HVAC Control Module NFC Setup Before Power-Up
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current HVAC system configuration methods require multiple visits by technicians to set up and configure components, especially for electrical wiring, which is inefficient and prone to errors, as they need to connect and configure components without prior knowledge of the system's electrical setup.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a passive NFC transponder that allows configuration before power supply activation, using a mobile service device to read and write identifiers and parameters to the transponder, enabling pre-power-up configuration and reducing the need for subsequent visits by plumbing and electrician technicians.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If configuration is performed after power supply activation using traditional service tools, then technicians can access and modify parameters, but multiple visits are required and the process is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by enabling configuration of HVAC system components before power supply activation. The NFC transponder stores component identifiers and parameters in advance, allowing technicians to complete configuration during the initial installation phase without requiring follow-up visits after system activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical configuration methods (physical connection of service tools to service ports during powered operation) with NFC-based wireless communication. The NFC transponder enables data transfer and parameter configuration through proximity-based electromagnetic coupling, eliminating the need for powered-system access and multiple technician visits.
2Ease of manufacture
If technicians configure components without prior knowledge of electrical setup, then installation can proceed, but errors are prone and quality decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC transponder enables components to self-identify and provide their unique identifiers automatically. When the mobile service device reads the transponder, the component effectively communicates its own identity and parameters without requiring the technician to manually input or search for configuration data, reducing errors and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having the NFC transponder store and transmit component identifiers back to the control device. This automatic feedback mechanism ensures that the control device receives accurate component information, enabling correct configuration without relying on technician knowledge or manual data entry.
3Ease of operation
If NFC transponder is integrated into control device housing, then configuration is simplified, but accessibility during installation may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the NFC transponder from the control device housing into an independent, removable component. This allows the transponder to be mounted in optimal locations for NFC communication accessibility while keeping the main control device housing intact, and enables the transponder to be replaced or repositioned if needed during installation.
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
This approach streamlines the HVAC system installation process by allowing pre-power-up configuration, reducing the need for multiple visits and improving efficiency and quality by automating the identification and parameter setting of components, thus simplifying the installation and commissioning stages.
Implementation Method 1
a passive NFC transponder configured to receive and store a unique identifier for each of the components from a mobile service device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A control device (3) for an HVAC system (5) has a communication module (33) for communication with one or more components of the HVAC system (5). The control device comprises a passive NFC transponder (34) configured to receive and store, prior to the control device (3) being powered on, a unique identifier (341) of each of the components and associated component parameters from a mobile service device (2), and a control module (35) configured to access the stored component parameters and identifiers (341) after the control device (3) has been powered on and to transmit the component parameters via the communication module (33) to components identified by the identifiers.Furthermore, a mobile service device (2) and components designed as drives (1), sensor devices, controllers, operating devices and/or communication devices of the HVAC system (5) are provided.