Round thermostat with rotatable user input member and temperature sensing element disposed in physical communication with a front thermostat cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermostats lack a visually appealing design while incorporating occupancy sensors, and they often have visible vents or grilles, which detract from their aesthetic and functional integration in home environments.
Innovation Solution
An occupancy sensing electronic thermostat with a sleek, rounded exterior design that integrates a passive infrared sensor and an infrared energy directing element, along with a microprocessor for detecting occupancy, and includes a second temperature sensor for accurate ambient temperature calculation, all while maintaining a clean front surface without visible vents or grilles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a thermostat is designed with a smooth, sleek exterior without visible vents or grilles, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but occupancy detection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an infrared-transparent material positioned between the smooth front surface and the passive infrared sensor. This intermediary material allows infrared energy to pass through while maintaining the aesthetic smooth exterior appearance, effectively resolving the contradiction between visual appeal and sensor functionality.
2Device complexity
If temperature sensors are positioned close to heat-generating components for compact design, then device compactness is improved, but temperature measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a localized thermal environment for the temperature sensor by introducing thermal barriers or insulating structures between the sensor and heat-generating components. This allows different parts of the device to have different thermal characteristics - the sensor area remains thermally isolated while other areas can be compact, resolving the contradiction between compactness and measurement accuracy.
3Shape
If infrared sensors are integrated behind the front surface for aesthetic purposes, then exterior smoothness is improved, but infrared energy detection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an infrared-transparent window or lens material positioned in the front surface that acts as an intermediary between the aesthetic smooth exterior and the infrared sensor behind it. This material allows infrared energy to pass through effectively while maintaining the desired smooth appearance, thus resolving the contradiction between exterior smoothness and detection reliability.
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
The solution provides a visually pleasing and functional thermostat that effectively detects occupancy and adjusts energy consumption based on user presence, enhancing user interaction and energy efficiency while maintaining a smooth, sleek appearance.
Implementation Method 1
a passive infrared sensor for measuring infrared energy
Implementation Method 2
a first temperature sensor in thermal communication with the front surface of the thermostat body for making temperature measurements used for a calculating an ambient temperature
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic thermostat is described that includes a head unit, a rotatable ring, a backplate, an electronic display that is viewable by a user in front of the thermostat, a printed circuit board, and a daughter circuit. The daughter circuit is coupled to the printed circuit board, and senses motion of the rotatable ring and includes a first temperature sensor. A second temperature sensor separated from the first temperature sensor, are both used to calculate ambient temperature. The first temperature sensor is positioned at least partially within a cavity formed between a front surface of the head unit and the printed circuit board.