Method and device for controlling temperature adjustment device and a wearable system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users often find it inconvenient and energy-inefficient to manually adjust air conditioner settings to maintain a comfortable indoor environment, as they may not want to intervene in the current operation even when conditions become uncomfortable.

Innovation Solution

A wearable system that includes two devices to measure in vivo and skin temperatures, which sends this data to a control center to obtain and send control parameters to the air conditioner, allowing it to automatically adjust temperatures based on the user's thermal conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the user manually adjusts the air conditioner using a remote control, then the user can control the temperature settings, but the user needs to continuously monitor and intervene which is inconvenient and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveTemperature adjustment convenienceVSAvoidTime for manual monitoring and adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables the air conditioner to automatically adjust its own temperature settings based on real-time body temperature data from wearable devices. The control center receives temperature data, determines appropriate control parameters, and sends commands to the air conditioner without requiring user intervention, allowing the system to serve itself

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where the wearable device continuously monitors the user's body temperature and sends this data to the control center. The control center processes this feedback information and adjusts the air conditioner settings accordingly, creating a dynamic response system that adapts to changing user needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of energy

If the air conditioner runs in current state without adjustment, then energy is consumed continuously, but the indoor environment becomes uncomfortable for the user

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEnergy waste from continuous operationVSAvoidIndoor comfort environment
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The air conditioner transitions from static operation with fixed temperature settings to dynamic operation where temperature settings continuously adapt based on real-time body temperature data. The system adjusts cooling intensity dynamically according to the user's actual thermal state, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining comfort

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operating parameters of the air conditioner based on processed body temperature data. The control center determines appropriate temperature setpoints and operational modes by analyzing the temperature parameters received from wearable devices, allowing flexible adjustment of cooling parameters to match user needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If the user keeps the air conditioner running in current state, then energy consumption is reduced, but the user comfort is compromised when indoor conditions become uncomfortable

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEnergy consumption of air conditionerVSAvoidUser comfort reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses real-time body temperature feedback from wearable devices to reliably determine when comfort adjustment is needed. This feedback mechanism ensures the air conditioner responds appropriately to actual user thermal state, maintaining comfort reliability while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption during stable conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system takes preliminary action by continuously monitoring body temperature and predicting comfort needs before the user feels uncomfortable. The control center proactively adjusts air conditioner settings based on temperature trends, preventing discomfort before it occurs rather than reacting after the user complains

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This solution provides a comfortable indoor environment while improving energy utilization by automatically adjusting the air conditioner settings according to the user's thermal needs.

Implementation Method 1

receiving a body temperature of a user sent by a wearable device, where the body temperature of the user includes an in vivo temperature of the user and a skin temperature of the user

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature sensing:

Implementation Method 2

obtaining a control parameter of the temperature regulating device according to the body temperature of the user

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectData processing:

Implementation Method 3

controlling the temperature regulating device according to the control parameter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal regulation:

Data Source

PatentEP3159620B1Method and device for controlling temperature adjustment device and a wearable system
Publication Date: 2021.10.13 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3159620B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3159620B1 patent drawingFigure 3-1~3-2
  • EP3159620B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A method for controlling a temperature regulating device includes: receiving a body temperature of a user sent by a wearable device, where the body temperature of the user includes at least an in vivo temperature of the user; obtaining a control parameter of the temperature regulating device according to the body temperature of the user; and controlling the temperature regulating device according to the control parameter. In addition, the present invention further relates to an apparatus for controlling a temperature regulating device, and a wearable device. The apparatus includes: a receiving module (401), an obtaining module (402), and a control module (403). The wearable device includes: a body (101), a wireless communications module (102), and a temperature collection module (103). The wireless communications module (102) and the temperature collection module (103) are attached on the body (101), the body is inside a body of a user or is attached on a skin surface of the user, the temperature collection module (103) is configured to collect an in vivo temperature or a skin temperature of the user, and the wireless communications module (102) is configured to send the in vivo temperature or skin temperature of the user to a control center.