Coordinated Work Machine Control for Synchronized Motion Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current work equipment control systems require separate and discrete methods for tracking, tasking, monitoring, and servicing, leading to inefficiencies and potential coordination issues between multiple machines at a work site.
Innovation Solution
A coordinated control system for work machines, which includes a user input system with a transceiver and controllers that allow for synchronized operation of multiple machines, enabling coordinated motion and control through a networked communication system, thereby reducing latency and improving site management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate and discrete control systems are used for each work machine, then each machine can be controlled independently, but coordination and synchronization between multiple machines deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete control systems into a unified coordinated control system where a central controller synchronizes multiple work machines. The controller receives a single user input and distributes coordinated commands to multiple machines, ensuring they operate in unison while maintaining individual control capabilities through the networked architecture.
2Productivity
If multiple machines receive user inputs simultaneously, then coordination efficiency improves, but the risk of one machine moving before others have processed the input increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary actions by receiving a single user input and processing the coordination logic before distributing commands to multiple machines. This preliminary processing ensures that all machines receive synchronized start commands at the same moment, eliminating the risk of one machine acting before others while maintaining high coordination efficiency.
3Ease of repair
If each machine has its own discrete control system, then ease of maintenance for individual machines improves, but overall system integration and monitoring becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into independent modular units - individual machine controllers that can be maintained separately, and a central coordination controller. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to service individual machines without affecting the entire system, while the networked architecture maintains system integration and enables centralized monitoring of all machines.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle system includes a first machine with a first actuator and a first controller, a second machine with a second actuator and a second controller, and a user input system with a transceiver, a user interface, and a third controller. The user input system is configured to receive a user input via the user interface and provide a signal to both the first controller and the second controller. The first and second controllers are configured to send a first lag signal and a second lag signal, respectively, to the third controller. The first lag signal defines a first response time of the first machine and the second lag signal defines a second response time of the second machine. The third controller compares the first response time to the second response time to determine a lag time of the first machine and the second machine.