Secondary Control System Service Orientation Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing secondary control systems for work machines, such as tractors and excavators, require complete removal for maintenance, diagnostics, and servicing, which is inconvenient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A secondary control system with a base plate and rails that can be easily moved between operation and service orientations, allowing for in-situ maintenance without disconnecting from the machine control system, featuring a base plate supported by two rails with channels for secure positioning in both orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the secondary control system is mounted fixedly on the machine, then the connection to the machine control system is stable, but the maintenance and servicing require complete removal which is time-consuming and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic reconfigurable system. The base plate can be moved between a first position (operational) and a second position (maintenance), allowing the control system to switch between being integrated with the machine and being accessible for servicing. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by enabling both stable connection during operation and easy access during maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure is segmented into separate components: a base plate for mounting the control system, rails positioned at different locations, and a support structure. This segmentation allows the control system to be decoupled from the machine body while maintaining operational connection, enabling independent movement of the base plate between operational and maintenance positions without affecting the entire system.
2Ease of operation
If the secondary control system is completely removed for maintenance, then full access to components is achieved, but connection to the machine control system is lost requiring reinstallation
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic repositioning of the base plate to a maintenance position where the control system remains connected to the machine control system via the support structure. This eliminates the need for complete removal and reinstallation, allowing technicians to access and service components while the system remains operational, thereby reducing downtime and maintaining connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure acts as an intermediary element that maintains the connection between the secondary control system and the machine control system during maintenance. When the base plate is moved to the maintenance position, the support structure serves as the intermediary pathway that keeps electrical and data connections intact, eliminating the need for disconnection and reconnection cycles.
3Productivity
If the secondary control system remains connected during maintenance, then downtime is reduced, but access to components for servicing is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is divided into separable components including the base plate, rails, and support structure. This segmentation allows the base plate to be independently positioned at different locations: in the operational position for integrated operation, and in the maintenance position where the base plate can be accessed from multiple angles while remaining connected through the support structure, thus providing both accessibility and connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes spatial dimensionality by positioning rails at different locations and allowing the base plate to move between positions in multiple dimensions. The maintenance position is achieved by moving the base plate to a different spatial configuration where components are more accessible, while the support structure maintains the connection, effectively using dimensional change to resolve the accessibility conflict.
Data Source
AI summary
A work machine includes a frame, a traction system, an engine, an implement system, an operator cab with a roof; a machine control system, and a secondary control system. The secondary control system is configured to interface with the machine control system and includes a secondary control device, a control module, a communication module, a base plate, and two rails. The base plate is configured to support the control module and the communication module, and protect the plurality of harness connections. The two rails are configured to support the base plate in an operation orientation and a service orientation and each include a plurality of channels configured to support the base plate in the service orientation.