Modular Wall Module Interface for Configurable Building Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
The design and production of various wall modules for building automation systems are expensive and inefficient due to the need for different configurations to accommodate diverse applications and settings, leading to a wide range of modules that are costly to manufacture and stock.
Innovation Solution
A modular wall module platform with a housing, user interface, and controller that can detect and adapt to different overlay and sensor configurations, allowing for customizable behavior and display information based on detected configurations, enabling a single module to serve multiple applications while maintaining a uniform design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different wall module configurations are produced and stocked to accommodate various building systems and locations, then the system can meet diverse application requirements, but the design, manufacturing and stocking costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal wall module platform that can perform multiple functions through configurable components. The base module design serves as a universal foundation that can be adapted to different building systems (HVAC, lighting, security) and locations through interchangeable overlays and sensor modules, eliminating the need to manufacture separate dedicated modules for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall module is segmented into distinct functional components: a base module containing controller and display, removable overlays with touch-sensitive regions for different interfaces, and interchangeable sensor modules. This segmentation allows individual components to be manufactured separately and assembled in different configurations, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a wide variety of wall module configurations are stocked to meet different installation requirements, then customer needs can be satisfied, but inventory costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By creating a universal base module that can be configured for multiple applications through overlays and sensor modules, the system reduces inventory requirements. Instead of stocking separate modules for HVAC, lighting, and security applications, the company can stock one universal base module type and a limited variety of interchangeable components.
Solution Approach 2:
Segmenting the module into a universal base and interchangeable components (overlays, sensor modules) allows the company to maintain a small inventory of base modules while offering extensive configuration options through the interchangeable parts, significantly reducing total inventory variety and associated costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wall module types are manufactured to suit different zones and systems, then system specificity is improved, but design and production complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wall module is divided into a standardized base module and interchangeable components (overlays, sensor modules). This segmentation allows the base module design to remain simple and uniform, while system specificity is achieved through the interchangeable components that can be attached as needed, reducing overall design and production complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal base module design provides a common platform that simplifies manufacturing processes and design efforts. Different system specificities (HVAC control, lighting control, security monitoring) are achieved not through different base modules but through configurable overlays and sensor modules, reducing the complexity of manufacturing multiple specialized module types.
Data Source
AI summary
A wall module for use with a building control system is customizable for a particular application though the selection of different overlays, displays, and/or expansion modules. The selected overlay and the display, when provided, together may form the user interface of the desired wall module configuration. The expansion module may be selected to provide additional desired functionality. Different overlays, displays and/or expansion modules may be selected for different wall modules within a building control system.