HVAC Actuator Wireless Configuration to Eliminate Physical Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional actuators in building automation systems face challenges in configuring and communicating, especially when access is restricted or the master-slave configuration is unclear, and require physical access for tasks like programming and diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an actuator with a mechanical transducer, input data connection, feedback data connection, and processing circuit that uses a master-slave detection signal to select operating modes and engage in bi-directional communications, allowing wireless configuration and operation without physical access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical access to actuators is required for configuration and programming, then configuration can be performed, but it becomes challenging when access is restricted or actuators are mounted in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical mechanical access requirements with wireless communication capabilities. The actuator includes a wireless transceiver that enables configuration, programming, and diagnostics to be performed remotely without physical contact, substituting the mechanical access paradigm with electromagnetic communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication intermediary (transceiver system) that mediates between the user and the actuator. This intermediary enables information exchange and configuration commands to be transmitted through the air, eliminating the need for direct physical access to the actuator's circuit board or configuration interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If physical access to circuit board is required for programming and diagnostics, then device control can be established, but it becomes difficult when actuators are sealed or mounted in inaccessible locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical requirement of opening sealed enclosures and accessing circuit boards with wireless communication. The transceiver enables programming and diagnostics to be performed through the sealed exterior, maintaining the protective sealing while enabling full operational access.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless transceiver serves multiple functions including configuration, programming, diagnostics, and operational control, all accessible remotely. This multi-functional capability eliminates the need for different access methods for different tasks, providing universal remote access to all actuator functions.
3Reliability
If master-slave configuration requires physical inspection and manual setup, then proper operation can be ensured, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service configuration capabilities where the actuator automatically determines its role (master or slave) and configures itself through wireless communication. The system performs self-diagnosis and self-configuration, eliminating the need for manual inspection and reducing configuration time while maintaining reliability through automated error checking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the actuator communicates its status, configuration, and operational parameters wirelessly. This feedback enables real-time verification of proper configuration and allows for automatic correction of configuration errors, ensuring reliability while reducing the time required for manual verification.
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator in a HVAC system includes a mechanical transducer, a processing circuit, a wireless transceiver, and a power circuit. The processing circuit includes a processor and memory and is configured to operate the mechanical transducer according to a control program stored in the memory. The wireless transceiver is configured to facilitate bidirectional wireless data communications between the processing circuit and an external device. The power circuit is configured to draw power from a wireless signal received via the wireless transceiver and power the processing circuit and the wireless transceiver using the drawn power. The processing circuit is configured to use the power drawn from the wireless signal to wirelessly transmit data stored in the memory of the actuator to the external device via the wireless transceiver, wirelessly receive data from the external device via the wireless transceiver, and store the data received from the external device in the memory.