Method for allocating a decentralized device of a control system for distributing the heating and/or cooling capacity of a heating and/or cooling system to a control channel of a central control unit

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The current pairing process for assigning decentralized devices to central control units in heating and cooling systems is time-consuming and prone to errors, requiring manual operation and repeated interactions for each device, especially in systems with multiple central units and devices.

Innovation Solution

A method using an information transmission device, such as a smartphone or tablet, to detect and record device and address information, logically link decentralized devices to central control units, and transmit assignment information for automated pairing, reducing manual intervention and increasing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual pairing process is used for assigning decentralized devices to central control units, then the system can be set up with basic equipment, but the commissioning time increases and error probability increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommissioning speedVSAvoidpairing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

A smartphone or tablet is introduced as an intermediary device to facilitate the pairing process. The information transmission device detects device information, creates logical links, and transmits assignment information between decentralized devices and central control units, significantly reducing manual intervention and commissioning time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical pairing process (physically pressing buttons and navigating menus) is replaced by an automated electronic system using the information transmission device to detect devices, create logical links, and transmit assignments automatically through communication protocols

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

2Reliability

If manual pairing process is used for assigning decentralized devices to central control units, then the system can be set up with basic equipment, but the error probability in assignment increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassignment accuracyVSAvoidpairing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The information transmission device acts as a mediator that automatically manages the complex pairing process, detecting devices, creating logical links, and transmitting assignments accurately without manual intervention, thereby reducing errors while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the information transmission device receives device information, processes assignments, and confirms successful pairings, allowing for error detection and correction while ensuring accurate device-to-functional-area mapping

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If automated pairing with information transmission device is used, then commissioning time is reduced and accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommissioning efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The information transmission device (smartphone or tablet) performs multiple functions: detecting device information, creating logical links, transmitting assignment information, and providing user interface for commissioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity

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

Data Source

PatentEP3453979B1Method for allocating a decentralized device of a control system for distributing the heating and/or cooling capacity of a heating and/or cooling system to a control channel of a central control unit
Publication Date: 2020.12.30 REHAU AG & CO
  • EP3453979B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for assigning a decentralized device (4, 4', 4") of a control system (1) to one or more central control units (2) each having several functional areas, and to several decentralized devices (4, 4', 4") for transmitting sensor values ​​and the like for distributing the heating and/or cooling capacity of a heating and/or cooling system to one or more functional areas of a central control unit (2) or several central control units, wherein the method comprises the following stages: (i) acquiring the device and/or address information of the one or more central control units (2) and the decentralized device (4, 4', 4") by an information transmission device; (ii) generating a logical link between the decentralized device (4, 4', 4") and one or more central control units (2);(iii) Transmitting information to the or more central control units that the decentralized device (4, 4', 4") is to be assigned to one or more functional areas of the respective central control unit (2); and (iv) storing the assignment or assignments by the one or more central control units (2). Furthermore, the present invention relates to a control system (1) for distributing the heating and/or cooling capacity of a heating and/or cooling system, which is configured to carry out a method according to the invention.