Economizer controller plug and play system recognition with automatic user interface population

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Solution Overview

Problem

Economizer controller systems face challenges in efficiently adapting user interfaces to various system configurations and control types, leading to complex menu structures and setup requirements that are not automatically updated, affecting user experience and operational efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an automatic system configuration determination routine in the controller firmware that periodically checks connected sensors, determines the appropriate control type, and repopulates the user interface menu structure accordingly, enabling a plug and play recognition system with automatic user interface population.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the user interface menu structure is manually configured for each system configuration, then the controller can support multiple control types, but the setup complexity and time required increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for multiple control typesVSAvoidmenu structure configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller automatically detects connected sensors and configures the menu structure without user intervention. The system self-determines the control type based on sensor detection and autonomously populates the appropriate menu items, eliminating the need for manual configuration while maintaining support for multiple control types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The menu structure dynamically changes based on detected sensor parameters. When sensors are detected, the controller modifies the menu configuration parameters to match the detected control type, transforming a static manual configuration system into a dynamic adaptive one

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the menu structure is statically configured, then the controller structure remains simple, but the user interface does not automatically adapt to different sensor configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontroller structure simplicityVSAvoiduser interface adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The menu structure transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one that automatically adapts to detected sensor configurations. The system continuously monitors sensor connections and updates the menu structure in real-time, providing ease of operation while maintaining relatively simple controller architecture through automated detection routines

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of time

If automatic sensor detection and menu repopulation is implemented, then the setup time is reduced, but the controller firmware complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetup timeVSAvoidfirmware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller firmware includes pre-programmed detection routines and menu templates that are prepared in advance. When sensors are connected, the system executes pre-defined detection algorithms and automatically selects from pre-configured menu templates, reducing setup time while limiting firmware complexity through use of predetermined patterns rather than complex adaptive algorithms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10429861B2Economizer controller plug and play system recognition with automatic user interface population

Publication Date: 2019.10.01 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

An economizer controller system having a plug and play recognition approach with an automatic user interface population mechanism. A check may be made for sensors connected to the controller. The control type of the sensors may be determined. The menu structure may be repopulated based on the control type. The user interface may then be updated. This approach may be repeated as needed.