HVAC Sensor NFC Interface for Wireless Configuration and Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional actuators in building automation systems face challenges in configuring and communicating, particularly in master-slave configurations, especially when access is restricted or unclear, and require physical access for tasks like commissioning and diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an actuator with a mechanical transducer, input data connection, feedback data connection, and processing circuit that uses a master-slave detection signal to select operating modes and enables bidirectional wireless communication, allowing configuration and data exchange without physical access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical access to actuators is required for configuration and commissioning, then configuration can be performed, but accessibility becomes difficult when actuators are mounted in confined or sealed spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical mechanical access requirements with wireless communication technology. The actuator includes a wireless interface that enables configuration, commissioning, and diagnostics through wireless signals, eliminating the need for physical access to the device or its circuit board. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining configuration capability while removing the accessibility constraint.
2Ease of operation
If physical access to circuit board is required for programming and diagnostics, then device control can be established, but operation becomes challenging when access is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes physical circuit board access with wireless communication capability. The actuator incorporates a wireless interface that allows programming, configuration, and diagnostic operations to be performed remotely through wireless signals, eliminating the harmful constraint of restricted physical access while maintaining full operational control.
3Ease of operation
If master-slave configuration uses physical switches, then operating mode can be set, but configuration becomes unclear when access is restricted or proper setup is uncertain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical switch-based mode selection with wireless communication-based configuration. The actuator uses wireless signals to detect and determine master-slave operating modes, providing clear feedback and confirmation of configuration status. This eliminates the ambiguity and uncertainty associated with physical switch configuration, especially in restricted access scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through wireless communication to confirm configuration status. The actuator provides wireless feedback signals that indicate the detected operating mode and configuration state, allowing users to verify proper setup remotely. This feedback loop resolves configuration uncertainty by providing real-time information about the actuator's operational state.
Data Source
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.