Universal HVAC Controller With Removable Motor Configuration Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating and cooling systems require specific controllers for different sizes and types, leading to the need for multiple controllers for various blower motors, which complicates manufacturing and replacement processes.
Innovation Solution
A universal system controller with a communication means and removable memory device that identifies and configures blower motor parameters, allowing it to operate with multiple blower motors by storing motor-related parameters specific to each type, enabling a single controller to manage various heating and cooling systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple specific controllers are used for different heating and cooling systems, then each controller can be optimized for its specific system, but the device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal controller that can control multiple types of heating and cooling systems through a removable memory device. The controller reads system-specific parameters from the memory device, allowing a single controller hardware design to serve multiple system configurations. This eliminates the need for multiple dedicated controller designs while maintaining system-specific optimization through programmable parameters.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple specific controllers are used for different blower motors, then each controller can be precisely configured, but the ease of manufacture and replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts system-specific configuration data from the controller hardware and places it on a removable memory device. This separation allows the controller hardware to be manufactured as a universal unit, while the specific motor configuration parameters are stored externally on the memory device. This dramatically simplifies controller manufacturing and enables easy replacement by simply swapping the memory device.
3Ease of manufacture
If a universal controller is used for multiple systems, then the ease of manufacture and replacement improves, but the manufacturing precision and system specificity may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-programming system-specific parameters onto the removable memory device before the controller is installed. This allows the universal controller to be manufactured once with generic capabilities, while the specific system configurations are prepared in advance on the memory device. When installed, the controller reads these pre-configured parameters, achieving system-specific precision without compromising manufacturing simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling the operation of a heating or cooling system includes a system controller, a memory in which system parameter information relating to the heating or cooling system is stored, and a communication device through which the system controller is configured to transmit and receive signals to/from at least one component controller. The system controller is configured to receive via the communication device a data signal from the at least one component controller that includes information relating to operational parameters for at least one system component installed in the heating and cooling system. The system controller is configured to store in the memory the received operational parameters corresponding to the at least one system component. The stored operational parameters may be retrievable for communication to a replacement component controller in the event that the at least one component controller is replaced.