Integrating functionality in a line powered device of a facility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating additional functionalities into facility infrastructure, such as line powered devices, without adding or altering existing infrastructure is challenging due to the difficulty, cost, and time consumption associated with infrastructure modifications.
Innovation Solution
Integrating new functionalities into line powered devices by leveraging existing sensor devices, controllers, and communication equipment, allowing these devices to obtain and transmit information related to space utilization, occupancy, and other services without requiring additional infrastructure, through the addition of modules or replacement of sensing mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If additional infrastructure is added to obtain information for diverse services, then the information capability is improved, but the device complexity and infrastructure cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling existing line powered devices to perform multiple functions. The device integrates not only its original function but also additional sensing capabilities (occupancy sensing, space utilization tracking, environmental monitoring) and communication functions within a single device, eliminating the need for separate infrastructure components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functionalities into a single integrated device. The line powered device merges communication capabilities, sensing mechanisms, and information transmission functions into one unified component that leverages the existing power infrastructure while adding new capabilities without requiring separate infrastructure additions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing infrastructure is altered to integrate new functionalities, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of manufacture and installation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by integrating the additional functionality modules into the line powered devices before deployment. The sensing mechanisms and communication capabilities are pre-configured and installed within the existing devices during manufacturing or initial setup, allowing the infrastructure to adapt to new functions without requiring costly or complex alterations after installation.
3Productivity
If infrastructure addition is performed to support multiple services, then the productivity is improved, but the loss of time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by leveraging the existing line powered infrastructure to provide new functionalities. The existing devices automatically perform multiple functions including sensing, processing, and transmitting information without requiring additional infrastructure deployment or complex integration work, thereby reducing deployment time and resource requirements while maintaining high service delivery capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Integrating functionality in a line powered device of a facility is described herein. One method includes integrating, in a line powered device of a facility that has a first functionality, a second functionality, obtaining, by the line powered device, information associated with the facility using the second functionality, and sending, by the line powered device, the information associated with the facility obtained using the second functionality to a computing device.