Smart control module for ductless HVAC units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infrared (IR) remote controls for household devices like HVAC systems, TVs, and media players are primitive, lacking advanced features such as scheduled usage, smart triggers, and centralized control, requiring manual adjustments for multiple units and offering no coordination between devices.
Innovation Solution
A smart control module integrated into conventional IR remote controls, enabling wireless communication with mobile devices to convert them into networked and smart remote controls, allowing for intelligent operation, monitoring, and management of multiple devices through a custom smartphone application, with features like temperature control, scheduling, and energy analytics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional infrared remote controls are used for each HVAC unit, then each device can be controlled individually, but centralized coordination and control of multiple devices is not available
Solution Approach 1:
A smartphone application acts as an intermediary between the user and multiple HVAC devices. The app communicates with each device via infrared remote control signals, enabling centralized coordination and control of multiple devices through a single interface without requiring direct connection between devices
Solution Approach 2:
The smartphone application provides universal control capabilities across multiple different HVAC devices and locations. A single app can control temperature, fan speed, and operational modes for multiple devices, eliminating the need for separate remote controls for each unit
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ductless HVAC systems are installed in different rooms, then each room can be controlled independently, but the user must manually change settings for each unit separately
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows users to pre-configure temperature settings, operational modes, and scheduling parameters for multiple HVAC devices through the smartphone application. These preliminary settings are stored and automatically applied to the appropriate devices at scheduled times, eliminating the need for manual adjustment when moving between rooms
3Ease of operation
If primitive infrared remote controls are used, then devices can be controlled with simple controls, but smart functions such as scheduled usage, smart triggers, and energy efficient operation are not available
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two layers: a simple infrared remote control layer that maintains ease of use for basic operations, and a smartphone application layer that provides advanced smart functions including scheduling, energy optimization, and device coordination. This segmentation allows both simple control and automated smart functions to coexist
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for intelligent operation and control of primitive infrared (IR) controlled devices and appliances that requires little or no modification of existing devices and appliances or their controllers. Systems and methods for converting conventional infrared (IR) remote controls of primitive IR controlled infrared (IR) controlled devices and appliances to networked and smart remote controls are described which enable the upgraded smart remote control to act as a for ductless HVAC appliances, flat-screen televisions, media players such as DVD and Blu-ray disc players, and other primitive infrared (IR) controlled devices. The technology presented enables one or multiple users to control, monitor, and manage their primitive infrared (IR) controlled devices and appliances smartly using a custom smartphone application linked to the upgraded smart thermostat remote.