HVAC Sensor NFC Configuration for Sealed and Confined Installations

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional actuators in building automation systems face challenges in configuring master-slave configurations, especially when access is restricted or unclear, and require physical access for activities like commissioning and programming.

Innovation Solution

Actuators with a mechanical transducer, input and feedback data connections, and a processing circuit that use master-slave detection signals to automatically select operating modes and enable bi-directional communication, allowing wireless configuration and data exchange without physical access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If physical switches or detent potentiometers are used for configuring actuators, then the actuator can be configured for master-slave operation, but physical access to the actuator is required which is difficult when access is restricted or the proper configuration is unclear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of configurationVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical configuration methods (physical switches, detent potentiometers) with an electronic/digital configuration system. A configuration interface allows remote programming of master-slave settings without physical access to the actuator, substituting mechanical interaction with electronic communication through a processor that reads switch states and applies configuration data wirelessly or via communication bus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a configuration interface as an intermediary between the user and the actuator. This interface communicates with the actuator's processor to program configuration settings, serving as a mediator that eliminates the need for direct physical access to the actuator's internal switches or potentiometers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If actuators are mounted in confined spaces or sealed from the external environment, then the system is more compact and protected, but physical access for commissioning, programming, and diagnostics is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from environmentVSAvoidaccessibility for maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal communication interface that serves multiple functions: commissioning, programming, diagnostics, and configuration. This single interface can be accessed remotely without opening or accessing the sealed actuator housing, allowing all maintenance activities to be performed through electronic communication rather than physical access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces physical access requirements for maintenance activities with electronic/digital access methods. A communication bus or wireless interface allows programming and diagnostics to be performed remotely, substituting mechanical opening of housings or access to circuit boards with electronic data transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional physical configuration methods are used, then the actuator can be programmed, but it requires direct access to the circuit board which is difficult when the actuator is sealed or in confined spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming capabilityVSAvoidaccessibility for programming

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical programming methods (direct circuit board access) with electronic programming through a communication interface. The processor receives configuration data through a communication bus or wireless interface, eliminating the need to physically access the circuit board while maintaining full programming capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a communication interface as an intermediary for programming. This interface translates user inputs into configuration data that the processor can apply, serving as a mediator that enables programming without direct access to the actuator's internal electronics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12429240B2Systems and methods for configuring and communicating with HVAC devices

Publication Date: 2025.09.30 JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY CO

AI summary

A sensor in a building HVAC system includes a transducer configured to measure a variable in the building HVAC system and to generate a sensor reading indicating a value of the measured variable. The sensor includes a communications interface configured to provide the sensor reading to a control device in the building HVAC system and a near field communication (NFC) circuit separate from the communications interface. The NFC circuit is configured to facilitate bidirectional NFC data communications between the sensor and a mobile device. The sensor includes a processing circuit having a processor and memory. The processing circuit is configured to wirelessly transmit data stored in the memory of the sensor to the mobile device via the NFC circuit, wirelessly receive data from the mobile device via the NFC circuit, and store the data received from the mobile device in the memory of the sensor.