Systems and methods for configuring and controlling distributed climate control devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring HVAC system components is inefficient and labor-intensive, requiring manual intervention and taking significant time, especially in large buildings where hundreds of components need to be reset, reconfigured, or updated.
Innovation Solution
A controller device that detects edge devices, generates configuration data, and transmits it to a remote server, allowing for pre-configuration of HVAC devices even when they are powered off, and enables simultaneous configuration of multiple devices through wireless networks, reducing the need for manual intervention and streamlining the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration of HVAC components is performed, then configuration accuracy can be ensured, but configuration time and labor cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting edge devices and generating configuration data before the devices are powered on. The controller device scans for edge devices, retrieves their identification information, generates appropriate configuration data, and uploads it to the server in advance, so that when the edge devices power on, they can immediately download and apply the pre-configured settings without requiring manual intervention during startup.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing edge devices to automatically obtain their configuration data from the server without manual intervention. When an edge device powers on, it automatically connects to the server, downloads its pre-generated configuration data, and applies the settings autonomously. This eliminates the need for field engineers to manually configure each device while maintaining configuration accuracy through server-managed configuration data generation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If field engineers manually configure each edge device, then device-specific configuration requirements can be met, but the complexity of the configuration process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a server as an intermediary between the controller device and multiple edge devices. The server centralizes the configuration data storage and distribution function. The controller device generates configuration data for multiple edge devices and uploads it to the server. When edge devices power on, they independently query the server for their configuration data. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall process by eliminating the need for field engineers to manually configure each device while still meeting device-specific requirements through targeted configuration data generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The server provides universal configuration management capabilities that serve multiple edge devices with different requirements. A single server instance can store and distribute configuration data for numerous diverse edge devices, making the system scalable and reducing the need for device-specific configuration infrastructure. The controller device also exhibits multi-functionality by performing device detection, identification retrieval, configuration data generation, and server communication functions within a single device.
3Reliability
If configuration is performed after edge devices are powered on, then devices can be configured in their operational state, but configuration time is extended due to sequential processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs configuration data generation and upload to the server before the edge devices are powered on. The controller device detects edge devices in a powered-off state, retrieves their identification information, generates appropriate configuration data, and uploads it to the server in advance. This preliminary action ensures configuration reliability because the configuration data is generated and validated before deployment, while simultaneously improving productivity by enabling parallel processing - multiple edge devices can be configured simultaneously without waiting for sequential power-on events.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides beforehand cushioning by pre-generating and storing configuration data on the server before edge devices need to operate. This creates a buffer or cushion that decouples the configuration preparation from the device power-on events. When edge devices power on, they can immediately retrieve pre-prepared configuration data without causing delays or requiring sequential configuration processes, thus maintaining reliability while accelerating overall configuration speed.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system to enable operating parameters of edge devices to be configured. In one example, a controller device detects or verifies edge devices that are powered-off. In response to detecting edge devices, the controller device generates, for each detected edge device, corresponding configuration data, and transmits the configuration data to the server. In one approach, each powered-on edge device connects to the server, and automatically retrieves corresponding configuration data from the server. In another example, a disclosed controller device enables configuring operating parameters of edge devices without a network connection to the server through a simplified process. For example, the controller device detects or verifies edge devices within a predetermined distance from the controller device. The controller device may simultaneously or sequentially access different wireless communications with different edge devices using network access information, and transmit configuration data to connected edge devices.