Configurable Wall Module Interface for Building Parameter Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wall modules for building automation systems provide limited access to settings and require additional software tools for full monitoring and control, leading to increased time and cost for building owners, tenants, and contractors, with separate hardware platforms needed for features like fan control and occupancy override.
Innovation Solution
A programmable wall module system with a configurable home screen and menu navigation that allows users to access various building automation system parameters from a single platform, using a fixed segment display with soft keys and up/down buttons, enabling customization of views and permissions, and pre-defined configurations for common applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single wall module is used to access building automation system parameters, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wall module is designed to perform multiple functions including displaying building automation system parameters, controlling HVAC systems, monitoring environmental conditions, and providing user interfaces for configuration. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate devices into a single universal platform, improving ease of operation while managing complexity through integrated design
2Measurement precision
If additional software tools are required for full monitoring and control, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates monitoring and control capabilities directly into the wall module, combining what would traditionally require separate software tools with the hardware interface. This merging eliminates the need for additional external software applications, allowing users to access comprehensive building automation system parameters through a unified interface, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precise monitoring and control functions
3Reliability
If separate hardware platforms are used for different features, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wall module is designed as a universal platform that handles multiple features including fan control, occupancy override, temperature monitoring, and system configuration within a single hardware architecture. This approach maintains reliability by providing dedicated processing and control circuits for each function while consolidating them into one integrated device, eliminating the need for multiple separate hardware platforms
4Adaptability or versatility
If configurable home screen options are provided, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The home screen is designed to be dynamically configurable, allowing users to customize displayed parameters, adjust layout preferences, and modify operational modes based on specific needs. This dynamic configuration capability enables the interface to adapt to different users and applications while maintaining a consistent underlying system architecture, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A configurable wall module having selectable home screens, custom menu navigation, and incorporating functional design. The display utilizes fixed segments. menu navigation and configuration which may be facilitated with soft keys having indicative labels associated with them. The parameters may be accessed from categories by soft keys via two-level menu navigation. Certain parameter value and setpoint entries may be effected with up/down keys. Module configuration may be performed by a user. To provide such user capability, the module may be programmed and configured by an installer with a software configuration tool used in connection with the building automation system associated with the module.