Universal wireless HVAC controller with an internally stored infrared (IR) database

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing building automation systems, particularly mini-split HVAC systems, lack a universal remote control solution that can communicate with various systems without relying on remote services or extensive network access, making it difficult to control temperature and environmental conditions across different systems uniformly.

Innovation Solution

A wireless remote control device equipped with a NAND flash memory storing an IR database with lookup tables for multiple IR protocols, allowing it to identify and communicate with different building automation systems by selecting the appropriate protocol for the connected device, enabling remote control of temperature settings and other parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a wireless remote control device is designed to work with multiple different building automation systems, then the adaptability and versatility of the device is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need to support multiple communication protocols

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different HVAC systemsVSAvoidcomplexity of supporting multiple protocols

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless remote control device incorporates a database storing multiple infrared communication protocols for different building automation systems. The device includes a protocol selector that allows the user to choose the appropriate protocol, enabling a single device to universally control various HVAC systems without requiring separate remote controls for each system type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an infrared communication interface as an intermediary mechanism. By using infrared protocol as the communication medium, the device can translate and transmit control signals to different HVAC systems through a standardized infrared interface, simplifying the complexity of direct multi-protocol support while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the wireless controller stores multiple IR protocols in internal memory, then the adaptability to different systems is improved, but the memory requirements and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to communicate with various systemsVSAvoidmemory storage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The device pre-stores multiple infrared communication protocols in its internal database during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows the device to immediately support multiple building automation systems without requiring additional memory allocation or protocol downloading at runtime, optimizing memory usage while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If a universal remote control solution is implemented without network access, then the ease of operation and independence of the device is improved, but the ability to update and expand protocol support is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependence from network servicesVSAvoidability to add new system support

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless remote control device includes a protocol selector that enables users to independently choose and switch between different communication protocols stored in the device's database. This self-service capability allows the device to operate autonomously without requiring network connections or external service providers, while the pre-loaded database provides comprehensive protocol support for various building automation systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables seamless communication and control of various building automation systems, including mini-split HVAC units, without the need for network access, providing users with a universal remote control solution for temperature management across different brands and models.

Implementation Method 1

The wireless controller may then use the correct IR protocol when transmitting command signals to the particular building automation system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS11549713B2Universal wireless HVAC controller with an internally stored infrared (IR) database

Publication Date: 2023.01.10 RESIDEO LLC

AI summary

A wireless controller (200) is configured to send commands to a mini-split HVAC unit (100) that thermostatically controls a temperature in a space (50) using the temperature sensed and a programmable set point. The wireless controller (212) may include an infrared (IR) transmitter (208), a temperature sensor (210), a user interface (214), a non-volatile memory (202), and a controller (212). The wireless controller (200) may store an IR database in the non-volatile memory (202) for each of a wide variety of mini-split HVAC unit (100). The wireless controller (200) may then allow a user to select a particular mini-split HVAC unit (100), and from the selection may identify a corresponding IR protocol in the IR database. During subsequent use, the wireless controller (200) may use the corresponding IR protocol during subsequent communication with the mini-split HVAC unit (100).