Loop Object Mapping for HVAC Feedback Loop Identification and Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current HVAC systems lack an efficient method for identifying and controlling individual feedback loops, leading to increased complexity, cost, and time in setup and maintenance, as well as difficulty in monitoring and managing comfort levels within facilities.

Innovation Solution

The development of a system and method that creates a loop object corresponding to a feedback loop within an HVAC system, allowing for the mapping of parameters to control and monitor individual elements, using control devices and a network for communication, enabling easier identification, configuration, and management of feedback loops.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional HVAC control systems are used without loop object mapping, then the system can operate basic feedback loops, but it becomes difficult to uniquely identify and control individual feedback loops among multiple loops

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIdentification and control of individual feedback loopsVSAvoidSystem complexity due to multiple feedback loops
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the HVAC control system into distinct loop objects, each representing a specific feedback loop. This segmentation allows each loop to be uniquely identified and controlled individually, resolving the difficulty of managing multiple feedback loops in a unified system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces loop objects as intermediary entities between the control system and the actual feedback loops. These loop objects serve as mediators that simplify the interface for identifying and controlling individual feedback loops, reducing the operational complexity despite having multiple loops.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If manual configuration methods are used for each feedback loop, then individual control is possible, but it requires travel to each site, accommodations, manual review time, and increases deployment complexity and costs

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePrecise control of individual feedback loop parametersVSAvoidTime for setup and configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service configuration where loop objects can be automatically created and mapped to feedback loops without requiring manual site visits. The system automatically reviews device types and configurations, eliminating the need for technician travel and manual on-site setup while maintaining precise parameter control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary automated configuration actions that prepare the loop objects and their parameter mappings before deployment. This preliminary action includes automatic device discovery, loop identification, and parameter association, which eliminates the need for time-consuming manual review and configuration at each site.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If existing HVAC control systems are used without automated loop identification, then basic control functions are available, but system setup and maintenance require increased cost, time, and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSystem setup and maintenance efficiencyVSAvoidComplexity in deployment and maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the control system by introducing parameter mapping between loop objects and actual feedback loops. This parameter transformation layer enables automated identification and configuration, significantly improving setup and maintenance productivity while managing system complexity through structured parameter relationships.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3693814B1Mapping a loop object to a feedback loop
Publication Date: 2023.11.01 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC
  • EP3693814B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3693814B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3693814B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Systems, methods, and devices for mapping a loop object to a feedback loop are described herein. For example, one device includes a memory, and a processor configured to execute executable instructions stored in the memory to create a loop object corresponding to a feedback loop associated with an HVAC system, and map the loop object to the feedback loop.