Thermostat having configurable interface connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermostats have fixed input and output terminals that require separate dedicated circuits for each type, leading to wasted resources and higher manufacturing costs due to unused circuits for unsupported types.
Innovation Solution
A configurable interface circuit with switches and configuration control inputs that can be set to define multiple states, allowing a single circuit to support multiple input and output types, including both input and output configurations using active components like amplifiers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate dedicated circuits are used for each input type or output type in conventional thermostats, then each terminal can support its specific function, but the circuit board size increases and manufacturing costs rise due to unused circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal circuit design where a single configurable terminal circuit can support multiple input types (binary, 0-10VDC, 4-20mA) and output types through software configuration. The circuit uses multiplexers and configurable components that can be programmed via configuration registers to perform different functions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each signal type while maintaining full functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate dedicated circuits are used for each input type or output type, then each terminal can support its specific function, but manufacturing costs increase due to wasted circuit real estate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal circuit design where a single configurable terminal circuit can support multiple input types (binary, 0-10VDC, 4-20mA) and output types through software configuration. The circuit uses multiplexers and configurable components that can be programmed via configuration registers to perform different functions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each signal type while maintaining full functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a thermostat supports multiple input and output types, then it can interface with various HVAC components, but the circuit design becomes more complex with multiple dedicated circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic reconfiguration of the circuit through software control. Configuration registers allow the terminal to be programmatically switched between different input and output types based on the connected HVAC component. This dynamic approach enables a single circuit to adapt its behavior and connectivity according to runtime requirements, supporting multiple HVAC interfaces without requiring static dedicated circuits for each type.
Data Source
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AI summary
An environmental control device (100), such as a thermostat, is disclosed. The environmental control device (100) has one or more terminals (222, 222a-222d) and a respective configurable interface circuit (102, 102a-102d, 300)coupled to each terminal for selectively configuring the terminal (222, 222a-222d) for a corresponding input or output connection to an HVAC system (14).