HVAC Device Update Propagation Using Hierarchical Network Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC control systems require manual and time-consuming processes for updating software, firmware, or configuration settings across multiple devices, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for automatically updating HVAC devices by receiving an update package at a single access point, identifying device models, extracting and installing software updates, and transmitting them across a network, utilizing a tiered device structure for efficient propagation of updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual updating processes are used for HVAC devices, then updates can be applied to each device individually, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The update package is segmented into multiple portions, where each portion contains updates for specific device models. The system divides the updating process into hierarchical stages: first updating main controllers, then subordinate controllers, then field devices. This segmentation enables parallel processing of updates across different device types while maintaining systematic control over the update propagation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by first updating the main controller with the complete update package before propagating updates to subordinate controllers and field devices. This preliminary update ensures that the main controller has the necessary information and capabilities to manage the subsequent update propagation to other devices in the hierarchy.
2Ease of operation
If updates are propagated manually across the HVAC system, then each device can be updated, but the process requires significant manual effort and coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The HVAC devices are equipped with self-service capabilities through automated update mechanisms. Each device automatically receives update packages from its parent controller, extracts the relevant update portion for its device model, installs the update, and then propagates the package to its subordinate devices. This self-service approach eliminates manual intervention while maintaining systematic update propagation throughout the hierarchical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where each device reports its update status, device model identification, and propagation status to its parent controller. This feedback enables the main controller to track update progress, verify successful installations, and coordinate the propagation process across the entire hierarchical system, simplifying overall management despite the distributed nature of updates.
3Reliability
If a single update package is distributed to all HVAC devices, then update consistency is maintained, but the package size and transmission time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The update package is segmented into multiple portions based on device model types. Each portion contains only the updates relevant to specific device models. When a controller receives the complete update package, it segments and distributes only the relevant portions to subordinate devices. This segmentation maintains update consistency across the system while significantly reducing the amount of data transmitted to each individual device.
Solution Approach 2:
Each device receives a customized update portion tailored to its specific device model and hierarchical level. The main controller receives the complete update package, subordinate controllers receive portions relevant to their device types, and field devices receive only their specific model updates. This local quality approach ensures each device gets exactly what it needs, reducing transmission time while maintaining overall system consistency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for updating heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) devices is provided. The method includes receiving an update package at a first HVAC device of a plurality of HVAC devices via a network. The update package includes an identification of a plurality of device models and a plurality of software updates. The method includes determining that a device model for the first HVAC device is identified by the update package and in response to a determination that the device model for the first HVAC device is identified by the update package, extracting a first software update corresponding to the device model for the first HVAC device from the update package and installing the first software update on the first HVAC device. The method includes transmitting the first update package to a second HVAC device of the plurality of HVAC devices via the network.