Abstract:
A novel stand alone multifunctional electro-mechanical device for sensing, monitoring, and controlling environmental conditions within an occupied space, such as thermal control, room pressure, and light levels. The device utilizes a standard VAV Diffuser, an intelligently controlled window, or an intelligently controlled shutter that would optimize functionality and satisfy the aesthetic needs of occupants, designers, and architects while utilizing energy harvesting combined with ultra-low power operations to reduce the long term operational costs and installation costs, due to its stand alone configuration. The device has the capability and versatility to perform additional functions, such as life safety monitoring, fire detection, vital sign monitoring of occupants, entertainment features such as audio and video displays in conjunction with wireless and network communication features.

Description:
[0001]    This utility patent application claims the priority of provisional application of U.S. Ser. No. 61-631,388 filed on Jan. 3, 2012 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       [0002]    Taking the following specifications in conjunction with the accompanying drawings will cause the invention to be better understood regarding these and other features and advantages. The specifications reference the annexed drawings wherein: 
         [0003]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of multifunctional environmental control unit depicting a multitude of functions including display, communication, and entertainment. 
         [0004]      FIG. 2  is a more detailed perspective view of additional communication functions. 
         [0005]      FIG. 3  is a more detailed perspective of lighting functions. 
         [0006]      FIG. 4  is a more detailed perspective view security, fire detection, smoke detection, air quality monitoring functions. 
         [0007]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of other occupied space locations for the controlling unit enabling the multifunctional capabilities. 
         [0008]      FIG. 6  is a detailed view of the best implementation of the environmental controlling unit 
         [0009]      FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of the best implementation of the “iris” environmental controlling unit. 
         [0010]      FIG. 8  is a more detailed perspective exploded view of “iris” type moveable baffle approach for supply pressure control and energy scavenging components in the controlling unit. 
         [0011]      FIG. 9  is a more detailed exploded perspective view of “iris” type moveable baffle approach for room thermal control operation 
         [0012]      FIG. 10  is a detailed view of an alternate rotating cylinder design for the temperature controlling unit. 
         [0013]      FIG. 11  is another exploded perspective view of an alternate design for the controlling unit showing flow directional control. 
         [0014]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a complete HVAC System. 
         [0015]      FIG. 13  is a schematic of the control functions for a complete HVAC System. 
         [0016]      FIG. 14  is a schematic of the control algorithm for the thermal environment control. 
         [0017]      FIG. 15  is a schematic of the control algorithm for the pressure/sound/air quality control. 
         [0018]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an intelligent window/shutter/damper control unit. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0019]    While describing the invention and its embodiments, various terms will be used for the sake of clarity. These terms are intended to not only include the recited embodiments, but also all equivalents that perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same manner to achieve the same result. 
         [0020]    Now referring to  FIG. 1  which discloses a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a multifunctional environmental control unit generally referenced by numeral  100  which is depicted in a closed environment, such as a room or office wherein the unit  100  has the functionality of the following, it can sense external and internal properties, such as temperature, pressure, and position, and control the movement of conditioned air for thermal control as well as, communicate wirelessly, display images and text, sound alarms, and illuminate. A remote display unit, for example, a computer, generally referenced by numeral  110 , a wall mounted display generally referenced by numeral  120 , an integral visible display referenced by numeral  130 . All communicate wirelessly with bidirectional transmitter/receiver unit referenced by numeral  140 . An integral projector referenced by numeral  150  can project images on an appropriate surface. Occupants, whether working or resting, healthy or sick, referenced by numerals  160  and  170 , will benefit from the multifunctional capabilities of the control unit. The integral wireless communication module for room communication is generally referenced by numeral  140 . The integral wireless communication module for communication with other system components is generally referenced by numeral  180 . 
         [0021]    Now referring to  FIG. 2  which discloses an expanded display functionality of the control unit. Remote communication units are referenced by numeral  210  for a wall mounted device, numeral  220  for a desk top device, numeral  230  for a desktop display, numeral  240  for a desk top phone, and numeral  250  for a mobile device. An enclosure to house and environmentally protect the electronics interfacing with sensors, actuators, display devices, and allowing wireless communication with enclosed communication modules, and allowing computation of control logic referenced by numeral  190 . 
