Remotely Configurable Power Source System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power source systems lack flexibility and efficiency in managing power output and operation limits, particularly in rental applications, where varying power needs and environmental restrictions complicate equipment usage, leading to inefficiencies and potential misuse.
Innovation Solution
A power source system with onboard controllers connected via a network to a central controller, allowing remote management of power output, emission monitoring, and operation limits, including geographic alerts, to configure and deactivate power sources based on user needs and external restrictions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If power sources are equipped with high power output capabilities to meet varying user needs, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for remote configuration and monitoring systems
Solution Approach 1:
A central controller serves as an intermediary between the power source and the user, managing power output configuration, emission monitoring, and operational limits remotely. This mediator approach allows the power source to maintain high adaptability while the complexity of configuration management is centralized rather than distributed across multiple power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters such as power output levels, emission thresholds, and geographic restrictions through remote configuration. By adjusting these parameters centrally, the system achieves high adaptability to different user needs and environmental conditions without requiring complex local decision-making logic at each power source.
2Productivity
If power sources operate at maximum power output to meet peak demands, then productivity is improved, but harmful emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors emission levels from power sources and provides feedback to the central controller. Based on this feedback, the central controller dynamically adjusts power output configurations to maintain productivity while keeping emissions within acceptable thresholds, creating a closed-loop control system that balances output and environmental impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts power output levels based on real-time emission monitoring and environmental conditions. Rather than operating at fixed maximum capacity, the power sources adapt their output dynamically, increasing productivity when conditions permit and reducing emissions when environmental thresholds are approached.
3Adaptability or versatility
If power sources are made highly configurable to meet specific user requirements, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex configuration management
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts configuration management functions from the local power source operation and relocates them to a centralized controller. Users interact with a simplified interface that handles complex configuration details automatically, while the power source itself focuses on execution. This separation improves ease of operation while maintaining high configurability through the central controller's capabilities.
4Reliability
If power sources are monitored and controlled remotely to prevent misuse, then reliability is improved, but loss of information increases due to network communication requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes network communication protocols and data transmission frameworks in advance, before actual power source deployment and operation. By pre-configuring communication channels, authentication mechanisms, and data formats, the system minimizes information loss during operations while maintaining reliable remote control and monitoring capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A power source system including plural power sources, wherein each of the plural power sources is adapted to provide a configurable power output to an implement, and wherein each of the plural power sources has an onboard controller; a central controller that is remote from the plural power sources; the central controller being in communication with respective onboard controllers via one or more networks, the central controller being adapted to communicate a signal to at least one onboard controller to selectively alter an operating condition of an associated power source.