Hose Coupler Position Detection via Inductive Coil Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural vehicle combinations with hose couplers face complex data transmission challenges in determining the plug-in position, leading to potential malfunctions and inefficiencies in assigning hydraulic or pneumatic functions.
Innovation Solution
A connection panel with receiving and transmitting coils allows for the identification of hose couplers through unique current signals, eliminating the need for simultaneous coupler identifier transmission, and includes an evaluation unit for self-configuration and operator feedback to ensure correct plug-in positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RFID transponders and readers are used to determine hose coupler positions, then individual coupling identification can be transmitted, but the data transmission becomes comparatively complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the identification function from the hose coupler side and places it on the connection socket side. The transmitting coil with identifier is located in the connection socket, while the receiving coil is in the hose coupler. This reversal eliminates the need for complex simultaneous transmission of coupler identifiers, simplifying the data transmission system while maintaining reliable identification.
2Loss of information
If simultaneous transmission of coupler identifier and functional assignment is required, then complete information can be exchanged, but data transmission complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by having the connection socket (stationary element) transmit its identifier to the hose coupler (moving element) instead of the reverse. The transmitting coil is in the connection socket and the receiving coil is in the hose coupler. This inversion allows the identifier to be transmitted in one direction only, eliminating the need for simultaneous bidirectional communication and significantly reducing data transmission complexity.
3Ease of operation
If hose couplers are connected to any coupling socket without verification, then ease of operation is improved, but malfunctions may occur due to incorrect function assignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the evaluation unit receives the transmitted identifier from the connection socket, determines the correct plug-in position based on this identifier, and can provide feedback to guide the operator. This ensures that hose couplers are connected to the correct coupling sockets for their intended function, maintaining both ease of operation through automatic detection and reliability through accurate function assignment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution simplifies data transmission, ensures reliable detection of hose coupler positions, and prevents malfunctions by enabling self-configuration and providing operator feedback, thus improving the efficiency and accuracy of hydraulic or pneumatic function assignment.
Implementation Method 1
The identifier is preferably a current signal which is induced in the receiving coil by means of the transmitting coil
Data Source
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AI summary
Arrangement (10) for determining the insertion position of a hose coupler (16a, 16b) on a connection panel (12), comprising a connection panel (12) with a plurality of coupling sockets (14a, 14b) for connecting associated hose couplers (16a, 16b), at least one hose coupler (16a, 16b) connectable thereto, a data interface (38) and an evaluation unit (42). Furthermore, the at least one hose coupler (16a, 16b) has a receiving coil (34a, 34b) and each of the coupling sockets (14a, 14b) has a transmitting coil (36a, 36b), wherein when the at least one hose coupler (16a, 16b) is connected to one of the coupling sockets (14a, 14b) an individual identifier retrievable from the transmitting coil (36a, 36b) is read out by means of the receiving coil (34a, 34b) and transmitted via the data interface (38) communicating with the receiving coil (34a, 34b) to the evaluation unit (42) to determine the plug position of the at least one hose coupler (16a, 16b).