Modular Building Automation Device for Electrical Box Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Building automation devices, such as those for lighting and air conditioning control, often have size and operational limitations that make them inflexible in adapting to changing communication and electrical requirements, particularly when installed in standard electrical boxes.

Innovation Solution

A modular building automation device comprising a communication module (MCU) and an application module (MAU) with a bus connector for power supply and data transfer, allowing for easy adaptation to different communication protocols and enabling independent development and updating of functionalities without requiring extensive reconfiguration or device replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If building automation devices are designed with fixed functionality and size, then they can be manufactured and installed easily, but they cannot adapt to changing communication and electrical requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to communication requirementsVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional modules: a communication module (MCU) and an application module (MAU), which can be independently configured and replaced. This segmentation allows adaptability to different communication protocols without redesigning the entire device, while maintaining a standardized structure for easy manufacturing and installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates a universal bus connector that supports multiple communication protocols and electrical configurations. The communication module can be configured for different protocols (KNX, C3/C4, BACnet, etc.), allowing a single device structure to serve multiple functions and adapt to changing requirements without increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If building automation devices are designed to fit standard electrical boxes, then installation is simplified, but device size and functionality are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidfunctional adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the communication module from the application module, the device maintains a compact form factor that fits standard electrical boxes while allowing independent upgrading of functionality. The modular design enables enhanced features to be added through module replacement rather than entire device replacement, maintaining installation simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device employs dynamic configuration capabilities where the communication module can be reconfigured for different protocols and the application module can be updated to provide new functionalities. This dynamic adaptability allows the device to evolve within the same physical footprint, maintaining ease of installation while increasing functional versatility over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If communication module and application module are integrated, then device structure is simpler, but updating functionality requires complete device replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidmaintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The communication module (MCU) and application module (MAU) are physically separated but electrically connected through a standardized bus interface. This segmentation allows the communication module to be updated or replaced independently of the application module, significantly reducing maintenance time and allowing targeted updates without replacing the entire device, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple communication protocols are supported in a single device, then adaptability increases, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiprotocol capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses a universal bus connector and standardized communication interface that can support multiple protocols (KNX, C3/C4, BACnet, Modbus, WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee) through software configuration rather than hardware variations. This approach allows multiprotocol capability to be achieved through firmware updates and configuration settings, maintaining simple manufacturing processes while providing extensive adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11404851B2Building automation device which can be recessed in an electrical box

Publication Date: 2022.08.02 ROBOT

AI summary

The invention relates to a building automation device which can be recessed in an electrical box, which adapts to the various communication requirements, which comprises a communication module with a communication bus, an application module which implements the functionality of the device, and a bus connector between the two modules, in which said bus connector serves to supply and transfer data, the communication module comprises a first base, the application module comprises a second base, during use, second side faces of the second base are inserted into a first opening of the first base, and the first base is joined to the second base via first attachment means.