Rail-Mounted Automation Module for Multi-Protocol Retrofit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building automation devices are inflexible and difficult to adapt to varying space and communication requirements, particularly in low-volume spaces, due to their size and specific operating needs, limiting their effectiveness in compact environments and requiring extensive reconfiguration for different protocols.
Innovation Solution
A rail-mounted building automation device with a modular design, featuring a communication module (MCU) and an application module (MAU) connected via a bus connector that serves both power supply and data transfer, allowing for easy protocol changes and independent development of functionalities, enabling adaptation to different rails and communication environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If building automation devices are designed with fixed functionality and integrated communication modules, then device reliability is improved, but adaptability to different communication protocols and space requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a communication module (MCU) and an application module (MAU), connected via a bus connector. This segmentation allows the communication module to be changed for different protocols while keeping the application module intact, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bus connector is designed with universal compatibility to support multiple communication protocols and configurations. The standardized interface allows the same application module to work with different communication modules, providing multi-functionality across various protocols and space requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices are installed to support different communication protocols, then protocol compatibility is improved, but device complexity and installation requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple communication capabilities are merged into a single device through the interchangeable communication module. Instead of installing separate devices for different protocols, the system allows swapping communication modules on a single application module, reducing installation complexity while maintaining protocol compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The application module is designed with universal compatibility to work with different communication modules through the standardized bus connector. This universality enables a single device platform to support multiple protocols, reducing the number of devices needed and simplifying installation.
3Device complexity
If communication and application functionalities are integrated in a single unit, then device simplicity is improved, but ease of maintenance and updates deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a communication module (MCU) and an application module (MAU) connected by a bus connector. This segmentation enables independent maintenance and updates of the communication module without affecting the application module, improving ease of repair while maintaining operational simplicity.
4Volume of moving object
If devices are designed for compact spaces with reduced dimensions, then adaptability to low-volume spaces is improved, but device functionality and communication capabilities worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented modular design allows compact packaging of individual modules while maintaining full communication capabilities. The communication module can be optimized for small dimensions without compromising functionality, as it interfaces with the application module through the standardized bus connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized bus connector provides universal communication capabilities that work across different module configurations and sizes. This allows compact device design while maintaining full communication functionality through the proven multi-protocol bus interface.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a rail-mounted building automation device adaptable to space and communication requirements, comprising a communications module having a communications bus, an application module that implements the functionality. A bus connector supplies power and transferring data. The communications module includes a first casing having ten bus connector pins, a lower body with the communications bus, having a wall further forward than another in relation to a user. The application module includes a second casing with a pin-receiving connector having three terminals, a first projection separated from a second projection at approximately the width of the rail, in use when the ten pins are introduced into the receiving connector and an upper body of the first casing is introduced into a third recess of the second casing, with both being joined by a securing apparatus.