Engine-Driven Power Control With Multi-Source Command Priority

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing engine-driven power systems face challenges in reconciling remote and local control, particularly in ensuring seamless operation when multiple control sources are involved.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a central control circuitry that manages commands from multiple control sources by prioritizing them and limiting the scope of control, ensuring harmonization of commands and data across different sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If remote control is added to the engine-driven power system, then operator flexibility and accessibility are improved, but control conflicts and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A central control circuitry acts as an intermediary between multiple control sources (local control panel and remote device). The central control circuitry receives commands from both sources, reconciles them according to predefined rules, and executes the appropriate commands while updating both interfaces consistently. This mediator approach resolves control conflicts without adding significant complexity to the overall system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system is designed with universal control circuitry that can handle commands from multiple sources through a unified architecture. The same control circuitry manages both local and remote operations, applying consistent logic for conflict resolution and state synchronization across all interfaces, thereby managing complexity through functional integration.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple control sources are allowed, then system accessibility is improved, but command reconciliation difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem accessibilityVSAvoidcommand reconciliation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system establishes predefined rules and protocols in advance for handling commands from multiple sources. The central control circuitry is pre-programmed with logic to determine command priority, detect conflicts, and resolve discrepancies before they cause system issues. This preliminary setup simplifies real-time command reconciliation by applying predetermined decision-making frameworks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control system implements continuous feedback mechanisms where the central control circuitry monitors commands from all sources, detects conflicts, and applies reconciliation rules. The system provides feedback to both local and remote interfaces about the current control state and any conflicts detected, enabling transparent and systematic command resolution while maintaining system accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12220774B2Systems and methods for multiple source control of an engine driven power system
Publication Date: 2025.02.11 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • US12220774B2 patent drawing
  • US12220774B2 patent drawing
  • US12220774B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods for controlling an engine driven power system and/or a welding system from two or more control sources are disclosed. In some examples, multiple control devices or sources are in communication with a central control circuitry of the engine driven power system, and/or a welding system which is capable of managing commands from multiple control sources by prioritizing commands and/or limited the scope of control. In some examples, the central control circuitry controls the multiple control sources to update systems and displays to harmonize commands and/or data that originated at another source.