U.S. patent application number 10/678462 was filed with the patent office on 2004-04-08 for remote controlled air vent.
Invention is credited to Brinkerhoff, Mark Duncan, Geraty, Thomas Keith.
Application Number | 20040067731 10/678462 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31190641 |
Filed Date | 2004-04-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040067731 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brinkerhoff, Mark Duncan ;
et al. |
April 8, 2004 |
Remote controlled air vent
Abstract
A remote controlled air vent is provided comprising at least one
closure member, and a vent control unit. The at least one closure
member (e.g., a plurality of louvers) may be configured to control
the egress of the air from the air vent and the vent control unit
may control displacement of the at least one closure member in
response to a wireless control signal. In one exemplary embodiment,
the vent control unit may comprise a mechanical component to
control displacement of the at least one closure member, and an
electrical component including a wireless receiver to receive the
wireless control signal. The invention extends to a method and
system to control the egress of air from an air duct,
Inventors: |
Brinkerhoff, Mark Duncan;
(San Jose, CA) ; Geraty, Thomas Keith; (San Jose,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BLAKELY SOKOLOFF TAYLOR & ZAFMAN
12400 WILSHIRE BOULEVARD, SEVENTH FLOOR
LOS ANGELES
CA
90025
US
|
Family ID: |
31190641 |
Appl. No.: |
10/678462 |
Filed: |
October 3, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10678462 |
Oct 3, 2003 |
|
|
|
10166969 |
Jun 10, 2002 |
|
|
|
6692349 |
|
|
|
|
60296743 |
Jun 11, 2001 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
454/325 ;
454/322 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 13/06 20130101;
F24F 7/00 20130101; F24F 13/1426 20130101; F24F 2007/0025 20210101;
F24F 11/56 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
454/325 ;
454/322 |
International
Class: |
F24F 013/15 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A remote controlled air vent, comprising: at least one closure
member configured to control the egress of air from the air vent;
and a vent control unit to control displacement of the at least one
closure member in response to a wireless control signal.
2. The remote controlled air vent of claim 1, wherein the vent
control unit comprises: a mechanical component to control
displacement of the at least one closure member; and an electrical
component including a wireless receiver to receive the wireless
control signal.
3. The remote controlled air vent of claim 1, wherein the
mechanical component is configured to displace the at least one
closure member between a more closed position wherein the egress of
air from the air vent is reduced and a more open position wherein
the egress of air from the air vent is increased.
4. The remote controlled air vent of claim 1, which comprises a
plurality of closure members in the form of louvers.
5. The remote control air vent of claim 1, which comprises a
mounting arrangement configured to mount the air vent proximate an
outlet of an air duct.
6. The remote controlled air vent of claim 5, wherein the mounting
arrangement is shaped and dimensioned to mount the air vent to the
outlet of a conventional air duct.
7. The remote controlled air vent of claim 5, wherein the mounting
arrangement comprises a concealed portion received within an end
portion of the air duct and an exposed portion.
8. The remote controlled air vent of claim 7, wherein the exposed
portion comprises a cover plate defining a plurality of apertures
through which the air exits the air vent.
9. The remote controlled air vent of claim 2, wherein the
electrical component comprises a wireless receiver configured to
receive a coded wireless control signal.
10. The remote controlled air vent of claim 2, wherein the
electrical component comprises a network interface to interface the
remote controlled air vent to a computer network thereby to allow
the air vent to be remotely controlled via the computer
network.
11. The remote controlled air vent of claim 10, wherein the network
interface is a wireless network interface to provide wide area
network connectivity.
12. A system to control the egress of air from an air duct, the
system comprising: an air vent mountable proximate an outlet of the
air duct, the air vent including a wireless receiver and at least
one closure member configured to control the egress of air from the
air vent; and a remote control including a wireless transmitter to
communicate a wireless control signal to the wireless receiver,
wherein the air vent adjusts the at least one closure member in
response to the wireless control signal to regulate the egress of
air from the air vent.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the remote control comprises: a
temperature sensor to sense temperature in a zone serviced by the
air vent; and a computer processor responsive to an input from the
temperature sensor and operable to control the wireless control
signal thereby to adjust the at least one closure member in
response to a sensed temperature.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the computer processor is
configured to: compare the sensed temperature to a reference
temperature; and modify the wireless control signal so as to adjust
the egress of air from the air vent to urge the ambient temperature
towards the reference temperature.
15. The system of claim 12, wherein the remote control comprises a
portable housing shaped and dimensioned to be handheld.
16. The system of claim 12, wherein the remote control comprises a
timer to control the ambient temperature dependent upon one of a
time of day and a day of the week.
17. A method to regulate the egress of air from an air vent
including at least one closure member, the method comprising:
receiving a wireless control signal; and controlling displacement
of the at least one closure member in response to the wireless
control signal thereby to control the egress of air from the air
vent.
