Integrated smart actuator device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC actuators lack integration of advanced processing and wireless communication capabilities, failing to leverage embedded microprocessors and increasing the number of devices that need installation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An integrated actuator device with a housing containing a motor, drive device, and controller, equipped with a microcontroller and processor for closed-loop control, enabling wireless communication and control via a mobile device, and supporting modular circuit card assemblies for replaceable components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mechanical actuators are used without integrated processing and communication capabilities, then device simplicity is maintained, but functionality and control capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the actuator motor, drive device, controller with microcontroller, and wireless communication components into a single integrated housing. This merging of previously separate components (actuator and control electronics) into one unified device increases adaptability and control capabilities while managing device complexity through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated actuator device performs multiple functions: mechanical actuation via motor and drive device, control processing via microcontroller, and wireless communication. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components, enhancing versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices are used for actuation and control, then device functionality is achieved, but the number of devices for installation and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the actuator mechanism, control electronics with microcontroller, and wireless communication capabilities into a single unified device. This eliminates the need for separate actuator and control devices, reducing the total number of devices that need to be installed and maintained while preserving all necessary functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The single integrated device performs multiple functions that would traditionally require separate devices: mechanical actuation, control processing, and wireless communication. This multi-functional design reduces the device count from multiple separate components to one unified unit, simplifying installation and maintenance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing actuator housings are used without integration, then installation is straightforward, but advanced processing and communication capabilities cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent redesigns the actuator housing to integrate multiple components: the motor, drive device, controller with microcontroller, and wireless communication modules all within a single housing. This integrated housing design accommodates advanced processing and communication capabilities that cannot fit in traditional separate-component configurations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A building management system is configured to modify an environmental condition of a building. The building management system includes a valve assembly, an actuator device, and a network sensor device. The actuator device includes a motor, a drive device driven by the motor and coupled to the valve assembly, and a controller coupled to the motor. The controller includes a microprocessor and a control application configured to enable closed loop control of the valve assembly. The network sensor device is communicably coupled to the actuator device and configured to measure an environmental property. The control application is configured to perform the closed loop control of the valve assembly based on an input control signal from a mobile device and the measured environmental property from the network sensor device.