Hardware Adapter for Building Automation Controller Replacement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building automation systems face difficulties in seamlessly integrating newer, more efficient controllers into older systems, requiring extensive rewiring and resulting in high labor costs and downtime, as older controllers are not wired correctly for newer systems.
Innovation Solution
A hardware adapter device with a housing that includes printed circuit boards and a switch to select a bus address, allowing for the replacement of older controllers without rewiring by providing an electrical path from the existing wiring baseboard to a new input/output module, using channels and protrusions for alignment and secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If newer controllers are integrated into older building automation systems, then system efficiency and control capability are improved, but extensive rewiring is required resulting in high labor costs and downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hardware adapter as an intermediary device that connects newer controllers to older building automation systems. The adapter includes a communication interface that couples to the newer controller and a wiring interface that connects to the existing wiring baseboard, thereby mediating between incompatible systems without requiring rewiring of the building's infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution segments the integration problem into separate functional components: the hardware adapter is divided into a communication interface portion that handles newer controller protocols and a wiring interface portion that interfaces with legacy systems. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies installation and replacement procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If newer controllers are integrated into older building automation systems, then system efficiency and control capability are improved, but extensive rewiring is required resulting in high labor costs
Solution Approach 1:
The hardware adapter serves as a cost-effective intermediary that eliminates the need for expensive rewiring work. By providing a plug-and-play solution that connects to existing wiring infrastructure, the adapter reduces labor costs associated with system upgrades while maintaining full compatibility with legacy building automation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The hardware adapter is designed with universal compatibility features, including a wiring interface that can connect to standard building automation wiring baseboards and a communication interface that supports multiple controller protocols. This multi-functionality allows a single adapter design to work across different system configurations, reducing customization costs and simplifying installation procedures.
3Productivity
If controllers are replaced in building automation systems, then system efficiency is improved, but wiring configuration must be changed requiring professional intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The hardware adapter mediates between the newer efficient controller and the legacy wiring system, allowing controller replacement without requiring professionals to rewire the building's infrastructure. The adapter's pre-configured wiring interface accepts standard connections, enabling facility personnel to perform replacements without specialized wiring knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter enables self-service controller replacements by providing a user-friendly interface and pre-configured connections. Facility personnel can install or replace controllers without requiring professional electricians or system integrators, as the adapter handles the complex wiring interfacing automatically through its standardized connection points.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, devices, and systems for a hardware adapter device are described herein. One device includes housing, a plurality of printed circuit boards (PCBs) housed by the housing, where each of the plurality of PCBs include traces, and a switch to select a bus address corresponding to the hardware adapter device, where the housing receives an input/output (I/O) module such that the traces of the PCBs provide an electrical path from a wiring baseboard to the I/O module.