Plug and play universal input actuator

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing HVAC actuators require external tools or DIP switches for selecting operation modes, leading to complex installations and potential errors due to reliance on operator selection of wiring configurations.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a processing circuit that automatically determines whether an input signal is AC or DC voltage, allowing the actuator to operate using appropriate motor control techniques without external configuration, thereby selecting the mode of operation based on the signal type.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If external tools or DIP switches are used for mode selection, then the actuator can operate in different modes (proportional, ON/OFF, floating), but the installation process becomes complex and error-prone due to reliance on operator selection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode selection capabilityVSAvoidinstallation process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator automatically detects the wiring configuration type (proportional, ON/OFF, or floating) by analyzing the input signal characteristics without requiring external configuration tools or DIP switches. The system self-determines the operational mode based on the electrical characteristics of the connected wiring, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention in mode selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes its operational parameters by detecting the type of input signal (AC voltage, DC voltage, or other electrical characteristics) and automatically adjusting its control algorithm accordingly. This allows the actuator to adapt its behavior to match the wiring configuration without manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If external tools or DIP switches are used for mode selection, then the actuator can operate in different modes, but the potential for installation errors increases due to reliance on operator selection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode selection capabilityVSAvoidinstallation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator automatically detects the wiring configuration type (proportional, ON/OFF, or floating) by analyzing the input signal characteristics without requiring external configuration tools or DIP switches. The system self-determines the operational mode based on the electrical characteristics of the connected wiring, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention in mode selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the input signal characteristics and uses this feedback to automatically determine the correct operational mode. By comparing the detected electrical characteristics against known patterns for different wiring configurations, the actuator reliably identifies the intended mode without manual configuration, reducing installation errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If the actuator automatically detects AC or DC voltage signals and applies appropriate motor control techniques, then the installation process is simplified and errors are reduced, but the device complexity increases due to the processing circuit requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation processVSAvoidprocessing circuit

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes its operational parameters by detecting the type of input signal (AC voltage, DC voltage, or other electrical characteristics) and automatically adjusting its control algorithm accordingly. This allows the actuator to adapt its behavior to match the wiring configuration without manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The processing circuit is designed to handle multiple types of input signals (AC voltage, DC voltage, different wiring configurations) using a single unified detection and control mechanism. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate configuration systems into one integrated circuit, minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11527972B2Plug and play universal input actuator

Publication Date: 2022.12.13 JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY CO

AI summary

An actuator in a HVAC system includes a motor and a drive device driven by the motor. The drive device is coupled to a movable HVAC component for driving the movable HVAC component between multiple positions. The actuator includes an input connection configured to receive an input signal and a processing circuit coupled to the motor. The processing circuit is configured to determine whether the input signal is an AC voltage signal or a DC voltage signal. The processing circuit is configured to operate the motor using an AC motor control technique in response to determining that the input signal is an AC voltage signal and configured to operate the motor using a DC motor control technique in response to determining that the input signal is a DC voltage signal.