Perceptible indicators that wires are attached correctly to controller

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current smart building control systems require extensive effort to create and update wiring diagrams, and when devices are moved or reconfigured, the entire wiring process must be recreated, leading to inefficiencies and reduced reliability.

Innovation Solution

A controller system equipped with automated line testing technology that uses a processor, memory, and databases to determine if the correct device wire is connected by checking voltage, current, and protocol compatibility, and can adjust wire terminal types as needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If automated line testing and device detection are implemented, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidcontroller complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller automatically detects device connections, identifies wire types, and validates protocols without human intervention. The system performs self-testing by sending test signals on each wire and automatically determining whether the connected device matches the expected configuration, eliminating the need for manual wiring verification

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual wiring verification and device identification processes are replaced with automated electrical testing. The controller uses electrical signals and protocol analysis to detect and validate connections, substituting physical inspection and manual testing with electronic automation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual wiring diagram creation and updates are performed, then integration precision is maintained, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiring diagram accuracyVSAvoidwiring diagram creation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates an automatic digital copy of the physical wiring configuration by detecting device connections and wire types. This digital representation is continuously updated to reflect the actual installed configuration, eliminating the need for manual diagram creation and ensuring accuracy without time investment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The controller pre-configures expected device connections and wire type specifications before actual device installation. During installation, the system automatically compares detected configurations against pre-defined expectations, enabling immediate validation without subsequent manual verification or diagram updates

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If device reconfiguration is performed without automated testing, then adaptability is improved, but reliability worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice reconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidconnection validity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors wire connections and device configurations, providing real-time feedback on connection validity. When devices are moved or reconfigured, the controller automatically detects changes, validates new connections against protocol requirements, and reports the status of each connection, ensuring reliability during adaptive changes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12089360B2Perceptible indicators that wires are attached correctly to controller
Publication Date: 2024.09.10 PASSIVELOGIC INC
  • US12089360B2 patent drawing
  • US12089360B2 patent drawing
  • US12089360B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Tools and techniques are described to automate line testing when wiring devices (such as equipment and sensors) to controllers. Controllers have access to databases of the devices that are controlled by them, including wiring diagrams and protocols, such that the controller can automatically check that each wire responds correctly to stimulus from the controller. After testing, a reporting device rapidly shows the results of the line testing.