Protocol Translation Unit for Agricultural Actuator Cabling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural implements with actuator systems face complexity and cost issues due to the need for multiple cabling sets and connectors to route power and control signals to individually controlled seed meters, leading to increased potential points of failure.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a protocol translation unit within the agricultural implement that translates communication protocols from a first protocol (such as CANOPEN or ISOBUS) used between the vehicle control unit and the implement control unit, to a second protocol (such as SCS OPEN LINK, HIPERFACE DSL, or two-wire Ethernet) used between the protocol translation unit and the actuator systems, allowing for simplified cabling with only two wires to provide power and data signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cabling sets and connectors are used to route power and control signals to individually controlled seed meters, then individual control capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power signal transmission and data communication into a single cable connection between the protocol translation unit and actuator systems. This merging eliminates the need for separate power and data cables, reducing overall cabling complexity while maintaining individual control capability through protocol translation that multiplexes both functions over one communication channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The protocol translation unit serves multiple functions: it translates communication protocols between different standards, transmits power signals, and communicates control data. By making the communication interface universal and multi-functional, the system reduces the number of dedicated connections needed while preserving full control capability over individual seed meters.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cabling sets and connectors are used to route power and control signals, then individual control capability is improved, but the number of potential points of failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging power and data transmission into a single cable connection, the patent reduces the total number of connectors and connection points in the system. Fewer connection points directly translate to fewer potential failure points, thereby improving system reliability while maintaining the ability to individually control each actuator through the protocol translation layer.
3Device complexity
If protocol translation is implemented, then cabling complexity is reduced, but communication protocol compatibility requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protocol translation unit acts as an intermediary device that bridges different communication protocols. It receives data from the implement control unit using one protocol standard and translates it to the appropriate protocol for the actuator systems. This intermediary function eliminates the need for multiple specialized cables while maintaining broad protocol compatibility through software-based translation.
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural implement receives a power signal from a vehicle and comprises an implement control unit configured to exchange data conforming to a first communication protocol with a vehicle control unit. The implement further comprises at least one actuator system and a protocol translation unit that is configured to receive the power signal and information that is at least based upon data conforming to the first communication protocol. The protocol translation unit is operatively connected to the at least one actuator system via a wired connection, and configured to provide the power signal and the information according to a second communication protocol to the at least one actuator system. The protocol translation unit translates the information into the data conforming to the second communication protocol, and the wired connection comprises no more than two wires used to provide the power signal and the data conforming to the second communication protocol.