CAN-Bus Electric Drive Control for Lawn Tractor Wiring Simplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utility vehicles, such as zero turn radius lawnmowers, face challenges in energy efficiency and complexity in wiring systems due to the integration of analog and digital sensors, requiring a more efficient propulsion system and simplified communication and power distribution between components.
Innovation Solution
A network system that inter-operatively couples electronic components using processors with ports, allowing direct communication and power transfer between components without the need for a separate controller, reducing wiring complexity and enabling flexibility for new components, including analog and digital sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a hybrid propulsion system with generator and electric motors is used, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to integration of multiple electronic components and sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power distribution and communication functions into a single network system. The controller area network (CAN) bus integrates multiple electronic components including the generator controller, motor controllers, and sensors into a unified communication architecture, eliminating the need for separate wiring harnesses for each function and reducing overall wiring complexity while maintaining energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The network system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes power to various electronic components, transmits control signals, and enables communication between sensors and controllers. This multi-functional approach allows a single network infrastructure to support the hybrid propulsion system's energy efficiency requirements without proportionally increasing wiring complexity
2Measurement precision
If separate controllers are used for each electronic component, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple controllers requiring coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The CAN bus network acts as an intermediary communication medium between separate controllers. Each controller maintains its independent control functions for precision, while the standardized CAN protocol enables seamless communication and coordination between them, reducing the complexity of direct controller-to-controller integration
3Adaptability or versatility
If analog and digital sensors are integrated into the network system, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to signal conversion requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The network system automatically handles signal conversion between analog and digital formats through integrated analog-to-digital converters. This self-service approach allows various sensor types to be integrated without requiring manual conversion circuits, enhancing adaptability while keeping the system architecture simple and unified
Data Source
AI summary
A drive and control system for a utility vehicle includes a CAN-Bus network and a vehicle control module operable to communicate signals to and from one or more components via the CAN-Bus network. The system includes first and second electric actuators with first and second electronic drive modules, respectively. The system includes a steering and drive input device and a steering and drive sensor module operable to post on the CAN-Bus network a steering and drive input command. The vehicle control module processes the steering and drive input command and post on the CAN-Bus network a steering and drive output command. The first and second electronic drive modules process and convert the steering and drive output command to appropriate first and second actuator commands to drive the first and second electric actuators to obtain the desired speed and direction of motion of the utility vehicle.