Programmable Thermostat Ring Interface for Simple HVAC Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC thermostatic control systems either lack energy-saving sophistication due to simple, non-programmable designs or are underutilized because of complex, intimidating programmable interfaces, leading to missed energy-saving opportunities in residential and commercial settings.
Innovation Solution
A programmable thermostat with a circular, user-friendly interface featuring a rotating ring for input and a dot-matrix display that provides intuitive control over HVAC functions, allowing users to adjust settings, view historical data, and edit schedules, while also being securely mountable and upgradeable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a thermostat provides many programmable settings and controls, then energy-saving capability is improved, but user interface complexity increases making it intimidating and difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat interface is segmented into multiple operational modes or levels of complexity. Users can access basic temperature control functions through a simple interface, while advanced energy-saving features are separated into optional programming modes. This segmentation allows the device to provide comprehensive functionality without overwhelming users with all controls simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
A microprocessor-based control system serves as an intermediary between the user and the complex HVAC control functions. The microprocessor handles sophisticated energy-saving algorithms, temperature swing calculations, and scheduling operations internally, while presenting users with a simplified interface that requires minimal input. The intermediary translates simple user preferences into complex control sequences.
2Loss of energy
If a thermostat provides advanced programmable features, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases requiring more controls and settings
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat incorporates self-learning capabilities that automatically optimize energy-saving parameters without requiring extensive user programming. The system monitors usage patterns, occupancy, and environmental conditions to automatically adjust temperature schedules and swing parameters. This self-service approach provides advanced energy efficiency while minimizing the number of controls users must interact with.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermostat dynamically changes operational parameters such as temperature swing range, cycle timing, and setpoint adjustments based on real-time conditions rather than requiring fixed user-programmed values. The system adapts parameters like anticipator settings and differential values automatically, providing sophisticated energy management through parameter optimization rather than through multiple user-accessible controls.
Data Source
AI summary
A user-friendly programmable thermostat is described that includes a circular body having a large central display surrounded by a ring that can be rotated an pressed inward by a user so as to receive user input in a simple elegant fashion. Different colors can be displayed to the user to indicate currently active HVAC functions, and different shades of colors can be displayed to a user to indicate an estimated amount of time and/or energy for reaching a target temperature. The thermostat is wall mountable and is made up of a head unit removeably mounted to a backplate. A locking mechanism can be provided so as to increase security against unauthorized removal of the head unit. The backplate can be adapted to be mounted on a wall so as to be level, for example by including a bubble level on the backplate. One or more vents are preferably located on the sides of the body, such as in a gap beneath the translatably mounted ring, and/or in a gap between the head unit and the backplate. The target temperature for the device can be altered in response to sensing rotation of the rotating ring, and the programmed schedule can be displayed to and altered by the user in response to sensing rotation of the ring and the translational movement of the ring. Historical information such as temperature and cost information can be displayed to a user in response to sensing rotating of the rotating ring. One or more device settings can be displayed to and edited by a user in response to sensing rotating of the rotating member and the translational movement. According to some embodiments, text characters can be entered by the user.