Hardware Migration Adapter for Building Controller Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Incorporating newer building controllers into existing building automation systems is challenging due to wiring compatibility issues, leading to high labor costs and significant downtime, as previous replacement methods require rewiring and removing wiring panels.
Innovation Solution
A hardware migration device comprising a top housing, I/O adapter boards, and a PCB base that connects to the existing wiring baseboard, allowing for the replacement of older controllers without rewiring, using I/O adapter boards and a PCB base to provide updated electrical connections, maintaining the original footprint and allowing for easy revertibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If newer building controllers are incorporated into existing building automation systems using traditional replacement methods, then controller modernization is achieved, but wiring panels must be removed and rewired, resulting in high labor costs and significant downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adapter board as an intermediary component that connects the new controller to the existing wiring baseboard. This adapter board serves as a mediator that translates connections between different controller types, allowing the new controller to interface with legacy wiring without requiring rewiring of the wiring panel itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the controller replacement process into separate functional components: the new controller unit, the adapter board, and the existing wiring baseboard. This segmentation allows each component to be independently addressed and connected, enabling the new controller to be integrated without disrupting the existing wiring infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If newer building controllers are incorporated into existing building automation systems using traditional replacement methods, then controller modernization is achieved, but wiring panels must be removed and rewired, resulting in high labor costs
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter board acts as an intermediary that simplifies the installation process by providing pre-configured connection points that map to the existing wiring baseboard layout. This eliminates the need for complex rewiring operations and reduces installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter board replicates the connection interface of the original controller, maintaining compatibility with the existing wiring baseboard while supporting the new controller. This copying approach allows the new controller to be integrated without modifying the established wiring architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wiring panels are removed and rewired for controller replacement, then new controller integration is achieved, but system downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter board is designed and prepared in advance with pre-configured connection points that match the existing wiring baseboard. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid installation without requiring time-consuming rewiring operations, thereby maintaining system availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter board enables the new controller to be integrated without disrupting the existing wiring panel, allowing the wiring panel to remain in place and continue serving its function. This intermediary approach maintains system productivity by avoiding the need to take the system offline for rewiring.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, devices, and systems for hardware migration are described herein. One device includes a top housing, a plurality of input/output (I/O) adapter boards housed by the top housing, a base housing adjacent to the top housing, and a printed circuit board (PCB) base adjacent to the plurality of I/O adapter boards and housed by the base housing, wherein the plurality of I/O adapter boards are electrically connected to the PCB base, and the PCB base includes a plurality of traces configured to provide an electrical path for inputs from a wiring baseboard of an existing controller to the plurality of I/O adapter boards.