Ethernet Network Device Bypass for Building Management Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building management systems (BMS) face communication disruptions when intermediate devices fail or are powered off, breaking the communication chain and causing a loss of function.
Innovation Solution
A building system with Ethernet controllers configured in a daisy chain and equipped with a bypass capability, utilizing magnetic circuits and transformers with movable cores to maintain communication during power failures by rerouting signals through functional controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If controllers are connected in a daisy chain configuration, then communication efficiency is improved, but reliability deteriorates when an intermediate device fails
Solution Approach 1:
The communication path is segmented into multiple independent pathways. Each controller has both a primary path (through the controller) and a secondary bypass path (around the controller). This segmentation allows communication to be divided into separate routes, so that failure in one path does not affect the other.
Solution Approach 2:
A bypass circuit acts as an intermediary pathway between controllers. When the primary communication path through a controller fails, the bypass circuit serves as a mediator to transfer communication signals around the failed controller, maintaining network connectivity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a controller is powered off for maintenance or energy saving, then energy consumption is reduced, but communication functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass circuit serves as an intermediary that allows communication signals to pass through functional controllers when intermediate controllers are powered off. This enables energy-saving shutdowns of non-critical controllers without compromising overall system communication.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the network have different operational states. Critical controllers remain powered on to maintain communication backbone, while non-critical controllers can be powered off for energy saving. The bypass circuit enables this differentiated operation by routing traffic around powered-off devices.
3Reliability
If a bypass capability is added to maintain communication during failures, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass circuit is designed to automatically activate when a controller failure is detected, without requiring manual intervention or complex control logic. The circuit self-manages the failover process, reducing the complexity of control systems while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass circuit adds a relatively simple intermediary pathway compared to the complexity of full controller functionality. This simple alternative path provides significant reliability improvement without requiring complex additional components or control mechanisms.
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
Ensures continuous communication and functionality of BMS components by bypassing non-functional controllers, preventing disruptions due to power outages or failures.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic circuits are placed between the Ethernet jacks and the microcontroller
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic circuits contain two circuits containing two transformers each
Implementation Method 3
the first wire coil is coupled to the Ethernet switch and microcontroller
Implementation Method 4
the half core can switch between communicating with a first wire coil and a second wire coil
Data Source
AI summary
A system for a building includes a device includes a first and second connector. The device also includes a switch having a first, a second, and a third port. The first connector is coupled to the first port of the switch and the second connector is coupled to the second port of the switch. The device also includes a controller that causes the first port to be coupled to the second port when the switch is not involved in communication between the first and second ports and the third port. When the switch is involved in communication between the first and second ports, the first port and the second port are each coupled to the third port, and the third port is coupled to the controller.