Thermostat Assembly With Removable Communication Module and Method

• US 20100193592A1
• Filed: 01/30/2009
• Published: 08/05/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 01/30/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Tim Simon, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Tim Simon, Inc.
• Inventors: Fisher, Matthew T., Simon, Timothy M.
• Granted Patent: US 8,393,550 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 236/51
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/30 for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/47 Responding to energy costs
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/526 giving audible indications
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/56 Remote control
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/58 using Internet communication
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 2110/10 Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 2140/00 Control inputs relating to system states
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 23/19 characterised by the use of electric means G05D23/1393 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 23/1905 associated with tele control

Abstract

A thermostat assembly comprises a thermostat and a removable and replaceable first communication module physically and functionally removably connected to the thermostat. The first communication module is configured to permit information transfer between the thermostat and a first device remote from the thermostat. If more than one communication module is used to communicate with more than one device, the communication modules may operate using different communication protocols.

Claims

1. A thermostat assembly comprising:

a thermostat;

a removable and replaceable first communication module physically and functionally removably connected to the thermostat;

the first communication module configured to permit information transfer between the thermostat and a first device remote from the thermostat.

2. The thermostat assembly according to claim 1, further comprising:

a removable and replaceable second communication module physically and functionally removably connected to the thermostat, the second communication module configured to permit information transfer between the thermostat and a second device remote from the thermostat.

3. The thermostat assembly according to claim 2, wherein the first communication module operates using a first communication protocol and the second communication module operates using a second communication protocol, the first and second communication protocols being different protocols.

4. The thermostat assembly according to claim 2, wherein the thermostat comprises a communication link between the first and second communication modules.

5. The thermostat assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first communication module comprises an RF communication module.

6. The thermostat assembly according to claim 1, wherein:

the thermostat comprises a housing, the housing comprising an outer surface;

the first communication module has first and second side edges on opposite sides thereof, and an inner edge joining the first and second side edges;

the housing comprising an open region sized for at least partially containing the communication module therein;

the open region has first and second opposed side walls, an end wall joining the side walls, and an opening opposite the end wall through which the communication module can pass (1) when inserted through the opening to a docked position within the open region, and (2) when removed from the open region;

the first and second side edges comprise side edge alignment elements;

the first and second side walls comprise sidewall alignment elements;

the side edge alignment elements and the sidewall alignment elements being configured for complementary mating engagement when the communication module is placed into the docked position.

7. The thermostat assembly according to claim 6, wherein the side edge alignment elements comprise outwardly extending guide fins and the sidewall alignment elements comprise slots.

8. The thermostat assembly according to claim 6, wherein the end wall and the inner edge comprise electrical connectors that mate when the communication module is in the docked position.

9. The thermostat assembly according to claim 6, wherein the end wall and the inner edge comprise alignment elements sized for complementary mating engagement when the communication module is in the docked position.

10. The thermostat assembly according to claim 6, wherein:

the open region has an inner wall joining the first and second side walls and the end wall; and

the first and second side walls, the end wall and the inner wall completely define the open region.

11. A method for setting up a thermostat for remote communication with a device, comprising:

selecting a thermostat usable with a removable and replaceable communication module;

determining the radio communication protocol for a device with which the thermostat is to communicate;

obtaining a removable and replaceable communication module that is physically and functionally removably connectable to the thermostat and that uses said radio communication protocol; and

operably mounting the removable and replaceable communication module to the thermostat to permit the thermostat to communicate with the device using said radio communication protocol.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the selecting step is carried out by selecting a thermostat usable with first and second removable and replaceable communication modules.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein:

the determining step comprises determining the radio communication protocol for a power meter and the radio communication protocol for a water heater;

the obtaining step comprises obtaining first and second of said communication modules; and

the operably mounting step comprises operably mounting the first and second communication modules to the thermostat to permit the thermostat to communicate with the power meter and with the water heater.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein the determining step comprises determining the radio communication protocol for computer so to permit the computer to communicate with the thermostat.