Multiplex Communication System for Work Machine Wiring Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In industrial networks, the use of multiple standards for communication systems in work machines leads to increased wiring complexity and complications in data transmission and reception, especially when handling large data sets like image data, due to the need for separate cables for different standards and the limitations of interface standards.
Innovation Solution
A multiplex communication system that employs a multiplex processing section and DUMMY-PHYs to multiplex and demultiplex control data and image data using Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) over a single transmission line, reducing the need for multiple wires and simplifying data transmission between processing circuits and slaves in the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of industrial network standards are employed in the work machine, then various communication protocols can be supported, but the number of wires increases and wiring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple industrial network communication lines into a single multiplexed transmission line. The multiplex processing section time-division multiplexes data from different network standards (e.g., EtherCAT, Profinet) and transmits them sequentially over one shared physical medium, eliminating the need for separate cables for each standard and reducing wiring complexity while maintaining support for multiple protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The multiplex processing section is designed to handle multiple industrial network standards through a single interface. By implementing a universal multiplexing mechanism that can process and route data from different communication protocols through one transmission line, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring dedicated wiring for each standard
2Reliability
If separate cables are used for industrial network and image data transmission, then data integrity is maintained, but the number of wires increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges control data from the industrial network and image data from the inspection camera into a single multiplexed transmission line. The multiplex processing section time-division multiplexes these different data types, transmitting them alternately over one shared cable, thereby reducing the number of wires while maintaining data integrity through dedicated time slots and protocol handling
3Device complexity
If an interface standard is limited in master device or slave device, then device simplicity is maintained, but transmission and reception of data become complicated when multiplex communication is performed
Solution Approach 1:
The multiplex processing section acts as an intermediary between the simple interface standards of master and slave devices and the complex multiplexed communication requirement. It receives data from devices using simple, standard interfaces, time-division multiplexes the data streams, and transmits them over a single shared line, thereby enabling multiplex communication without complicating the original device interfaces
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Provided are a multiplex communication system and a work machine that can appropriately perform transmission and reception of data between a processing circuit used in an industrial network and a multiplex processing section that multiplexes and transmits control data transmitted in the industrial network. A slave 33 processes control data in the industrial network (for example, EtherCAT (registered trademark)). The control data processed by the slave 33 is transmitted and received by the multiplex communication by a multiplex processing section 61. A DUMMY-PHY 67A, which is connected between the multiplex processing section 61 and the slave 33, generates, in a pseudo manner, a signal compliant with an MII communication standard using a pseudo signal generation section 117, and transmits the generated signal to the slave 33, thereby performing establishment of communication. The DUMMY-PHY 67A performs data transmission between the multiplex processing section 61 and the slave 33 after establishing communication with the slave 33.