Trunk Line Window Controllers Series Connectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Testing and troubleshooting of networks of electrically connected windows are hindered by the distance and location of connections and components, making it difficult for technicians to verify electrical connectivity and signal presence along trunk lines, especially when these are in hard-to-reach locations.

Innovation Solution

A system with a trunk line configured to provide a communication path to window controllers and optically switchable windows, where each window controller is integrated with electrical connectors that are connected in series, allowing for easier access and testing of conductors, and can be installed in close proximity to the windows, reducing the need for long wiring and separate diagnostic lines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If connectors are separated by long distances along the trunk line, then more windows can be connected in the network, but testing and troubleshooting becomes difficult due to inaccessibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of windows connectedVSAvoidease of testing and troubleshooting

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The trunk line is divided into multiple accessible segments with connectors positioned at intervals where technicians can easily access test points. Each connector serves as an independent access point to the electrical conductors, allowing troubleshooting to be performed at any location along the trunk line without requiring access to the entire length of the wiring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If trunk line is installed in hard-to-reach locations, then wiring is concealed and protected, but accessing connectors for testing becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of wiringVSAvoidease of accessing connectors

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

Test points are extracted from the concealed trunk line and brought to the surface through the connector assemblies. The connectors serve as access points where test points are readily available for probing, allowing technicians to test electrical continuity and signals without exposing or accessing the main trunk line wiring that remains concealed and protected within the building structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If separate diagnostic lines are used, then testing capability is provided, but installation complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting capabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The diagnostic testing capability is merged into the existing connector assemblies that are already part of the trunk line system. Test points are integrated directly into the connector structure, eliminating the need for separate diagnostic wiring. This allows technicians to perform electrical continuity tests and signal verification using the same connectors that serve the functional wiring, thereby reducing installation complexity and costs while maintaining full testing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11384596B2Trunk line window controllers

Publication Date: 2022.07.12 VIEW OPERATING CORP

AI summary

A trunk line for providing a communication path to a network of optically switchable windows is described.