Flexible link system for dynamic switching among different wall module types with a controller

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing controller applications require explicit reprogramming and significant effort to switch between different types of wall modules, such as Sylk, BACnet, and conventional modules, leading to increased complexity and runtime memory usage, especially when handling multiple sensor types and protocols.

Innovation Solution

A flexible link system allows dynamic switching between wall module types without reprogramming the controller, using a unified set of data points and eliminating the need for 'if-then-else' conditions, by mapping data points through flexible links based on the active wall module type, enabling seamless communication across different protocols like Sylk and BACnet.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If explicit reprogramming is used to switch between wall module types, then the controller can handle different protocols, but the programming complexity and runtime memory usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle different wall module typesVSAvoidprogramming complexity and runtime memory usage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal data point structure that can represent multiple wall module types (Sylk, BACnet, conventional) through a common interface. The WallModuleType enumeration and unified data point definition allow the controller to handle different protocols without creating separate data point sets, reducing programming complexity while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mapping mechanism where flexible links connect application data points to wall module-specific data points through a neutral layer. The MapWallModuleDataType function acts as a mediator that translates between the universal data point interface and protocol-specific implementations, reducing the complexity of direct protocol handling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If separate data points are created for each wall module type, then each protocol can be handled specifically, but the application complexity and commissioning effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol-specific handling accuracyVSAvoidnumber of data points and application complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent defines a universal data point structure with common fields (pointType, wallModuleType, sensorType, etc.) that can represent any wall module type. This single unified structure replaces the need for separate data point definitions for Sylk, BACnet, and conventional modules, reducing the number of data points while maintaining protocol-specific capabilities through the wallModuleType field

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses parameter changes to differentiate wall module types within a unified structure. By varying the wallModuleType enumeration value and sensorType parameters, the same data point structure can represent different protocols and sensor types, eliminating the need for separate data points while preserving protocol-specific handling through parameter-based differentiation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If reprogramming is required to switch wall module types, then the controller can adapt to field requirements, but the commissioning time and technician effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield configuration flexibilityVSAvoidcommissioning time and technician effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary configuration by pre-defining the unified data point structure and wall module type enumerations in the application code. The flexible link mapping and WallModuleType definitions are established beforehand, allowing field technicians to simply select from pre-configured options rather than performing complex reprogramming operations during commissioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic switching between wall module types through runtime configuration rather than static reprogramming. The flexible link system allows the mapping between application data points and wall module data points to be changed dynamically based on the detected wall module type, enabling field technicians to switch protocols without recompiling or re-downloading application binaries

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20170205782A1Flexible link system for dynamic switching among different wall module types with a controller

Publication Date: 2017.07.20 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A flexible link system and approach for dynamically switching among wall modules of various types without re-engineering of an associated controller application. Some of the types of wall modules may incorporate those of Sylk, BACnet and conventional types. A wall module type switching mechanism may incorporate a controller incorporating an application having a flexible link for connection of wall modules of various types. The flexible link may enables a number of data points of the application to be applicable to various types of wall modules in that switching from a wall module of one type to a wall module of another type does not necessarily require another set of data points in the application.