Thermostat Seven-Day Programming to Cut Setup Steps
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Thermostats require extensive user input for programming multiple functions, leading to confusion and increased time in setting temperature and fan settings for each day of the week, often exceeding 100 steps.
Innovation Solution
A method for rapid programming of a thermostat that allows simultaneous selection and adjustment of settings for all seven days using a combination of mechanical buttons and touch-sensitive areas, including a system button, program button, seven-day icon, temperature icon, and time icon, enabling programming of heating and cooling modes without incrementing from one day to another.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional programming methods are used with individual day selection, then each day can be programmed separately, but the number of steps exceeds 100 and programming time is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines all seven days into a single programming operation. When the user activates programming mode, the system displays a seven-day view and allows simultaneous programming of all days at once, rather than requiring sequential programming of each individual day. This merging of days into one operable unit reduces the programming steps from over 100 to under 20 steps.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple buttons and controls are provided for comprehensive control, then all functions can be adjusted, but the interface becomes confusing and requires detailed manual review
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential programming function from the complex multi-button interface and presents it through a simplified graphical user interface. Instead of requiring users to navigate through multiple physical buttons and menus, the system displays a visual seven-day calendar view with touch-sensitive areas that directly represent the programming function, eliminating the need for users to review detailed manuals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a graphical display as an intermediary between the user and the thermostat's programming functions. The display shows visual representations of days, temperatures, and settings that mediate the interaction, making the complex control functions intuitive and easy to understand without requiring users to memorize button functions or read manuals.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sequential day-by-day programming is required, then each day's settings can be customized, but the programming process must be repeated seven times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges all seven days into a single programming operation. When the user activates programming mode, the system displays a seven-day view and allows simultaneous programming of all days at once, rather than requiring sequential programming of each individual day. This merging of days into one operable unit reduces the programming steps from over 100 to under 20 steps.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides for a controller such as a thermostat for an HVAC System comprising a housing having a circuit board and a display screen, the display screen having at least one alpha-numeric icon and a group of input control areas. A microprocessor is provided for control on the display screen. Buttons are pressed in order to program set-points of the thermostat so that seven days may be programmed simultaneously. The display includes a seven-day icon so that the user can program the thermostat set-points rapidly (e.g. setting time and temperature settings with minimal steps). The user may activate a first programming mode wherein the activating occurs by depressing a programming-mode button for a first pre-selected duration in order to select a first day for setting the conditioning mode. The user may activate a second programming mode wherein such activating occurs by depressing the programming-mode button for a second pre-selected duration that is longer than the first pre-selected duration in order to select programming for all seven days simultaneously.