Systems and methods for distributed controls via edge devices

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current building automation systems (BAS) face inefficiencies due to the lack of direct communication and coordination between edge devices, relying on higher-level controllers for control and management, which increases complexity and costs.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system with distributed controllers that can perform specific control tasks assigned by a coordinating device, allowing edge devices to communicate and coordinate with each other to manage building functions, such as HVAC systems, using wireless or wired protocols.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If higher-level controllers (FECs/NAEs) are used to control edge devices, then centralized control and management is achieved, but system complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecentralized controlVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the centralized control function into distributed controllers at the edge device level. Each edge device becomes an independent control unit that can autonomously execute control logic, eliminating the need for a single centralized controller and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automated control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Edge devices are equipped with embedded controllers that enable them to perform self-control and self-management. The controllers can independently execute control applications, make decisions based on sensor data, and coordinate with other edge devices without requiring constant intervention from higher-level controllers, thereby reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Extent of automation

If higher-level controllers (FECs/NAEs) are used to control edge devices, then centralized control and management is achieved, but costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecentralized controlVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The control functionality is extracted from expensive centralized controllers and embedded directly into cost-effective edge devices. This allows the system to use simpler, cheaper edge devices with integrated controllers rather than requiring expensive higher-level controllers, thereby reducing overall system cost while maintaining automated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs inexpensive microcontrollers embedded in edge devices that can be easily replaced or upgraded. These low-cost controllers perform the control functions previously requiring expensive centralized hardware, significantly reducing the overall system cost while maintaining full control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Extent of automation

If edge devices communicate through higher-level controllers, then centralized management is achieved, but direct communication and coordination between edge devices is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecentralized managementVSAvoidcommunication efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a communication protocol that enables edge devices to directly exchange control information and data without routing through higher-level controllers. This intermediary communication layer allows efficient peer-to-peer coordination while maintaining the ability for centralized management when needed, eliminating information loss and communication delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Device complexity

If distributed controllers are implemented, then system complexity is reduced, but coordination between multiple controllers is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidcoordination

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal communication protocol and standardized control interface that enables different distributed controllers to work together seamlessly. This multi-functional protocol handles various coordination scenarios (data exchange, control signaling, error handling) through a single unified mechanism, making coordination between distributed controllers straightforward despite the increased number of control units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10848565B1Systems and methods for distributed controls via edge devices

Publication Date: 2020.11.24 TYCO FIRE & SECURITY GMBH

AI summary

Systems and methods for distributed controls via edge devices are provided. The system includes a coordinating device and a plurality of distributed controllers. The coordinating device is configured to determine a current state, assign tasks for performing control specified by a control application to the plurality of distributed controllers, and broadcast a plurality of parameters. The plurality of distributed controllers are configured to perform the control specified by the control application. Each distributed controller is configured to receive a respective task, perform a respective control operation, and control an edge device using a control signal generated from the control operation.