Temperature sensor network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional temperature control systems in buildings rely on a single temperature sensor, which is often inaccurately positioned, susceptible to measurement disturbances, and slow to detect temperature changes, leading to inefficient and imprecise regulation.
Innovation Solution
A temperature sensor network with multiple sensors and presence detectors that communicate through various bus systems or radio networks, allowing for precise temperature distribution monitoring and adaptive energy adjustment based on occupancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single temperature sensor is used in conventional systems, then the system structure is simple, but the temperature measurement precision and representativeness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature monitoring function into multiple independent sensors distributed throughout the room. Each sensor independently measures local temperature, and the central control unit aggregates these measurements to determine the representative room temperature. This segmentation improves measurement precision by capturing spatial temperature variations while the modular architecture keeps system complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple temperature sensors and presence detectors into a unified sensor network that communicates with a central control unit. By merging data from multiple sources and integrating presence detection with temperature monitoring, the system achieves more accurate and context-aware temperature control without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Speed
If a single temperature sensor is used, then the device complexity is low, but the response speed to temperature changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By placing multiple sensors at different locations, the system segments the monitoring task so that at least one sensor is likely to be near the user or detect temperature changes first. This spatial segmentation enables faster detection of temperature changes without requiring a single complex sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensors continuously monitor temperature in advance, and the central control unit continuously processes sensor data and adjusts actuators proactively before the user experiences discomfort. This preliminary action enables faster response to temperature changes by maintaining constant monitoring and ready-to-act control algorithms.
3Loss of energy
If temperature control is based on single-point measurement, then the control system is simple, but the energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the room into multiple monitoring zones with distributed sensors, allowing the control system to identify exactly which areas need heating or cooling. This enables zone-based control that reduces energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary heating or cooling in unoccupied or already comfortable areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different control strategies to different locations based on local conditions detected by distributed sensors and presence detectors. Each actuator is controlled based on local temperature measurements and occupancy information, enabling energy-efficient local control rather than uniform whole-room control.
4Adaptability or versatility
If presence detectors are integrated into the sensor network, then the adaptability to occupancy conditions improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges presence detection functionality with temperature sensing by integrating presence detectors into the same network infrastructure. Both temperature sensors and presence detectors communicate with the central control unit through the same communication protocol, allowing the system to adapt control strategies based on occupancy without requiring separate control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The network participants are designed with multi-functionality, where communication units handle both temperature data and presence detection data transmission. The central control unit processes multiple types of information (temperature, occupancy, user preferences) through a unified control algorithm, achieving high adaptability without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The network (1) has a central temperature processing unit (18) provided with a power supply unit (21) and a radio communication unit (22), and controlling a heating device and/or an air-conditioning system (23) over a temperature control unit (19). An operation unit (20) sets a desired temperature value. Multiple communication paths (17) are provided between network participants and the central temperature processing unit for transmission of current temperature values that are detected by the network participants. The network participants are provided in form of electricity installation apparatuses (3A-3C) e.g. flush-mounted switch, flush-mounted socket or surface-mounted motion detector, and/or building system technique apparatuses (8A-8C) e.g. multifunction control element, control panel and rotary control element, and/or electrical appliances (13A-13C) e.g. washing machine, refrigerator and TV set.