KNX Bus Subscriber Coding Switch for Manual Commissioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing KNX bus system commissioning process is complex and labor-intensive, especially for small systems, requiring significant effort with software tools like ETS for configuring bus participants, which hinders flexibility and efficiency in programming and reprogramming.

Innovation Solution

Equipping bus participants with manual coding switches, such as rotary switches, allows for manual setting of connection numbers, enabling programming and reprogramming without software, and providing a dual system for setting connection numbers using both coding switches and software, facilitating easier setup and adaptation of KNX bus systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If software tools like ETS are used for configuring bus participants, then the system can be programmed with centralized control, but the commissioning process becomes complex and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesoftware-based configurationVSAvoidcommissioning process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the configuration function from the centralized software environment and implements it locally at each bus participant through coding switches. This allows individual devices to be configured independently without requiring complex software tools, directly reducing commissioning complexity while maintaining configuration capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Each bus participant is equipped with its own coding switches that allow local configuration of connection numbers. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external software intervention during commissioning, enabling installers to program devices directly at the installation site without complex tooling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Extent of automation

If software tools like ETS are used for configuring bus participants, then centralized control is achieved, but significant effort is required especially for small systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesoftware-based configurationVSAvoidcommissioning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The configuration process is segmented from the centralized software environment and distributed to individual bus participants through local coding switches. This segmentation allows each device to be configured independently and quickly without requiring time-consuming centralized software processing, significantly reducing commissioning time for small systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the electronic/software-based configuration system with a mechanical coding switch system. This mechanical approach is simpler and faster for small-scale deployments, eliminating the time required to connect computers, install software, and perform software-based configuration procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual coding switches are added to bus participants, then programming flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprogramming flexibilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coding switches are merged into the existing bus participant housing and integrated with the device's connection terminals. This combining approach provides manual configuration capability without requiring separate standalone components, minimizing the increase in overall device complexity while maintaining programming flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3097665B1Bus system, and method for operating a bus system
Publication Date: 2019.01.23 LINGG & JANKE
  • EP3097665B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3097665B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3097665B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a bus subscriber for a KNX bus system (1) characterised by a coding switch.