Gateway ECU Message Translation for Construction Machine Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current construction machine communication systems lack flexibility and reliability in exchanging data between construction machines and intelligent attachments, such as tiltrotators, which limits their precise control and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A data communication gateway with multiple interconnected interfaces, controlled by a gateway electronic control unit (ECU), that translates messages between different networks, adjusts baudrates, and performs authentication, enabling efficient, secure, and cost-effective communication between construction machines and attachments, while maintaining interoperability with legacy systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard message format is used for communication between construction machine and attachment, then communication reliability is improved, but adaptability to different network types and legacy systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway ECU acts as an intermediary device between networks with different message formats. It receives messages from one network type, translates the data content according to stored format specifications, and forwards the translated message to the destination network. This mediator approach allows attachments to communicate reliably using their native format while maintaining compatibility with the construction machine's standard format, thus resolving the contradiction between communication reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway ECU changes the parameter of message format during translation. It stores multiple message format specifications and dynamically selects and applies the appropriate format conversion based on the source and destination network types. This parameter transformation enables the system to adapt to different network standards while maintaining reliable communication through standardized translation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If message format translation is implemented in the gateway, then interoperability between different networks is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway ECU performs preliminary action by storing all necessary message format specifications in advance. Instead of implementing complex real-time translation logic, the system pre-configures format definitions for multiple network types. When a translation request occurs, the gateway simply retrieves and applies the appropriate pre-stored format specification, significantly reducing the computational complexity while maintaining full interoperability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If baudrate adjustment is performed by the gateway, then compatibility with legacy equipment is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway ECU performs self-service by automatically detecting the required baudrate for each communication interface and adjusting its transmission rate accordingly. Instead of requiring manual configuration or complex negotiation protocols, the system autonomously adapts its baudrate settings based on the connected devices, maintaining backwards compatibility with legacy equipment while minimizing processing overhead through automated rate matching.
Data Source
AI summary
A data communication gateway for a construction machine communication system, including a first, a second, and a third data interface arranged to be mutually interconnected.The first interface is arranged to be connected to a private network of a construction machine, the second interface is arranged to be connected to an attachment network, and the third interface is arranged to be connected to an auxiliary network.A message format table configured in the gateway ECU is indicative of a message formatting relative to a standard message format of the construction machine communication system.The gateway ECU is arranged to receive a message on a source interface out of the first, second, and third interfaces, translate a data content of the message based on the message format table, and forward a message comprising the translated data content onto a destination interface out of the first, second, and third interfaces.