Building Control Sales Estimating Tool Database Merging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cost estimation methods for building control systems are either cumbersome due to large databases with individual entries for each subsystem or labor-intensive as they require manual definition of entire systems.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows users to define building control systems with a small database by associating typical subsystems with areas, enabling easy generation of part and product counts, and allowing instances of subsystems to be added or modified without creating new database entries, while maintaining a user-friendly interface for generating cost estimates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a separate database entry is created for each subsystem and product, then detailed information can be associated with specific building areas for riser diagram generation, but the database becomes large and cumbersome to work with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple subsystem entries into a single consolidated database entry by using a parameter-based identification system. Instead of creating separate entries for each subsystem instance, the system consolidates them and uses parameters to distinguish and track individual subsystems within the consolidated entry, thereby reducing database size while preserving detailed information association capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal database entry structure that can represent multiple subsystem types and instances through parameterization. A single database entry can serve multiple functions by dynamically assigning different subsystem characteristics through parameters, allowing the same entry to represent various subsystems across different building areas without requiring separate dedicated entries for each.
2Device complexity
If quantities of products and subsystems are merely tallied, then the database is simple to implement, but the entire building automation system must be defined by hand which is labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring standardized subsystem templates with default parameters and specifications. These templates are prepared in advance and can be automatically instantiated and assigned to building areas, eliminating the need for manual definition of each subsystem from scratch. The system performs preliminary setup work that reduces subsequent manual effort significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by allowing users to replicate standardized subsystem templates across multiple building areas. Instead of manually defining each subsystem individually, the system copies pre-defined template configurations and automatically adapts them to specific areas through parameter assignment, dramatically reducing the time required to define the entire building automation system.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing an estimate for a defined building control system comprises displaying on a user interface a plurality of areas in which the defined building control system would be installed. Pluralities of subsystems are associated with the plurality of areas and include at least one typical subsystem that is associated with a defined plurality of building automation components in a database. The method further comprises displaying on the user interface the typical subsystem in association with the plurality of areas. A number of instances of the typical subsystem that are associated with the plurality of areas are also displayed on the user interface. A cost estimate is generated for the defined building control system based at least in part on the number of instances of the typical subsystem.