Work Machine Power Connection State Detection via Data Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work machines require labor-intensive and error-prone manual checks to determine the state of electrical connections between batteries and devices, especially when replacing batteries.
Innovation Solution
A power system with a connection arrangement that can be moved between mated and unmated states, along with a controller that detects data transmission to determine the state of electrical connections between terminal sets, facilitating automated checks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual checks are performed to detect the state of electrical connection, then the connection state can be determined, but the process becomes labor intensive and error prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the communication link between battery management units to automatically detect and report the electrical connection state. The battery management unit itself provides the detection function through its existing communication capabilities, eliminating the need for separate manual checking procedures and external detection devices.
2Productivity
If automated detection systems are implemented, then labor is reduced and accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication link originally designed for data exchange between battery management units is made multi-functional by also using it for electrical connection state detection. This allows the existing communication infrastructure to serve dual purposes: normal operational data transmission and connection status monitoring, thereby implementing automated detection without adding separate dedicated detection hardware.
3Extent of automation
If communication links are used for detection, then automated detection is achieved, but reliability depends on communication system stability
Solution Approach 1:
The battery management unit continuously monitors the communication link status and uses this feedback to determine the electrical connection state. The system establishes a feedback mechanism where communication success or failure directly informs the connection status, allowing continuous automated monitoring that adapts to changing system conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A power system for a work machine includes a connection arrangement. The connection arrangement facilitates an operative engagement of terminal sets to provide passage to an electrical connection therethrough and route electrical power supply from electrical power sources to electrical devices of the work machine through the connection arrangement. Further, the connection arrangement facilitates an operative engagement of connector sets to provide passage to communication links therethrough and route data transmission through the connection arrangement. A system for determining a state of the electrical connection between the terminal sets includes a controller configured to detect the data transmission through the communication links; determine the state of the electrical connection between the terminal sets as connected when the data transmission is active; and determine the state of the electrical connection between the terminal sets as disconnected when the data transmission is inactive.