         [0022]    Now referring to  FIG. 3  which discloses an expanded illumination capability. The luminaries can be integral with the controlling unit  100  as referenced by numeral  310  and at any height on any wall as referenced by numeral  320 . Illumination On-Off or dimming signals can be relayed through the controlling unit numeral  100  to the luminaries  320  and  310 , by sending signals from a human interface device referenced by numeral  220  for a table top device or numeral  250  for a mobile device 
         [0023]    Now referring to  FIG. 4  which discloses an expanded security and safety capability. The controlling unit numeral  100  incorporates integral sensors referenced by numeral  410  for motion detection, numeral  420  for fire detection, numeral  430  for smoke detection and numeral  480  for CO2 sensing to monitor air quality. The objects detected are referenced by numerals  440  for an intruder, numeral  450  for fire, and numeral  460  for generated smoke. The alarm signal detected by controlling unit is transmitted by the bidirectional transmitter/receiver unit referenced by numeral  140  is sent to receiving unit typically referenced by mobile device referenced by numeral  250  located on non-intruder referenced by numeral  470 . For quality of air monitoring and control, wireless communication is enabled between bidirectional transmitter/receiver unit referenced by numeral  140  located in controlling unit numeral  100  and a separate module referenced by numeral  490  in a preferred location in the occupied space. 
         [0024]    Now referring to  FIG. 5  which discloses optional locations for the controlling unit. Optional locations for controlling unit include centrally located in the ceiling referenced by numeral  510 , at the ceiling/wall corner along a long wall in a rectangular room referenced by numeral  520  at the wall/ceiling corner along a short wall in a rectangular room referenced by numeral  530 , at a wall/wall corner referenced by numeral  540 , at a wall/floor corner referenced by numeral  550 , at a under floor location referenced by numeral  560 , at a corner apex referenced by numeral  570 . 
         [0025]    Now referring to  FIG. 6  which discloses the one possible internal construction of the controlling unit which embodies the improvement capabilities described above. Internal components include an internal sensing element for occupied space detection and communication  140  and sensor for the measurement of external environmental thermal conditions (preferably an infrared temperature sensor with a single sensing element or a multi-element with individual addressable elements, referenced by numeral  610 , and system supply communication referenced by numeral  180 , a moveable horizontal flow baffle referenced by numeral  630 , an actuator for positioning the moveable horizontal flow baffle  630  referenced by numeral  640 , a moveable vertical flow baffle referenced by numeral  660 , an actuator for positioning the moveable vertical flow baffle  660  referenced by numeral  670 , a moveable supply flow baffle referenced by  690 , a actuator to position the moveable supply flow baffle  690  referenced by  695 , an internal temperature sensor referenced by numeral  696 , an internal pressure sensor referenced by numeral  697  with a tube referenced by numeral  617  to communicate internal pressure to the pressure sensor  697 , a position sensor for the moveable horizontal flow baffle  630  referenced by numeral  632 , a position sensor for the moveable vertical flow baffle  660  referenced by numeral  661 , a position sensor for the moveable supply baffle  690  referenced by numeral  691 , a housing for the electronic control unit referenced by numeral  600 , and a mounting plate for the baffle motors referenced by numeral  607 , and the housing for the complete assembly referenced by numeral  601 . In the best implementation of air movement control for thermal comfort, the horizontal and vertical directional air directional control is incorporated into a single baffle assembly with extended rotational movement driven by a gear or belt referenced by numeral  631   
         [0026]    Now referring to  FIG. 7 , which further discloses a more detailed exploded view of the control unit depicted in  FIG. 6 . Components are referenced by numerals  150 ,  180 ,  600 ,  601 ,  610 ,  630 ,  631 ,  632 ,  640 ,  660 ,  661 ,  670 ,  690 ,  691 ,  695 ,  696 ,  697  and Additional components include bearings referenced by numeral  604  under each moveable wings of the horizontal baffles  630 , posts referenced by numeral  603  guiding the horizontal baffle wings  630  and bearings  604 , a rotating plate referenced by numeral  631  with attached pins or gear whereby the pins or gear engage slots or gears referenced by numeral  605  in the horizontal baffle wings  630  to rotate them thereby exposing a flow gap between the housing  601  and a fixed face plate referenced by numeral  689 , a actuator mounting plate referenced by numeral  607  to support actuators  640  and  670 , a cam like or gear drive mechanism referenced by numeral  609  attached to actuator  640  to rotate the rotating ring or gear referenced by numeral  606 , a slotted arm (shown) or gear referenced by numeral  611  attached to actuator  670  to drive a pin (shown) or gear referenced by numeral  618  attached to vertical moving baffle  660  thereby exposing a flow gap between the fixed plate referenced by numeral  689  and vertical moving baffle  660 , center shaft assembly referenced by numeral  612  mounting the complete horizontal and vertical baffle assembly to the housing  601 , a gas impermeable flexible fabric referenced by numeral  613  to block the supply air upon actuation of the supply damper  690 , a fixed support plate referenced by numeral  614  with attached pins referenced by numeral  615  to guide the bearings referenced by numeral  616  and the individual arms of supply damper  690 , a pressure sensing tube referenced by numeral  617  to communicate internal static pressure to internal pressure sensor  697 . In the best implementation of the concept, the horizontal and vertical flow baffle function is incorporated into a single gear driven mechanism utilizing the baffles wings  630 , rotating gear  606  and gears  605  attached to the individual baffle wings  630 . 
