Reference Setpoint Structure for Building Actuator Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Building automation systems require significant calculation resources and on-site reprogramming to adjust to environmental changes, making them inefficient and requiring frequent updates.

Innovation Solution

A method to create a reference data structure that combines setpoint parameters for actuators, allowing for centralized calculation and storage of setpoint values, which are then applied to actuators through a computer system, reducing the need for on-site recalculations and updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If control laws are determined by internal programs in actuators, then actuators can autonomously control building equipment, but calculation resources are consumed and on-site reprogramming is required for environmental modifications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautonomous control capabilityVSAvoidon-site reprogramming requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the control law calculation function from the actuator's internal program and relocates it to an external server. The server generates control laws based on environmental data and transmits them to actuators, eliminating the need for on-site reprogramming while maintaining autonomous control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between environmental sensors and actuator controllers. This mediator receives environmental data, calculates optimal control laws, and transmits them to actuators, resolving the contradiction between autonomous control and reprogramming requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If control laws are determined by internal programs, then actuators can operate independently, but frequent environmental changes require repeated on-site reprogramming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent operationVSAvoidreprogramming time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the server continuously monitor environmental data and pre-calculate control laws before they are needed. When environmental conditions change, the server already has updated control laws ready for immediate transmission to actuators, eliminating reprogramming wait time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes a feedback loop where actuators transmit operational status and environmental sensors provide real-time data to the server. This continuous feedback enables the server to dynamically update control laws without interrupting actuator operation, maintaining independence while adapting to changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If setpoint parameters are calculated locally at each actuator, then each actuator can adapt to its specific conditions, but significant calculation resources are required at the actuator level

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocal adaptation capabilityVSAvoidcalculation resource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the computationally intensive setpoint calculation function from individual actuators and relocates it to a server with superior processing capabilities. This allows each actuator to maintain local adaptation while consuming minimal energy, as the server handles the heavy computational load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the calculation resources of multiple actuators into a centralized server. Instead of each actuator having its own full calculation capacity, the system combines processing power at the server level while maintaining individual actuator adaptability through customized control law transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2776895B1Method of constructing a reference data structure and method of controlling an actuator
Publication Date: 2021.03.03 SOMFY ACTIVITES SA
  • EP2776895B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2776895B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2776895B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Method of constructing a reference data structure and method of controlling an actuator. The present invention is aimed at a method of constructing a reference data structure (DR) comprising at least one setpoint parameter (PAR) for at least one actuator (12) of an item of equipment of a building-automation installation, comprising a step (S30) of generating the reference data structure (DR) comprising an association set ({CVE1j; VPi}) for associating between at least one determined value (VPi) corresponding to the at least one setpoint parameter and the determined combination (CVE1j) belonging to the set (E1) of functional data (CVE1) and a method of controlling at least one actuator (12) of an item of equipment of a building-automation installation, the method being implemented by the actuator (12) or by a controller (11) associated with said actuator (12) and comprising a step (E30) of controlling the at least one actuator (12) by applying a setpoint (Cs) determined as a function of the at least one setpoint parameter value (VP) selected in the reference data structure (DR) as well as a system comprising at least one computer (20) and at least one actuator (12) for the respective implementation of said methods.