Soil Working Implement Parameter Memory for Accessory Reconnection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Users of floor processing devices must repeatedly set operating parameters when switching the device on or changing accessory devices, leading to increased work steps and inconvenience.

Innovation Solution

The control device stores the last used operating parameters with accessory type information in memory, allowing automatic retrieval and application upon reconnecting the same accessory device, reducing the need for manual input and maintaining settings even after device shutdown.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the user manually sets operating parameters each time the device is switched on or accessory is changed, then the device can be operated with correct parameters, but the user effort and time required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrect operating parameter settingVSAvoidtime for parameter setting
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control device stores the last used operating parameter in a memory device before the accessory is disconnected or the device is switched off. This preliminary storage action ensures that when the same accessory is reconnected, the parameter is already available for automatic retrieval, eliminating the need for repeated manual setting and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The detection device identifies the connected accessory type and provides feedback to the control device. The control device uses this feedback to automatically retrieve and apply the stored operating parameter matching the identified accessory, ensuring correct parameters are applied without manual intervention while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If the device stores operating parameters in memory, then automatic retrieval is possible reducing user effort, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic parameter retrievalVSAvoidmemory device and detection device
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device is designed to perform multiple functions: it not only controls the operating parameters but also stores them in an integrated memory device and retrieves them based on accessory identification. This multi-functionality approach consolidates what could be separate components into a unified control system, managing complexity through functional integration rather than adding separate dedicated components.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables automatic parameter retrieval and application without user intervention. The detection device automatically identifies the accessory, the control device automatically retrieves the corresponding stored parameter, and automatically applies it. This self-service mechanism reduces user effort to minimum while the added complexity is confined to the automated control logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4186403B1System comprising a soil working implement, a storage device and at least one accessory
Publication Date: 2024.07.17 VORWERK & CO INTERHOLDING GMBH
  • EP4186403B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4186403B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2e

AI summary

The invention relates to a system comprising a soil cultivation implement (1), a storage device (2) and at least one accessory device (3) for detachable connection to the soil cultivation implement (1), wherein the soil cultivation implement (1) has a detection device (4) for detecting the type of accessory device (3) currently connected to the soil cultivation implement (1), a user interface (5) for receiving an operating specification for an operating parameter of the soil cultivation implement (1) and/or accessory device (3) from a user and a control device (6) for controlling an operating activity of the soil cultivation implement (1) and/or accessory device (3) according to the set operating parameter.In order to enable a user to use the system with as little effort as possible, it is proposed that the control unit (6) be configured to store the operating parameter last used for a first operating operation together with information about the type of accessory (3) used in the storage unit (2) and, after disconnecting the accessory (3) from the soil cultivation device (1) and reconnecting the same accessory (3) to the soil cultivation device (1), to access the operating parameter stored in the storage unit (2) and to reset this operating parameter for a second operating operation to be carried out after the first operating operation.