Systems and methods for configuring and communicating with HVAC devices

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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 activities like commissioning 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 for wireless configuration and operation without physical access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If physical access to actuators is required for configuration and commissioning, then proper master-slave configuration can be achieved, but access becomes difficult when actuators are mounted in confined or sealed spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveConfiguration accessibilityVSAvoidPhysical access requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical mechanical configuration methods with wireless communication technology. The actuator includes a wireless transceiver that enables bidirectional wireless data communications, allowing configuration, commissioning, and diagnostics to be performed remotely without physical access to the device or its circuit board.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a wireless communication intermediary (wireless transceiver and wireless network infrastructure) between the user and the actuator. This intermediary enables data transmission and configuration commands to be sent wirelessly through the air, eliminating the need for direct physical contact with the actuator's internal components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If physical access to circuit board is required for programming, then device can be configured, but access becomes impossible when device is sealed from external environment

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveConfiguration capabilityVSAvoidPhysical access requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical circuit board access with wireless communication capabilities. The processing circuit is configured to engage in bidirectional wireless data communications, allowing firmware updates, configuration changes, and diagnostics to be performed remotely without opening the sealed housing or accessing the circuit board physically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator is designed with multi-functionality, combining both the mechanical transducer functions and wireless communication functions in a single sealed unit. This allows the device to maintain its primary actuation function while simultaneously providing remote configuration, monitoring, and diagnostic capabilities through the wireless transceiver.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If manual configuration of tandem-mounted actuators is performed, then master-slave configuration can be set, but the process becomes challenging when access is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveConfiguration accuracyVSAvoidConfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual physical configuration with automated wireless configuration. The processing circuit automatically detects tandem mounting configurations through wireless communication and autonomously configures master-slave relationships, eliminating the need for technicians to manually access and configure each actuator's physical switches or jumpers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator system performs self-configuration through automated detection and configuration protocols. When actuators are wireless-mounted in tandem, they automatically detect their relative positions and configure their master-slave relationships without human intervention, reducing both configuration time and potential for human error.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10684029B2Systems and methods for configuring and communicating with HVAC devices

Publication Date: 2020.06.16 JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY CO

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.