Bed Control Microcontroller Integrating EnOcean and KNX Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of bed control systems increases with the use of multiple different concepts for operating components, leading to a need for a simplified method to integrate and prioritize various communication paths between sensors and actuators.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a microcontroller that supports multiple interfaces for bidirectional communication with sensors and actuators, enabling the processing of information from various sources and prioritization of signals, and allowing connection of different communication concepts such as radio and bus interfaces, including EnOcean, Bluetooth, WLAN, CAN, KNX, and USB, to manage conflicting information and control bed functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different communication concepts (EnOcean, Bluetooth, WLAN, wired hand switches) are used for operating bed components, then the versatility and functionality of the bed control system is improved, but the structural complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple communication concepts (EnOcean wireless, Bluetooth, WLAN, and wired hand switches) into a single control unit that can process signals from all these different sources. The control unit integrates various communication interfaces and protocols, allowing diverse control methods to converge at one central processing point, thereby maintaining versatility while managing complexity through unified architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple communication protocols and concepts simultaneously. It can receive and process commands from EnOcean sensors, Bluetooth devices, WLAN connections, and wired hand switches through a single universal interface that adapts to different communication standards, eliminating the need for separate control systems for each communication type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication interfaces and protocols are integrated into a single control unit, then the versatility of the bed control system is improved, but the difficulty of managing conflicting information and prioritizing signals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor incoming signals from different communication interfaces and adjust signal processing based on current operational state. The system provides feedback about which control mode should have precedence under specific conditions, allowing dynamic resolution of conflicting signals based on real-time system state and pre-defined priority rules.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between multiple communication interfaces and the bed's actuators. It mediates conflicting signals by implementing a priority arbitration system that evaluates incoming commands from different sources (EnOcean, Bluetooth, WLAN, hand switches) and determines which signal should be executed based on pre-configured priorities and current system state, thereby simplifying the management of conflicting information.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Control unit for a bed, for controlling actuators, in particular inside and outside the bed, for example: - motors for adjusting the lying surface or parts of the lying surface, in particular for adjusting the height or inclination, - a motor for a blind, a roller blind, a door or window opener, - a light, in particular an under-bed light, a reading light, a ceiling light or a wall light, - an optical or acoustic call device, - a display device, in particular a screen, - radios or television sets, - telephones or other telecommunications equipment, - computers and computer peripherals, wherein the control unit has a microcontroller which has at least one interface for communication with sensors and actuators and/or at least one input for communication with sensors and/or at least one output for communication with actuators.