Self-Teaching Power Outlet Controller for Implement Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a risk of misconnection when multiple users are connected to power outlets, leading to potential incorrect routing of hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric power.
Innovation Solution
A self-teaching system that uses emitters and sensors to identify the correct user connected to each outlet, utilizing signals such as electromagnetic, acoustic, or barcode signals, and a controller to ensure correct power routing, with the ability to store operational data for user intelligence and conflict avoidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple users are connected to power outlets without identification system, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but misconnection risk increases and power routing becomes incorrect
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically identifies users and routes power without manual intervention. The emitter on each user's coupling part transmits identification signals that the controller processes to automatically establish correct power routing, eliminating the need for manual configuration while ensuring reliability
Solution Approach 2:
An emitter component is introduced as an intermediary between the user and the power outlet. This emitter carries identification information and communicates with the controller to enable automatic recognition and correct power routing, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability
2Productivity
If manual identification of users at power outlets is required, then system complexity is reduced, but operation time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The emitter is pre-equipped on each user's coupling part before connection. This preliminary preparation of identification information enables rapid automatic recognition upon connection, eliminating manual identification steps and maximizing connection speed without requiring complex real-time identification systems
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical identification processes are replaced with automated electromagnetic or optical signal-based identification. The emitter transmits identification signals that the controller processes automatically, substituting manual operations with automated electronic communication to increase productivity
3Reliability
If users can connect to any power outlet freely, then ease of operation is maintained, but misconnection errors occur and system reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller receives feedback signals from emitters on users' coupling parts and automatically processes this information to determine the correct power outlet assignment. This feedback mechanism ensures connection accuracy by continuously monitoring and verifying user identification while maintaining simple operation through automated processing
4Reliability
If multiple users are simultaneously connected without conflict resolution, then system versatility is maintained, but operational conflicts occur and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors feedback signals from multiple users' emitters simultaneously and processes this information to resolve potential conflicts. This feedback mechanism enables the system to maintain operational stability by detecting and preventing overlapping power assignments while preserving full multi-user versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts power routing based on real-time identification signals from connected users. When multiple users are present, the controller dynamically assigns power outlets based on their unique identifiers, preventing operational conflicts while maintaining the ability to serve multiple users simultaneously
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system ensures correct power routing to the appropriate user, preventing misconnection and allowing for flexible and efficient operation of multiple users simultaneously, even during dynamic assignment changes.
Implementation Method 1
The emitter may send an electro magnetic or acoustic signal to a receiver close to the outlet
Implementation Method 2
a receiver close to the outlet... The signal being fed to the electronic control unit
Data Source
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AI summary
A process is applied to control the correct connection of at least one power driven user (28, 32, 36), e.g. on an implement 12, to various power outlets A - D, e.g. on a tractor (10). By means of this process each user (28, 32, 36) on the implement (12) is identified by a signal coming from a sensor (24a - 24d) and being unique for this user (28, 32, 36). Another signal is generated by a controller (22a - 22d) being indicative of the activated and intended controller (22a - 22d), like a controller for raising a pick-up. In a verification phase these signals are assigned to each other, which assignment is stored in a memory (38) valid until the users (28, 32, 36) are separated from the outlets A - D.