Wireless Sensor Enrollment for HVAC Controller Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems face challenges in efficiently configuring and managing wireless sensors for optimal environmental control, as current methods lack a streamlined process for enrolling and integrating these devices with controllers, leading to inefficiencies in data collection and system operation.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a building controller with a user interface and memory to enroll wireless devices, solicit identifiers, and display screens for users to input device information, enabling seamless communication and integration of sensors for data collection and system control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wireless sensors are added to HVAC systems for better environmental control, then measurement precision and system functionality are improved, but device complexity and configuration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service configuration through automatic enrollment where wireless sensors automatically register themselves with the HVAC controller without manual intervention. The controller autonomously discovers, identifies, and integrates new sensors into the system, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration procedures while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary enrollment process between the wireless sensors and HVAC controller that simplifies integration. This intermediary mechanism handles the complex pairing and configuration tasks automatically, allowing sensors to be added to the system through a streamlined process that reduces configuration complexity while preserving measurement capabilities.
2Device complexity
If manual configuration processes are used for wireless sensors, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring enrollment parameters and identification protocols in the sensors before deployment. When sensors are added to the HVAC system, they are already prepared to automatically register themselves, eliminating time-consuming manual configuration steps while keeping the overall system architecture simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration processes with automated electronic enrollment mechanisms. The system uses electronic identification and automatic pairing protocols to substitute time-consuming manual setup procedures, thereby reducing enrollment time while maintaining configuration simplicity through standardized automated processes.
3Productivity
If automated enrollment is implemented for wireless devices, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and system integration challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated enrollment system is segmented into distinct functional modules: sensor identification, controller discovery, pairing authentication, and data registration. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving deployment productivity while managing complexity through modular design that can be implemented incrementally.
Data Source
AI summary
An HVAC controller for controlling an HVAC system may be configured to enroll one or more wireless devices, and once one or more wireless devices are enrolled, to prompt the user to enter an identifier, a location, a device type and/or a function for one or more of the enrolled wireless devices. The HVAC controller may use the identifier, location and/or device type to identify each of the enrolled devices. This may facilitate a user in selecting various sensors to participate in sensor averaging, identifying where certain sensor data is originating, identifying devices having a low battery condition, as well as performing other tasks as desired.