Space-Aware Network Switch for Building Use-Case Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building systems are siloed across domains, requiring domain-specific expertise and focusing on granular implementation details, which hinders the creation of environments that effectively support human tasks and goals, leading to disjointed approaches in designing and operating building systems.
Innovation Solution
A network switch and building management system that facilitates communication and control of building devices through a network switch with a device interface, network routing circuitry, and a control circuit, which determines and adjusts network parameters based on space use cases to prioritize and manage network resources, enabling unified management across multiple domains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If building systems are managed with domain-specific expertise and granular implementation details, then each domain can be controlled precisely, but the overall system becomes complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments building systems into distinct domains (HVAC, lighting, security, etc.) that can be independently controlled and managed. Each domain maintains its specialized control logic while being coordinated through a higher-level space use case framework, reducing overall system complexity through modular organization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces space use cases as an intermediary layer between domain-specific controls and human goals. This mediator translates high-level space objectives into coordinated domain actions, eliminating the need for operators to manage granular domain details directly
2Reliability
If building systems focus on domain-specific implementation details, then each domain can be optimized independently, but the ability to support human tasks and goals is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new dimension of control by introducing space use cases that operate above the domain-specific level. This higher dimension enables the system to address human tasks and goals while maintaining domain optimization through coordinated control of multiple domains simultaneously
3Ease of operation
If network resources are allocated without considering space use cases, then network infrastructure is simple to manage, but network efficiency for supporting building operations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic network resource allocation that adapts to active space use cases. Network parameters such as bandwidth and quality of service are automatically adjusted based on which space use cases are currently active, optimizing network efficiency while maintaining simple management through automated control
Data Source
AI summary
A network switch includes a device interface configured to facilitate communication between the network switch and a plurality of building devices that serve a space, network routing circuitry configured to route network communications associated with the building devices in accordance with one or more network parameters, a control circuit configured to control the plurality of devices via the network communications to provide a plurality of space use cases for the space. and a network manager circuit configured to determine values for the one or more network parameters based on the plurality of space use cases for the space.