Hot-Swap Controller Base With Deflectable Conductor Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems require powering down and taking automation or process control systems offline for replacing or upgrading controllers, which is disruptive, costly, and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A building controller receiving base with a housing and conductor assembly that allows for hot swapping by deflecting or maintaining conduction paths based on the type of building controller, supporting multiple communication protocols like TIL and RS485.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If controllers are replaced or upgraded during routine or urgent maintenance, then system reliability is improved, but the system must be powered down and taken off-line which increases loss of time and productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor assembly incorporates a deflectable portion that can dynamically change its electrical connection state based on the type of controller inserted. When a first type of controller is detected, the deflectable portion deflects to break the conduction path, enabling hot swap capability. This dynamic adaptation allows the base to automatically reconfigure electrical connections without requiring system shutdown.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical conduction parameter based on the controller type inserted. By detecting whether a first or second type of controller is present, the system alters the conduction path state - either breaking it (for first type) or maintaining it (for second type). This parameter change enables hot swapping for certain controller types while maintaining continuity for others.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single conduction path is used for all controller types, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different communication protocols is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor assembly uses a deflectable portion that dynamically reconfigures the electrical path based on the inserted controller type. This single dynamic structure replaces the need for multiple static conduction paths, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability to different communication protocols (TIL or RS485).
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves protocol adaptability by changing the conduction path parameter rather than providing separate dedicated paths for each protocol. The deflectable portion's position (deflected or not deflected) determines the electrical configuration, allowing the same physical structure to support multiple communication protocols based on the controller type inserted.
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
Enables efficient and convenient replacement or upgrade of controllers without disrupting the system, accommodating different communication protocols, and facilitating seamless electrical and communication connections.
Implementation Method 1
the building controller of the first building controller type may deflect a deflectable part of the conductor assembly to form an electrical break in a conduction path
Implementation Method 2
the conductor assembly maintains the conduction path between the first terminal and the second terminal
Data Source
AI summary
A controller receiving base for receiving a controller. The receiving base includes a housing having a first side and an opposing second side. The housing defines a controller receiving slot for receiving a controller. The receiving base includes a conductor assembly. When the controller receiving slot receives a controller of a first type, the controller may deflect a deflectable part of the conductor assembly to form an electrical break in a conduction path between a first terminal accessible from the first side of the housing and a second terminal accessible from the second side of the housing. When the controller receiving slot receives a controller of a second type, the building controller may not deflect the deflectable part of the conductor assembly such that the conductor assembly maintains the conduction path between the first terminal and the second terminal.