Method for providing a visual indication of the set room temperature in an electronic thermostat, and corresponding electronic thermostat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern electronic thermostats in heating plants often have display positions that are difficult to read, especially for elderly users due to the valve assembly's constrained mounting, which limits easy access and interpretation of temperature settings.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly with a cup-shaped body, a translucent disc, and RGB LEDs that provide a visual indication of the set room temperature through color-coded light signals, allowing easy temperature adjustment and mounting flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the valve assembly is mounted in the constrained position dictated by the inlet location, then the heating system functions properly, but the display becomes difficult to read and access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color-changing indicators (such as colored LEDs or color-coded markings) on the valve assembly to provide visual feedback about temperature settings and system status. These color indicators are visible from various mounting positions, allowing users to easily read the display regardless of where the valve assembly is installed on the radiator.
2Loss of information
If an alphanumeric display is used to show temperature information, then detailed information can be displayed, but elderly users have difficulty interpreting it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-coded visual indicators alongside or instead of alphanumeric displays. Different colors represent different temperature ranges or system states (e.g., green for comfortable temperature, red for too hot, blue for too cold). This color-coding system makes temperature information immediately interpretable for users of all ages without requiring them to read or understand numerical values.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces color as an intermediary between the numerical temperature data and the user's understanding. Rather than directly displaying numbers that require cognitive processing, the system translates temperature information into intuitive color signals that are immediately recognizable and require minimal interpretation effort.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the inlet for heat transfer fluid is arranged in the upper part of the radiator, then the valve assembly mounting position is more flexible, but the installation options are severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the valve assembly with universal mounting capabilities that work effectively regardless of whether the radiator inlet is positioned at the top or bottom. The color-coded display and control mechanisms are positioned and oriented to be visible and accessible from multiple angles and mounting configurations, making the valve assembly equally effective in various installation scenarios.
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 an immediate and easy-to-read visual indication of the set temperature, enhancing usability for all age groups and allowing for more flexible mounting of the valve assembly without requiring a specific display position.
Implementation Method 1
RGB LEDs that provide a visual indication of the set room temperature through color-coded light signals
Implementation Method 2
a disc 8 of translucent material, which substantially closes the circular opening 9 of the cup-shaped body 2
Data Source
AI summary
Method for providing a visual indication of the desired value of room temperature (Tset) in an electronic thermostat (13), wherein a memory associated with a microcontroller of the thermostat (13) stores a table associating a plurality of temperature values with a corresponding plurality of triads of colour percentages according to the RGB colour model, and the microcontroller determines a desired triad of colour percentages by means of interpolation of the triads of colour percentages of said table by using the desired value of temperature (Tset) as input data, and powers at least one RGB LED (22) of the thermostat (13) as a function of the desired triad of colour percentages so as to generate a light signal having a colour that is correlated to the desired value of temperature (Tset).