HVAC Point Type Switching Without Logic Rework

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing HVAC programming tools lack flexibility in switching between different types of points without affecting the control logic, requiring extensive rework and increasing the risk of errors when changing point types.

Innovation Solution

The approach abstracts point types in a programming tool, allowing seamless conversion between physical and software points without altering the control logic by maintaining high-level abstract entities called 'points' that can be linked to function blocks, enabling conversion without disrupting the logic.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If point types are defined rigidly at creation time in existing HVAC programming tools, then the control logic structure is initially established, but switching between point types requires extensive rework and increases error risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in switching between point typesVSAvoidextensive rework required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the point configuration into two independent layers: the control logic layer (which remains unchanged) and the point type layer (which can be modified). This allows point types to be changed without affecting the underlying control logic, enabling flexible switching between point types while maintaining system stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control logic is designed to be universal and protocol-independent, capable of working with multiple point types (BACnet, LonWorks, proprietary, etc.). This multi-functionality allows the same control logic to adapt to different point types through configuration changes rather than structural rework, reducing complexity when switching between types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If point types are changed in existing tools, then different point type requirements can be met, but the process is tedious and error-prone due to required deletions and recreations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to switch point typesVSAvoiderror risk during switching

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary validation and preparation before point type changes are executed. The control logic is pre-configured to be agnostic to specific point types, and the system prepares the necessary mappings and associations in advance, ensuring that type changes can be made safely without introducing errors or requiring tedious manual corrections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If extensive rework is performed to switch point types, then point type requirements are satisfied, but programming efficiency and usability decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepoint type conversion capabilityVSAvoidprogramming efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses abstract point representations that can be copied and reused across different point types. Instead of recreating control logic when changing point types, the system maintains copies of the logical structure and simply updates the point type associations, dramatically improving programming efficiency while maintaining full adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS9244450B2Approach for switching between point types without affecting control logic

Publication Date: 2016.01.26 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

An approach for switching between point types without affecting control logic. The control logic may have a function block, input and output points connected with links to the function block. A point may be changed from one type to another type of point without affecting its link. A type of point may be modulating, binary, software, constant, or other.