Hierarchical Fleet Communication Network with Supervisor Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication networks in dynamic work environments, such as construction or mining sites, face reliability issues due to the movement of machines and geographical obstacles, leading to unpredictable network traffic and resource consumption.
Innovation Solution
A hierarchical communication network is implemented, where vehicles are assigned different levels of priority, with a supervisor vehicle managing communications for vehicles outside direct range, ensuring structured message forwarding and resource conservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional ad-hoc communication network is used where machines form sub-networks based on geographical location, then the network is versatile and adaptable to changing positions, but the communication reliability deteriorates because the network structure continually changes and traffic is not structured or organized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fleet of vehicles into multiple hierarchical groups (platoons) with designated supervisor vehicles. Each supervisor manages a specific group, creating segmented communication zones that maintain structured organization even as vehicles move. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing both adaptability (vehicles can join/leave groups) and reliability (structured hierarchical communication paths).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces supervisor vehicles as intermediary nodes that manage communication within their groups. These supervisors act as mediators between off-board systems and individual vehicles, or between different vehicle groups. This intermediary structure organizes traffic flow and maintains reliability while allowing the overall network to remain adaptable to vehicle movements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If vehicles continuously move and form changing sub-networks, then the network can accommodate dynamic work environments, but the network traffic becomes unpredictable and resources are consumed inefficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic group assignments where vehicles are automatically assigned to supervisors based on their current positions and communication ranges. As vehicles move, they dynamically join or leave groups without requiring complete network reconfiguration. This dynamic approach maintains adaptability while reducing resource consumption by limiting communication to necessary hierarchical paths rather than all-to-all connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different communication qualities to different hierarchical levels. Supervisor vehicles maintain structured communication with off-board systems and coordinate with other supervisors, while individual vehicles communicate primarily with their supervisor. This local quality differentiation optimizes resource usage by directing full-duplex communication only where necessary while using simpler protocols for routine vehicle-to-supervisor updates.
3Reliability
If a hierarchical structure with supervisor vehicles is implemented, then communication reliability and traffic organization improve, but the device complexity increases due to priority assignments and supervisor roles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes supervisor vehicles universal nodes that can perform multiple functions: they act as communication relays for their group members, coordinate with other supervisors for inter-group communication, and interface with off-board systems. This multi-functionality reduces overall network complexity by consolidating management responsibilities in fewer nodes rather than requiring complex peer-to-peer coordination protocols across all vehicles.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication network for a fleet of vehicles is disclosed. The communication network has a first group of the fleet of vehicles having a first level of priority on the network and a second group of the fleet of vehicles having a second level of priority on the network. A first vehicle in the first group is assigned as a supervisor of a second vehicle in the second group.