Wireless Commissioning Tool for HVAC Device Programming

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing building management systems face challenges in efficiently commissioning and programming wireless devices for HVAC, water heating, and lighting systems, particularly due to the need for physical access or line-of-sight, which complicates installation and increases time and costs.

Innovation Solution

A 6LoWPAN wireless communication system using a commissioning tool with a directional radio frequency antenna and microprocessor that allows for wireless commissioning and programming of devices without physical access or line-of-sight, employing a 'query,' 'wink,' and 'ping' protocol to identify and communicate with devices, and a web-based software for data analysis and control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If physical access or line-of-sight is required for commissioning wireless devices, then device identification and programming can be achieved, but installation time increases and installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice identification reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical requirement of physical access or line-of-sight with a wireless RF-based commissioning system. The commissioning tool uses radio frequency communication to identify and program devices without requiring physical proximity or visual contact, thereby eliminating the time-consuming need for installers to physically access each device location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The commissioning tool acts as an intermediary device that facilitates wireless communication between the installer and the building automation devices. It transmits RF signals to query devices, receives responses, and programs devices remotely, serving as a mediator that eliminates the need for direct physical interaction with each device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If physical access or line-of-sight is required for commissioning wireless devices, then device identification and programming can be achieved, but installation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice identification reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical requirement of physical access or line-of-sight with a wireless RF-based commissioning system. The commissioning tool uses radio frequency communication to identify and program devices without requiring physical proximity or visual contact, thereby eliminating the time-consuming need for installers to physically access each device location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The commissioning tool acts as an intermediary device that facilitates wireless communication between the installer and the building automation devices. It transmits RF signals to query devices, receives responses, and programs devices remotely, serving as a mediator that eliminates the need for direct physical interaction with each device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of time

If wireless commissioning without physical access is implemented, then installation time decreases and installation cost decreases, but communication reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation timeVSAvoidcommunication reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The commissioning tool implements a feedback mechanism where it transmits a query signal, receives a response from the target device, and uses this feedback to confirm successful identification and communication. This closed-loop feedback system ensures reliable device identification and programming even without physical access or line-of-sight requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The commissioning tool acts as an intermediary device that facilitates wireless communication between the installer and the building automation devices. It transmits RF signals to query devices, receives responses, and programs devices remotely, serving as a mediator that eliminates the need for direct physical interaction with each device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables safer, quicker, and more cost-effective commissioning and programming of wireless devices, reducing installation time and complexity while providing remote access to performance data and energy management insights.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a commissioning tool with a directional radio frequency antenna, microprocessor, and computer memory

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio frequency transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9282427B2Wireless network design, commissioning, and controls for HVAC, water heating, and lighting system optimization

Publication Date: 2016.03.08 AMATIS CONTROLS LLC

AI summary

Methods, devices, and systems for commissioning and programming a network of wireless devices are disclosed herein. These can include utilizing a commissioning tool having a directional radio frequency antenna, a microprocessor, and memory. The commissioning tool can function with a Smartphone, or be a stand-alone device. The commissioning tool can program wireless devices without direct physical access or direct line-of-sight from the commissioning tool to the device. The commissioning tool can establish network connections with a “query,”“wink,”“ping” protocol, connecting devices that control HVAC, water heating, and lighting systems wirelessly with a border router that can be for upload data collected by devices to the Internet. The method can also include collection, analysis, and illustrations of building system performance data on web-based software.