NFC Room Controller Configuration With Version Compatibility Checks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The configuration of HVAC components in buildings often requires manual and error-prone processes, leading to potential misconfiguration and malfunction due to unsuitable initial configuration data being used during installation and commissioning.
Innovation Solution
The use of near field communication (NFC) transponders in room devices, such as thermostats, allows for configuration data to be saved and verified for compatibility with the device version, ensuring correct operation by connecting with a handheld device to receive and store initial configuration data only if compatible, and using a mechanical switch to inhibit misconfigurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration processes are used for HVAC components, then installation flexibility is maintained, but configuration errors and malfunctions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing configuration data in NFC transponders before device installation. The transponder contains pre-configured parameters that are automatically transferred to the HVAC device, eliminating manual configuration steps and reducing errors while maintaining installation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The NFC transponder serves as an intermediary carrier between the configuration source and the HVAC device. It stores configuration data in a standardized format and enables automatic transfer to the device, acting as a mediator that ensures accurate data transmission without manual intervention.
2Productivity
If configuration data is transferred without version verification, then installation time is reduced, but device malfunction risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the HVAC device read and verify the transponder version against its own firmware version before accepting configuration data. This version checking mechanism provides feedback to ensure compatibility, preventing malfunctions while maintaining efficient automatic configuration transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
Version verification is performed as a preliminary check before configuration data transfer. The device reads the transponder version, compares it with its firmware version, and only proceeds with data transfer if compatible, ensuring reliability before the actual configuration operation.
3Ease of operation
If NFC transponder is always enabled, then configuration convenience is improved, but security against misconfiguration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the NFC transponder switchable between enabled and disabled states. The transponder can be activated for configuration purposes and then deactivated, providing dynamic control over when configuration is possible. This maintains convenience during installation while preventing unauthorized or erroneous reconfiguration during operation.
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 method streamlines the configuration process, reduces errors, and ensures HVAC systems are correctly set up, preventing malfunctions by ensuring compatibility between configuration and device versions, thus enhancing installation efficiency and system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a transponder controller (5a), an antenna (5c) for near field communication
Data Source
AI summary
A room device comprising two or more connectors (2a, 2b, 15) for providing building power to the room device (1); a device controller (3a) configured to operate a heating, ventilation and/or air-conditioning system (4); a device memory (3b) in operative communication with the device controller (3a); wherein the device memory (3b) and the device controller (3a) require building power for standard operation; a transponder controller (5a) and an antenna (5c); a transponder memory (5b) being powerable by the transponder controller (5a); a device firmware stored in the device memory (3b), the device firmware including instructions causing the device controller (3a) upon providing building power to the room device (1) to: connect to the transponder controller (5a) such that the device controller (3a) is in operative communication with the transponder controller (5a); transfer the initial configuration data stored in the transponder memory (5b) to the device memory (3b).