Wireless HVAC Control Configuration Using Mobile Device Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional HVAC control systems are complex and difficult to configure, requiring technicians to physically access control boards, which can be challenging in confined or extreme environments, and often lack user-friendly interfaces for setting operational parameters, leading to errors and inefficiencies in configuring or replacing controls.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a short-range wireless communication interface, such as Bluetooth or NFC, into HVAC control systems, allowing installers to use mobile devices to configure controls via software applications that provide menu-driven interfaces and automatic parameter selection, enabling remote setup and replacement of controls with reduced error and increased efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional HVAC control systems are used, then operational parameters can be set, but the configuration process is complex and difficult, requiring physical access to control boards in confined environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical configuration process (technicians manually accessing control boards, dip switches, and physical interfaces) with a wireless electronic system. A mobile device communicates wirelessly with the HVAC control system, allowing configuration parameters to be set and adjusted without physical contact with the control board. This substitution eliminates the need for technicians to work in confined spaces and reduces configuration complexity while maintaining full control functionality.
2Ease of operation
If technicians physically access control boards in confined environments, then configuration can be performed, but technician comfort and safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the technician and the HVAC control system. Instead of the technician directly interacting with the control board in confined or extreme environments, the mobile device serves as a remote interface that wirelessly communicates with the control system. This intermediary allows technicians to configure and monitor the system from a comfortable, safe distance while eliminating exposure to harmful environmental factors.
3Productivity
If manual configuration methods are used, then controls can be set up, but errors and inefficiencies occur in configuring or replacing controls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the mobile device communicates with the HVAC control system to retrieve current configuration parameters, fault codes, and operational status. This feedback loop allows technicians to verify settings in real-time, detect configuration errors immediately, and make corrections before completing the setup. The system provides confirmation and status information that enhances both the accuracy and efficiency of the configuration process.
Data Source
AI summary
A gas powered appliance includes a burner for burning gas, a flame sensor positioned proximate the burner to detect a strength of a flame on the burner and to output signals indicative of the strength of the flame, and a controller connected to the flame sensor. The controller includes a communication interface, a processor, and a memory containing instructions that program the controller to control the burner, receive the signals from the flame sensor indicative of the strength of the flame, determine the strength of the flame from the received signals, and output, using the communication interface, an indication of the strength of the flame to a mobile device for display on the mobile device.