18. The method of claim 17, which comprises: monitoring an ambient
temperature in a zone serviced by the air vent; comparing the
ambient temperature to a reference temperature; and intermittently
communicating the wireless control signal to the air vent to adjust
the egress of air from the air vent to urge the ambient temperature
towards the reference temperature.
19. The method of claim 17, which comprises: receiving a vent
control signal via a computer network; and controlling the
displacement of the at least one closure member in response to the
vent control signal.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein the ambient temperature is
controlled dependent upon one of a time of day and a day of the
week.
Description
[0001] The present patent application is a continuation of prior
application Ser. No. 10/166,969 filed Jun. 10, 2002, entitled
Computer Controlled Air Vent which claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/296,743, filed Jun. 11, 2001.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to heating, ventilation,
and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and more particularly to
computer-controlled air vents.
DISCUSSION OF PRIOR ART
[0003] In residential HVAC systems it is not customary to install a
HVAC control thermostat in each individual room of a house, and
therefore it is difficult to maintain a uniform temperature
environment in all rooms. Typically, the only room having a
controlled temperature environment is the room in which the control
thermostat is located. Frequently, a system using a single control
thermostat results in "cold" rooms or "hot" rooms in other parts of
the building, due to exposure, location, heating duct
configuration, and other causes. In order to heat a "cold" room,
the single control thermostat is typically set at a higher level,
but this increases the temperature in the other rooms that are
normally at a higher level. In order to cool a "hot" room, the
single control thermostat is typically set a lower level, but this
decreases the temperature in the other rooms that are normally at a
lower level. As a means of compensating for these temperature
differentials, the standard air vents in each room are equipped
with manual mechanical louver arrangements which will control the
flow of air from 0% to 100%. However, any manual adjustments made
to the air vents are static once made. Thus, although a register in
a "hot" room could be manually adjusted to restrict the flow of air
passing through it, this adjustment could result in the same room
becoming a "cold" space unless the vent is later manually adjusted
to the open position.
[0004] A particular problem faced by conventional HVAC systems is
that the individual rooms of a building have different volumes, and
thus are heated or cooled at different rates. For example, in a
system having a small room and a large room, the small room will
heat and cool more quickly than the large room. When the central
thermostat is adjusted to a target temperature, the smaller room
typically achieves the target temperature before the larger room,
but because the manual air vents remain open, warm or cool air that
could be used to heat or cool the larger room continues to pour
into the small room, thereby wasting energy and causing overheating
or overcooling. Consequently, the smaller room feels stifling or
frigid.
[0005] An inherent problem with conventional HVAC systems is that
they do not provide the proper amount of heating and cooling to all
rooms proportionately. Additionally, such systems do not account
for the changing variables that affect the thermal management needs
of each room. These variables include people and equipment changes,
external sun or snow loading, rain, daytime vs. nighttime needs,
weekend vs. weekday needs, etc. It is possible to accommodate these
changes manually by repeatedly opening and closing the air vents
throughout the day, but such procedures are too time-consuming and
labor-intensive to be practical or cost-effective. Consequently,
uneven heating and cooling of the facility results, with smaller
rooms heating or cooling faster (and to a greater degree) than
larger rooms. As a result, more energy is consumed than is needed
to maintain a comfortable environment.
[0006] The shortcomings of residential HVAC systems are more acute
in commercial settings, where the cost of heating or cooling small
to large buildings significantly impacts the profit margins of the
business enterprises that occupy these buildings. The problem is
somewhat alleviated in large commercial buildings, which are built
to include elaborate cost-saving lighting, heating and cooling
control systems that offer significant energy savings. Such systems
typically include multiple HVAC zones, with each zone covering one
or more workspaces within the building. In smaller business
settings most heating and ventilation systems employ a single zone
HVAC unit to supply conditioned, heated or cooled air to more than
one distinct zone or room. However, in both large and small
buildings, each room or zone may have different comfort
requirements due to occupancy differences, individual preferences,
and exterior heat and cooling load differences. The smaller
business types of systems are referred to as single zone HVAC units
because they are controlled from one centrally located OFF/ON
thermostat controller. In a building having multiple zones that
have different heating and cooling requirements, there is often no
one, good representative location for the installation of a
thermostat controller.
[0007] As in residential houses, smaller workspaces in commercial
buildings tend to heat and cool faster than larger workspaces. This
problem is exacerbated because commercial air vents typically do
not include manual adjustment means. Additionally, the air vents
found in commercial buildings are often located in the ceilings,
which, unlike the ceilings in residential houses, may be
approximately 8 feet or more above the floor. Consequently,
individuals are often not able to adjust the airflow within their
personal workspaces. In cases where manual adjustment means are
provided, adjusting the air vents typically necessitates standing
on a chair, desk, or ladder, which is inefficient and potentially
hazardous.
