Systems and methods for managing building signature intelligent electronic devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing monitoring and control devices in installations require manual firmware updates, which are costly and disruptive, and can introduce software errors, necessitating on-site expertise and device shutdowns.

Innovation Solution

The development of Building Signature Intelligent Electronic Devices (BSIEDs) that use a Building Signature Operational Model (BSOM) to dynamically update their operational parameters without requiring firmware updates, allowing for automatic reprogramming and continuous operation through cloud-connected central processing units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual firmware updates are performed on monitoring and control devices, then device functionality can be improved or corrected, but device operation must be shut down and on-site expertise is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoiddevice operation continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-updating of firmware through automated cloud-based firmware update services. The monitoring and control device automatically receives and installs firmware updates without requiring manual intervention or device shutdown, thus maintaining operational continuity while improving device functionality through updated firmware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A cloud-based firmware update service acts as an intermediary between firmware developers and monitoring devices. This intermediary automatically manages firmware distribution, validation, and installation, eliminating the need for on-site expert intervention and enabling seamless firmware updates while maintaining device operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If manual firmware updates are performed on monitoring and control devices, then software errors can be corrected, but the update process is costly and disruptive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware error correctionVSAvoidupdate process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automated firmware update mechanisms where the monitoring device autonomously receives, validates, and installs firmware updates from cloud-based services. This self-service approach eliminates the need for costly on-site expert deployment and manual update processes, reducing both cost and disruption while maintaining software reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Firmware updates are prepared, validated, and staged in advance in the cloud before being deployed to devices. This preliminary action ensures that updates are ready for immediate installation without requiring on-site preparation or expertise, simplifying the update process while ensuring software error correction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If firmware is manually updated on-site, then device-specific expertise can be applied, but the risk of introducing software errors increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice-specific customizationVSAvoidsoftware error introduction

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cloud-based firmware update service implements automated feedback mechanisms including firmware validation, testing, and verification before deployment. This feedback loop ensures that firmware updates are thoroughly checked for errors and compatibility with specific device configurations, reducing the risk of introducing software errors while maintaining device-specific adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The cloud-based service acts as an intermediary that manages firmware customization and validation. It automatically adapts firmware to device-specific requirements through configuration parameters and validation routines, eliminating the need for manual on-site customization that could introduce errors while preserving device-specific functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11236916B2Systems and methods for managing building signature intelligent electronic devices

Publication Date: 2022.02.01 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC USA INC

AI summary

A method for evaluating a building signature operational model (BSOM) associated with a building signature intelligent electronic device (BSIED) includes processing building signature operational data (BSOD) on a cloud-connected central processing unit to identify the BSIED from which the BSOD was received, and to determine if a current BSOM associated with the BSIED, and used by the BSIED to generate the BSOD, needs to be updated. In response to determining that the current BSOM needs to be updated, a new BSOM is selected for the BSIED from a BSOM library based, at least in part, on one or more characteristics associated with the BSIED. The new BSOM is transmitted to the BSIED for installation on the BSIED.