CAN-Bus Lawn Tractor Drive Control for Precise Electric Transaxles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current drive and control systems for utility vehicles, such as zero turn radius lawnmowers, lack precise electronic control over propulsion systems, limiting their operational efficiency and versatility.
Innovation Solution
A drive and control system utilizing a CAN-Bus network to communicate vehicle component health and status messages, and to send drive and control commands, allowing for user input from various steering and drive devices to be interpreted and translated into output signals for different drive systems, including hydrostatic, hybrid, and fully electric systems, using electronic sensors and modules to simulate user movements and maintain desired vehicle handling characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional mechanical drive systems are used, then the vehicle can operate with simple control mechanisms, but precise electronic control of the propulsion system cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical linkages and cable-based control systems with electronic sensors and digital communication networks. The steering and drive input device connects to electronic sensors that detect user movements, and these signals are transmitted through a CAN-Bus network to the vehicle controller, which then controls the propulsion system electronically, eliminating the need for direct mechanical connections while achieving precise control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a CAN-Bus network as an intermediary communication layer between the steering and drive input device, electronic sensors, vehicle controller, and propulsion system. This digital communication medium enables precise electronic control signals to be transmitted throughout the system without requiring direct mechanical or electrical connections between all components
2Adaptability or versatility
If the control system is designed to work with specific drive systems, then the control logic can be optimized, but the system cannot accommodate different drive system types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the vehicle controller with universal control logic that can manage multiple types of propulsion systems including hydrostatic, hybrid, and fully electric systems. The controller receives standardized digital signals from the CAN-Bus network and adapts its output control strategies based on the detected propulsion system type, enabling a single control system to effectively manage diverse drive configurations without requiring separate dedicated control systems for each type
3Speed
If mechanical linkages are used for control, then the system structure is simple, but the control response is slow and imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces slow mechanical signal transmission through linkages and cables with rapid electronic signal transmission through the CAN-Bus network. Electronic sensors detect user inputs and convert them to digital signals that travel through the network to the vehicle controller almost instantaneously, providing significantly faster control response compared to mechanical systems while enabling precise control through digital signal processing
Data Source
AI summary
A drive and control system for a lawn tractor includes a CAN-Bus network, a plurality of controllers, a pair of electric transaxles controlled by the plurality of controllers, and one or more steering and drive input devices coupled to respective sensor(s) for sensing user steering and drive inputs. The plurality of controllers communicate with one or more vehicle sensors via the CAN-Bus network. The plurality of controllers receive the user's steering and drive inputs and posts on the CAN-Bus network and generate drive signals to obtain the desired speed and direction of motion of the lawn tractor.