Construction Machine Gateway Routing for Secure Attachment Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction machines lack efficient, robust, and secure communication systems for exchanging data between the main body and intelligent attachments, such as tiltrotators, which are becoming increasingly complex and require reliable data exchange for accurate control.
Innovation Solution
A data communication gateway with interconnected interfaces controlled by a gateway ECU that manages message forwarding, translation, and authentication, allowing selective communication between a construction machine's private network, attachment network, and auxiliary devices, while reducing load and enhancing security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If messages are broadcast onto all connected networks, then all devices receive information, but communication load increases and security decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway ECU acts as an intermediary device between the construction machine's data network and peripheral devices. It selectively forwards messages based on configured forwarding policies, preventing unnecessary broadcast traffic while ensuring relevant information reaches appropriate devices. This mediator approach reduces overall communication load on the network while maintaining reliable information distribution.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all networks are interconnected, then communication flexibility increases, but security and access control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway ECU implements dynamic access control by configuring message forwarding policies that adapt to different communication scenarios. It can selectively enable or disable forwarding to specific interfaces based on message type, source, and destination, providing flexible yet secure interconnection between networks without exposing all devices to all traffic.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication standards are supported, then system compatibility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway ECU is designed with multi-functionality to support multiple communication standards including CAN bus and Ethernet. It can translate and forward messages between different protocols, enabling a single device to interface with various communication networks while maintaining a unified control architecture that manages complexity internally.
Data Source
AI summary
A data communication gateway for a construction machine communication system, the gateway comprising a first data interface, a second data interface, and a third data interface arranged to be mutually interconnected, where the mutual interconnect is controlled by a gateway electronic control unit, ECU, wherein 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, wherein a message forwarding policy comprising one or more message forwarding rules is configured in the gateway ECU, and wherein the gateway ECU is arranged to route messages onto the first second and third data interfaces in accordance with the message forwarding policy.