Programmable peripheral unit for building automation systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Building automation systems (BAS) face challenges with high installation costs and network failures in wireless communication systems, particularly for peripheral devices lacking local computing intelligence, which can lead to communication failures and operational disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A programmable wireless peripheral unit equipped with a processor and memory for local programming, enabling embedded interpreters to execute scripts and programs independently, even in the absence of network connectivity, and supporting fail-safe and normal operational modes through wireless communication with controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If wireless communication is used for peripheral units, then installation costs are reduced, but network failures and communication disruptions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral unit stores multiple communication protocols and fallback communication methods in advance (preliminarily) before network failures occur. When the primary wireless communication fails, the unit can immediately switch to alternative protocols or communication paths without requiring real-time reconfiguration, thus maintaining reliability while preserving wireless installation benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes communication parameters such as protocol type, transmission power, and communication frequency based on network conditions. When wireless communication reliability deteriorates, the unit automatically adjusts parameters to maintain connectivity, resolving the contradiction between wireless installation ease and communication reliability
2Device complexity
If peripheral units lack local computing intelligence, then device complexity is reduced, but operational reliability during network failures decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control functionality is segmented between the central controller and peripheral units. The peripheral units contain only essential local intelligence for basic operations and emergency fallback, while complex control logic remains centralized. This segmentation provides just enough local intelligence to maintain operational reliability during network failures without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The peripheral unit is designed to serve itself during network failures by executing locally stored control logic and fallback routines. The unit can independently maintain basic operations without external control, providing operational reliability while keeping local computing intelligence minimal through self-service capabilities
3Reliability
If wired connections are used for peripheral units, then communication reliability is improved, but installation costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral unit incorporates multiple communication interface types (wireless and wired) within a single device, making it universally compatible with different communication infrastructures. The unit can function with wireless connections during normal operation and switch to wired connections when higher reliability is needed, eliminating the need for separate wireless and wired devices and reducing overall installation complexity
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments describe programmable peripheral units for use in a building automation system. The program-mable peripheral units communicate with controllers and other system components. The programmable peripheral units have end device components to actuate the building environment.