Coordinated Work Machine Control for Low-Latency Synchronized Motion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current work equipment control systems require separate and discrete methods for tracking, tasking, and monitoring multiple work machines, leading to latency and inefficiencies in coordinated operations.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system with a user input system that provides simultaneous signals to multiple work machines' control systems, allowing them to operate in a coordinated mode, reducing latency through synchronized actuation of actuators across machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate and discrete control systems are used for each work machine, then each machine can be controlled independently, but latency and inefficiencies occur in coordinated operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate control systems into a unified coordinated control system that simultaneously manages multiple work machines. The system integrates control signals for multiple machines through a centralized architecture, enabling synchronized operation and eliminating the latency associated with discrete independent control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed with multi-functionality to handle both independent machine control and coordinated operations. It can operate in multiple modes: independent control mode for individual machine operations and coordinated control mode for synchronized multi-machine operations, providing universal control capability across different operational requirements.
2Device complexity
If separate control systems are used for each work machine, then system complexity is reduced for individual machines, but efficiency in coordinated tasks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coordinated control system is segmented into modular components that can independently manage individual machines while coordinating their operations. Each work machine maintains its own control module, but these modules are integrated through a centralized coordination layer that enables efficient multi-machine tasks without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary coordination layer is introduced between individual machine control systems and the central control unit. This intermediary manages the communication and coordination between machines, enabling efficient coordinated tasks while preserving the relative simplicity of individual machine control architectures.
3Ease of manufacture
If discrete systems are used for tracking and monitoring multiple work machines, then implementation is simpler for each system, but operational precision in coordinated mode deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coordinated control system implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the position, status, and operation of multiple work machines. This feedback is processed by the centralized control system to make real-time adjustments, ensuring high operational precision in coordinated mode while maintaining implementation simplicity through standardized feedback protocols.
4Speed
If separate control methods are used for each work machine, then system initialization is faster, but latency in coordinated operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration and synchronization of control parameters during the initialization phase. Multiple work machines are pre-configured with coordinated control settings and communication protocols before operation begins, enabling faster response times and reduced latency during actual coordinated operations without sacrificing initialization speed.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle system includes a first work machine including a first actuator and a first control system, a second work machine including a second actuator and a second control system, and a user input system including a transceiver and a user interface. The user input system is configured to receive a user input via the user interface and provide a signal to both the first control system and the second control system. The first control system and the second control system are configured to receive the signal and thereafter operate the first actuator of the first work machine and the second actuator of the second machine in a coordinated mode of operation. The user input system is configured to provide, and the first control system and the second control system are configured to receive, the signal simultaneously thereby reducing latency between motion of the first work machine and the second work machine in the coordinated mode of operation.