Equipment Control Module for Multi-Protocol Monitoring Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing equipment monitoring systems face limitations in communication flexibility and scalability, as they often require serial two-wire interfaces and modifications to unit controllers for adding new components, which are costly and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
An equipment monitoring system with a master system controller, unit controllers, and equipment control modules that facilitate seamless data exchange using a first communications protocol with the master system controller and a second protocol with a third-party electronic device, allowing for bi-directional communication and integration of additional devices without extensive modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a serial two-wire interface network is used for communication between master system controller and unit controllers, then communication reliability is improved, but system adaptability and ease of integration deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an equipment control module as an intermediary device between the unit controller and the master system controller. This module acts as a protocol converter that receives data from the unit controller via the existing reliable two-wire interface and retransmits it to the master system controller through a different communication protocol (such as WiFi, Bluetooth, or Ethernet), thereby enabling third-party systems to access equipment data without modifying the original reliable communication link.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication system into distinct functional layers: the lower layer maintains the original reliable two-wire communication between unit controllers and the equipment control module, while the upper layer establishes a separate communication channel between the equipment control module and third-party systems. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize for its specific purpose without compromising the other.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modifications are made to unit controllers to add new components or capabilities, then system functionality is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The equipment control module serves as an external intermediary that adds communication capabilities without requiring any modifications to the unit controller hardware or firmware. The module interfaces with the unit controller through its existing communication ports and handles all protocol conversion and data routing externally, keeping the original controller simple and unchanged.
Solution Approach 2:
The equipment control module is designed as a universal interface device that can work with multiple different types of unit controllers and support multiple communication protocols simultaneously. This multi-functional design allows a single module to provide adaptability across various equipment types without requiring custom modifications for each specific controller model.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional modules are installed in unit controllers to enable new communication capabilities, then system compatibility is improved, but manufacturing cost and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The equipment control module is designed as a standalone external device that interfaces with the unit controller through existing communication ports, eliminating the need to install additional modules inside the unit controller. This external architecture simplifies both manufacturing and installation, as the module can be independently configured and connected without disassembling or modifying the original equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for equipment communications by protocol recognition. One system includes a master system controller, a first unit controller associated with a first equipment, and an equipment control module communicatively coupled to the first unit controller and the master system controller. The equipment control module includes an electronic processor configured to receive data regarding the first equipment, identify a first communications protocol for communications from the first unit controller to the master system controller through the equipment control module, transmit the received data regarding the first equipment to the master system controller according to the first communications protocol, and transmit the received data regarding the first equipment to a third-party electronic system controller according to a second communications protocol.