Expandable Implement Network Architecture for CAN Bandwidth Limits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing planters face bandwidth limitations in their controller area network (CAN) bus due to an increasing number of sensors and controllers, hindering efficient communication during field operations.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an expandable network architecture with a first communication module and a second communication module, capable of coupling to additional modules, utilizing a network gateway to translate between protocols, and incorporating a switched power line communication channel (e.g., Ethernet) for enhanced bandwidth and speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a single CAN bus is used for communication, then the system structure remains simple, but the bandwidth is insufficient for an increasing number of controllers and sensors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of controllers and sensorsVSAvoidcommunication bandwidth

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single CAN bus into multiple separate CAN buses (first CAN bus and second CAN bus). Each bus handles specific communication tasks, allowing parallel data transmission and increasing overall bandwidth capacity to support more controllers and sensors without overwhelming a single communication channel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a gateway as an intermediary device that connects multiple CAN buses and translates between different protocols. This gateway enables communication between devices on different buses, effectively expanding the system's capacity to handle more controllers and sensors while maintaining protocol compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If multiple communication modules are added to expand network capacity, then bandwidth and speed improve, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidnetwork architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs communication modules with universal functionality that can operate on multiple types of networks (CAN bus, Ethernet, switched power line). Each module can adapt to different protocol requirements, reducing the need for specialized hardware for each communication type and simplifying the overall system architecture despite the multi-network environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-dimensional CAN bus architecture to a multi-dimensional network architecture that includes CAN bus, Ethernet, and switched power line communication channels. This dimensional expansion allows data to travel through multiple pathways simultaneously, increasing bandwidth while the modular design keeps complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If protocol translation gateway is implemented, then compatibility between different networks is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidgateway structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple communication interfaces and protocol translation capabilities into a single integrated gateway device. This consolidation allows the gateway to handle multiple CAN buses, Ethernet connections, and power line communication while providing protocol translation in one centralized location, reducing the need for multiple separate translation devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250351765A1Expandable network architecture for communications between machines and implements

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 PRECISION PLANTING LLC

AI summary

Expandable network architectures with communication systems having multiple networks for communications between machines and implements for field operations. In one embodiment, a communication system includes a first communication module including at least one port of a first network, at least one input port and at least one output port of a second network, and a first network gateway to translate between a first protocol for the first network and a second protocol for the second network. A second communication module is communicatively coupled to the first communication module. The second communication module includes at least one port of the first network, and at least at least one input port and at least one output port of the second network. The second communication module is configurable to expand a network architecture of the communication system by being capable of communicatively coupling to at least one additional communication module.