Containerized Building Automation Edge Deployment for Easier Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Building automation networks are complex and error-prone in configuration and reconfiguration, often requiring specialized skills that are not readily available on-site, making them difficult to manage and update efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A building automation system utilizing embedded edge devices with edge digital service agents that fetch container images from a cloud-based repository for deployment, along with a container engine to run applications, and a centralized web user interface for configuration and updates, enabling remote management and reducing the need for local expertise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If building automation networks use complex hardware and software components to perform diverse tasks, then functionality and versatility are improved, but configuration complexity and error-proneness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses container applications as standardized templates that can be copied and deployed across different edge devices. These containers encapsulate pre-configured software stacks for various building automation functions (HVAC, lighting, security), allowing complex functionality to be replicated without reconfiguring each device individually. The container images serve as reusable copies that maintain consistency across the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables flexible configuration by allowing parameters within containers to be modified through standardized interfaces. Configuration data, environment variables, and runtime parameters can be changed without altering the container structure itself, enabling adaptation to different building types and requirements while maintaining the same underlying software architecture.
2Reliability
If building automation networks require specialized configuration skills, then system reliability and proper operation are improved, but ease of operation and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service capabilities through automated container deployment and configuration management. The edge devices automatically pull container images from registries, handle dependency resolution, and configure services based on predefined templates. This automation reduces reliance on specialized human operators while maintaining system reliability through consistent, error-free deployments.
Solution Approach 2:
Configuration expertise is embedded in advance into the container images and deployment manifests. Software vendors and system integrators prepare pre-configured containers with best practices, security settings, and optimized parameters before deployment. This preliminary configuration work eliminates the need for on-site specialists to perform complex setup tasks.
3Stability of the object's composition
If building automation networks use traditional deployment methods, then system stability is maintained, but update efficiency and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic updates by allowing container applications to be replaced, upgraded, or patched without restarting the entire building automation system. Individual containers can be updated independently through standardized deployment processes, enabling continuous operation with improved functionality. The container orchestration manages transitions smoothly, maintaining system stability during updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The container-based architecture enables periodic updates and maintenance windows to be implemented efficiently. Containers can be updated in scheduled intervals, with the ability to roll back to previous versions if issues arise. This periodic update mechanism maintains system stability while improving efficiency compared to traditional whole-system replacement methods.
4Manufacturing precision
If building automation networks require on-site expertise for configuration, then configuration accuracy is improved, but loss of time and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Proven configuration templates and best practices are copied across multiple devices and projects. Standardized container images contain pre-validated configurations that ensure accuracy without requiring expert intervention at each site. Configuration accuracy is maintained through replication of tested, proven setups rather than manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The container platform acts as an intermediary that translates high-level configuration requirements into detailed system settings. Rather than requiring experts to manually configure each parameter, the container orchestration system mediates between simple user inputs and complex underlying configurations, ensuring accuracy while reducing time requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the teachings herein include a building automation network. The network may include an embedded edge device having a data interface and an edge digital service agent adapted to automatically fetch container images of configured containers via the data interface from a cloud-based container repository for deployment as a container application in a persistent memory and a container engine adapted to run the deployed container application for performing tasks in the building automation network.