Wireless Occupancy Sensor with LED Identification for HVAC Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current HVAC systems lack efficient control mechanisms that integrate real-time occupancy and temperature data from multiple sensors to optimize heating and cooling operations, leading to suboptimal energy usage and comfort levels.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of wireless occupancy sensors with integrated temperature sensors and light sources that communicate with a building controller to adjust HVAC operations based on occupancy status and temperature readings, allowing for dynamic control of heating and cooling systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If HVAC systems use traditional control mechanisms without real-time occupancy and temperature data integration, then system simplicity is maintained, but energy efficiency and comfort optimization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensors (occupancy sensor, temperature sensor) and control functions into an integrated wireless occupancy sensor device. This merging allows real-time data collection and processing within a single unit, enabling energy-efficient HVAC control without requiring complex distributed sensor networks, thus resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency improvement and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless occupancy sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting occupancy status, measuring temperature, communicating wirelessly with the HVAC controller, and providing visual feedback through an LED. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require separate devices into one unit, achieving energy optimization without proportional increases in system complexity
2Productivity
If wireless occupancy sensors with multiple sensors and communication capabilities are implemented, then energy efficiency and comfort control are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional wired sensor networks and mechanical control linkages with wireless communication technology. The wireless transceiver enables data transmission between the occupancy sensor and HVAC controller without physical connections, reducing the complexity of wiring infrastructure while maintaining high control efficiency and enabling real-time monitoring and adjustment
3Measurement precision
If remote sensor devices are deployed to provide real-time data, then control precision and comfort levels are improved, but system complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless occupancy sensor is designed as a self-contained, self-configuring device that automatically establishes wireless communication with the HVAC controller upon installation. The device performs self-diagnostics and integrates seamlessly into the existing HVAC system without requiring complex configuration or calibration procedures, thereby maintaining high measurement precision while simplifying installation and operation
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 enables more precise and energy-efficient control of HVAC systems by considering real-time occupancy and temperature data, improving comfort and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting diode (LED) that is housed by the sensor body
Data Source
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AI summary
A wireless occupancy sensor that is configured to be deployed within a building space includes a sensor body, an occupancy sensor that is housed by the sensor body, a light emitting diode (LED) that is housed by the sensor body, a wireless transceiver that is housed by the sensor body and is configured to be in wireless communication with a remote device. A controller is housed by the sensor body and is operably coupled to the occupancy sensor, the LED and the wireless transceiver and is configured to receive via the wireless transceiver a request to illuminate the LED from the remote device and in response to receiving the request, illuminate the LED in order to help visually identify the wireless occupancy sensor in the building space.