Wireless Communicator for Cyclic Multi-Machine Operation Linking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication techniques for electric working machines allow only one-on-one communication between machines, limiting their usefulness for concurrent operation with multiple machines.

Innovation Solution

A communicator with a communication controller that can cyclically transmit operational information without specifying a recipient, allowing unspecified machines to operate in conjunction with a transmission-side machine, and includes modes for registration and deletion of machine information, enabling flexible operation and power-efficient data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If one-on-one communication is implemented between electric working machines, then communication reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The communication controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in specification mode to specify a particular recipient machine for reliable one-on-one communication, or in broadcasting mode to transmit operational information to unspecified recipient machines for multi-machine conjunctive operation. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt between reliability and adaptability based on operational needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If operational information is transmitted cyclically without specifying recipient, then adaptability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The communication controller transmits operational information cyclically at predetermined intervals in broadcasting mode, rather than continuously. This periodic transmission allows unspecified recipient machines to operate in conjunction with the transmission-side machine while reducing energy consumption compared to continuous transmission. The cyclic nature provides updated operational information at regular intervals, maintaining adaptability while being energy-efficient

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3416355B1Communicator, electric working machines, and communication method
Publication Date: 2021.03.03 MAKITA CORP
  • EP3416355B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3416355B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3416355B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A communicator (30A; 30B) in one aspect of the present disclosure includes a connector (36), a communication circuit (31), and a communication controller (32). The connector (36) is electrically coupled to an electric working machine. The communication circuit (31) performs wireless communication. The communication controller (32) cyclically transmits operational information without specifying a recipient via the communication circuit (31) in response to an operating mode of the communication controller (32) being set to an operation-transmission mode. The operational information indicates an operating state of the electric working machine.