Wirelessly configuring climate control system controls

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional HVAC control systems require manual access to control boards for configuration, which is difficult due to complex settings and misinterpretation of fault codes, especially in confined spaces, and replacing controls is challenging without a universal interface.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a short-range wireless communication interface, such as Bluetooth or NFC, into HVAC control circuit boards, allowing configuration through a mobile device app that queries the control type, extracts settings, and automatically populates configuration menus, enabling wireless setup and parameter adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual access to control boards is used for configuration, then configuration can be performed, but it is difficult due to complex settings and misinterpretation of fault codes, especially in confined spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of configurationVSAvoidcomplexity of control settings

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A wireless communication interface serves as an intermediary between the mobile device and the HVAC control board, enabling configuration without direct physical access to the control board. The wireless interface translates and transmits configuration data bidirectionally, simplifying the user interaction while managing the complexity of control settings through automated protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical interaction required for conventional configuration (direct access to control board, manual setting adjustment) with a wireless communication system. The mobile device communicates with the control board through wireless signals, eliminating the need for physical access to confined spaces and manual manipulation of control settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual configuration is performed in confined spaces, then control settings can be adjusted, but it is difficult due to limited access and poor visibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of configurationVSAvoiddifficulty of reading and interpreting controls

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless communication interface acts as an intermediary that retrieves and displays control board information to the mobile device, where it can be clearly viewed and interpreted. This eliminates the difficulty of reading and interpreting controls in confined spaces by transferring the display function to the mobile device's screen.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent moves the configuration interface from the physical dimension (control board in confined space) to the digital dimension (mobile device screen). This dimensional shift allows for larger, clearer displays and easier interaction, overcoming the limitations of confined physical spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional controls are replaced, then new controls can be installed, but it is challenging without a universal interface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of control replacementVSAvoidlack of universal interface

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless communication interface provides a universal communication protocol that can interface with multiple different HVAC control board types. This universal interface enables easy replacement and configuration of controls across different systems, eliminating the need for system-specific configuration methods and improving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If configuration is performed manually, then settings can be adjusted, but it requires significant setup time and is prone to errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetup timeVSAvoidaccuracy of configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual configuration processes with automated wireless communication between the mobile device and control board. The system automatically retrieves, transmits, and applies configuration settings, eliminating manual errors and significantly reducing setup time while improving configuration accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12498134B2Wirelessly configuring climate control system controls

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 COPELAND COMFORT CONTROL LP

AI summary

In an exemplary system embodiment, a mobile device is configured to receive and/or determine a first identifier of the first HVAC control and to automatically configure one or more first settings for the first HVAC control corresponding with the first identifier. The one or more first settings are stored within and retrievable directly from the memory of the mobile device. The mobile device is also configured to receive and/or determine a second identifier of the second HVAC control and to automatically configure one or more second settings for the second HVAC control corresponding with the second identifier. The one or more second settings are stored within and retrievable directly from the memory of the mobile device for wireless transmission to the second HVAC control for download to a memory of the second HVAC control for controlling at least one HVAC component according to the one or more second settings.