Modular Room Control Interface With Interchangeable Sensor Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing room interface units are limited to singular functions and require replacement when additional or alternative control functions are needed, leading to the need for multiple models with different functionalities to accommodate various room control applications.
Innovation Solution
A modular room control interface system comprising a base component with power and communication connections, sensors, logic, and data processing, paired with a removable front component that can include different sensors and user interfaces, allowing for quick configuration and customization of monitoring and control functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If room interface units are designed with fixed functionality, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as units cannot accommodate new or customized control functions
Solution Approach 1:
The room interface unit is divided into modular components including a base unit and interchangeable function modules. Each module performs a specific function (e.g., temperature control, lighting control, occupancy detection), allowing the system to be configured by assembling different modules together. This segmentation enables adaptability while keeping individual module complexity low.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit is designed with universal interfaces and communication protocols that can work with multiple types of function modules. The standardized connection mechanisms and data exchange formats allow a single base unit to support various control functions through module substitution, achieving multi-functionality without increasing base unit complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple models with different functionality are maintained, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of maintaining multiple complete device models, the invention uses a universal base unit that can interface with various function modules. This approach provides the same adaptability as multiple models would offer, but eliminates the need to manage different device architectures, firmware versions, and replacement procedures for each model.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the common functionality (communication, power management, data processing) into a single base unit, while separating specialized functions into independent modules. This consolidation reduces the overall system complexity compared to having multiple complete devices, as the base unit serves as a common platform for all configurations.
3Ease of operation
If room interface units are designed for quick configuration, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity may worsen due to modular components
Solution Approach 1:
The modular design allows users to quickly configure the system by simply adding or removing function modules from the base unit, without requiring complex wiring or programming. The physical modularity translates directly to operational simplicity, as configuration changes become mechanical assembly/disassembly tasks rather than system reconfiguration challenges.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular modules are designed with self-identifying features and automatic registration capabilities with the base unit. When a module is connected, the system automatically detects its presence and configures the appropriate control functions, eliminating the need for manual setup procedures and reducing the operational complexity despite the modular architecture.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for configuring a modular room control interface (300), the method comprising detecting, at a base plate (302, 402, 500) of the modular room control interface, a room control function of an interchangeable front plate (304, 404, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000) of the modular room control interface, the interchangeable front plate having a cover (602, 702, 802, 902, 1002) that fits over the base plate to cover the base plate, the front plate being removably attached to the base plate, the base plate including at least one room control function other than the room control function of the interchangeable front plate, the base plate being interchangeable with other base plates such that different base plates may be paired with different front plates to create a customized set of room monitoring and control functions; updating, at the base plate, the at least one room control function of the base plate to include the room control function of the interchangeable front plate; and controlling, at the base plate, at least one control function of a room using the updated at least one room control function of the base plate; wherein the at least one room control function of the base plate and the room control function of the interchangeable front plate are selected from the following room control functions: smoke detection, heat detection, glass breakage detection, alarm, card reader, light sensing, blinds control, temperature sensing, humidity sensing, CO2 sensing, and occupancy sensing.