Remote Wireless Service Interface Activation for Building Control Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The commissioning of building automation systems is hindered by the inefficiency of uploading larger volumes of data to control devices, especially when the IP building network is not operational, and the laborious process of using USB cables in hard-to-reach locations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a wireless service interface in control devices that can be remotely activated via a communication network, allowing for efficient data transfer without the need for an operational IP network or physical USB connections, by simulating the actuation of a service button or using specific commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If USB cable connection is used to upload data to control device, then data transfer speed is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to laborious cable attachment in hard-to-reach locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical USB cable connection system with a wireless communication system. The control device activates a wireless interface (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) to establish a wireless data connection, eliminating the need for physical cable attachment. This substitution maintains high data transfer speeds while dramatically improving ease of operation, especially in hard-to-reach locations where cable access is difficult.
2Productivity
If USB cable is used for data upload, then data transfer efficiency is improved, but loss of time increases due to cable management and limited cable length
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless interface activation replaces the mechanical cable connection process, eliminating time spent on cable attachment, positioning, and management. The control device remotely activates its wireless interface upon receiving a connection request, enabling immediate data transfer without the time-consuming manual cable handling required by USB connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication intermediary (wireless interface) between the external device and the control device. This intermediary enables data transfer without direct physical contact, bypassing the time-consuming cable management steps while maintaining efficient data upload capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If wireless interface is always active for remote access, then ease of operation is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless interface operates dynamically rather than continuously. It remains inactive during normal operation to conserve energy and is activated only when needed for commissioning, configuration, or diagnostic tasks. The control device receives activation commands via the bus system, switches the wireless interface on, performs the required data transfer operations, and then deactivates it, optimizing the balance between accessibility and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless interface is activated periodically or on-demand rather than continuously. The control device switches the interface on when commissioning or maintenance tasks are required, uses it for the necessary data transfer operations, and then switches it off. This periodic activation pattern maintains remote access capability when needed while minimizing energy consumption during normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the teachings herein include a control device for controlling one or more field devices connected to the control device by data technology in the form of a communication network. The control device includes a wireless service interface. The communication network connects the control device to one or more tools. The wireless service interface can be activated by first tool via the communication network.