Attachment Identification Module for Smarter Work Machine Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is little to no communication between work machines and their associated attachments, leading to inefficiencies and limited functionality, as operators rely primarily on visual feedback and simple sensors for control.
Innovation Solution
Implement an identification module with a motion sensor and transceiver in the attachment, configured to transmit signals at varying frequencies based on its coupling with the work machine, enabling communication and data exchange to enhance operational control and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If simple sensors are used for monitoring attachments, then device complexity is reduced, but information feedback capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a two-way communication system where attachments transmit operational data to the work machine control system, and the control system sends control signals back to the attachments. This feedback loop enables real-time monitoring and control, resolving the information feedback capability limitation while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a universal communication interface that can identify and communicate with multiple different attachment types through a single standardized system. The control system can adapt to various attachments (buckets, blades, grapples, etc.) using the same communication infrastructure, thereby improving information feedback capability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If visual feedback only is used for control, then device complexity is minimized, but operational precision and control quality are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual feedback mechanisms with electronic sensor-based feedback systems. Sensors on attachments provide quantitative data about attachment position, hydraulic pressure, and operational status, which is transmitted to the control system. This substitution of mechanical/visual feedback with electronic sensing and processing significantly improves control precision while the modular architecture keeps overall system complexity manageable.
3Adaptability or versatility
If attachments are simply coupled with work machines, then ease of operation is improved, but functionality and efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic attachment identification and configuration upon coupling. When an attachment is connected to the work machine, the system automatically detects the attachment type, retrieves appropriate control parameters and operational limits from memory, and configures the control system accordingly. This preliminary automatic configuration expands functionality across multiple attachment types while maintaining ease of operation, as operators simply need to couple the attachment without manual configuration steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprising a work machine and an attachment. The work machine includes one or more machine sensors configured to obtain machine data related to one or more components of the work machine. The attachment is configured to be removably coupled to the work machine. The attachment includes an identification module configured to wirelessly transmit identification information to the work machine when the attachment is coupled to the work machine. The work machine is configured to determine one or more attachment characteristics of the attachment based on the identification information transmitted to the work machine from the identification module.