Removable Inclusion Device for Automated Network Commissioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network systems face challenges in efficiently commissioning and managing multiple devices, especially when scaling from a few to dozens, due to complex configuration requirements, lack of robust IP address management, and difficulties in handling device additions and removals, leading to customer dissatisfaction and system performance issues.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a removable inclusion device to automatically retrieve and transmit configuration parameters to a network controller, enabling easy commissioning of appliances into a network, with features like pre-installed information on inclusion devices and un-keyed inclusion devices for seamless integration and communication path establishment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual configuration is used for each device, then network control capability is achieved, but commissioning time and complexity increase significantly when scaling to multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring network parameters and device information on removable inclusion devices before the actual commissioning process. This allows the network controller to automatically retrieve and apply configuration data when the inclusion device is inserted, eliminating manual configuration steps during commissioning and significantly reducing the time required to onboard multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces removable inclusion devices as intermediaries between the user and the network commissioning process. These inclusion devices carry pre-configured information and enable automatic parameter transfer to the network controller, serving as a mediator that eliminates the need for manual user input during device commissioning and scales efficiently to hundreds of devices.
2Ease of operation
If manual tracking of device additions and removals is performed, then network management is achieved, but system complexity and user burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the network system to automatically detect and respond to device additions and removals without requiring user intervention. The network controller continuously monitors for inclusion devices, automatically retrieves configuration data when devices are added, and manages device lifecycle events autonomously, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining robust network management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by establishing continuous monitoring between the network controller and inclusion devices. The system automatically detects when inclusion devices are inserted or removed, retrieves or updates configuration parameters accordingly, and maintains accurate network state information without user input, thereby reducing operational complexity while ensuring proper device management.
3Reliability
If traditional wired connections are used for older equipment, then network connectivity is achieved, but IP address management and network access control become unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static, manual IP address assignment to dynamic, automated IP address management. The network controller automatically assigns and manages IP addresses based on real-time detection of inclusion devices and current network state, enabling the system to adapt dynamically to device additions, removals, and configuration changes while maintaining reliable communication for both traditional and modern devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by automatically updating network parameters such as IP addresses, subnet masks, and gateway configurations based on detected inclusion devices. This allows the network to dynamically adjust its parameters in response to changing conditions, improving both reliability of communication and adaptability to network changes without requiring manual reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed subject matter may provide a system and methods for commissioning a device or appliance into a network. A processor may detect the insertion of a removable device into a data receptacle of a first device. The first device may be an appliance or a network controller. Information may be retrieved from or delivered to the removable device. The information may be information specific to the appliance, such as model number, or may be information related to the network controller. For example, information delivered from the network controller to the removable device may include a network address assignment and network protocol to be used by an appliance when the appliance communicates with the network. The removable device may be removed from the first device and inserted into a data receptacle of a second device.