[0008] The prior art provides a number of noteworthy attempts to
create systems which address the problems of controlling the
diverse needs of single and multi-zoned HVAC systems. Some of these
systems describe remote controllers for starting and stopping an
HVAC apparatus. Other systems describe wax motors and bimetallic
elements that close louvers disposed within an air register as the
temperature of a room increases, and that open the louvers as the
temperature of the room decreases. Further systems describe motors
connected to louvers for opening and closing the louvers in
response to control signals received from a centrally mounted
controller. Still other systems describe variable air valve (VAV)
units installed within the ducts of a HVAC system and hard-wired to
a central remote controller. Yet other systems describe wireless
remote thermostats that take over the temperature sensing and
control functions of a central thermostat. However, the above
systems are disadvantageous on a number of levels.
[0009] Firstly, the motorized air registers tend to be mechanically
complex and difficult to install. Additionally, the air registers
tend not to be computer-controlled. Furthermore, the motors are
typically hard wired to a power source. Secondly, the remote
control units tend to control the HVAC unit itself and not the
individual air registers. Thirdly, the bimetallic elements tend to
open the air louvers as a room cools, thereby resulting in
overcooling. Fourthly, where remote controllers are used to start
and stop an HVAC unit, uneven cooling results throughout each HVAC
zone because the registers within each zone are often manually
controlled.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] A remote controlled air vent is provided comprising:
[0011] at least one closure member configured to control the egress
of air from the air vent; and
[0012] a vent control unit to control displacement of the at least
one closure member in response to a wireless control signal.
[0013] The vent control unit may comprise a mechanical component to
control displacement of the at least one closure member; and an
electrical component including a wireless receiver to receive the
wireless control signal.
[0014] The invention extends to a method and system to regulate the
egress of air from an air vent and air duct.
[0015] Other features of the present invention will be apparent
from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description
that follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and
not limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0017] FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating the use of a
computer-controlled air vent, according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating installation of a
computer-controlled air vent into an air duct outlet of a
conventional HVAC system, according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0019] FIG. 3 is an exterior front perspective view of a
computer-controlled air vent, according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the
computer-controlled air vent of FIG. 3, according to one embodiment
of the invention;,
[0021] FIG. 5 is another bottom perspective view of the
computer-controlled air vent of FIG. 3, according to one embodiment
of the invention;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a cut-away side view of the computer-controlled
air vent of FIG. 3, according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0023] FIG. 7 is another bottom perspective view of the
computer-controlled air vent of FIG. 3, according to one embodiment
of the invention;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a perspective end view of the computer-controlled
air vent of FIG. 3, according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a
component housing usable with the computer-controlled air vent of
FIG. 3, according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0026] FIG. 10 is an end perspective view of a mechanical linkage
assembly used to rotate airflow louvers housed within the
computer-controlled air vent of FIG. 3, according to one embodiment
of the invention;
[0027] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a louver assembly in an
open position, according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0028] FIG. 12A is a side view of a cam used to rotate the louver
assembly of FIG. 11, according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0029] FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional side view of the cam used to
rotate the louver assembly of FIGS. 10 and 11, taken along the line
A-A of FIG. 12A, according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0030] FIG. 12C is an end view of the cam of FIG. 11, according to
one embodiment of the invention; t
[0031] FIG. 12D is a plan view of the cam of FIG. 11, according to
one embodiment of the invention;
[0032] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a temperature adjustment
system that includes a plurality of networked computer-controlled
air vents, according to one embodiment of the invention; and
[0033] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm used by the
remote control device, according to one embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates the use of a computer-controlled air vent
10 used to cool or heat a structure 16, according to one embodiment
of the invention. The structure 16 is a residential or commercial
building that includes a plurality of individual rooms, as well as
one or more HVAC zones. Each HVAC zone includes one of the
individual rooms, and each room includes one or more air duct
outlets through which conditioned hot or cool air can flow to heat
or cool the room as desired. One or more of the air duct outlets
within a room may be equipped with the automatic
computer-controlled air vent 10 shown in FIG. 1. As further
described herein, the computer-controlled air vent 10 is remotely
operated by a handheld or wall-mounted controller 14 located in the
same room as the vent. The computer-controlled air vent 10 includes
a force generating means and a renewable power supply that are
self-contained within the air vent itself.
[0035] Additionally, the computer-controlled air vent 10 is
manufactured in a variety of sizes and configurations for fast and
easy installation over existing air duct outlets in both
residential and commercial buildings. The computer-controlled air
vent 10 is made of a rigid material, such as plastic, wood, or
metal, that can include a variety of colors and cosmetic
appearances. Moreover, the computer-controlled air vent 10 can be
manufactured to include a removable front plate. In such a
configuration, the front plate can be removed for cleaning or
swapped with a different front plate having the same or different
color and/or aesthetic appearance.
