Method and device for configuring a ventilation system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ventilation systems lack an automated solution to configure themselves according to country-specific standards and norms, requiring manual, laborious adjustments by installers familiar with local regulations, which is inefficient and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that uses an installer's device with data connectivity to obtain location-specific data, generate location-specific control settings, and automatically or semi-automatically configure the ventilation system to adhere to local standards, utilizing a combination of location data, hardware configuration data, and user input to set optimal parameters for motor speed, valve positions, and flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual configuration by installer is used, then the ventilation system can be configured according to local standards, but the process is laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system automatically detects its own hardware configuration through sensors and embedded systems, eliminating the need for manual installer input for many parameters. The system self-configures by comparing detected hardware settings against database standards for the detected location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration processes with automated electronic detection and software-based configuration. Sensors, communication modules, and processing units substitute for manual installer actions, automatically retrieving location data and applying appropriate configuration standards.
2Ease of operation
If manual adjustment by installer is used, then the system can be configured, but errors are prone due to lack of installer knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary configuration system that includes a database of location-specific standards and norms. This intermediary automatically provides the correct configuration parameters based on detected location, eliminating the need for installer expertise in local regulations while ensuring compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of hardware configuration and location data before final system operation. Configuration standards and appropriate parameters are predetermined and stored in databases, allowing the system to automatically apply correct settings before the installer even begins manual configuration tasks.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the same ventilation system is used across different countries, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but configuration complexity increases due to different standards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal configuration system that can adapt to multiple countries and standards through a centralized database containing configuration norms for various locations. The same hardware platform and software architecture serve multiple markets, with automatic detection and adaptation to local standards through location data and communication modules.
4Productivity
If automated configuration is implemented, then configuration time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration system into distinct functional modules: detection modules for hardware configuration, communication modules for location data retrieval, processing units for comparing standards, and execution modules for applying configurations. This segmentation manages complexity by organizing functions into separate, manageable components.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for configuring a ventilation system (101; 201; 301; 401; 501; 601; 701; 801; 901), comprising: - obtaining (112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712; 812; 912) location data for the ventilation system (101; 201; 301; 401; 501; 601; 701; 801; 901);- obtaining (113; 213; 316; 413; 513; 616; 716; 813; 913) a location-specific list of questions for the ventilation system (101; 201; 301; 401; 501; 601; 701; 801; 901); - obtaining (114; 214; 317; 414; 514; 617; 717; 814; 914) hardware configuration data of the ventilation system (101; 201; 301; 401; 501; 601; 701; 801; 901);- mapping (115; 215; 318; 415; 515; 618; 718; 815; 915) the hardware configuration data on questions from the location-specific list of questions to obtain a first subset of answers;- obtaining (116; 216; 319; 416; 516; 619; 719; 816; 916) a second subset of answers via a user interface (130; 230; 330; 430; 530; 630; 730; 830; 930);- compiling (117; 217; 320; 417; 517; 620; 720; 817; 917) a set of location-specific control settings; and- configuring (118; 218; 321; 418; 518; 621; 721; 818; 918) the ventilation system (101; 201; 301; 401; 501; 601; 701; 801; 901) using the parameter values from the set of location-specific control settings.