Refuse Vehicle CAN Updates for Continuous Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refuse vehicles lack efficient systems for seamless software updates and telematic information exchange, leading to operational inefficiencies and downtime.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system with primary and secondary controllers that facilitate over-the-air updates and telematic information exchange via a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus, allowing modules to download and install updates in the background while the vehicle operates, enhancing operational efficiency and data logging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional software update methods are used in refuse vehicles, then updates can be installed, but the vehicle must stop operating during the update process, causing downtime and operational inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by downloading and preparing software updates in advance during vehicle operation. The primary controller receives update information from a remote server and prepares update packages while the vehicle is still operating, so that the actual update installation can occur with minimal disruption to operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a primary controller as an intermediary between the remote server and secondary controllers. This primary controller manages the complex update process, including receiving updates, determining which secondary controllers need updates, and coordinating the sequential updating of multiple controllers without requiring the vehicle to stop.
2Productivity
If multiple controllers are updated simultaneously, then update speed increases, but system complexity and risk of errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The update process is segmented into distinct phases: first, the primary controller receives and processes update information from the remote server; second, it determines which secondary controllers require updates; third, it transmits updates to secondary controllers sequentially. This segmentation allows efficient parallel processing while maintaining manageable complexity through clear division of responsibilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the update process based on real-time conditions. The primary controller determines the update sequence and timing for each secondary controller based on their operational status and priority, allowing flexible management of multiple updates without requiring a fixed, complex predetermined sequence.
3Loss of information
If comprehensive telematic data is collected from all vehicle systems, then data completeness improves, but data management and processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The primary controller serves multiple functions: it acts as a gateway for software updates, a coordinator for secondary controllers, and a central hub for telematic data collection and management. This universal controller consolidates multiple responsibilities into a single device, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive data collection from all vehicle systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a refuse vehicle. The refuse vehicle includes a vehicle system and a first controller. The vehicle system performs one or more operations of the refuse vehicle. The first controller includes one or more processing circuits. The one or more processing circuits receive a plurality of updates associated with the vehicle system or the one or more operations of the refuse vehicle and transmit the plurality of updates to a second controller that controls performance of the one or more operations.