USB Building Device Networks for Simpler BMS Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Building management systems (BMS) face challenges in efficiently managing and controlling various building devices due to limitations in existing communication protocols and power supply methods, leading to complex installations and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A building management system utilizing a universal serial bus (USB) host embedded computer that communicates with peripheral USB building devices, providing power and control decisions, and enabling daisy chaining of USB connections for expanded functionality and reduced installation requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional communication protocols and power supply methods are used in building management systems, then device compatibility and installation flexibility are limited, but system complexity and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using USB connections as a multi-functional interface that simultaneously provides power supply, data communication, and device control. This single interface replaces multiple separate connections (power cables, communication cables, control wires), enabling a wide range of building devices to be integrated through a standardized protocol while reducing installation complexity and improving adaptability across different device types
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments building devices into USB-host controllers and USB peripheral devices, creating modular functional units. Each device can be independently configured and connected through USB interfaces, allowing flexible system expansion and simplified installation without requiring complex centralized wiring infrastructure
2Reliability
If multiple separate connections are used for power and communication, then power supply and control are reliable, but installation time and system costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power supply and data communication functions into a single USB connection interface. The USB-host controller provides both power and communication through one standardized connection, eliminating the need for separate power cables and communication wires, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining reliable power delivery and data transmission through the integrated USB protocol
3Device complexity
If USB connections are used for power and communication, then installation complexity is reduced, but power delivery capacity may be limited compared to traditional power wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes parameter changes in USB power delivery by implementing USB Type-C connections with Power Delivery (PD) protocol support. This allows dynamic negotiation and adjustment of power parameters (voltage and current) between the USB-host controller and peripheral devices, enabling higher power delivery capacity (up to 100W or more) while maintaining the simplified USB installation approach
Data Source
AI summary
A building system of a building, the building system including an embedded computer, the embedded computer including one or more circuits configured to implement a universal serial bus (USB) host and communicate with peripheral USB building devices via the USB host, receive building data from at least one of the peripheral USB building devices, generate one or more control decisions for one or more of the peripheral USB building devices, and communicate the one or more control decisions to the one or more of the peripheral USB building devices via one or more USB connections. The building system includes the peripheral USB building devices, wherein each of the peripheral USB building devices are connected to the USB host via at least one of a direct USB connection to the embedded computer or an indirect USB connection through another one of the peripheral USB building devices.