HVAC Control Unit Firmware Update via Partitioned Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current HVAC control system provisioning methods require significant resources and effort, often necessitating complex PC-based tools and secondary communications networks, making it difficult to update firmware and configuration settings, especially in remote locations.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a portable data storage device with an update file containing partitions for each programmable component, including metadata for device identification and versioning, allowing a main control unit to extract and apply updates to both itself and auxiliary control units via a communications network, without the need for intermediate tools or networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PC-based tools and secondary communications networks are used for provisioning, then firmware and configuration settings can be updated, but the system complexity and resource requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the provisioning data from complex PC-based tools and secondary communications networks, consolidating it into a single portable data storage device that can be directly connected to the main control unit. This eliminates the need for intermediate computers and complex network infrastructure, reducing system complexity while maintaining update capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a portable data storage device as a simple intermediary between the provisioning source and the control system. This intermediary replaces complex PC-based tools and secondary networks, providing a direct and simplified path for firmware and configuration updates.
2Reliability
If service technicians update each controller independently using complex tools, then provisioning can be performed, but the time and effort required increase considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the provisioning data for multiple controllers into a single portable data storage device. The main control unit can then extract and distribute this data to multiple auxiliary controllers simultaneously or sequentially without requiring separate tools or interventions for each device, dramatically reducing provisioning time.
Solution Approach 2:
The provisioning data is prepared and organized in advance on the portable data storage device before being transferred to the control system. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for service technicians to perform time-consuming setup and configuration tasks at each controller location.
3Ease of operation
If portable data storage device with partitions is used, then provisioning process is simplified and automated, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The portable data storage device is segmented into multiple partitions, with each partition containing provisioning data for a specific controller or component. This segmentation allows the main control unit to efficiently identify and extract only the required data portions, simplifying the provisioning operation while organizing the internal device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Each partition within the portable data storage device is assigned a specific function or target controller, giving different parts of the device different qualities or purposes. This local quality approach allows the system to efficiently manage and distribute appropriate data to the correct controllers without processing unnecessary information.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for provisioning building equipment are provided. A disclosed provisioning system includes a main control unit having a processing circuit, a memory device, and a data communications interface. The provisioning system further includes an auxiliary control unit and a portable data storage device. The portable data storage device is physically separate from the main control unit and has an update file stored therein. The update file includes a plurality of partitions, each partition including provisioning data and metadata. The main control unit identifies a first partition of the update file containing first provisioning data for the main control unit and a second partition of the update file containing second provisioning data for the auxiliary control unit. The processing circuit is configured to extract the provisioning data from the identified partitions and to apply the extracted provisioning data to the main control unit and the auxiliary control unit.