Thermostat for controlling operation of a heating,ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermostats for HVAC systems require extensive and costly wiring for additional units, leading to inconvenient and time-consuming installations, and lack the ability to dynamically adjust the number of controlled units.
Innovation Solution
A thermostat system utilizing a set of wires, memory, and processors to communicate with HVAC systems via power line communication, allowing for control of multiple operational functions using only a three-wire power line between the thermostat and the first HVAC unit, and a two-wire power line between the first and second HVAC units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional wirings and relays are installed to support heat pump functionality, then the thermostat can control heat pump operations, but the installation becomes more costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal thermostat design that can control multiple HVAC functions (conventional cooling, heating, and heat pump operations) through a single standardized wiring configuration. The thermostat uses a common set of terminals (R, C, Y, G, W, O/B) that serve multiple purposes depending on system configuration, eliminating the need for separate wiring schemes for different HVAC types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic adaptability where the thermostat can be configured through software/settings to support different HVAC system types without physical reconfiguration. The system dynamically adjusts its control logic and communication protocols to match the installed HVAC equipment, allowing retrofits and additions without new wiring.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional wirings are installed for heat pump control, then the thermostat can communicate with heat pump units, but the wiring complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal wiring scheme where the same six wires (R, C, Y, G, W, O/B) perform multiple functions across different HVAC system types. For heat pump control, existing terminals are repurposed or combined rather than requiring dedicated new terminals, maintaining wiring simplicity while achieving functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges control functions for conventional and heat pump operations into shared wiring paths. For example, the Y terminal serves both cooling and heat pump cooling functions, and the O/B terminal handles both conventional heating and heat pump heating reverse valve control, consolidating multiple control signals into fewer physical connections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more signal connectors are added to control additional HVAC units, then the system can support more units, but installation becomes more inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the thermostat to control multiple HVAC units (furnace, air handler, heat pump) using the same terminal set. Each terminal can be assigned to control different units through software configuration, allowing a single thermostat to manage an entire HVAC ecosystem without requiring separate wiring for each unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intelligent communication protocols and control logic as intermediaries between the thermostat and multiple HVAC units. The thermostat uses existing wiring to establish communication channels with multiple units, translating control signals appropriately based on system configuration, thereby avoiding the need for direct separate wiring to each unit.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional wiring methods are used for each operational function, then each function can be controlled independently, but the thermostat size and thickness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a compact thermostat design where a single terminal set supports multiple operational functions through software-based control logic. The same physical terminals (R, C, Y, G, W, O/B) are used for conventional cooling, heating, heat pump operations, and fan control, eliminating the need for separate terminal sets for each function and thereby reducing overall thermostat volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple control circuits into shared wiring paths within the thermostat housing. Control logic for different functions is integrated into a single processor unit that manages all operations through the common terminal set, consolidating what would traditionally require separate physical control circuits into a unified compact design.
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
Enables faster, simpler, and cost-effective installations of HVAC systems, reduces the need for additional wiring, and allows for dynamic control of multiple units without increasing the thermostat's size or complexity.
Implementation Method 1
At least one wire of the set of wires is configured to communicate power signals and data signals associated with the HVAC signal
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure describe systems and methods for controlling operation of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system by a thermostat. The thermostat comprises a set of wires. The method comprises determining an operation to be performed by the HVAC system based on at least one of a user input or one or more parameters associated with an indoor area. The method further comprises transmitting, to the HVAC system via the set of wires, an HVAC signal indicative of the operation to be performed. At least one wire of the set of wires is configured to communicate power signals and data signals associated with the HVAC signal. The method further comprises causing the HVAC system to perform the operation based on the transmitted HVAC signal. The set of wires comprises a common (C) line, a power line (R), and an outdoor activation (Y) line.