         [0027]    Now referring to  FIG. 8  which further discloses an explode view of the components on the supply side of the controlling unit. The a partial section of the housing  601  is shown below the moveable supply baffle  690  incorporating a multiple of geared arms referenced by numeral  891  synchronized by a central gear referenced by numeral  892 . The gear assembly is driven by the actuator referenced by numeral  695  rigidly incorporating a gear referenced by numeral  893  which drives the central gear referenced by numeral  892  to in turn drive in a synchronized fashion the multiple gears of arms referenced by numeral  891 . Above is also shown a small turbine blade assemble referenced by numeral  710  used to generate energy to operate the controls and supply storage energy for future use. The power to drive the turbine is extracted from the energy in the air flow supplied by the system blower upstream. Also shown are components for energy harvesting related to piezoelectric vibration as referenced by numeral  820  and thermoelectric power generation referenced by numeral  830 . Sensing components referenced by numerals  617 ,  696 ,  697  and structural components referenced by numerals  613 ,  614 ,  615  and  616  are as described in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0028]    Now referring to  FIG. 9  which discloses a further exploded view of the room temperature control assembly depicted in  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7 . Components are referenced by numerals  600 ,  604 ,  605 ,  606 ,  607 ,  609 ,  611 ,  630 ,  631 ,  640 ,  660 ,  670 . 
         [0029]    Now referring to  FIG. 10  which discloses an alternate construction for the controlling unit. The improvements over the current state of the art also apply to this alternate construction. Internal components include a multiplicity rotating slotted cylinders for controlling the volumetric flow and flow direction as typically referenced by numeral  1010  displaying orientation for horizontal air movement and numeral  1011  displaying orientation for vertical air movement, a multiplicity sealing surfaces for reducing uncontrolled flow bypassing the cylinder as typically referenced by numeral  1020 , a multiplicity of actuators used to drive the rotation of the rotating cylinders as referenced by numeral  1030 . The housing as referenced by numeral  1040  and face plate as referenced by numeral  1050  serve a similar purpose of enclosing the internal operational parts as the assembly described in  FIG. 6  except the construction would be different to be compatible with these shown internal parts. Sensing components  610 ,  617 ,  696 ,  697  would be of similar construction and location as the assembly described in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0030]    Now referring to  FIG. 11  which discloses detailed exploded view of the control unit depicted in  FIG. 10 . Components on the supply side of the assembly for pressure control, sensing and energy harvesting are identical to components in  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8  referenced by numerals  130 ,  140 ,  150 ,  190 ,  310 ,  410 ,  420 ,  430 ,  440 ,  450 ,  460 ,  470 ,  480 ,  490 ,  612 ,  613 ,  614 ,  615 ,  616 ,  617 ,  690 ,  691 ,  695 ,  696 ,  697 ,  820 ,  830 ,  891 ,  892 , and  893 . The alternate temperature control assembly include numerals  1010 ,  1011 ,  1030 ,  1040 ,  1050 , Additional components include gears referenced by numeral  1060  synchronizing the rotation of the cylinders. 
