Wireless Sensor Decoder for Retrofit HVAC Controller Inputs
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Solution Overview
Problem
The connection of remote sensors to HVAC controllers often requires costly and impractical wired installations, and existing wireless sensor systems necessitate modifications to the HVAC controller to receive wireless signals, increasing costs especially in retrofit situations.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a wireless sensor and a decoder that transmits environmental parameter data to an HVAC controller, mimicking the output of a wired remote sensor, allowing connection without the need for physical wiring and compatible with various sensor inputs through selectable output characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired remote sensors are used to connect to HVAC controllers, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with a wireless communication system. The wireless remote sensor transmits signals to the HVAC controller via wireless communication (such as RF communication), eliminating the need for physical wire connections between the sensor and controller, thus reducing installation complexity while maintaining signal transmission reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication module as an intermediary between the remote sensor and the HVAC controller. This intermediary handles the wireless signal transmission and reception, allowing the sensor to communicate with the controller without direct physical wiring, thereby solving the contradiction between reliability and installation complexity
2Device complexity
If wireless remote sensors are used without wired connections, then installation cost and complexity are reduced, but compatibility with conventional HVAC controllers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless communication module as an intermediary that the user can connect to the conventional HVAC controller using existing wired connections. This intermediary handles the wireless signal transmission from the remote sensor and converts it into a format compatible with the conventional controller, thus maintaining compatibility without requiring modifications to the controller itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the wireless sensor system into two independent parts: a wireless remote sensor unit and a wireless communication module. The communication module is designed to interface with conventional HVAC controllers through standard connections, allowing the wireless functionality to be added without modifying the controller's internal architecture, thereby preserving compatibility
3Adaptability or versatility
If HVAC controllers are modified to include wireless transceivers, then wireless sensor compatibility is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless communication module as an intermediary device that handles wireless communication externally. This module can be connected to the HVAC controller through existing wired interfaces, providing wireless sensor compatibility without requiring modification of the controller's internal circuitry or addition of expensive wireless transceiver hardware to the controller itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a standalone wireless communication module that is relatively inexpensive and can be easily replaced or upgraded. This modular approach is more cost-effective than modifying the HVAC controller itself, as the module can be purchased separately and connected through standard interfaces, reducing the overall system cost while achieving wireless compatibility
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for using a wireless sensor in conjunction with a host controller are described. An illustrative system can include a host controller, a wireless sensor device, and a decoder in communication with the wireless sensor device and the host controller. The host controller may include a remote sensor input that normally would be connected to a wired remote sensor having an expected sensor characteristic. The decoder may receive a wireless signal from the wireless sensor device, and may provide an output signal to the remote sensor input of the host controller that replicate or mimic signals that would be provided by a wired remote sensor having the expected sensor characteristic.