Wireless Test Control Device for Emergency Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Testing emergency devices in building automation systems is cumbersome and costly due to the need for manual initiation and recording of test results across multiple devices, especially in large premises, and existing network-enabled solutions increase complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A test control device with a wireless interface that connects to emergency devices via a first interface for activating a simulated emergency mode and monitoring electric parameters, allowing remote testing without additional wiring or communication infrastructure, and can be integrated as an upgrade for basic emergency devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a local test switch is arranged at each emergency device, then the emergency device can be tested locally, but the operator must physically visit each device and record results manually, making testing cumbersome and time-consuming in large premises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/local test switch system with a wireless communication-based remote control system. The test control device communicates with emergency devices via wireless interfaces (e.g., WLAN, Wi-Fi), eliminating the need for physical presence at each device location. This substitution of mechanical/local interaction with wireless communication enables remote testing while reducing time loss.
2Extent of automation
If network capability (e.g., DALI RTM) is integrated into emergency devices for remote testing, then centralized control becomes possible, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages universal wireless communication interfaces that are already present in many emergency devices for testing purposes, rather than requiring dedicated network capability. The test control device uses standard wireless protocols (WLAN, Wi-Fi) that can communicate with existing device interfaces, making the solution universally applicable without requiring specialized network infrastructure or additional complexity in the emergency devices themselves.
3Extent of automation
If additional wiring and gateways are installed to enable remote testing via network interfaces, then centralized control is achieved, but installation cost and hardware cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the network communication functionality from the emergency devices and places it in the test control device. Instead of modifying emergency devices with network interfaces and installing additional wiring, the test control device contains the wireless communication capabilities and interfaces with emergency devices through their existing simple interfaces. This extraction eliminates the need for additional wiring and gateway hardware, reducing installation and hardware costs.
Data Source
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AI summary
A test control device for an emergency device in a building automation system, wherein the emergency device includes a test switch interface for connecting an external test switch for activating a simulated emergency mode of the emergency device, the test control device comprises a first interface, a second interface and a wireless interface. The first interface is configured to connect the test control device to the emergency device and to connect the test control device to a battery interface of the emergency device. The second interface configured to connect the test control device to an energy storage device. The wireless interface is configured to receive an activation signal for activating the simulated emergency mode of the emergency device. The test control device may be part of an emergency device, and in particular of an emergency lighting device, an emergency luminaire or an emergency ballast device. A building automation system may include at least one emergency device.