Wireless HVAC Remote Control for Zoned Temperature Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

HVAC controllers often fail to accurately represent environmental conditions felt by occupants, as sensors are typically mounted near walls, and users must physically interact with each controller in zoned systems, making it inconvenient to manage temperature and ventilation settings across a building.

Innovation Solution

A wireless HVAC remote control unit that can detect whether the system is zoned or non-zoned, automatically adjusting its behavior and allowing users to control HVAC components remotely through a portable, user-friendly interface, enabling wireless communication with multiple thermostats and allowing for temperature sensing and parameter setting from various locations within a building.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensors are mounted near walls in HVAC controllers, then the controllers can be installed at standard locations, but the environmental conditions sensed do not accurately represent the actual conditions felt by occupants

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of environmental condition sensingVSAvoidconvenience of controller location

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A portable remote control device with integrated sensors acts as an intermediary between the HVAC system and occupants. The remote device is carried by users to different locations, allowing accurate sensing of environmental conditions at those specific locations without requiring wall-mounted controllers at every position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/wall-mounted controller system with a wireless portable remote control system. This substitution allows the sensing function to move freely through space rather than being fixed at wall locations, enabling accurate measurement of occupant-felt conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple HVAC controllers are used in zoned systems, then temperature control can be provided for different zones, but users must physically walk to each controller to make changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to control different zonesVSAvoidconvenience of making HVAC changes

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The portable remote control device is designed to communicate with multiple HVAC controllers across different zones through wireless communication. A single universal remote can control multiple zones without requiring the user to physically visit each wall-mounted controller, consolidating control functionality in one portable device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The remote device serves as an intermediary that bridges the user and multiple zone controllers. Instead of directly interacting with each wall-mounted controller, the user interacts with the portable remote, which then communicates with the appropriate zone controllers wirelessly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If wall-mounted controllers are used, then the system provides fixed control points, but the environmental conditions at these locations differ from conditions away from walls

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixed controller installationVSAvoidaccuracy of occupant-felt conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static wall-mounted controllers to a dynamic portable remote control that can be moved to different locations. This dynamic approach allows the sensing position to adapt to where occupants actually are, rather than being fixed at wall locations where conditions may differ.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enhances user convenience by allowing remote control of HVAC systems, improving accuracy in representing occupant-felt conditions and simplifying the management of temperature and ventilation settings across a building, while maintaining system efficiency and comfort.

Implementation Method 1

an HVAC remote control unit is provided that wirelessly communicates with one or more HVAC controllers and/or other HVAC devices

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWireless communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The sensors are used to sense one or more environmental conditions of the inside space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature sensing: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS8387892B2Remote control for use in zoned and non-zoned HVAC systems

Publication Date: 2013.03.05 RESIDEO LLC

AI summary

An HVAC remote controller for use in an HVAC system is described. In some instances, the HVAC remote controller may include a wireless interface for communicating with one or more HVAC controllers and/or other HVAC devices. The HVAC remote controller may be configured to automatically determine whether the HVAC system is a zoned HVAC system or a non-zoned HVAC system, and operate accordingly.