Wirelessly configurable and networked system for building automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current building automation systems require components to be powered by a wired energy source for configuration, making the commissioning process inefficient and time-consuming, especially when dealing with hundreds or thousands of components.
Innovation Solution
A wirelessly configurable and networked system for building automation that uses a radio-frequency (RF) circuit to receive commissioning data via a wireless-communication protocol, allowing components to be configured without being powered by a wired source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If components are powered by a wired energy source for configuration, then the system ensures stable power supply and reliable data transmission, but the commissioning process becomes inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired power connection system with a wireless electromagnetic field-based power and data transmission system. The RF circuit receives electromagnetic signals that simultaneously provide both power and configuration data to the component, eliminating the need for physical power cables and manual configuration processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The RF circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it receives electromagnetic signals for wireless power supply, accepts configuration data, and transmits operational status. This multi-functional approach consolidates what were previously separate systems (power supply and data configuration) into a single integrated wireless communication interface.
2Reliability
If components require wired power connection for configuration, then the system ensures stable operation during commissioning, but the configuration process becomes time-consuming when dealing with hundreds or thousands of components
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs configuration actions wirelessly and remotely before the component is physically installed in its final position. The RF circuit receives and processes configuration data through wireless electromagnetic signals, allowing commissioning to occur in advance during packaging or pre-installation phases, thereby reducing on-site commissioning time.
Solution Approach 2:
The component's RF circuit autonomously receives electromagnetic signals containing both power and configuration data, processes this information internally, and configures itself without requiring manual intervention or connection to external configuration equipment. This self-configuration capability significantly reduces the time required for commissioning multiple components.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration is performed for each component, then the system ensures accurate setup, but the process requires significant human effort and time
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pre-configured configuration data stored in the RF circuit that can be copied and transmitted wirelessly to multiple components. Instead of manually configuring each component individually, the same configuration parameters can be replicated across numerous components through automated wireless signal transmission, maintaining accuracy while reducing human effort.
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
This solution enables faster and more efficient configuration of building automation components, reducing the time and effort required for commissioning and allowing components to be configured in their original packaging or before installation.
Implementation Method 1
a radio-frequency (RF) circuit configured to receive an RF signal using a wireless-communication protocol
Data Source
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AI summary
A wirelessly configurable and networked system for building automation includes a processor and a radio-frequency (RF) circuit that receives an RF signal using a wireless-communication protocol. The RF circuit includes an antenna. The system for building automation includes a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive role data via the RF circuit, transmit the role data to a parent device, and receive configuration data in response to transmitting the role data. The configuration data is associated with the role data. The system operates based on at least the configuration data.