplicity is maintained, but programming efficiency and accuracy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface dynamically adapts to the programming context. The directional input element provides different navigation options and parameter adjustment capabilities depending on the current programming stage, allowing users to efficiently navigate through schedule creation steps while maintaining a consistent, simple interaction model throughout the process.
Data Source
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.