[0036] Although the computer-controlled air vent 10 may be
installed in every room of a structure 16, the air vent 10 is
typically only installed in one more of the smaller rooms because
these rooms tend to heat and cool faster than the larger rooms. As
the HVAC unit blows conditioned hot or cool air into the one or
more rooms that form an HVAC zone, the smaller room will reach a
target temperature sooner than the larger rooms. The wireless
remote controller 14, which may be located at virtually any point
within the smaller room, compares the room's ambient air
temperature with the target temperature that was input into the
wireless remote controller 14 by a user of the device. When the
room's ambient air temperature approximately matches the target
temperature, the remote controller 14 signals a force providing
means disposed within the air vent 10 to close the vent's air
louvers. Closing the louvers of course restricts the volume of
conditioned air flowing through the air vent 10 and allows a
greater portion of the available air to be diverted to other
channels in the HVAC system. In this manner, more air is then
provided to the larger rooms, which consequently heat or cool
faster than would otherwise be the case. This, in turn, translates
to energy savings and decreased operating costs because the HVAC
unit now operates for shorter periods of time.
[0037] The remote controller 14 is manufactured such that it can be
held in the palm of a user's hand, positioned on a flat surface
such as a desk, shelf, or table, or removably attached to a wall
bracket. The remote controller 14 is powered by disposable or
rechargeable batteries and includes various input buttons 18, an
optional display screen 20, and a wireless radio-frequency
transceiver, which is used to transmit control signals to the air
vent 10. The remote controller 14 does not replace nor control the
central thermostat typically associated with the HVAC system.
Rather, the central thermostat operates as normal. The remote
controller 14 simply operates to monitor a user-specific target
temperature for the room in which it is placed and to divert
conditioned air to other channels of the HVAC system when the
room's target temperature is reached, by signaling the force
generating means to close the vent's air louvers. Furthermore, the
remote controller 14 does not turn the HVAC unit ON or OFF.
Instead, the HVAC unit takes all of its ON and OFF commands from
the central thermostat as normal. Typically, the remote controller
14 will control only one corresponding air vent 10. However, in
some applications, such as where a single room includes two or more
air vents 10, a single remote controller 14 can be configured to
control multiple air vents 10.
[0038] To prevent a remote controller 14 in one room from
controlling the operation of an air vent 10 in another room, each
remote controller/air vent pair may have a unique communications
channel or communication code (such as is common with automatic
garage door openers). To prevent a remote controller 14 connected
to a corresponding air vent 10 from measuring the temperature in
another room and controlling the air vent accordingly when the
remote controller 14 transported to a room different than the one
where the air vent is located, the remote controller's transceiver
may be configured to have a limited operating range. For Bluetooth
implementations, the remote is configured to send out a beacon and
get a response from whichever vent is in the same room as the
remote. In such an embodiment, the remote "knows" where it is and
which vent to control.
[0039] Alternatively, a remote controller 14 positioned in the same
room as its corresponding air vent 10, may be connected to a
computer controlled network such as a LAN or WAN and operated by a
user 12 at a remote location. As will be further described later,
this embodiment is especially useful in conserving energy. For
example, using this embodiment, a user 12 returning home late from
work can program the remote controller 14 over the Internet or
other network to delay the opening or closing of the air louvers to
achieve the target temperature. Similarly, managers of commercial
buildings can use the Internet or other network to program multiple
remote controllers 14 installed in structures 16 located at distant
geographical locations. Additionally, power companies can use
embodiments of the present invention to prevent blackouts and other
power shortages.
[0040] The remote controller 14 is assembled from components known
to persons of ordinary skill in the art using processes and
techniques known in the art. Consequently, the various technical
aspects of its product design and manufacture are not detailed here
in order not to obscure the invention unnecessarily. The particular
electrical and digital architecture of the remote controller 14 may
vary according to the various commercial or residential application
for which it is designed. In passing, however, the housing of the
remote controller 14 is manufactured from a rigid material, such as
wood, plastic, metal, and so forth, designed to have a particular
color and/or pleasing aesthetic appearance.
[0041] The remote controller 14 may execute a computer software
program, which causes a graphical user interface (GUI) to be
displayed in the display device 53. From the information displayed
on the GUI, a user can select a "manual override" function, an "on"
function, an "off " function, a "day" function, a "week" function,
a "time of day" function, and a "target temperature" function.
Selecting one of these functions causes a command signal to be
output to a digital to analog (D/A) converter or to a wireless
transceiver located within the housing of the remote controller 14,
which then transmits to the air vent 10 the proper signal sequence
needed to implement the command over the wireless channel 22. By
selecting one or more of the "day", "week", "time of day", and
"target temperature" functions, a user 12 can program the remote
controller 14 to operate at different time periods. This feature is
especially useful where a room is used only during certain portions
of a day or week, such as only during business hours Monday-Friday,
or only on weekends.
[0042] The remote controller 14 may also include a temperature
sensing device in the form of a thermocouple or thermistor that
senses the ambient air temperature of the room in which the remote
controller 14 is located. This is particularly advantageous because
the temperature of a particular room often differs from the
temperature sensed by the distant HVAC thermostat. Additionally,
the temperatures can differ significantly from one portion of the
room to the next. For example, areas of the room above
approximately shoulder height tend to be warmer than lower areas.
