Rotatable Sub-frame Bus System for Mobile Apparatus Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile apparatuses, such as excavators and tractors, face challenges in efficiently transferring power and control signals between the main frame and the rotatable sub-frame, particularly for lifting devices and operating arms, often relying on separate hydraulic or mechanical systems which are complex and not centrally controlled.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a bus system, such as a CAN, CANopen, J1939, or ISOBUS system, to electronically transmit control signals and data between the main frame and the rotatable sub-frame, allowing for centralized control of lifting devices and operating arms, and enabling energy distribution and feedback from sensors to optimize operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If separate hydraulic or mechanical systems are used to transfer power and control signals between main frame and rotatable sub-frame, then power transfer is achieved, but system complexity increases and centralized control is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidcentralized control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges separate hydraulic and electrical systems into an integrated system where the hydraulic pump is controlled by electronic components connected through a bus system. This allows centralized digital control while maintaining hydraulic power transfer, reducing overall system complexity and enabling reliable centralized control of lifting devices and operating arms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical signal transmission and separate hydraulic control with electronic control signals transmitted via a bus system. Electronic control units on both the main frame and rotatable sub-frame communicate digitally, substituting complex mechanical linkages and separate control systems with a unified electronic control architecture.

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

2Ease of operation

If multiple separate control systems are used for lifting device and operating arm, then independent control is achieved, but control mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol operationVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal bus system that serves multiple functions: transmitting control signals from the operator's station, providing feedback from sensors, controlling both the lifting device and operating arm, and coordinating their interactions. This single multi-functional communication infrastructure replaces multiple separate control mechanisms, simplifying operation while reducing overall system complexity.

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

3Device complexity

If centralized control is implemented through bus system, then control mechanism is simplified, but power transfer between main frame and sub-frame becomes more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol mechanism complexityVSAvoidpower transfer
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses electronic control units and a bus system as intermediaries to coordinate power transfer. The control units monitor and regulate hydraulic pump operation, electromagnetic coupling, and mechanical power transmission, ensuring efficient power transfer from the main frame to the rotatable sub-frame while maintaining simplified centralized control through digital signal management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2984244B1Mobile apparatus with operating system
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 HERR PLUTO AG
  • EP2984244B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2984244B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP2984244B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

Mobile apparatus comprising a main frame (2), a sub-frame (1) connected rotatably to the main frame and an operating arm connected to the sub-frame, wherein the sub-frame is provided with a seating or standing location for a driver, operating instruments (4) controllable by a driver, and a bus system (5) connected to the operating instruments; wherein the main frame is provided with a lifting device (8) to which an implement (18) is connectable; wherein the mobile apparatus further comprises a drive (7, 17) for driving the lifting device and/or the implement, and a control unit (6, 16) connected to the bus system for controlling the drive on the basis of signals from the bus system; this such that the lifting device and/or the implement are controllable via the bus system using the operating instruments in the sub-frame.