Dual-Motor Utility Vehicle Control via CAN-Bus Input Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drive and control systems for utility vehicles, such as zero turn radius lawnmowers, lack precise electronic control over propulsion systems, limiting their operational efficiency and versatility.
Innovation Solution
A drive and control system utilizing a CAN-Bus network to communicate vehicle component health and status messages, as well as drive and control commands, allowing for user input from various steering and drive devices to be interpreted and translated into output signals for different drive systems, including hydrostatic, hybrid, and fully electric systems, using electronic sensors and modules to simulate user movements and maintain desired vehicle handling characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional mechanical drive systems are used, then the vehicle can operate with simple control mechanisms, but precise electronic control of propulsion systems cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical linkages and cable-based control systems with electronic sensors, microcontrollers, and digital signal processing. Hall effect sensors detect lever position, potentiometers measure pedal depth, and microcontrollers translate these inputs into electronic control signals for the propulsion system, enabling precise electronic control while eliminating complex mechanical transmission components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces microcontrollers and signal conditioners as intermediary devices between the user's mechanical inputs and the propulsion system. These intermediaries convert mechanical movements into standardized electronic signals, process the data through programmed algorithms, and generate appropriate control outputs, thereby achieving precise control without direct mechanical coupling
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple drive systems (hydrostatic, hybrid, electric) are integrated, then operational versatility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal electronic control architecture that can interface with multiple types of propulsion systems (hydrostatic, hybrid, and electric) through standardized communication protocols and signal interfaces. The same sensor array and microcontroller framework supports different drive system configurations, allowing the vehicle to accommodate various propulsion technologies without requiring separate control systems for each type
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the control system into modular functional blocks: input sensing modules, signal conditioning modules, microcontroller processing units, and actuator control modules. This segmentation allows each module to be independently designed and optimized for specific drive system requirements, while the standardized interfaces between modules enable flexible integration of different propulsion types
Data Source
AI summary
Vehicle drive and control systems are disclosed. A utility vehicle includes a first electric drive motor configured to drive a first traction wheel, a second electric drive motor configured to drive the a traction wheel, a steering wheel configured to receive a first user input, one or more pedals configured to receive a second user input, a steering input sensor, and a drive input sensor. The steering input sensor is configured transmit a steering input signal that corresponds with a steering input position. The drive input sensor is configured to transmit a drive input signal that corresponds with a drive input position. A plurality of controllers are configured to collectively generate, based on the steering input signal and the drive input signal, a first drive signal to drive the first electric drive motor and a second drive signal to drive the second electric drive motor.