Interchangeable Mounting Base for Building Control User Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Building control systems face challenges in mounting user interface modules due to limited space and constraints in utility rooms, where existing solutions do not provide flexible enough options for optimal positioning and user convenience.

Innovation Solution

A user interface module with a housing and interchangeable mounting bases that allow for tilting, rotating, or swiveling to accommodate various mounting surfaces, including DIN rails and equipment panels, ensuring the module can be oriented for comfortable user interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the user interface module is mounted on a DIN rail or equipment panel, then the module can be securely attached to the mounting surface, but the mounting position is fixed and not convenient for user interaction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting base incorporates a tilting mechanism that allows the user interface module to dynamically adjust its orientation angle relative to the mounting surface. This enables the module to transition from a fixed mounted position to an adjustable viewing angle, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and user convenience by making the mounting system dynamically adaptable rather than static

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: a mounting base that attaches to the DIN rail or equipment panel, and a user interface module that can be tilted relative to the base. This segmentation allows the attachment function to remain fixed and secure while the display portion can be independently adjusted for optimal viewing angles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the user interface module is mounted outside the equipment panel, then the module can be positioned for better user access, but the mounting options are limited by available space and surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser accessVSAvoidmounting options
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting base is designed with universal adaptability to accommodate multiple mounting surfaces and configurations. It can be attached to DIN rails, equipment panels, or other surfaces using standardized attachment mechanisms, making the system versatile enough to work in various installation environments while still providing improved user access compared to traditional fixed mounting

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If the equipment panel houses all building control devices, then the control system is integrated and compact, but the user interface cannot be positioned at an optimal height or angle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem integrationVSAvoidinterface positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tiltable mounting base allows the user interface module to be dynamically positioned at optimal viewing angles while remaining part of the integrated control system. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the interface to adapt its position for ease of operation without compromising the overall system integration and compact design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3618588B1User interface module for a building control system with an interchangeable mounting base
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC
  • EP3618588B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3618588B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3618588B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a user interface module for a building control system that has flexible mounting options to address mounting constraints that are often encountered in utility rooms and/or equipment panels. In some cases, the user interface module may be provided with interchangeable mounting bases from which an installer can select depending on the mounting constraints presented at a particular installation.