Machine Park Control Licensing for Fewer Dedicated Controllers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high number of control units required in typical machine parks makes the system cost-intensive and less efficient, as each machine needs a dedicated control unit, leading to reduced dynamics and suboptimal system utilization.
Innovation Solution
A system with a common licensing unit and multiple control units that communicate via a bus system or wirelessly, allowing a single control unit to manage multiple machines, with licenses awarded based on machine capabilities or payment, enabling efficient task execution and dynamic computing step allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each machine is assigned a dedicated control unit, then each machine can be controlled independently and reliably, but the system becomes cost-intensive and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a control unit that can function as both a master control unit and a slave control unit. When acting as a master, it controls multiple slave control units and machines. When acting as a slave, it receives control commands from a master control unit. This multi-functional design allows a single control unit to serve multiple roles, reducing the total number of control units needed while maintaining reliable control for each machine.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple control units into a single master control unit that can manage multiple machines. The master control unit consolidates control commands and coordinates multiple slave control units, effectively combining what would traditionally require separate dedicated control units into a unified system that reduces overall complexity and cost.
2Ease of operation
If each machine has its own control unit, then control is simplified for each individual machine, but system utilization is reduced and dynamics are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic role assignment where control units can switch between master and slave roles based on system needs. The master control unit can dynamically allocate tasks to slave control units, and slave control units can be activated or deactivated based on current system utilization. This dynamic structure allows the system to adapt to varying workload demands, improving overall productivity while maintaining ease of operation through centralized coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The master control unit acts as an intermediary between the control system and multiple machines. It receives high-level control commands and translates them into specific instructions for slave control units and machines. This intermediary structure simplifies individual machine control by handling complexity at the master level, while simultaneously improving system utilization by coordinating resource allocation across all machines.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control units are used for multiple machines, then each machine can be controlled autonomously, but communication load increases and real-time processing is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments control functionality into hierarchical levels: the master control unit handles high-level coordination and communication, while slave control units handle local machine control operations. This segmentation allows autonomous control at the slave level (maintaining adaptability) while concentrating communication tasks at the master level (reducing overall communication load and processing time).
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling and/or regulating a plurality of machines includes a control unit designed to communicate with the plurality of machines and to transmit to at least one of the plurality of machines a data packet which includes an instruction for carrying out a work task, and a licensing unit designed to provide a license required for carrying out the work task, with the license being awarded in the presence of an authorization to carry out the work task when the at least one of the plurality of machines meets a certain technical requirement.