Thus, a temperature that may be comfortable for persons standing
within the room may be too cool for persons seated at desks. By
making the remote controller 14 portable, it is possible to
accurately sense the temperature at a particular area of the room,
and to adjust the airflow accordingly. Thus, for example, a user
sitting at a desk may place the remote controller 14 on the
desktop, whereas a user standing for long periods, such as a dancer
or an artist, may detachably mount the remote controller at
approximately shoulder height on a wall of the room. Alternatively,
the temperature sensing device can be located in the air vent 10
itself. If the air vent 10 is located near or in the ceiling or
near or in the floor, algorithms known in the art can be used to
calculate the temperature felt by a user standing or sitting in the
room.
[0043] FIG. 2 illustrates how one embodiment of a
computer-controlled air vent 10 is retrofitted into an existing air
duct outlet 31 of a conventional residential HVAC air duct 33.
Specifically, the base 46 slides within the interior of the air
duct outlet 31, and the face plate (hereinafter, top plate) 36
removably attaches either to a flange projecting from the perimeter
of the air duct outlet vent 31 or to the wall, floor, or ceiling
through which the air duct outlet 31 protrudes. When properly
positioned, the top plate 36 substantially covers and conceals the
outlet vent 31. Moreover, the top plate 36 is of a size such that
its flange 48 extends beyond a perimeter of the outlet vent 31 to
maintain a substantially flush appearance without permitting the
base 46 from being inserted too far into the outlet vent 31. Screws
or other fasteners inserted through the recesses 42 centrally
formed at either end of the top plate 36 are used to secure the air
vent 10 in place. It will be appreciated that the actual dimensions
of the air vent 10 differ according to whether the air vent 10 is
to be used in a residential or a commercial setting. For example,
in residential settings, at least three different sizes of the air
vent 10 may be used, which correspond to the three most common air
duct outlet sizes used in residential homes.
[0044] FIG. 3 and following illustrate one embodiment of a
computer-controlled air vent 10 and the various component parts
thereof. It will be appreciated that the embodiment shown is
illustrative only, and that various other configurations included
within the subject matter of the present invention are possible,
but are not included here in order not to overcomplicate the
invention.
[0045] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a computer-controlled
air vent 10, according to one embodiment of the invention. The
computer-controlled air vent 10 includes a top plate 36, a base 46,
and a component housing 44. Each of these major components is
formed of a rigid material, such as plastic, wood, or metal. The
component housing 44 is detachable from the generally
rectangular-shaped base 46. When viewed from the top or bottom, the
base 46, like the top plate 26, has a hollow, generally rectangular
shape.
[0046] Fixedly or removably attached to the base 46, the top plate
26 is larger than the base 46 and has a curved top surface that
bows gently downward and outward from the longitudinal center axis
61 towards the edge portions 63, as shown in FIG. 6. Portions of
the top plate 26 that overhang the base 46 form the flange 48,
which was previously referenced in FIG. 2. The flange 48 may
include one or more support ribs 50, as shown in FIG. 4.
Alternatively, the flange 48 may include no support ribs at
all.
[0047] Twin circular recesses 42 are formed in at either end of the
top plate along the top plate's central longitudinal axis.
Fasteners 38 in the form of screws fit though the recesses 42 to
secure the air vent 10 to the air duct outlet 31, as previously
described.
[0048] The grill 34 is a slatted, generally-rectangular air channel
formed through the top plate 36. The orthogonal intersection of the
grill elements 32 and the stiffening bars 30 creates a square grid
which diffuses air flowing through the air vent 10. In embodiments
of the invention where the air vent 10 is designed to be mounted on
the floor, the grill elements 32 are manufactured to have an angled
top portion 68 and a straight lower portion 70, as shown in FIG. 6.
In such an embodiment, the straight lower portion extends
approximately 1/3 or greater into the depth of the base 46. The
combination of the angled portion 68 and the length of the straight
lower portion 70 provide the rigidity and durability the top plate
36 needs to withstand the weight of an adult user without breaking.
Computer-controlled air vents 10 designed to be mounted in walls or
ceilings may have smaller grill elements 32.
[0049] A bubble 24 formed in a portion of the top plate 36 may
house a wireless antenna or a temperature sensor.
[0050] A removable component housing cover 26 is positioned
adjacent one side of the grill 34. A circular recess 40 is formed
at each end of the component housing cover, and fasteners 41 in the
form of screws fit through each recess 40 to detachably secure the
component housing cover 26 to the air vent 10. The component
housing cover 26 may be removed to program the air vent 10 and/or
to replace one or more batteries housed within the component
housing 44.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 3, one embodiment of the invention includes
a manual override switch 28 positioned between the grill 34 and the
component housing cover 26. Air louvers disposed within the base 46
are opened when the manual override button is slid in one direction
and are closed when the button is slid in the opposite direction.
