Clustered CAN Control Blocks for Low-Wiring Fluidic Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centralized Controller Area Network (CAN) architectures for hydraulic and pneumatic systems require extensive wiring, leading to high costs, potential errors, and numerous failure points, while decentralized architectures reduce these issues but increase component costs due to individual electronics. There is a need for a network architecture that balances local control, minimal calibration, and reduced wiring costs.
Innovation Solution
A control system network architecture featuring clustered control-component nodes with local, low-level controllers, solenoids, and valve spools, arranged in control blocks that communicate via a CAN, allowing for independent control of multiple endpoint devices and reducing the need for extensive wiring by distributing the cost of the low-level controller across multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a centralized Controller Area Network (CAN) architecture is used, then wiring is extensive and costs are high, but component costs are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the control architecture into a centralized CAN network for communication and distributed control blocks for local control. Each control block is a self-contained unit with local controllers that can operate independently while communicating through the CAN network, thus reducing wiring complexity while maintaining centralized communication benefits
Solution Approach 2:
Control blocks serve as intermediary units between the centralized CAN network and the controlled components. These control blocks receive commands from the central controller via CAN and execute local control functions, reducing the need for extensive direct wiring from the central controller to each component
2Ease of operation
If a decentralized Controller Area Network (CAN) architecture is used, then local control is enhanced and wiring is minimized, but component costs increase due to individual electronics
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple control functions into shared control blocks that serve multiple controlled components. Instead of each component having its own electronics, multiple components share common control blocks with local controllers, reducing per-component electronics costs while maintaining local control capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
Control blocks are designed as universal units that can control multiple different types of controlled components (valves, motors, cylinders) through a standardized interface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized electronics at each component, lowering overall system cost while maintaining flexibility
3Device complexity
If a centralized Controller Area Network (CAN) architecture is used, then component costs are reduced, but calibration and adjustments must be made during final assembly
Solution Approach 1:
Control blocks are pre-assembled and pre-calibrated as complete functional units before integration into the final system. This preliminary calibration of control blocks with their associated components allows adjustments to be made early in the assembly process rather than during final system assembly, reducing final assembly time and complexity
4Quantity of substance
If a decentralized Controller Area Network (CAN) architecture is used, then wiring costs are reduced and failure points are minimized, but component costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments control functions into modular control blocks that can be independently assembled and tested. This segmentation allows for reduced wiring within each module while maintaining the benefits of distributed control architecture, balancing wiring reduction with component cost management
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure describes a control system network architecture for a fluidic control system such as a hydraulic or pneumatic control system. The architecture comprises a plurality of clustered control-component nodes with each node being alternatively configurable to independently control the operation of multiple single-acting controlled endpoint devices or a double-acting controlled endpoint device. Each node comprises control-components including a solenoid, a plurality of valve spools independently controllable by the solenoid, and a low-level controller operable to control the solenoid. The solenoid, valve spools, and low-level controller are clustered together and physically co-located as a unit. The nodes are arranged in a control block with each node being uniquely identifiable for data communication via a data communication network. The data communication network may comprise a Controller Area Network (CAN). Multiple control blocks may be equipped with communication modules and linked for data communication between control blocks.