Modular Building Control Configuration With Auto Compatibility Checks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and configuration of building management systems, such as HVAC, security, and lighting systems, are time-consuming and costly due to the need for customizing and integrating various components, which can take up to five days or more, depending on the system size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A modular building control system that includes a base module and expansion modules, where the base module collects and transmits information to a cloud server to create a system configuration, checking compatibility and automatically configuring the system by sending commands to place expansion modules in configuration or operation modes, and receiving configuration parameters from the cloud server to streamline the setup process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration and integration of building control system components is performed, then system customization and compatibility can be ensured, but installation and configuration time becomes excessively long (up to five days or more)
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-configuration by automatically detecting expansion modules, collecting their information, and generating configuration parameters without requiring manual intervention. The base module autonomously executes compatibility checks and configures the system, eliminating the need for lengthy manual configuration processes while ensuring proper system integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary compatibility checking and information collection during the initialization phase before full operation begins. By pre-configuring the system and verifying compatibility in advance, the patent eliminates the need for time-consuming manual configuration during installation and reduces setup time significantly.
2Reliability
If comprehensive compatibility checking and information collection is performed for each module, then system integration reliability is improved, but configuration complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple configuration tasks into a single automated process executed by the base module. Information collection, compatibility checking, and configuration generation are merged into one unified automated workflow, reducing configuration complexity while maintaining integration reliability through systematic verification of all modules.
3Productivity
If automated configuration processes are implemented to reduce installation time, then configuration speed increases, but system compatibility and reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automated feedback mechanisms where the base module collects information from expansion modules, performs compatibility verification, and adjusts configuration parameters based on the collected data. This feedback loop ensures that automated configuration maintains system compatibility and reliability by verifying module interactions before finalizing the configuration.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems for configuring a modular building control system (12). An illustrative method may include entering a configuration mode in a base module (22, 32, 42, 52) and in each of the expansion modules (24a, 34). While in the configuration mode, the base module may collect information from each of the expansion modules. A system configuration may be created for the modular building control system based at least in part on the collected information and includes configuration parameters for the base module and each of the expansion modules. The base module may transmit to each of the expansion modules their respective configuration parameters. The base module and each of the expansion modules may install their respective configuration parameters, exit the configuration mode, and enter an operation mode. While in the operation mode, the base module and each of the expansion modules may control the modular building control system.