The manual override button 28 may be omitted in other embodiments
of the invention.
[0052] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the
computer-controlled air vent 10 of FIG. 3 further illustrating the
base 46, the optional support ribs 50, the flange 48, the grill
elements 32, and the component housing 44. As shown, a pair of air
louvers 62 and 64 are horizontally disposed within a bottom portion
of the base 46. The air louvers 62 and 64 are generally rectangular
in shape and include one or more raised support ridges 65 (FIG. 5)
extending along the lengths thereof. Pivots 66 (FIG. 5) centrally
positioned in the first ends of the air louvers 62 and 64 rotatably
fit within circular recesses 71 formed in an end wall 58 of the
base 46. Shafts centrally positioned in the other ends of the air
louvers 62 and 64 extend through circular recesses formed in an end
wall 60 of the component housing 44. The air louvers 62 and 64 are
shown in an open position in FIG. 4 and in a closed position in
FIG. 5.
[0053] FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the air vent 10, with
the component housing 44 and the air louvers 62 and 64 removed. As
shown, the support wall 60 forms one end of the base 46 and aligns
with one side of the component housing opening 62. Within the base
46, are shown the grill elements 32 and the stiffening bars 30.
[0054] FIG. 8 is a perspective end view of the computer-controlled
air vent 10 of the preceding figures, with the component housing 44
omitted from the drawing to show the electrical, mechanical, and
digital components housed within the component housing cavity.
Illustratively, such components include a force generating means
72, a power source 74, and cranks 96. The force generating means 72
is mounted to the wall 60 on one side of the component housing
cavity, and has a rotatable drive shaft connected to an upper
portion of one of the cams 96. The force generating means 72 is
further connected to the power supply 74 and communicatively
coupled to a computer processor mounted on a printed circuit board
(PCB) 114 (shown in FIG. 9), which is positioned behind the power
supply 74. When commanded, the force generating means rotates the
drive shaft, which also rotates the cams 96 connected to the drive
shaft. If the cams 96 rotate clockwise, the louvers 62 and 64
connected to them will pivot into the open position of FIG. 4. If
the cams 96 rotate in a counter-clockwise direction, the louvers 62
and 64 will pivot into the closed position of FIG. 5. In one
embodiment, the force generating means 72 is a battery operated
motor, a stepper motor, or a solenoid. In another embodiment, the
force generating means is an artificial muscle of the type known to
persons of ordinary skill in the art. For example, an artificial
muscle generally is an ionic gel or electro-active polymer that
expands and contracts when energized by a current source.
[0055] The power source 74 includes one or more disposable or
rechargeable batteries that are inserted and removed through the
component housing opening 62 shown in FIG. 7. Specifically, before
or after the computer-controlled air vent 10 is installed, a user
disengages the fasteners holding the component housing cover 26 in
place, removes the component housing cover 26, and inserts or
removes the batteries 74. The user then repositions the component
housing cover 26 and re-engages the fasteners to secure the cover
26 in place.
[0056] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a component housing 44,
according to one embodiment of the invention. The component housing
44 is a square-shaped, five-sided member that includes: a top
member 80, an opposing bottom member 88, opposing side members 82
and 86, a PCB 114, and a back member (not shown) positioned behind
the PCB 114. The front side of the component housing 44 is left
open to engage the wall 60, previously described. In effect, the
wall 60 forms the front side of the component housing 44, when the
component housing 44 is properly installed. A rectangular-shaped
recess 76 is formed in the top member 80 to allow insertion and
removal of the batteries 74 previously described. In use, the
recess 76 is covered by the component housing cover 26, previously
described. A manual override switch housing 77 is connected to an
upper surface of the top member 80, and includes a recess 73 into
which the manual override is slidably inserted. Within the cavity
78, the various electrical, digital, and mechanical components
previously described are arranged.
[0057] FIG. 10 is an end perspective view of the mechanical linkage
used to rotate the louvers 62 and 64 between an open and a closed
position. As previously described, the linkage includes a motor 72
having a rotatable drive shaft 92 connected to the upper portion
130 of a cam 96 by a linkage bar 94. The cams 96 are linked by the
horizontal driver bar 102. The cams 96 further include a hollow
cylindrical base portion 108 and a lower arm 98. Additionally, the
force generating means 72 includes a housing having flanges 111 at
the top and bottom ends. Recesses 112 formed within the flanges
receive fasteners that connect to the wall 60 to support the motor
72 in a desired position.
[0058] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a louver assembly 5,
according to one embodiment of the invention. The louver assembly 5
is shown in an open position and includes the louvers 62 and 64,
the driver bar 102, the cams 96, and the motor 72, as previously
described.
