Water heater controller and methods for controlling water temperature

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Solution Overview

Problem

Water heating accounts for a significant portion of energy consumption in homes, contributing to environmental emissions and financial costs, with existing technologies failing to efficiently manage energy usage based on demand patterns.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a processor-controlled device that can be retrofitted to a water heater thermostat, utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning to adjust temperature based on usage patterns, user preferences, and smart appliance integration to optimize energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If water heater maintains constant elevated temperature, then hot water availability is ensured, but energy consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehot water availabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the water heater temperature based on learned usage patterns and real-time demand detection, transitioning from static constant temperature maintenance to adaptive temperature control that matches actual hot water needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback loops by monitoring water usage patterns, detecting when hot water is actually needed, and adjusting temperature settings accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to actual demand rather than maintaining fixed settings

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If traditional thermostat is used, then simplicity is maintained, but energy efficiency optimization is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidenergy efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses an intermediary adapter component that attaches to the existing thermostat, adding intelligence and pattern recognition capabilities without requiring complete replacement of the original simple thermostat mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller system provides multiple functions including pattern learning, temperature optimization, and usage detection within a single integrated device that can work with various water heater types and existing thermostats

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12487009B2Water heater controller and methods for controlling water temperature

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 AMIN HIMANSHU SUBHASH

AI summary

Techniques regarding water heating control and hot water tanks are provided herein. For example, one or more embodiments described herein can regard a device or system for water tank heating regulation. The system can comprise a processor that executes computer executable components stored in a memory. The system can also comprise a mounting component that couples the system to a thermostat of a water heater. The system can further comprise an adapter component that attaches to a temperature adjustor of the thermostat; and a configuration component of the computer executable components that, when enabled by the processor, causes the adapter component to move the temperature adjustor make a temperature change at the thermostat.