Electrochromic Window Commissioning With Automatic Address Pairing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrochromic windows and devices face challenges in commissioning, including incorrect installation, mispairing of network addresses with physical locations, and malfunctions, which hinder their effective operation and energy-saving potential.

Innovation Solution

A method for commissioning electrochromic windows involves identifying networked devices, determining their locations, and pairing them with unique IDs through a remote device interface, using graphical user interfaces and wireless electromagnetic signals for accurate location determination, enabling automatic commissioning and troubleshooting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual commissioning methods are used for electrochromic windows, then installation flexibility is maintained, but installation errors and mispairing of network addresses with physical locations increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepairing accuracyVSAvoidcommissioning system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual commissioning procedures with an automated system that uses wireless electromagnetic signals (ultra-wideband signals) to automatically determine device locations and pair them with network addresses. This substitution eliminates human error in manual pairing while maintaining system flexibility through software-based configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The commissioning system enables devices to self-identify and self-locate automatically. Each window device transmits its unique identifier and location information via wireless signals, allowing the system to automatically pair network addresses with physical locations without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving pairing accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If automated commissioning using wireless electromagnetic signals is implemented, then pairing accuracy and location determination improve, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation determination accuracyVSAvoidcommissioning technology complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a master controller as an intermediary that coordinates the automated commissioning process. The master controller receives wireless electromagnetic signals from window devices, processes the location and identification information, and performs the pairing operations. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system architecture while achieving high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The commissioning system is designed to be universally applicable to multiple window devices simultaneously. The automated location determination and pairing process works for any number of windows in the network, eliminating the need for device-specific commissioning procedures and reducing per-device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If comprehensive testing procedures are implemented during commissioning, then malfunction detection improves, but commissioning time and productivity loss increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemalfunction detection capabilityVSAvoidcommissioning speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs comprehensive testing as a preliminary action during the automated commissioning process itself, rather than as a separate subsequent step. The system tests device functionality, communication capabilities, and location accuracy while pairing devices to network addresses, ensuring reliability without requiring additional time after commissioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The commissioning process maintains continuous operation without interruption for testing. The automated system seamlessly integrates functionality tests, communication tests, and location verification into the pairing process, eliminating idle time and maintaining steady commissioning speed throughout the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS11668992B2Commissioning window networks

Publication Date: 2023.06.06 VIEW OPERATING CORP

AI summary

Methods are described for the commissioning of optically switchable window networks. During commissioning, network addresses are paired with the locations of installed devices for components on a window network. Commissioning may also involve steps of testing and validating the network devices. By correctly pairing the location of a device with its network address, a window network is configured to function such that controls sent over the network reach their targeted device(s) which in turn respond accordingly. The methods described herein may reduce frustrations that result from mispairing and installation issues that are common to conventional commissioning practices. Commissioning may involve recording a response to a manually or automatically initiated trigger. Commissioning methods described herein may rely on user input, or be automatic, not requiring user input.