Coordinated Work Machine Control for Simultaneous Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work equipment control systems require separate tracking, tasking, monitoring, and servicing methods for each machine, leading to inefficiencies and increased complexity in managing multiple work machines at a site.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system that includes multiple machines with actuators and controllers, along with a user input system with a transceiver and interface, allowing for coordinated operation and real-time monitoring of machine positions and responses to user inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate tracking, tasking, monitoring, and servicing methods are used for each machine, then individual machine control is maintained, but system complexity and management inefficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate control systems into a single coordinated control system where a first controller synchronizes the operation of multiple work machines. This merging approach maintains individual machine controllability while reducing overall system complexity by centralizing coordination functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The first controller serves multiple functions simultaneously: it tracks, tasks, monitors, and coordinates multiple work machines. This universal controller approach eliminates the need for separate discrete systems for each function, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive control capabilities.
2Productivity
If multiple discrete control systems are used for multiple machines, then individual machine autonomy is preserved, but operational efficiency and coordination decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The first controller pre-calculates and pre-coordinates operation sequences for multiple work machines before execution. By performing coordination actions in advance, the system minimizes real-time coordination delays and improves overall operational efficiency without sacrificing machine autonomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system implements continuous feedback mechanisms where the first controller monitors the status and position of multiple work machines in real-time. This feedback enables dynamic coordination adjustments, reducing coordination time and improving operational efficiency by responding proactively to system state changes.
3Loss of information
If separate monitoring systems are used for each machine, then detailed individual machine data is available, but data integration and real-time coordination become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges individual machine monitoring systems into a unified data collection framework where the first controller aggregates data from multiple work machines. This approach preserves detailed individual machine information while simplifying data integration through centralized processing and coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle system includes a first machine having a first controller, a second machine having a second controller, and a third controller in communication with the first controller and the second controller. The third controller is configured to receive a movement command, and send the movement command to the second controller. In response to receiving the movement command, the second controller is configured to send the movement command to the first controller, so that the first machine and the second machine perform the movement command substantially simultaneously.