Configuring a load control system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load control systems lack an efficient method for designing and configuring load control panels with varying types and numbers of control devices, making it difficult to replicate configured panels and maintain device associations for effective electrical load control.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface (GUI) software is used to design and configure load control systems, allowing users to easily add and connect control devices, generate model numbers for panels, and replicate panels with the same configuration, while maintaining associations between control-source and control-target devices through digital messages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If load control panels are configured with varying types and numbers of control devices, then the system becomes more adaptable to different control requirements, but the complexity of designing and configuring each panel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a panel replication feature where a configured load control panel can be copied and instantiated multiple times. The replication process creates identical panel configurations with automatic association between control-source and control-target devices, eliminating the need to manually reconfigure each panel and reducing design complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides a universal configuration approach where a single panel design can serve multiple functions and locations through replication. The standardized configuration process and automatic device association create a multi-functional system that can handle various control requirements using the same base configuration template.
2Productivity
If multiple load control panels are replicated with the same configuration, then the configuration process becomes more efficient, but the difficulty of maintaining device associations increases
Solution Approach 1:
When a load control panel is replicated, the system automatically copies all device associations from the source panel to the new panel instances. This automatic association maintenance eliminates the manual tracking required when replicating panels, allowing efficient multiplication of panels while simplifying the maintenance of control-source and control-target device relationships.
3Reliability
If manual configuration methods are used for each load control panel, then device associations can be maintained, but the time required for configuration and replication increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated replication process copies device associations from the source panel to new panels, ensuring consistency and accuracy across all panels. This automated copying mechanism maintains reliable device associations while dramatically reducing the time required compared to manual configuration of each panel individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration by creating a master panel template with all device associations properly established. This preliminary action allows subsequent panels to be quickly replicated from the template, reducing overall configuration time while maintaining association accuracy through the predefined template structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A design software, e.g., a graphical user interface (GUI) software, may be used to design and/or configure a load control system. The design software may be executed on a network device (e.g., a personal computer, a laptop, a tablet, or a smart phone). The design software may allow for easy configuration of load control panels and effortless multiplication of configured panels during the design of the load control system. Each load control panel may have a plurality of control devices, such as load control devices (e.g., power modules, dimming modules, and/or switching modules), system controllers, and/or power supplies. The design software may allow for the configuration of load control panels having different types and numbers of control devices. In addition, the design software may allow for the multiplication of load control panels having the same configuration (e.g., the same type and number of control devices).