Wireless Tag Reader for Facility Device Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Facility management systems, particularly HVAC systems, face challenges such as inaccessible devices, difficulty in distinguishing device functions, and the need for manual consultation of plans and handbooks for system operation and troubleshooting, which complicates installation and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A system with identity tags on devices, a system layout database, and an operator tool equipped with a tag reader for wireless communication, allowing for device identification and data access without physical contact, enabling updated database information and improved management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If devices are placed in hard-to-reach locations (e.g., behind lacunaria, in plenum), then system functionality is improved, but device accessibility and identification become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoiddevice accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical identification methods (physically accessing devices, consulting paper plans) with wireless electromagnetic communication. The operator tool uses wireless tags to automatically identify devices and retrieve information from the database, eliminating the need for physical device access and manual plan consultation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Area of stationary object

If multiple devices are placed close to each other, then space utilization is improved, but device distinction and identification become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoiddevice distinction

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces wireless tags and a database as intermediaries between the operator and the devices. When the operator tool reads a tag, it automatically queries the database to retrieve device-specific information, enabling clear device identification even when multiple devices are clustered together and visually indistinguishable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual device inspection and differentiation with automated wireless identification. The operator tool automatically reads tags and retrieves device information from the database, eliminating the need for operators to manually distinguish between closely placed devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If manual checking and consultation of plans is used for system management, then no additional hardware is required, but time consumption and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehardware requirementsVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service operation where the operator tool automatically retrieves device information from the database based on tag readings. The system serves itself by automatically providing identification and information without requiring manual plan consultation or external reference materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The database is pre-populated with all device information during system installation and configuration. This preliminary action allows operators to quickly retrieve pre-stored information during operation, maintenance, or troubleshooting without needing to manually search through plans or handbooks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Facilitates efficient management of facility systems by providing accurate and up-to-date information about devices, improving knowledge and handling of system devices, and allowing identification from a distance, even in hard-to-reach locations.

Implementation Method 1

an operator tool enabled to communicate with the system layout database and said system device database, the operator tool being provided with a tag reader enabled to read an identity from a tag of a system device when being in the vicinity of the system device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS7924151B2Field device management

Publication Date: 2011.04.12 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC BUILDINGS AB

AI summary

A system for facility management is disclosed, comprising a plurality of system devices each provided with an identity tag uniquely identifying the system device; a system layout database comprising facility layout data including intentional positions of the system devices; a system device database comprising data and identity for each system device; and an operator tool enabled to communicate with the system layout database and system device database, the operator tool being provided with a tag reader enabled to read an identity from the tags of the system devices when being in the vicinity of the system devices, wherein the operator tool is arranged to access data from the system device database about the system device and include said identity in an item of the system layout database. An operator tool and methods for managing the facility management system is also disclosed.