Building Zone Reconfiguration Using Software-Based Control Linking

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing building management systems require significant manual engineering effort and time to reconfigure or rearrange rooms, as they need physical rewiring and re-commissioning of control systems, which is costly and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A system that allows for dynamic reconfiguration of rooms without manual re-engineering, using a graphical user interface to select and group segments, with a zoning manager automatically creating necessary connections for synchronized control of environmental equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If physical rewiring and re-commissioning are performed to reconfigure rooms, then the control system can be reconfigured, but the time and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroom reconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidreconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical physical rewiring process with a software-based virtual reconfiguration system. The zoning manager software allows rooms to be reconfigured by creating virtual zones that group existing control points and equipment without any physical changes to wiring or infrastructure. This substitution of mechanical work with software control enables rapid reconfiguration while maintaining full control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates virtual copies of control zones through software rather than physical duplicates of wiring infrastructure. The zoning manager software generates virtual zone representations that map to existing physical equipment, allowing multiple configuration scenarios to be simulated and implemented without duplicating physical systems. This copying approach enables flexible reconfiguration using existing hardware resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If physical rewiring is performed to reconfigure rooms, then the control system adapts to new layout, but the cost increases due to specialized tools and knowledge required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroom layout adaptabilityVSAvoidreconfiguration ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical rewiring tasks with user-friendly software operations. The zoning manager provides graphical interface tools that allow users to define new zones by selecting areas on a floor plan, automatically mapping these to existing control points. This eliminates the need for specialized electrical knowledge and tools while achieving the same adaptive reconfiguration outcome.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables end-users to perform reconfiguration tasks independently through the zoning manager software without requiring specialized engineering expertise. The software provides automated zone creation, equipment mapping, and control distribution functions that users can operate with minimal training, transforming a previously expert-only process into a self-service capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual engineering effort is used for room reconfiguration, then control systems can be reconfigured, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system reconfigurabilityVSAvoidreconfiguration efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing a comprehensive database of control points, equipment locations, and wiring paths during the initial system setup. The zoning manager software stores this foundational information, enabling rapid reconfiguration through software-based zone creation without needing to perform manual surveying, mapping, or physical tracing during subsequent reconfiguration tasks. This preliminary data preparation dramatically accelerates future reconfiguration operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes manual engineering processes with automated software algorithms that instantly calculate control point mappings, generate zone configurations, and update system parameters. The zoning manager software automatically processes reconfiguration requests, eliminating the need for manual engineering calculations, documentation updates, and commissioning procedures, thereby dramatically improving reconfiguration productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11598547B2Systems and methods for reconfiguring rooms in an area in a building

Publication Date: 2023.03.07 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC BUILDINGS AMERICAS INC

AI summary

System and methods for reconfiguring rooms or zones within an area in building automation are disclosed. One of the methods includes receiving a user request to group together at least a first segment and a second segment in a zone and verifying the user request using one or more rules. Upon verification of the user request, the method automatically links each object in the master segment to the corresponding object in the second segment to create the zone. Within this zone, a control program of the master segment provides a synchronized control of the environmental control equipment in the master segment and the second segment. This method of zoning provides the flexibility to perform rezoning on the fly without requiring traditional engineering, redesign or reprogramming.