Wireless Control Devices for Facility Scene Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing facilities management systems face inefficiencies and energy waste due to either highly centralized control, which is inflexible and costly to retrofit, or highly localized control, which is time-consuming and prone to human error, with wireless control systems presenting challenges in implementation and retrofitting.
Innovation Solution
A wireless control system that broadcasts messages to control devices associated with facilities such as lights, allowing for scene commands to be generated and executed based on device responses, enabling flexible and efficient operation of lights and other resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a highly centralized control system is used to manage facilities systems, then control efficiency and resource allocation are improved, but implementation cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized control system into distributed control modules, where each facility device or group of devices has its own control module. This segmentation reduces the complexity of the central system while maintaining control efficiency through coordinated operation of distributed modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical control dimension, combining centralized coordination with distributed execution. The system operates at multiple levels: strategic decisions are made centrally, while tactical operations are handled locally, thus improving control efficiency without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
2Productivity
If a highly centralized control system is implemented, then resource allocation is optimized, but adaptability to local conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables different control modules to have locally optimized parameters and behaviors suited to their specific facility conditions. Each control module can be configured with local environmental data, usage patterns, and operational requirements, allowing resource allocation to be optimized globally while adapting to local conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If individual light switches are distributed throughout a building for localized control, then adaptability to local conditions is improved, but operation time and energy waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of individual light switches into integrated control modules that can manage multiple devices. These modules combine localized control capabilities with automated decision-making, allowing users to control facilities locally while the system handles coordination and optimization, thus reducing operation time without sacrificing local flexibility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If individual light switches are used for localized control, then local flexibility is maintained, but energy waste due to human error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms in control modules that monitor facility usage, environmental conditions, and operational status. This feedback enables automated adjustments and reminders, reducing energy waste from human error while preserving local control flexibility. The system can detect when facilities are unused and automatically adjust settings or notify occupants.
5Ease of manufacture
If wireless control systems are retrofitted into existing buildings, then ease of implementation is improved, but implementation cost and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs control modules with universal interfaces and protocols that can work with various facility devices and communication infrastructures. This multi-functionality allows the wireless control system to be retrofitted into existing buildings without requiring extensive customization or specialized infrastructure, reducing both cost and complexity of implementation.
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary systems and methods for provisioning wireless control of facilities systems are provided. A message is broadcast to a network that includes one or more control devices, which may be associated with one or more control points (e.g., lights in lighting systems). The control device responds with information concerning the control device and/or any associated control points. A scene including at least one specification for operation the control point is assigned to the control device. A corresponding scene command may be generated and sent to the control device. Provisioning may further include generating a visual display of the various control devices and associated control points (e.g., lights) in the facilities system.