         [0031]    Now referring to  FIG. 12 , which discloses the components of the system providing the conditioned air to thermally control the occupied space. Two possible sources of conditioned air, whether working in parallel or independently, are an electrically powered blower as referenced by numeral  1210  and a solar collector structure producing solar heated air moved mechanical with a blower or hydronic water flow system and by natural buoyancy forces as referenced by numeral  1220 . The blower  1210  when feeding through a heating/cooling chamber referenced by numeral  1230  can produce the temperature and pressure of condition for the proposed controlling unit  100 . Wireless or wired communication between the controlling unit  100  and electronic communication/control modules on the blower and heating/cooling unit as referenced by numerals  1240  allow the energy conservation algorithm in the controlling unit  100  to optimized performance. The operation of the solar collector  1220  for heating/ventilation/ventilation cooling with ductwork and dampers controlled by the energy conservation algorithm n the controlling unit  100  is covered in detail in patent application #13230835. Alternate locations for the controlling unit  100  are referenced by numerals  510 ,  560 ,  530 ,  540 ,  550 . The return air diffuser allowing air passage back to the system blower numeral  1210  is referenced by numeral  1250 . 
         [0032]    Now referring to  FIG. 13  which discloses a schematic for the completed system outlining the logic applied to the individual components for optimum energy efficiency control. Signals are received from a multitude of Multifunctional Environmental Control Units described in  FIGS. 1-12  as referenced by process numeral  1301 . User input information is received to “weight” the value of each Multifunctional Environmental Control Unit referenced by numeral  1301  as to its effect on the operation of the system cooling unit, the system heating unit, the system refrigeration unit referenced by numeral  1305 , the blower motor control referenced by numeral  1310 , and the damper control referenced by numeral  1309 . The system control algorithm applies the weight factors from the user input referenced by process step numeral  1302  and Multifunctional Environmental Control Units numeral  1301  as referenced by process step numeral  1303  and determines if the system should be in heating, cooling, or recirculation referenced by numeral  1305  and the speed of the blower motor referenced by  1310 , and the position of the system flow control damper referenced by  1309  as referenced by process control step numeral  1304 . As a function of the user input referenced by numeral  1302  the system can be utilized to maximize comfort while minimizing energy usage. This “just enough on time’ concept is enabled as a result of detailed feedback from each Multifunctional Environmental Control Unit detailed in  FIGS. 1-12 . 
         [0033]    Now referring to  FIG. 14  which discloses the logic for the temperature control of the occupied space environmental control system. The algorithm is stored in a integrated circuit referenced by numeral  1401  that receives the dynamic sensor inputs during the control operation referenced by numeral  1402  and receives the fixed inputs, whether factory default or user dictated, referenced by numeral  1403 . The algorithm applies the correction factors to the current measurement from sensor numeral in process steps referenced by numerals  1404  and  1405 . The algorithm stores each consecutive temperature sensor reading from the room temperature sensor referenced by numeral  610  and supply temperature sensor referenced by numeral  696 . The logical steps based on the algorithm follows the process steps referenced by numerals  1409 - 1422 . The next step, after storing the factory and user input, is to determine a time delay period during which the electronics within the enclosure referenced by numeral  190  powers down to minimum and no signal is sent to actuators referenced by process numerals  1414 ,  1415 ,  1418  and  1420 . Each process cycle indexes a counter in the registry for number of cycles in the cooling mode referenced by process numeral  1411  or the heating mode referenced by process numeral  1410  or the recirculation mode referenced by process numeral  1416 . The duration of consecutive cycles in each mode dictates the time delay initiated in process numeral  1409 . An exception to the complete electronics power down during the time delay is initiated in medical applications. A health monitor sensor would send a wireless signal to the wireless receiving unit numeral  140  more frequently for critical life monitoring referenced by process numeral  1421 . After the time delay has expired, the algorithm determines if the system temperature is room temperature by a specified amount initiating the heating mode referenced by process numeral  1410 , if the supply temperature is below room temperature by a specified amount initiating the cooling mode referenced by process numeral  1411 , or if the supply temperature if within the plus and minus dead band (Tdb) around the room temperature initiating the recirculation mode referenced by process numeral  1416 . Typically, but not exclusively, in the heating mode numeral  1410 , a signal is sent to actuator numeral  640  to close the horizontal baffles numeral  630 . Similarly, in the cooling mode numeral  1411 , a signal is sent to actuator numeral  670  to close the vertical baffles numeral  660 . In the cooling mode operation, if the room temperature is greater the cooling set point plus Tdb and the temperature control baffle is in an intermediate position between full open and full closed, an opening signal is sent to the actuator numeral  640  in accordance with process numerals  1413  and  1414 . In the heating mode operation, if the room temperature is less the heating set point minus Tdb and the temperature control baffle is in a intermediate position between full open and full closed an opening signal is sent to the actuator numeral  670  in accordance with process numerals  1422  and  1415 . In either the heating mode numeral  1410  or cooling mode numeral  1411 , no signal is sent to actuators numeral  640  and numeral  670 , thereby maintaining current open position. 
