Thermostat Circuit Board Layout for Visible Wall-Mount Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermostats have a visible display that is mounted in a part of the wall, making it not visible anymore, which limits user interaction and control over HVAC systems.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function user control device with a touch-sensitive display mounted on a cantilevered display mount that is transparent or translucent, allowing the wall to be visible through the display assembly, and equipped with sensors and communication interfaces for remote monitoring and control of HVAC systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the display is mounted in a part of the wall, then the thermostat can be installed in standard mounting locations, but the display becomes not visible anymore
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board is extended into the wall mounting location along the z-axis (depth dimension) rather than being mounted flat against the wall surface. This allows the display to remain visible while the electronic components are positioned within the wall cavity, effectively using the third dimension to resolve the conflict between visibility and standard mounting.
2Loss of information
If the circuit board is extended into the wall, then the display remains visible, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat device is divided into two main segments: a front housing containing the display and user interface that remains visible on the wall surface, and a circuit board assembly that extends into the wall cavity. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and location, reducing overall system complexity despite the extended configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board is nested within the wall cavity space, with the display and front housing nested in front of it. This nested arrangement allows the electronic components to be housed within the existing wall structure, minimizing the external footprint and simplifying the overall device architecture.
3Area of stationary object
If the display is made transparent or translucent, then the wall remains visible through the display, but the display visibility and contrast may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The display assembly incorporates transparent or translucent materials that allow the wall to be visible through it, creating a blended aesthetic appearance. The display elements themselves use backlighting and contrast optimization to maintain readability despite the translucent substrate, effectively managing the trade-off between visual footprint and information display.
Data Source
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AI summary
A thermostat includes a housing having a base, a display mount cantilevered from the base, and a case defining an interior volume extending between a front surface and a rear surface, a touch-sensitive display configured to display visual media and receive user inputs, wherein the touch-sensitive display is attached to the display mount, processing electronics on a circuit board positioned at least partially within the interior volume of the case, wherein the processing electronics are configured to operate the touch-sensitive display, and a mounting bracket configured to attach to a mounting location, wherein the mounting bracket includes a frame defining an aperture and the case extends through the aperture so that the frame is located between the front and rear surfaces of the case.