Modular NFC-Enabled HVAC Field Device for Accessible Configuration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC systems face challenges with complex device configurations and accessibility issues due to the need for improved short-range communication methods as devices become more intricate and harder to access.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a base HVAC device block with a near field communication (NFC) circuit and an add-on NFC antenna, allowing for enhanced communication and configuration capabilities, including direct or indirect electrical connections and mechanical interfaces, to improve functionality and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If HVAC devices become more complex with more features, then functionality and capability are improved, but accessibility and ease of configuration deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The HVAC device is divided into modular functional blocks (base block and add-on blocks) that can be independently configured and combined. Each block has its own NFC interface, allowing configuration to be performed on individual modules rather than requiring access to the entire complex device, thus maintaining ease of operation while enabling sophisticated functionality.
2Device complexity
If NFC antenna is integrated inside the HVAC device housing, then device integration is improved, but communication accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC communication function is separated from the main device housing by using removable add-on blocks that contain NFC antennas. These add-on blocks can be attached to the device externally, providing NFC communication capability without requiring internal integration that would limit accessibility. The add-on blocks can be positioned on the device surface for easy access by service devices.
3Ease of operation
If service device approaches HVAC device for data exchange, then configuration capability is improved, but power consumption increases due to power harvesting requirement
Solution Approach 1:
Power is harvested and stored in the energy storage device before the actual data exchange operation. The NFC antenna continuously or periodically harvests electromagnetic energy from the environment and stores it in the energy storage device, so that when a service device approaches for configuration, the required power is already available without needing to consume additional energy during the brief interaction period.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enables efficient data exchange and power harvesting, facilitating easier configuration and operation of HVAC devices, even in complex systems, by extending communication range and simplifying the setup process.
Implementation Method 1
a base near field communication (NFC) circuit configured to be connected to an NFC antenna; the NFC antenna is configured to interact with an NFC antenna of an external service device, when located inside a communication range of the external service device
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an HVAC field device comprising a plurality of HVAC device blocks. The HVAC field device comprises: a) a base HVAC device block comprising: a base housing; an electric motor configured to drive an actuated part, and/or a sensor for the measurement of operational parameters of an HVAC system; a base control module connected to the electric motor, and/or the sensors; a base near field communication (NFC) circuit connected to the base control module; and b) a first add-on HVAC device block comprising: an add-on housing and a first add-on NFC antenna, wherein the base HVAC device block and the first add-on HVAC device block are mechanically connected, and wherein the first NFC antenna is electrically connected to the base HVAC device block.