Selectable variable air volume controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional variable air volume (VAV) controllers require complex software tools and extensive time for application development, customization, and installation, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies in controlling building HVAC systems.
Innovation Solution
A VAV controller with a communications interface and processing circuit that stores predefined applications, allowing selection and implementation of these applications without the need for on-site software tools, enabling direct control of HVAC components through a user-friendly interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional VAV controllers use complex software tools for application development and customization, then control functionality and adaptability are improved, but installation time and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures multiple application templates (e.g., cooling, heating, fan control) within the controller before deployment. During installation, technicians simply select from these pre-defined templates rather than programming from scratch, dramatically reducing installation time while maintaining full control functionality through the pre-configured application logic and parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates reusable application templates that can be copied and deployed across multiple VAV controllers. These templates contain pre-programmed control logic, setpoints, and configuration parameters that can be instantly replicated, eliminating the need to re-develop control applications for each new installation while ensuring consistent control performance
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional VAV controllers require extensive customization and programming, then control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures control logic, algorithms, and parameters within application templates during manufacturing. The templates contain precision-engineered control strategies (e.g., PID parameters, setpoint schedules, cascade control logic) that are ready-to-use, allowing technicians to achieve precise HVAC control without needing to understand or program the complex control algorithms themselves
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs application templates that can be universally applied to different HVAC system configurations and building types. A single template framework can adapt to various zones, equipment types, and control strategies through configurable parameters, maintaining control precision across diverse applications while requiring only simple selection and basic parameter adjustment by the operator
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional VAV controllers require complex programming tools, then application capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts complex control logic and application-specific programming from the base controller hardware and encapsulates it within separate, pre-configured application templates. This separation allows the controller hardware to remain relatively simple while the application templates contain the sophisticated control algorithms, enabling technicians to access advanced capabilities without increasing the inherent complexity of the controller device itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs complex application development, testing, and validation during the manufacturing phase, embedding fully-functional control applications into the controller before deployment. This preliminary action transfers the complexity burden from the installation phase to the manufacturing phase, allowing field technicians to work with simplified template selection rather than complex programming tools
Data Source
AI summary
A variable air volume controller includes a communications interface and a processing circuit. The communications interface is configured to facilitate communication with an external device and building equipment. The processing circuit is configured to store a plurality of predefined, selectable-applications; receive a selection of one of the plurality of predefined, selectable-applications; and implement the selected application such that the building equipment is controlled according to the selected application.