Smart Building System for Legacy Multi-Dwelling Unit Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional multi-dwelling unit buildings have legacy systems that are stand-alone and difficult to manage, requiring residents, owners, and managers to spend significant time and resources on separate access and control of entrance systems, appliances, and services, with limited integration of smart technology and inefficient payment methods.
Innovation Solution
A smart building system that converts legacy systems into digital signals, allowing for remote access and control through a central portal, including intelligent opening systems, appliance control devices, and multi-port coaxial cable switching devices, enabling efficient management and integration of various building services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If legacy systems are used for entrance control, then residents can access their units, but the systems are stand-alone and require residents to be physically present at the door, limiting remote access capability
Solution Approach 1:
A communication interface is introduced as an intermediary between the legacy entrance system and the remote device. The interface receives control signals from remote devices via a network, converts them into legacy system-compatible signals, and transmits them to the entrance control system, enabling remote access without replacing the entire legacy system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical presence requirements with electronic communication. Instead of requiring residents to be physically at the door to grant access, the system uses network-based communication signals transmitted through the communication interface to control the entrance system remotely
2Productivity
If physical currency is used for appliance payment, then residents can pay for laundry services, but residents must have correct change and make multiple trips to check appliance availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical currency handling with electronic payment processing. The appliance control device accepts electronic payments through a network interface, eliminating the need for physical change and manual payment transactions. Residents can pay remotely using electronic funds transfers, cards, or other digital payment methods
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback mechanisms where the appliance control device monitors appliance status, availability, and payment state. This information is communicated to residents through the network interface, allowing them to check availability and complete payments remotely without physical visits
3Extent of automation
If manual service regulation is used, then owners can control resident services, but the process is time-consuming and requires manual intervention for each service adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service capabilities where residents can independently control their own services through the network interface. Residents can adjust service parameters, check status, and manage their accounts without requiring owner or manager intervention, automatically handling service regulation
Solution Approach 2:
The network interface and control devices serve as intermediaries that automate service regulation. These intermediaries translate resident requests into system actions, automatically adjusting services based on electronic signals rather than requiring manual owner intervention
4Adaptability or versatility
If new smart technology is added to legacy buildings, then functionality is enhanced, but installation is difficult due to incompatible signaling and cable length limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The communication interface acts as an intermediary that bridges smart technology and legacy systems. It receives digital signals from smart devices, converts them to legacy system-compatible signals, and transmits them through existing infrastructure, eliminating the need for extensive rewiring or cable replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes signal parameters through the communication interface, which adapts voltage levels, signal formats, and communication protocols to match between legacy and smart systems. This parameter transformation allows compatibility without physical infrastructure changes
Data Source
AI summary
A method for converting a legacy building into a smart building. The method including calculating a distance between a first connection point and a second connection point; creating a cable having a first length based on the distance between the first connection point and the second connection point; installing a demarcation point; installing a plurality of systems; connecting the demarcation point and a system using the cable, to create a smart building system; connecting the smart building system to a portal; and testing the connection of the smart building system to the portal.