Integrated smart actuator device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC actuators lack integration of advanced processing and wireless communication technologies, limiting their control and automation capabilities, which increases the number of devices needed for installation and maintenance in building management systems.
Innovation Solution
A building management system incorporating a valve assembly, actuator device with a motor and controller, and network sensor device that enables closed-loop control via a microprocessor, allowing wireless communication and integration with mobile devices for equipment monitoring and control functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If HVAC actuators use traditional mechanical devices without integrated processing and wireless communication, then device complexity is reduced, but functionality and automation capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the actuator motor, drive device, controller with microprocessor, and wireless communication module into a single integrated HVAC actuator device. This merging eliminates the need for separate mechanical devices and enables enhanced functionality including closed-loop control, wireless communication, and environmental sensing within one unified device.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated HVAC actuator serves multiple functions: it acts as a motor-driven actuator for mechanical control, a wireless communication device for data transmission, a controller with microprocessor for logic operations, and interfaces with environmental sensors. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate devices.
2Productivity
If multiple separate devices are used for control and wireless communication in HVAC systems, then device functionality is sufficient, but the number of devices for installation and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the actuator mechanism, control electronics, and wireless communication capabilities into a single integrated device. This eliminates the need to install and maintain separate actuators, control modules, and wireless communication devices, thereby reducing the total number of devices while improving installation and maintenance efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If HVAC actuators lack closed-loop control capabilities, then device simplicity is maintained, but control precision and energy management are improved with integrated control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements closed-loop control by integrating a controller with microprocessor that receives feedback from environmental sensors (temperature, humidity, occupancy) and adjusts actuator positioning accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables precise control of HVAC components based on real-time environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated controller automatically monitors environmental conditions through connected sensors and autonomously adjusts actuator positions to optimize HVAC performance. The system self-regulates without requiring external intervention, improving control precision while managing complexity through automated decision-making algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
A building management system is configured to modify an environmental condition of a building. The building management system includes a valve assembly, an actuator device, and a network sensor device. The actuator device includes a motor, a drive device driven by the motor and coupled to the valve assembly, and a controller coupled to the motor. The controller includes a microprocessor and a control application configured to enable closed loop control of the valve assembly. The network sensor device is communicably coupled to the actuator device and configured to measure an environmental property. The control application is configured to perform the closed loop control of the valve assembly based on an input control signal from a mobile device and the measured environmental property from the network sensor device.