Machine Controller Dual Bus Architecture for Concurrent Operator Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of agricultural machines, such as self-propelled sprayers, face inconvenience as they need to remove their hand from the joystick or input module to operate a field computer for monitoring and controlling machine-specific functions, disrupting continuous control of the machine.
Innovation Solution
A control system that allows a machine controller to communicate between a joystick or input module and machine-specific control modules on one data communication bus, while also enabling communication with a field computer on another bus, enabling the operator to monitor and control different functions simultaneously without removing their hand from the joystick.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator uses a field computer to monitor and control machine specific functions, then the operator can access and control machine functions, but the operator must remove their hand from the joystick or input module, disrupting continuous control
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two separate data communication buses: a first bus connecting the joystick/input module to the machine controller, and a second bus connecting the field computer to the machine controller. This segmentation allows independent operation of each control interface, enabling the operator to use the field computer without affecting joystick control continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine controller serves as an intermediary device that receives commands from both the joystick (via first bus) and the field computer (via second bus), and routes them to the appropriate machine specific control modules. This intermediary architecture enables concurrent communication paths, allowing the operator to access machine functions through the field computer while maintaining continuous control through the joystick.
2Device complexity
If the field computer is connected to the same data communication bus as the machine specific control modules, then the system structure is simplified, but the operator cannot simultaneously control different functions through different interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The data communication system is divided into two separate buses: the first bus dedicated to joystick/input module communication, and the second bus for field computer and machine specific control module communication. This segmentation prevents communication conflicts and enables simultaneous operation of multiple control functions through different interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine controller is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a communication gateway for the joystick (first bus) and as a router for field computer commands (second bus). This universal design allows the system to support multiple control modes and interfaces concurrently, enhancing adaptability while managing complexity through a centralized control unit.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine controller may communicate with a joystick (or grip) and/or a touchscreen Human Machine Interface (HMI) (or other input module) on first data communication bus or path, and communicate with machine specific control modules and/or a field computer on a second data communication bus or path. The machine controller may receive operator commands from the joystick or other input module and instruct the corresponding machine specific control module accordingly. Concurrently, the field computer may be used by the operator to monitor and/or control a different function of the machine via a different machine specific control module. As a result, the operator may keep his hand on the joystick or other input module while monitoring a different function.