Wireless Communicator for Multi-Machine Tool Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication techniques for electric working machines allow only one-on-one communication between machines, limiting their usefulness for concurrent operation with multiple machines.
Innovation Solution
A communicator with a communication controller that can cyclically transmit operational information without specifying a recipient, enabling unspecified electric working machines to operate in conjunction with a transmission side machine, and allowing users to change operating modes and transmission cycles for efficient power use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If one-on-one communication is implemented between electric working machines, then communication reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The communication controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in specification mode for targeted one-on-one communication and in non-specification mode for broadcasting operational information to multiple machines. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware to serve both reliable point-to-point communication and versatile multi-machine coordination needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication controller dynamically switches between two operational modes based on the situation: specification mode for reliable direct communication with a specific machine, and non-specification mode for broadcasting to multiple machines. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for reliability or versatility depending on the operational context.
2Adaptability or versatility
If operational information is transmitted cyclically without specifying recipient, then adaptability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication controller transmits operational information cyclically at predetermined intervals when in non-specification mode, rather than continuously. This periodic transmission approach enables multiple machines to receive operational information for coordinated operation while reducing energy consumption compared to continuous broadcasting.
3Loss of information
If continuous transmission of operational information is performed, then information availability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transmits operational information at predetermined intervals rather than continuously, maintaining adequate information availability for coordinated operation while significantly reducing power consumption. The cyclic transmission ensures that receiving machines receive updated operational status without requiring constant communication.
Data Source
AI summary
A communicator in one aspect of the present disclosure includes a connector, a communication circuit, and a communication controller. The connector is electrically coupled to an electric working machine. The communication circuit performs wireless communication. The communication controller cyclically transmits operational information without specifying a recipient via the communication circuit in response to an operating mode of the communication controller being set to an operation-transmission mode. The operational information indicates an operating state of the electric working machine.