Wireless HVAC Actuator Configuration in Restricted-Access Installations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional actuators in building automation systems face challenges in configuring and communicating, especially when access is restricted or the master-slave configuration is unclear, and require physical access for tasks like programming and diagnostics.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an actuator with a mechanical transducer, input data connection, feedback data connection, and processing circuit that uses a master-slave detection signal to select operating modes and engage in bi-directional communications, allowing for wireless configuration and operation without physical access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If physical access to actuators is required for configuration and diagnostics, then programming and setting addresses can be performed, but access becomes difficult when actuators are mounted in confined spaces or sealed environments

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveConfiguration accessibilityVSAvoidPhysical access requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical mechanical access requirements with wireless communication capabilities. The actuator includes a wireless transceiver that enables configuration, programming, and diagnostics through wireless signals, eliminating the need for physical access to the device or its circuit board.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a wireless communication intermediary (wireless transceiver and external wireless device) that mediates between the user and the actuator's internal components. This allows configuration and diagnostics to be performed remotely without direct physical contact with the actuator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional physical switches are used for master-slave configuration, then actuators can be configured in tandem, but the configuration process becomes challenging when access is restricted or the proper configuration is unclear

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveTandem configuration capabilityVSAvoidConfiguration difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical switch-based configuration with wireless communication-based configuration. The processing circuit automatically detects tandem connections through wireless signals and configures master-slave relationships programmatically, eliminating the need for physical switch manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator's processing circuit automatically detects its configuration environment and self-configures as master or slave based on wireless communication with other actuators, eliminating the need for manual intervention through physical switches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If the circuit board requires physical access for programming, then firmware can be installed, but it becomes difficult to access control devices in confined or sealed spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveFirmware installation capabilityVSAvoidPhysical access requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical circuit board access with wireless communication for firmware installation. The wireless transceiver receives firmware updates and configuration data wirelessly, transferring them to the processing circuit without requiring physical access to the circuit board.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11774121B2Systems and methods for configuring and communicating with HVAC devices

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY CO

AI summary

An actuator in a HVAC system includes a mechanical transducer, a processing circuit, a wireless transceiver, and a power circuit. The processing circuit includes a processor and memory and is configured to operate the mechanical transducer according to a control program stored in the memory. The wireless transceiver is configured to facilitate bidirectional wireless data communications between the processing circuit and an external device. The power circuit is configured to draw power from a wireless signal received via the wireless transceiver and power the processing circuit and the wireless transceiver using the drawn power. The processing circuit is configured to use the power drawn from the wireless signal to wirelessly transmit data stored in the memory of the actuator to the external device via the wireless transceiver, wirelessly receive data from the external device via the wireless transceiver, and store the data received from the external device in the memory.