Clock Source Selection for Machine Control Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clock synchronization systems rely on a single external clock source, which may not be accessible to all machines and lack redundancy, leading to inaccuracies due to the use of on-board battery-operated clocks affected by climatic conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allow a controller to select a clock source from multiple external sources based on a predetermined order, ensuring accurate timekeeping by prioritizing more reliable sources like GPS, LEO satellites, cellular networks, and computer networks, with a fallback to on-board clocks when external sources are unavailable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single external clock source is used for synchronization, then clock accuracy is improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to lack of redundancy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple external clock sources (GPS, LEO satellites, cellular networks, computer networks) into a unified synchronization system. The controller can select from several external sources and switch between them, merging their capabilities to provide both accuracy and redundancy. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining high clock accuracy through multiple precise external sources while improving reliability through failover capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares backup clock sources in advance before failures occur. The controller is configured with a predetermined order of preferred clock sources and can switch to backup sources proactively when the primary source becomes unavailable. This beforehand cushioning ensures continuous accurate timekeeping without interruption, resolving the reliability issue while maintaining accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If all controllers connect directly to external clock sources, then clock synchronization accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal clock source selection mechanism where the controller can obtain time information from multiple types of external sources (GPS, LEO, cellular, computer networks) through a unified interface. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain synchronization accuracy without requiring dedicated hardware connections to each external source, reducing complexity while preserving accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that consolidates connections to multiple external clock sources. Instead of each device needing direct connections to external sources, the controller centralizes the interface to external clocks and distributes synchronized time information to all controllers in the system. This mediator approach maintains synchronization accuracy while dramatically reducing connection complexity.
3Device complexity
If on-board battery-operated clocks are used, then device complexity is reduced, but clock accuracy deteriorates due to climatic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary synchronization by obtaining accurate time information from external clock sources before critical operations occur. The controller proactively updates its internal clock using external references, ensuring accuracy is established in advance. This preliminary action allows the system to use simpler on-board clocks for basic operations while maintaining accuracy through periodic external synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The external clock sources serve as intermediaries that provide accurate time references to the on-board clocks. Rather than relying solely on the imperfect on-board battery-operated clocks, the system uses external clocks as mediators to periodically correct and synchronize the internal timekeeping. This intermediary approach maintains accuracy while allowing the use of simpler on-board clock hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
A clock synchronized control system includes a controller configured to control at least one function of a work machine. The controller may also be configured to select a clock source from among a plurality of external clock sources based on a predetermined order. The controller may be further configured to obtain information from the selected clock source. The controller may also be configured to use the obtained information to affect the at least one function of the work machine.