Rotating-Ring Thermostat Interface for Simple Energy-Saving Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC thermostatic control systems either lack energy-saving sophistication due to simple, non-programmable designs or are overly complex, intimidating users and leading to underutilization of energy-saving features, resulting in missed energy-saving opportunities in residential and commercial settings.
Innovation Solution
A programmable thermostat with a circular, user-friendly interface featuring a rotating ring for input and a dot-matrix display that allows for intuitive adjustment of temperature settings, scheduling, and display of energy usage information, along with a detachable head unit and backplate for easy installation and upgrading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a programmable thermostat with multiple switches and controls is provided, then energy-saving control capability is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat interface is segmented into different operational modes (manual override mode and programmable mode), allowing users to choose the appropriate level of complexity. The system divides functionality so that basic temperature control remains simple while advanced energy-saving features are available but not mandatory, thus maintaining ease of operation while providing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
A microprocessor-based control system serves as an intermediary between the user and the HVAC system. This intelligent mediator automatically executes complex energy-saving schedules and temperature adjustments based on simple user inputs or pre-programmed settings, eliminating the need for users to directly manage multiple switches and controls while still achieving advanced energy-saving control capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a programmable thermostat with multiple switches and controls is provided, then energy-saving control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex programmable control logic is extracted from the physical interface and embedded within the microprocessor system. This allows the thermostat to provide advanced energy-saving control capability through software intelligence rather than through multiple physical switches and controls, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining or enhancing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing separate physical controls for each programmable function, the system uses a simplified digital interface where a single set of controls can access multiple functions through software menus and modes. This virtual copying of control functions reduces the physical number of controls while maintaining full programmable capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A user-friendly programmable thermostat is described that includes a circular body having a large central display surrounded by a ring that can be rotated an pressed inward by a user so as to receive user input in a simple elegant fashion. Different colors can be displayed to the user to indicate currently active HVAC functions, and different shades of colors can be displayed to a user to indicate an estimated amount of time and/or energy for reaching a target temperature. The thermostat is wall mountable and is made up of a head unit removeably mounted to a backplate. A locking mechanism can be provided so as to increase security against unauthorized removal of the head unit. The backplate can be adapted to be mounted on a wall so as to be level, for example by including a bubble level on the backplate. One or more vents are preferably located on the sides of the body, such as in a gap beneath the translatably mounted ring, and/or in a gap between the head unit and the backplate. The target temperature for the device can be altered in response to sensing rotation of the rotating ring, and the programmed schedule can be displayed to and altered by the user in response to sensing rotation of the ring and the translational movement of the ring. Historical information such as temperature and cost information can be displayed to a user in response to sensing rotating of the rotating ring. One or more device settings can be displayed to and edited by a user in response to sensing rotating of the rotating member and the translational movement. According to some embodiments, text characters can be entered by the user.