A configurable wall module system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wall modules for building automation systems provide limited access to settings and require additional software tools for full monitoring and control, necessitating separate hardware platforms and increased time and cost for contractors and users.
Innovation Solution
A programmable wall module system with a configurable home screen and menu navigation, allowing users to customize the display of building automation system parameters, access various settings, and adjust parameters through a user-friendly interface, reducing the need for separate software tools and hardware platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wall module provides limited access to settings, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates as users require additional software tools for full monitoring and control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the configuration software and wall module into a single integrated system. The wall module includes an integrated circuit that provides both monitoring and configuration capabilities directly at the device, eliminating the need for separate software tools and hardware platforms. This merging allows users to access and modify all system parameters through the wall module's interface alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall module is designed with multi-functional capabilities, serving both as a monitoring device and a configuration tool. The integrated circuit enables the wall module to perform multiple functions including displaying system parameters, accepting user input, and modifying system settings, replacing what previously required separate specialized tools.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate hardware platforms are used for monitoring and control, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges monitoring and control functionalities into a single wall module platform. The integrated circuit incorporates both the monitoring capabilities and the configuration control capabilities, eliminating the need for separate hardware platforms while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall module is designed as a universal platform that can perform both monitoring and configuration control functions. The integrated circuit enables the device to adapt to different operational modes and provide comprehensive system management capabilities within a single hardware platform.
3Measurement precision
If additional software tools are required for configuration, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wall module provides self-service configuration capabilities through its integrated circuit. Users can directly access and modify system parameters through the wall module's interface without requiring external software tools, enabling immediate configuration and reducing the time needed for system setup and adjustments.
Data Source
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AI summary
A configurable wall module having selectable home screens, custom menu navigation, and incorporating functional design. The display utilizes fixed segments. menu navigation and configuration which may be facilitated with soft keys having indicative labels associated with them. The parameters may be accessed from categories by soft keys via two-level menu navigation. Certain parameter value and setpoint entries may be effected with up/down keys. Module configuration may be performed by a user. To provide such user capability, the module may be programmed and configured by an installer with a software configuration tool used in connection with the building automation system associated with the module.