Perceptible Indicators of Wires Being Attached Correctly to Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building control systems lack the ability to understand deep-level connections between resources and controllers, leading to management and optimization challenges as systems become complex, and they are limited in scope by a-priori defined models.
Innovation Solution
A wiring module for building controllers that includes a frame, circuit board, resource connectors, module connectors, and indicators, which can modify resource connectors based on resource requirements and provide real-time monitoring and control, ensuring correct wire attachment through communication with the controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If model-free approach is used for building controls, then implementation is simple, but system becomes difficult to manage and optimize as complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic wire verification with visual feedback indicators that provide real-time information about wiring correctness. The system tests wire connections and displays pass/fail status, enabling installers to immediately identify and correct wiring errors without complex manual testing procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller performs self-verification of wire connections by automatically testing electrical continuity and resistance. The system autonomously identifies correct versus incorrect wiring configurations and provides feedback without requiring external testing equipment or complex diagnostic procedures.
2Ease of manufacture
If a-priori defined models are used, then system scope is limited but implementation is straightforward
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures actual electrical parameters (resistance, continuity) of wire connections and uses these measured values to determine wiring correctness. This empirical parameter-based approach allows the system to verify connections in real-world conditions without being constrained by pre-defined theoretical models.
3Productivity
If wire connections are not verified, then installation is faster, but incorrect wiring leads to system failures and downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs wire verification testing during the installation phase before the system is commissioned. The visual indicators provide immediate feedback on wiring correctness, allowing errors to be corrected during installation rather than during system commissioning or operation, thus preventing future failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color-coded visual indicators (such as LED lights) to provide immediate, intuitive feedback about wiring correctness. Different colors indicate pass or fail status, enabling installers to quickly identify problematic connections without requiring technical interpretation of test results.
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 and secure controller wiring by ensuring correct wire connections, allowing for easy module installation and management, enabling self-federating controllers and reducing downtime during construction, while providing real-time monitoring and control functions.
Implementation Method 1
the indicator disposed on the frame is an LED. In embodiments, the LED turns green when the communication from the controller indicates that the wire attached by the resource connector of the frame is determined by the controller to be a correct wire.
Data Source
AI summary
A module is described which is slidably attachable to a controller. Resource wires are connected to the module through resource connectors. The module has a circuit board that can perform actions. The module can modify the function of its resource connectors. These modifications may be to meet the requirements of resources that are to be connected to the module. The module may be able to register, by means of a signal, when a correct resource wire is attached to the module. The results of such monitoring may be displayed on a screen associated with the controller.