Water Heater Controller Unlock Sequence for Restricted Setpoints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing water heater control systems require complex and costly input sequences to access temperature setpoints above a predetermined maximum, making it impractical for users to operate the water heater at higher temperatures.

Innovation Solution

A controller with an input device and processor that detects a simple unlock sequence, allowing the water heater to operate at restricted setpoints above the maximum temperature, enabling users to select these setpoints with ease and simplicity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex input sequence is used to access restricted temperature setpoints, then the maximum temperature limit is enforced to prevent accidental selection, but the ease of operation deteriorates making it impractical for users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature limit enforcementVSAvoidaccess to restricted setpoints

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The unlock sequence is segmented into distinct, simple steps: pressing a button to enter setup mode, then pressing the same button again to confirm the temperature increase. This segmentation breaks down what could be a complex multi-step process into two simple, intuitive actions that are easy to remember and execute.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring users to navigate through multiple menu options or press different buttons in a specific sequence, the system inverts the approach by using a single button press to both enter and confirm the temperature change. The button press acts as both the entry and confirmation mechanism, simplifying the interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If multiple buttons and switches are required for the unlock sequence, then the temperature limit protection is maintained, but the device complexity increases making the system costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature limit protectionVSAvoidcontrol system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The button serves multiple functions: it acts as the enter key to access setup mode, the confirm key to approve the temperature increase, and can potentially serve other control functions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate buttons for each action, reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining the temperature protection mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The entry and confirmation actions are merged into a single button press operation. The system combines what would traditionally require multiple separate controls into one unified interaction point, simplifying the control system architecture and reducing the number of components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9488993B2Systems and methods for selecting temperature setpoints

Publication Date: 2016.11.08 COPELAND COMFORT CONTROL LP

AI summary

A controller for operating a water heater includes an input device configured to input a temperature setpoint for the water heater and a processor coupled to the input device. The input device is configured to input at least one restricted setpoint above a predetermined maximum temperature. The processor is configured to detect that an unlock sequence has been input using at least the input device, and in response to the detection of the unlock sequence, permit the water heater to operate at the restricted setpoint above the predetermined maximum temperature when the restricted setpoint is selected using the input device within a predetermined length of time after the detection of the unlock sequence.