Applications Gateway for Plug-and-Play Building Management Software

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing building management systems (BMS) require expensive and time-consuming modifications and testing to add new software features, limiting efficiency and flexibility in managing building equipment.

Innovation Solution

A system with an applications gateway that registers and manages plug-and-play applications, allowing seamless integration of new software components without modifying existing BMS software, using software containers for efficient deployment and management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If new software features are added to an existing building management system through modification and testing, then system functionality is improved, but development time and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware functionalityVSAvoiddevelopment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments software features into independent, deployable applications that can be added without modifying the core BMS. Each application is self-contained and can be registered with the applications gateway independently, allowing parallel development and deployment of multiple features without sequential testing of the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The applications gateway serves as an intermediary layer between the existing BMS and new software applications. It handles registration, message routing, and capability management, allowing new features to integrate with the BMS without direct modification to the core system software.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If new software features are added to an existing building management system through modification and testing, then system functionality is improved, but development cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware functionalityVSAvoiddevelopment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

New applications perform self-registration with the applications gateway by sending messages that include their name, location, and capability. The gateway automatically processes these registration messages and routes future messages to the appropriate applications, eliminating manual configuration and reducing development overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If traditional software integration methods are used, then system compatibility is maintained, but flexibility and ease of integration deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem compatibilityVSAvoidease of integration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The applications gateway provides universal registration and message routing capabilities that work with any application type (HVAC, lighting, security, etc.). The standardized message format with name, location, and capability fields allows diverse applications to integrate with the BMS using a common interface, maintaining compatibility while enabling easy integration of new features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20260056525A1Building management system with plug and play software

Publication Date: 2026.02.26 TYCO FIRE & SECURITY GMBH

AI summary

Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling building equipment includes an applications gateway. The gateway is configured to register applications and receive a message from the applications. The message identifies a name, a location where an application is hosted, and a capability.