Modular AHU Control Layout for Faster Error-Resistant Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current air handling unit (AHU) installation methods are time-consuming and prone to human error due to on-site wiring and module connection challenges, especially in customized installations where each module's control logic needs to be individually programmed and wired.

Innovation Solution

The AHU system comprises modular units with programmable peripheral controllers that can be easily positioned and configured using near-field communication technology, allowing for pre-programming based on their location within a predetermined layout, reducing errors and simplifying the installation process by standardizing module connections and control logic updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If on-site wiring is performed to program control logic for each module, then customized installation requirements are met, but installation time increases and human error probability increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control logic is pre-programmed into the peripheral controllers during manufacturing before the modules are shipped to the installation site. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site wiring and programming, allowing modules to be simply connected and immediately operational while still meeting customized installation requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical wiring process with wireless communication or pre-configured digital connections. Instead of physically wiring each sensor and actuator on-site, the control logic is transmitted digitally or pre-loaded into controllers, significantly reducing installation time and human error while maintaining full customization capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If on-site wiring is performed to program control logic for each module, then customized installation requirements are met, but the probability of making errors increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoidinstallation error rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If modules are wired during assembly to connect sensors and actuators to peripheral terminals, then on-site wiring is reduced, but human error in connecting modules still occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of on-site connectionVSAvoidconnection error rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The peripheral controllers are designed to automatically detect and configure themselves when modules are connected on-site. The controllers self-identify their positions in the system and automatically establish the correct control logic without requiring manual wiring or programming, eliminating connection errors while maintaining ease of installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If temporary installation is performed to check functionality before final installation, then system correctness is verified, but the process becomes more time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem verificationVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20240060671A1Air handling unit and installation method therefor

Publication Date: 2024.02.22 DAIKIN APPLIED EURO SPA

AI summary

Air handling unit (1), AHU, comprises a plurality of modules (100), each of which includes a sensor (101), configured to detect values of a physical property and generate a control signal (101′), an actuator (102), configured to perform air handling operations and a peripheral controller (103), connected to the sensor (101), to receive the control signal (101′), and to the actuator (102), to control it through a command signal (102′). The modules (100) of the plurality of modules are operatively interconnected according to a predetermined layout. The air handling unit (1), AHU includes a central control unit (200), connected to each peripheral controller (103), to exchange signals with each peripheral controller (103). Each peripheral controller (103) of the modules (100) of the plurality of modules is programmable, with the possibility of varying a control logic, in response to a location of the respective module (100) within the predetermined layout and/or depending on the sensor and the actuator connected to the correspondent peripheral controller.