Wireless Building Automation with Distributed Logic Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building automation systems require a qualified electrician for programming and are prone to losing configurations if not saved safely, with complex electrical installation devices that complicate retrofitting and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A building automation system where logical functions and links between sensors and actuators are stored in data memories with wireless network coupling units, allowing for wireless connections and enabling configuration through mobile devices, including a home server for fail-safe storage and remote operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If logical functions are stored in centralized control units, then system control is simplified, but programming complexity and electrician dependency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the building automation system into autonomous sensor/actuator modules, each with its own data memory storing logical functions. This segmentation distributes control intelligence from centralized units to individual devices, enabling them to operate independently while maintaining simplified control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Each sensor and actuator is equipped with its own data memory that autonomously stores and executes logical functions. The devices self-configure and self-manage their control logic without requiring external programming intervention, eliminating dependency on qualified electricians for programming tasks.
2Speed
If configurations are stored in local memory only, then system responsiveness is improved, but data loss risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dual-storage architecture where logical functions are stored locally in each sensor/actuator's data memory for immediate execution, ensuring fast system responsiveness. Simultaneously, the same configurations are backed up in a fail-safe manner in the building management system's memory, providing redundancy and preventing data loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrical installation devices contain integrated logical control, then device functionality is enhanced, but device complexity and retrofitting difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates universal sensor and actuator modules that can perform multiple functions through programmable logical control stored in their data memories. These modular devices can be configured for different applications (lighting, temperature, security) without hardware changes, enhancing versatility while maintaining relatively simple device structures through standardization.
4Reliability
If professional programming is required for system configuration, then system reliability is improved, but ease of installation and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables end-users to independently program and configure building automation functions through intuitive interfaces. Each sensor and actuator autonomously stores its configuration in its own data memory, allowing users to perform installation, modification, and maintenance tasks without requiring specialized electricians, thereby improving ease of installation while maintaining system reliability through robust data storage.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The system (1) has an electrical installation apparatus in the form of sensors (3-6) and actuators (8-11). The logic functions with links of the sensors and actuators are connected to each other and are stored in data memories (22). A network switching unit (21) with radio portion (23) is configured to create the requirement for radio links (18) of the sensors and actuators. A home server is equipped with a radio device. A mobile terminal (13) is configured for programming and modification of the logic functions and to operate the sensors and actuators.