Digital Module Interface for Building Equipment Wiring Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional building management systems require numerous wires for connecting controllers with sensors and controlled devices, leading to wiring errors, inefficiencies, and the need for multiple expansion modules due to fixed I/O counts, resulting in unused inputs/outputs.
Innovation Solution
A single digital communications link and digital modules are used to facilitate digital communication between controllers and building equipment, allowing for a unified connection and eliminating the need for multiple expansion modules by converting between digital and analog signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional building management systems use numerous wires to connect controllers with sensors and controlled devices, then reliable communication is achieved, but wiring complexity and error potential increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate wiring connections into a single digital communications link. The controller, sensors, and controlled devices are all connected through one digital bus, eliminating the need for numerous individual wires while maintaining communication reliability through digital protocols and error checking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with a digital communications system. Instead of using physical wires for each connection, the system uses digital signals transmitted over a unified communications link, reducing physical complexity while maintaining functional reliability through software-based error detection and correction.
2Device complexity
If fixed I/O count controllers are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but expansion modules are required and resources are wasted due to unused inputs/outputs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic I/O configuration where the controller can adapt to different numbers and types of devices connected to the digital communications link. Unlike fixed I/O controllers, this system dynamically allocates communication channels and data points based on actual device requirements, eliminating wasted resources while maintaining controller simplicity through a unified communication protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal controller interface that can communicate with various types of devices (sensors, actuators, controlled devices) through a single digital communications link. The controller performs multiple functions including data acquisition, signal conversion, and device control without requiring different hardware configurations, thereby achieving versatility without increasing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple expansion modules are used to increase I/O capacity, then device connectivity is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple expansion modules into a single digital communications link. Instead of adding separate expansion hardware for each device type, the system uses one unified digital bus that can accommodate any number of devices, eliminating the need for multiple expansion modules and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces digital modules as intermediaries between the controller and building equipment. These digital modules handle signal conversion and protocol translation, allowing the controller to communicate with diverse devices through a standardized digital interface without requiring complex expansion hardware for each device type.
4Adaptability or versatility
If digital modules with signal conversion are implemented, then communication flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional conversion components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses digital modules as intermediary devices that perform signal conversion between analog building equipment and digital controllers. These modules act as translators, converting analog signals from sensors and controlled devices into digital format for the controller, and vice versa, thereby achieving communication flexibility without requiring the controller itself to be complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the system into distinct functional modules: the controller, digital modules for signal conversion, and building equipment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the controller handles high-level logic, digital modules handle signal conversion, and building equipment maintains its original design - thereby achieving flexibility without overall system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces wiring errors, eliminates complex wiring, and optimizes resource usage by enabling a single controller to communicate with all sensors and controlled devices through a single connection, minimizing unused inputs/outputs.
Implementation Method 1
a signal converter configured to convert between the digital messages and the analog signals
Data Source
AI summary
A system for monitoring and controlling building equipment includes building equipment operable within a local operating environment to affect or measure a variable state or condition of a building, a controller configured to send and receive digital messages for communicating with the building equipment, and a plurality of digital modules configured to be installed in the local operating environment and physically attached to the building equipment. Each digital module includes a digital communications interface configured to communicate with the controller using the digital messages, an analog communications interface configured to communicate with the building equipment using analog signals, and a signal converter configured to convert between the digital messages and the analog signals. The system further includes a communications link physically connecting the controller to the digital communications interface of each of the digital modules and configured to transmit the digital messages between the controller and the digital modules.