Trunk Line Window Controllers With Accessible Test Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Testing and troubleshooting of electrical networks for optically switchable windows, such as electrochromic windows, is challenging due to the distance between connectors and components, which can be up to 60 feet apart, making it difficult to verify electrical connectivity and signal presence, especially when the network is located in hard-to-reach places like ceilings or walls.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a trunk line with integrated electrical connector blocks and window controllers, where the connector blocks are connected in series by trunk line segments, providing access to conductors and allowing for easy verification of electrical connectivity and signal presence through test points, and can include wireless communication and power transmission capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If connectors are placed at distant locations to cover large building areas, then the coverage area is improved, but the difficulty of testing and troubleshooting increases due to up to 60 feet separation between connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The trunk line is divided into multiple segments with connector blocks at intervals. Each connector block serves as an accessible testing point, segmenting the long 60-foot trunk line into manageable sections that are easier to test and troubleshoot individually while still covering large building areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Connector blocks serve as intermediary accessible points between the master controller and distant windows. These intermediaries provide convenient testing locations without requiring technicians to access hard-to-reach ceiling or wall locations, thereby reducing testing difficulty while maintaining large coverage area.
2Ease of manufacture
If trunk line is installed in ceiling or wall locations to maintain aesthetic appearance, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the ease of operation for testing and troubleshooting deteriorates due to hard-to-reach locations
Solution Approach 1:
The trunk line system is segmented into sections with accessible connector blocks that can be reached from accessible locations, while the main trunk line remains concealed in ceilings or walls for aesthetic purposes. This segmentation allows aesthetic appearance to be maintained while providing accessible testing points.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector blocks provide access to the concealed trunk line through a different spatial dimension - accessible testing points are positioned at accessible locations while the main trunk line remains in the ceiling/wall space, effectively adding an accessibility dimension without compromising aesthetic appearance.
3Area of stationary object
If extensive wiring is used to connect all windows in a large building, then the coverage area is improved, but the device complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wiring system is segmented into modular trunk line segments connected by standardized connector blocks. This segmentation reduces overall complexity by breaking down the extensive wiring into manageable, standardized sections that can be installed and tested systematically across large building areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector blocks serve multiple functions: they connect trunk line segments, provide testing access points, and facilitate troubleshooting. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by consolidating multiple features into single standardized components rather than requiring separate elements for each function.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional separate connector and controller configuration is used, then the adaptability is improved, but the installation time and costs increase due to extensive wiring and calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The connector block and window controller are merged into a single integrated assembly. This combination eliminates the need for separate wiring and calibration steps between connectors and controllers, significantly reducing installation time and costs while maintaining adaptability through the modular design that allows flexible configuration of multiple integrated units.
Data Source
AI summary
A trunk line for providing a communication path to a network of optically switchable windows is described.