Coordinated Motion Control Across Multiple Work Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work equipment, such as lifts and telehandlers, require separate systems for tracking, tasking, and monitoring, leading to inefficiencies in coordination and management at work sites.
Innovation Solution
A control system that coordinates the operations of multiple work machines by transmitting signals between actuators and controllers, allowing for synchronized movements and tasks through communication modules and user interfaces, enabling coordinated control and reduced latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate systems are used for tracking, tasking, and monitoring each work machine, then each machine can be independently controlled, but coordination efficiency and management effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate tracking, tasking, and monitoring systems into a unified coordinated control system that manages multiple work machines simultaneously. The system integrates discrete control functions into a single platform that can coordinate operations across multiple machines, resolving the contradiction between independent control and coordination efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed with multi-functionality to perform tracking, tasking, monitoring, and coordination operations across different types of work machines. This universal system can adapt to various machine types while maintaining coordinated control, allowing both independent operation and synchronized tasks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple discrete systems are implemented for work machine management, then comprehensive functionality is achieved, but system complexity and coordination overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control system that consolidates multiple discrete management functions (tracking, tasking, monitoring) into a single multi-functional platform. This reduces the number of separate systems needed while maintaining comprehensive management capabilities across diverse work machines.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary layer between operators and multiple work machines, providing a unified interface that simplifies coordination. This mediator system handles the complexity of managing multiple machines through standardized communication protocols and centralized control logic.
3Productivity
If synchronized control of multiple machines is implemented, then coordination efficiency improves, but control system complexity and latency requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system maintains continuous communication and coordination with all connected work machines, ensuring real-time synchronization without interruption. This continuous action approach minimizes latency by keeping the control loop active and responsive, allowing immediate coordination responses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the state and position of each work machine, allowing the control system to adjust commands in real-time. This feedback loop reduces coordination latency by providing up-to-date information for immediate corrective actions.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle system includes a first vehicle, a second vehicle, and a control system. The first vehicle includes a first implement and a first actuator configured to facilitate controlling a first operation of the first implement. The second vehicle includes a second implement and a second actuator configured to control a second operation of the second implement. The control system is configured to receive an input from an operator, transmit a first signal to the first actuator based on the input to control the first operation of the first implement, and transmit a second signal to the second actuator based on the input to control the second operation of the second implement such that the first operation and the second operation are coordinated.