[0059] FIGS. 12A-12D are side, cross-sectional, end, and top views
of a cam 96, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12A is a side view of the cam 96, which includes a cylindrical
base member 108, an upper portion 130, and a lower portion 98. When
viewed from the side as shown in FIG. 12A, the cam 96 is
substantially L-shaped, with the upper portion angling upwards and
to the right of center, and the lower portion angling downwards and
to the left of center. A recess 120 formed in the free end of the
upper portion 130 connects to the linkage bar 94 previously
described. A recess 122 formed just above a midpoint of the upper
portion 130 connects to the driver bar 102, previously described.
An opening 128 is formed through the interior of the base 108 and
includes two opposing ridge members 126 that protrude into the
interior of the opening 128. The upper and lower portions 130 and
98 are separated by an angle 91 of approximately 120 degrees.
[0060] FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional side view of the cam 96 taken
along the line A-A in FIG. 12A showing the placement of the upper
portion 130 relative to the base 108, the opening 128, and the
lower portion 98.
[0061] FIG. 12C is an end view of the cam 96, again showing the
positioning of the upper portion 130 relative to the base 108 and
the lower portion 98.
[0062] FIG. 12D is a top view of the cam 96 further showing the
geometrical relations between the upper portion 130, the base 108,
and the lower portion 98.
[0063] The computer-controlled air vent 10 is advantageous for
several reasons. First, the air vent 10 may be easily installed in
existing HVAC outlet vents without hard-wiring the air vent 10 to a
110 V AC or to a 220 V AC source, or to various DC sources. Second,
the computer-controlled air vent 10 accounts for such variables as
people and equipment changes, external sun or snow loading, rain,
daytime vs. nighttime needs, weekend vs. weekday needs, etc.
Although possible to accommodate such changes manually, it is both
time-consuming and often impractical for occupants of the structure
16 to repeatedly open and close the air vents by hand.
Consequently, without the computer-controlled air vents 10, uneven
heating and cooling results, which consumes more energy than is
needed to maintain a comfortable environment.
[0064] Third, the computer-controlled air vent 10 works in
conjunction with a central thermostat to cool or heat a structure
16 faster and more efficiently than conventional systems.
Specifically, the computer-controlled air vent 10 distributes
temperature-controlled air (the temperature of which is regulated
by the thermostat) evenly to all areas of a structure (e.g. closing
air vents when an area reaches a target temperature to redirect the
temperature-controlled air to other areas of the structure that
need it). This translates to significant energy savings.
[0065] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a system 140 for adjusting
the temperature within a structure 16. The system includes at least
one computer-controlled air vent 10, which is removably attached to
an air duct outlet vent, and a corresponding handheld or
wall-mounted remote controller 14, as previously described. The
remote controller 14 is connected to the air vent 10 via the
wireless communications channel 22. A HVAC unit 147 blows
conditioned heated or cooled air through the air ducts 9 that run
throughout the walls, floors, and ceilings of the structure 16. The
system 140 also includes a master controller 152, connected to the
remote controller 14 via the wireless communication channel 141.
The master controller 152 is connected to a computer network 144
such that a user of a portable computer 148 or a utility company
142 can selectively program the remote controller 14 from a
separate geographical location. In one embodiment, the computer
network 144 is a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet. In
another embodiment, the computer network 144 is a local area
network (LAN). The communications links 143, 146, and 150 may be
physical cables in the form of a high speed fiber optic lines or
DSL telephone lines. Alternatively, the communications links 143,
146, and 150 may be wireless communications channels.
[0066] In one embodiment, a power company 142 monitors energy
consumption for one or more power grids and, from a remote
geographical location, adjusts a target temperature in one or more
remote controllers 14 (and master controllers 152) that are located
in the homes or commercial buildings of participating users.
Additionally, the power company 142 is configured and
communicatively coupled to a structure's central thermostat to
adjust a target temperature of the thermostat upwards or downwards.
For example, target temperatures in one or more structures 16 may
be adjusted upward a few degrees on hot days, or adjusted a few
degrees downward on cold days. For example, the force generating
means may open the louvers when the ambient air temperature and the
inputted target temperature differ by a temperature of more than
approximately 1.0 degrees Fahrenheit. Alternatively, the force
generating means may close the louvers when the ambient air
temperature and the inputted target temperature differ by a
temperature of less than approximately 1.0 degrees Fahrenheit.
These adjustments may be made manually or automatically in near
real-time, and the target temperatures may be the same for all
structures within a particular power grid or different for each
structure. A time duration may be specified to limit the time the
power company override remains in effect.
[0067] The new target temperature (together with day/time/week
information) is transmitted over the communications links 143 and
150 to the master controller 152, which relays the new target
temperature to the remote controller 14. Once the new target
temperature (and/or day/time/week information) is received, the
remote controller 14 operates as previously described.
[0068] In a similar fashion, an individual user of the personal
computer 148 can adjust the target temperature (and/or
day/time/week information) of a remote controller 14 upwards or
downwards by inputting the new target temperature (and/or
day/time/week) information into the personal computer 148 and
transmitting the same over the communications links 146 and 150 to
the master controller 152, which then relays the inputted
information to the remote controller 14.
