Building Equipment Test Verification Using Service Presence Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for testing technical building equipment (TBE) and access gates in buildings lack a systematic approach to ensure safe operation, reliable escape routes, and maintained access restrictions.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for testing TBE and access gates, which involves performing tests by authorized service personnel using a mobile device equipped with appropriate software, detecting the presence of the service person using proximity detection methods, and generating and verifying a test protocol to ensure accurate recording of the tests.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual testing of TBE and access gates is performed without systematic verification, then testing can be completed with minimal resources, but the reliability and safety of building operations cannot be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety of building operationVSAvoidcomplexity of testing system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A mobile device acts as an intermediary between the authorized service person and the TBE/access gate testing system. The mobile device captures presence information, stores test data, and transmits information to a server, serving as a mediator that simplifies the interaction while ensuring systematic verification and reliability of building operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where test results and presence information are transmitted to a server for verification. The server can send notifications and maintain records, creating a closed-loop feedback system that ensures testing compliance and enhances reliability through systematic verification and tracking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If presence detection and verification systems are implemented, then the accuracy of test protocol recording is improved, but the complexity of the testing procedure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of test protocol recordingVSAvoidcomplexity of testing procedure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device automatically captures presence information using its built-in sensors and location capabilities without requiring additional specialized equipment. The device self-manages data storage and transmission, reducing the need for complex external verification systems while maintaining accurate test protocol recording.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device serves multiple functions: it acts as a presence detector, data storage unit, communication device, and verification tool. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized equipment for each function, reducing overall system complexity while improving measurement precision through integrated verification.

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

3Reliability

If comprehensive test protocols with presence verification are used, then the reliability of escape route and access restriction testing is enhanced, but the time required for testing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of escape route testingVSAvoidtesting time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device pre-captures presence information and prepares test protocols before actual testing begins. By having the verification system ready and pre-configured, the actual testing process flows more efficiently without time-consuming setup or verification steps during the critical testing phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous data capture and transmission throughout the testing process. Presence information is continuously monitored and test data is continuously recorded and transmitted, eliminating interruptions and ensuring that verification occurs seamlessly during testing rather than as separate time-consuming steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP4495717A1Method for testing a technical building equipment and/or an access gate of a building, and system for carrying out the method
Publication Date: 2025.01.22 DORMAKABA SCHWEIZ AG
  • EP4495717A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4495717A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4495717A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention concerns a method (100) for testing a technical building equipment, hereinafter referred to as TBE (3), and/or an access gate (51) of a building, the method comprising: performing (101) a test of the TBE (3) and/or the access gate (51) by an authorized service person, hereinafter referred to as ASP (50), detecting (102), by detecting means, presence of the ASP (50) in the proximity of the TBE (3) and/or access gate (51) by determining the position of a mobile ASP-device (6) to be carried by the ASP (50),handing over (103), in particular sending, a presence information to a test protocol verification unit (8), when presence of the ASP (50) is detected in the proximity of the TBE (3) and/or access gate (51).