Sensor Network Platform for Building Management System Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building management systems (BMS) are inflexible and costly to modify, leading to incomplete sensor integration and reduced return on investment, as they struggle to adapt to changing sensor needs and dynamic building usage.
Innovation Solution
A sensor network platform that integrates with existing BMS systems, using gateway devices, sensor network nodes, and bridge units to communicate with external controllers and support a variety of sensors, enabling flexible and granular monitoring and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing BMS systems are used, then system stability is maintained, but adaptability to new sensors and changing building needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sensor network platform as an intermediary layer between existing BMS systems and new sensors. This platform includes gateway devices, sensor network nodes, and bridge units that enable communication between legacy BMS infrastructure and modern sensor technologies, allowing both system stability and sensor adaptability to coexist
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into independent functional components: gateway devices for network management, sensor network nodes for local sensing, and bridge units for protocol translation. This segmentation allows individual components to be updated or replaced without affecting the entire BMS, maintaining stability while enabling adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing BMS systems are modified to integrate new sensors, then sensor integration capability is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor network platform provides universal functionality through standardized interfaces and protocols that work across multiple sensor types and BMS systems. The gateway device and bridge units are designed to handle various sensor protocols (WirelessHART, 6LoWPAN, Thread, Zigbee, Bluetooth Low Energy) and translate them to standard BMS protocols, eliminating the need for custom integration solutions for each sensor type
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge unit acts as an intermediary that handles protocol translation and data formatting, preventing direct complexity from being transferred to the existing BMS system. This mediator absorbs the integration complexity while presenting a simple interface to the legacy system
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing BMS systems are modified to integrate new sensors, then sensor integration is improved, but modification cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor network platform serves as a cost-effective intermediary solution that avoids expensive modifications to existing BMS hardware and software. The modular architecture allows incremental deployment, reducing upfront modification costs while enabling comprehensive sensor integration
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses virtual modeling and digital twins to represent physical building assets, allowing sensor data integration through software layers rather than expensive hardware modifications to the BMS infrastructure
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and apparatus for integrated building operations management. Nodes in the sensor network can be configured to interface with a building control system to exchange sensor-related information.