Controller with programmable hand-off-auto (HOA) switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building control systems, such as HVAC controllers, lack advanced features for efficient and intuitive control of building environments, particularly in terms of integrating manual control options and programmable functionality.
Innovation Solution
The development of a building controller with manually-actuated HAND-OFF-AUTO (HOA) switches, programmable function block engine, and memory to recognize switch positions and provide control signals based on configuration settings, allowing for customizable control of HVAC systems and other building components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manually-actuated HOA switches are integrated into the building controller, then ease of operation is improved by providing manual override capability, but device complexity increases due to additional control interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control modes (manual HAND, automatic AUTO, and OFF positions) into a single integrated HOA switch mechanism. This merging approach allows users to access manual override capability without adding separate complex control interfaces, as all control functions are unified within the switch assembly that also serves as the user interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The HOA switch serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a manual control interface, a status indicator (through its position), and a configuration selector. The switch's three positions (HAND, AUTO, OFF) provide different operational modes, eliminating the need for separate controls for each function and reducing overall interface complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If programmable function block engine is implemented, then adaptability is improved by allowing customized control logic, but device complexity increases due to software programming requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The control logic is segmented into discrete, pre-defined function blocks that can be independently programmed and configured. Each function block performs a specific control task, and these blocks can be combined through programming to create customized control sequences. This segmentation allows complex control logic to be built from simpler, standardized components, making the programming process more manageable while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic programming capabilities where the control logic can be modified and reconfigured based on different operational requirements. The programmable function block engine allows the control system to adapt its behavior through software configuration rather than hardware reconfiguration, enabling customized control logic to be implemented without permanent hardware changes, thus balancing adaptability with manageable complexity.
3Device complexity
If HOA switches are associated with outputs but not directly coupled, then device complexity is reduced by decoupling switch and output connections, but measurement precision worsens due to indirect signal transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary signal transmission mechanism between the HOA switches and the outputs. The controller's processor acts as a mediator that receives switch position signals, processes them according to programmed logic, and then generates appropriate control signals for the outputs. This intermediary approach allows decoupling of direct electrical connections while maintaining precise signal transmission through digital signal processing and state recognition circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces direct mechanical or electrical coupling between switches and outputs with electronic signal processing. The switch positions are detected through electrical signals that are processed by the controller's digital logic and programming environment, rather than requiring direct mechanical linkages. This substitution maintains measurement precision through electronic signal integrity while reducing mechanical connection complexity.
4Ease of operation
If indicator lights are added for status feedback, then ease of operation is improved by providing visual feedback, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator lights are merged with the existing HOA switch assembly, where each switch position (HAND, AUTO, OFF) has a corresponding integrated indicator. This integration allows the indicator lights to provide visual feedback without requiring separate standalone indicator components, as they are combined with the switch mechanism itself, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation through clear status visualization.
Data Source
AI summary
A building controller includes a plurality of inputs, a plurality of outputs and a plurality of manually-actuated HAND-OFF-AUTO (HOA) switches each having a HAND (H) position, an OFF (O) position and an AUTO (A) position, wherein each of the plurality of HOA switches is associated with but not directly coupled to a corresponding output of the plurality of outputs. A controller is operatively coupled to the plurality of inputs, the plurality of outputs, and the plurality of HOA switches and is configured to recognize a position of each of the plurality of HOA switches, and to control one or more of the plurality of outputs in accordance with the recognized position of each of the plurality of HOA switches as well as a plurality of programmed configuration settings associated with the plurality of HOA switches.