Wireless HVAC User Interface for Flexible Placement Without Batteries

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing HVAC systems face limitations in flexibility and maintenance due to wired thermostats, which restrict placement and require frequent battery replacements, and sophisticated wireless thermostats that are not truly wireless as they need external power sources.

Innovation Solution

A wireless user interface for an HVAC controller that is completely wireless, with a chassis containing a display, control buttons, a temperature sensor, and wireless communication circuitry, and a microcontroller that relays user commands and temperature readings to a wired HVAC controller for processing, reducing power consumption and maintenance needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If wireless thermostats use batteries for power, then portability and placement flexibility are improved, but battery replacement frequency increases and maintenance requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplacement flexibilityVSAvoidbattery replacement frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a powered receiver unit as an intermediary component that provides power to the wireless thermostat. The receiver connects to HVAC system power lines and wirelessly transmits power and control signals to the thermostat, eliminating battery dependency while maintaining wireless operation and placement flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The powered receiver unit serves multiple functions: it provides electrical power to the wireless thermostat, receives control signals from the HVAC system, and wirelessly transmits both power and control information to the thermostat. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by eliminating batteries while maintaining portability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If sophisticated wireless thermostats are designed with advanced control features, then control capability is improved, but power consumption and requirement for external power sources worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol featuresVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into three functional components: a powered receiver unit that handles power acquisition and signal reception, a wireless thermostat that provides user interface and control features, and the HVAC system itself. This segmentation allows the power-intensive components to be separated from the battery-powered wireless interface, enabling sophisticated control features without increasing thermostat power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The powered receiver acts as an intermediary that bridges the HVAC system and the wireless thermostat. It receives power from HVAC lines and wirelessly transmits it to the thermostat, enabling the thermostat to operate sophisticated control features without relying on batteries or direct wire connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If wired thermostats are installed to provide sufficient power for sophisticated control, then control capability is improved, but installation complexity and relocation difficulty worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with a wireless communication system. The wireless thermostat communicates with the HVAC system through radio frequency signals, eliminating the need for physical wire connections between the thermostat and HVAC equipment, thereby simplifying installation and enabling easy relocation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 allows for a portable, low-maintenance wireless interface that consumes less power and costs less, enabling more complex control features in the HVAC system while minimizing battery replacement requirements.

Implementation Method 1

wireless communication circuitry...generate outbound data packets for wireless transmission to the HVAC controller

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8376242B1Wireless user interface for an HVAC controller and method of operating the same

Publication Date: 2013.02.19 LENNOX IND INC

AI summary

A wireless user interface for an HVAC controller, a method of operating a wireless user interface for an HVAC controller and an HVAC system incorporating the wireless user interface or the method. In one embodiment, the wireless user interface includes: (1) a chassis having a display and at least one control button and containing a temperature sensor and wireless communication circuitry and (2) a microcontroller configured to cause the wireless communication circuitry to generate outbound data packets for wireless transmission to the HVAC controller containing temperature readings from the temperature sensor and when the at least one control button is pressed and receive inbound data packets from the HVAC controller that determine a content of the display.