Transport Refrigeration Sensor CAN ID Allocation for Multi-Chamber Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

In transportation refrigeration systems, existing methods require pre-setting unique CAN IDs for sensors based on part numbers, which complicates production, maintenance, and replacement processes, especially when multiple sensors of the same type are used across different chambers.

Innovation Solution

A method where sensors send their identification codes to a control unit, which allocates corresponding CAN IDs dynamically, allowing for same-type sensors with different codes to be distinguished and easily replaced, and reporting errors for repeated codes or faults.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pre-setting CAN ID based on part numbers is used to distinguish different sensors, then sensor identification is achieved, but production and maintenance processes become complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor identification accuracyVSAvoidproduction and maintenance complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor automatically sends its identification code to the control unit after installation, and the control unit automatically allocates and binds the CAN ID without requiring manual intervention. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual differentiation and configuration during production and maintenance, resolving the contradiction between reliable identification and process complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor's identification code is pre-stored in its memory before installation. When the sensor is installed and powered on, it automatically transmits this pre-prepared identification code to the control unit, which then allocates the corresponding CAN ID. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for manual configuration during installation, reducing production and maintenance complexity while ensuring accurate sensor identification

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If different part numbers are used to distinguish sensors in the entire process, then sensor differentiation is achieved, but purchase and installation processes become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor differentiation accuracyVSAvoidpurchase and installation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows sensors of the same type with different identification codes to be used across multiple chambers. The control unit dynamically allocates CAN IDs based on the identification codes received from sensors during installation, enabling universal use of same-type sensors throughout the system without requiring different part numbers for different chambers, thus simplifying purchase and installation processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using different part numbers (physical parameter differentiation), the system uses different identification codes (data parameter differentiation) to distinguish sensors. The control unit changes the CAN ID parameter dynamically based on the identification code received from each sensor, allowing sensors of the same type to be differentiated and allocated to appropriate chambers without complicating purchase and installation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of information

If manual differentiation of sensors is required during production and maintenance, then sensor tracking is achieved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor tracking accuracyVSAvoidproduction and maintenance time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor automatically feeds back its identification code to the control unit after installation. The control unit receives this feedback and automatically allocates the corresponding CAN ID, binding it to the sensor. This automated feedback mechanism eliminates manual tracking and information recording, ensuring accurate sensor tracking while significantly reducing the time required for production and maintenance operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of tracking and recording sensor information is replaced by an automated electronic system. The sensor electronically transmits its identification code to the control unit, which automatically processes and allocates the CAN ID. This substitution of manual mechanical tracking with automated electronic information processing eliminates time-consuming manual operations while maintaining accurate sensor tracking

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3842712B1Transport refrigeration system and a can id distributing method for the transport refrigeration system
Publication Date: 2023.05.10 CARRIER CORP
  • EP3842712B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3842712B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a transportation refrigeration system and a CAN ID allocation method for a transportation refrigeration system. The transportation refrigeration system includes: a refrigeration circuit including a compressor (1), a condenser (2), and a plurality of evaporators (41, 42) connected in parallel, all of which are connected to form a loop; a plurality of chambers (71, 72), each of the evaporators being located in one of the chambers to adjust the chamber; a plurality of sensors (51, 52) of the same type, each of the sensors being installed in one of the chambers respectively; and a control unit (6), wherein after being installed in place and energized, the plurality of sensors send their own identification codes to the control unit, and the control unit allocates a CAN ID to each of the sensors after receiving the identification codes of the sensors, so that the identification code of each sensor is bound to the corresponding CAN ID respectively.