Programmable Thermostat Setup Transfer for Batch Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing wall thermostats require a time-consuming and error-prone manual programming process for setting temperature and time settings, especially in large-scale installations, where multiple thermostats need to be configured with the same settings, necessitating a high-value employee's involvement and prolonged setup time.
Innovation Solution
A programmable and reconfigurable thermostat with a microprocessor that allows settings to be transferred electronically between thermostats, using a master mode to configure and transfer settings to target thermostats via a short wiring connection, significantly reducing setup time from 15-20 minutes to approximately six seconds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual programming is used to configure each thermostat individually, then each thermostat can be programmed with precise settings, but the setup time becomes extremely long and requires high-value employees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a master thermostat that stores programming data and can copy these settings to multiple target thermostats. The master thermostat contains a microprocessor with memory that holds the programmed settings, and this data can be transferred electronically to other thermostats through wire connections, eliminating the need to manually program each unit individually while maintaining programming accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical programming process with an electronic data transfer system. Instead of physically setting each thermostat through manual key operations, the system uses electronic signals transmitted through wire connections between the master thermostat and target thermostats to transfer programming data, dramatically reducing setup time while maintaining precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual programming is performed on each thermostat, then settings can be customized, but human errors increase and require high-value employees
Solution Approach 1:
The master thermostat stores verified programming data and copies it exactly to target thermostats, eliminating human error in data entry. The electronic transfer ensures that the same settings are applied consistently across all thermostats without the variability and mistakes associated with manual programming by technicians.
3Loss of time
If electronic transfer mechanism is added to allow master mode operation, then setup time is dramatically reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat is designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating in both target mode (receiving settings) and master mode (transferring settings). The same hardware components, particularly the microprocessor and wire connections, serve dual purposes: normal temperature control operations and electronic programming data transfer, thereby adding capability without proportionally increasing complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple thermostats are programmed individually, then each can be configured independently, but productivity is extremely low
Solution Approach 1:
The master thermostat can copy programming data to multiple target thermostats in rapid succession, enabling high-speed deployment of identical settings across numerous locations. This maintains the ability to configure thermostats independently at each location while dramatically increasing the speed of installation compared to individual manual programming.
Data Source
AI summary
A programmable thermostat can be programmed and configured using a set up selector keys or pushbuttons to enter set up modes and to move from screen to screen on the thermostat display, and using up and down selector keys to change the time and temperature settings within each screen or mode. The thermostat can be set into a master mode be depressing two of the selector keys simultaneously, and then the programmed settings of the thermostat can be electronically transferred to each of a batch of similar thermostats using a thermostat conductor in a multi-conductor thermostat wire such as the fan conductor. The thermostat can be toggled back to a normal or target mode for thermostat operation.