Ventilation control apparatus and ventilation system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilation control systems for buildings struggle to coordinate ventilators from different manufacturers when not connected to an external network, limiting their cooperative functionality and requiring manual reconfiguration after network connection.
Innovation Solution
A ventilation control apparatus with in-home and external communication modules, a determination unit, and a control unit that dynamically adjusts ventilator control based on network connectivity, allowing individual control when disconnected and cooperative operation when connected to an external server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ventilators from different manufacturers are controlled to work in cooperation through an external server, then the cooperative functionality is improved, but the system requires manual reconfiguration after network connection and cannot function cooperatively when disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation control apparatus dynamically switches between two operational modes: a first control mode for individual ventilator control when disconnected from external networks, and a second control mode for cooperative control of multiple ventilators when connected to external networks. This dynamic adaptability eliminates the need for manual reconfiguration while maintaining cooperative functionality across different manufacturing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it can individually control a single ventilator from any manufacturer, and simultaneously coordinate multiple ventilators from different manufacturers when network connectivity is available. This multi-functionality ensures the system operates effectively regardless of network status or manufacturer variations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ventilators are controlled to work in cooperation through an external server, then coordination between different manufacturers' ventilators is improved, but the system cannot operate cooperatively when disconnected from the network
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its control strategy based on network connectivity status. When connected to external networks, it enables cooperative control of multiple ventilators from different manufacturers. When disconnected, it seamlessly transitions to individual control mode, ensuring continuous reliable operation without network dependency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control apparatus is pre-configured with the capability to handle both connected and disconnected states. It maintains readiness for cooperative control while having built-in fallback mechanisms for individual operation, cushioning against network failures or unavailability without compromising system reliability.
3Productivity
If a centralized control apparatus is used to coordinate ventilators, then ventilation efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into modular functional units that can operate independently or in coordination. Each ventilator can be controlled individually through simplified protocols, while cooperative control emerges when network connectivity is available, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining ventilation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control apparatus automatically determines the appropriate control mode based on network connectivity status without requiring manual intervention or complex configuration. The system self-adjusts between individual and cooperative control modes, simplifying operation while achieving efficient ventilation outcomes.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a ventilation control apparatus (2) comprising: an in-home communication module configured to communicate with ventilators via an in-home network; an external communication module configured to communicate with an external server provided outside a building via an external network; a determination unit (77) configured to determine whether or not communication with the external server via the external communication module is available; a control determination unit (78) configured to determine a control method for the ventilators, based on a result of determination by the determination unit (77); and a ventilation operation control unit (76) configured to control the ventilators, based on the control method determined by the control determination unit (78).