         [0034]    Now referring to  FIG. 15  which discloses the control operation of the pressure supply baffle. The first step is to store in memory all factory default inputs and user defined inputs referenced by process numeral  1503 . All related sensor inputs for pressure referenced by process numeral  1502  are recorded in memory. Determine if there is a microphone input for sound measurements as reference by process numeral  1500 . If the sound level is unacceptable as referenced by process numeral  1506 , then the customer user set point input referenced by process numeral  1512  is adjusted. Recalibration of the relationship between the pressure sensor readings referenced by process numeral  1513  and microphone sensor referenced by process numeral  1514  is performed as referenced by process numeral  1504 . A new relationship between microphone readings and sound rating are calculated and stored as referenced by process numeral  1507 . With all the operational inputs stored, the first step in the control operation is to determine if the temperature control baffles actuator position sensors referenced by numerals  632  and  661  are in the fully closed position. If they are then the pressure control baffle actuator position sensor referenced by numeral  691  is driven to its fully closed position and the program starts over at the next iteration. If they are not, then the program continues with process steps referenced by numerals  1501 ,  1509 ,  1510 , and  1511  to control internal pressure sensor input from pressure sensor numeral  697 . If the pressure is above set point the pressure control actuator  695  is actuated to close the baffle to a position dictated by the control algorithm and measured by pressure actuator position sensor numeral  691  as referenced by process step  1511 . If the pressure is below set point the pressure control actuator  695  is actuated to open the baffle to a position dictated by the control algorithm and measured by pressure actuator position sensor numeral  691  as referenced by process step  1509 . 
         [0035]    Now referring to  FIG. 16  which discloses the operation of a smart window. When thermal radiation referenced by numeral  1602  from the sun referenced by numeral  1601  passes through a window referenced by numeral  1603  and heats the floor area referenced by numeral  1604 . The heated air rises as referenced by numeral  1612  rises and raises the temperature within the enclosed space referenced by numeral  1607 . An infrared sensor referenced by numeral  1605  with its cone of surface temperature measurement referenced by numeral  1606  measures the temperature of the floor area numeral  1604  near the window numeral  1603 . If the surface temperature measurement exceeds a preset set point and the outside ambient temperature as measured by the ambient air temperature sensor referenced by numeral  1610  is below the set point, the control algorithm within the control module referenced by numeral  1608  sends a signal to actuator referenced by numeral  1609  to open the window. Cooler air flows into room driven by ambient outside wind or negative pressure within the space. This negative pressure is created by mechanical fans referenced by numeral  1613  or the buoyancy effect of the heated area within the room rises upward through a vertical tower referenced by numeral  1614  to ambient conditions. No power is required for this system as a result of energy harvesting from a thermoelectric module referenced by numeral  1611 . The system would include a battery or super capacitor for energy storage. The system would include a moisture/humidity sensor referenced by numeral  1615  to signal the control module referenced by numeral  1608  to close the window in the event of rain or high humidity (i.e. fog). The system incorporates a low energy wireless communication module referenced by numeral  1616  to communicate with a remote CO2 module located in the multifunctional environmental control unit numeral  100  as referenced by numeral  480  or a separate module referenced by numeral  490  in a preferred location in the occupied space for quality of air monitoring and control. 
         [0036]    The invention has been described in terms of the preferred embodiment. One skilled in the art will recognize that it would be possible to construct the elements of the present invention from a variety of means and to modify the placement of the components in a variety of ways. While the embodiments of the invention have been described in detail and shown in the accompanying drawings, it will be evident that various further modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention and it is not required to provide claims in a provisional application the following claims will help the invention to be better understood