[0069] The personal computer 148 may be a laptop computer, such as
a G4 Powerbook.TM. manufactured by Apple Computer of Cupertino,
Calif. Alternatively, the personal computer 148 may be a handheld
device, such as a Palm OS organizer or a mobile phone.
[0070] In another embodiment, a user can use the master controller
152 to adjust the target temperatures (and/or day/time/week
information) of one or more remote controllers 14. This embodiment
is particularly advantageous where a plurality of remote
controllers 14 are used within a single structure. In such an
embodiment, the remote controllers 14 each transmit their
respective actual and target temperatures (and/or day/time/week
information) to the master controller over the communications
channel 141. These actual and target temperatures (and/or
day/time/week information) are displayed for the user on a display
device connected to the master controller 152. Using an input
device connected to the master controller 152, the user can modify
one or more of the target temperatures (and/or one or more of the
day/time/week groupings). Once inputted, the new settings are
transmitted from the master controller 152 to the respective remote
controllers 14. Thereafter, the remote controllers operate as
described above.
[0071] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of an
algorithm used by the remote control device 14 of FIG. 1. The
algorithm 170 begins at block 172, where it is determined whether a
user input is received. If no user input is received, the remote
control device 14 recalls a previously input target temperature
(Block 180). If a user input is received, the remote control device
14 gets the inputted target temperature and stores it in a memory
device located in the remote control device 14 (Block 174).
Thereafter, a temperature sensing device located in the remote
control device 14 provides a measured ambient air temperature of
the room in which the remote control device 14 is located. A
comparator in the remote control device 14 compares the input
target temperature with the measured temperature (Block 176). If
the measured temperature is equal to the input target
temperature.+-.approximately 3.0 degrees, the remote control device
14 sends a close command to the computer-controlled air vent 10,
which causes the force generating means to close the air louvers.
If the measured temperature is not equal to the input target
temperature.+-.approximately 3.0 degrees, the remote control device
14 sends an open command to the computer-controlled air vent 10,
which causes the force generating means to open the air louvers.
Thereafter, the algorithm 170 loops back to block 172. An optional
delay 185 may be included in the circuitry and logic of the remote
control device 14 so that only periodic and not constant checks are
made.
[0072] As described above, one embodiment of the present invention
includes an active louver positioning mechanism integrated within
the vent 10 and includes a programmable control element 18 that
recognizes the time of day, day of the week, and room temperature.
The control element 18 can reside in the computer-controlled air
vent 10 or remotely in the room in which the vent 10 is installed.
The control element 18 provides a "close" or "open" signal to the
louver positioning mechanism at the appropriate time(s) based on
the control element's detection of time and the interior
temperature. Both the louver positioning mechanism and the control
element can potentially use power from a number of sources in the
structure 16. Illustratively, such power sources include airflow
and electrical sources.
[0073] Because a plurality of computer-controlled air vents 10 can
be installed within a structure, each vent 10 is manufactured and
configured to network with other computer-controlled air vents 10
and/or a master controller 152 configured to manage facility-wide
environmental systems. The master controller 152 connects to a WAN
in the form of the Internet to proved worldwide, real-time access
to multiple facilities. Illustratively, this permits global control
of an entire corporation for the optimization of energy usage
and/or the remote servicing of internal customers. With such a
system, corporations can react to energy rate changes on a
real-time basis and work closely with energy providers to prevent
shortages at peak periods of energy usage. In residential cases,
the Internet link is used for power grid level control of energy
consumption. Illustratively, residential customers are provided
with a price discount for allowing an energy provider to have
partial control of their heating and/or cooling systems, which aids
significantly in reducing energy shortages.
[0074] Embodiments of the present invention are applicable
virtually anywhere a central heating/cooling system having multiple
output points is used in a structure.
[0075] One embodiment of a computer-controlled air vent 10 includes
air deflection elements 32, a louver control and actuation system
140, a surrounding rim 48, and the louvers 62 and 64 themselves.
The rim 48 supports the vent 10 in a wall, floor, or ceiling. The
air deflection elements 32 diffuse temperature-controlled air
flowing through the vent 10. The louver control and actuation
system 140 monitors temperature, time, and a plurality of
computer-controlled vents 10 on a local (or global) network. It
also performs the closing and opening operations of the louvers 62
and 64 at the appropriate times. The surrounding rim 48 serves as a
mounting surface for the register to cover the ducting port 31 into
the room of interest. Elements of the system 140 are programmed by
a user 12 to control the room temperature at certain times and to
potentially block substantially all airflow into a room if it is
not in use at other times. The computer-controlled air vent 10 can
report its operational status, room temperature, and programming to
a network that uses additional computers for both reporting and
overall facility control purposes.
[0076] Although the present invention is described herein with
reference to a specific preferred embodiment, many modifications
and variations therein will readily occur to those with ordinary
skill in the art. Accordingly, all such variations and
modifications are included within the intended scope of the present
invention as defined by the following claims.
* * * * *