Working Machine Program Updates for Connected Attachments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems do not effectively update the update program of working devices connected to the vehicle body of a working machine.

Innovation Solution

A communication system is implemented to facilitate the updating of update programs for working devices connected to the machine body, utilizing a communication cable and update controller device to transmit and manage the update process, with notification through visual and auditory signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a program updating method is used for the controller device of the working machine, then the update program can be written to the controller device, but the update program of the working device connected to the vehicle body cannot be updated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogram update capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The update controller device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can update programs for both the controller device of the working machine and the working device connected to the vehicle body. The notification device also serves dual purposes by notifying about both controller device updates and working device updates, eliminating the need for separate update systems and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the update program is written to the controller device, then the existing computer program can be checked, but the process becomes time-consuming due to multiple steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogram update reliabilityVSAvoidupdate time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The notification device provides advance notice to the operator before the update program is written to the controller device or working device. This preliminary notification allows the operator to prepare in advance, such as ensuring the working device is properly connected and positioned, thereby reducing the overall update time while maintaining reliability through proper preparation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the working device is connected to the vehicle body for program update, then the update program can be transmitted, but the connection requires precise alignment and positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection easeVSAvoidconnector alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A communication cable serves as an intermediary between the first connector on the vehicle body and the second connector on the working device. This cable allows for flexible connection without requiring precise alignment between the two connectors, as the cable can accommodate positional variations and guide the connection process, thereby easing the operation while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3851591B1Program update system for working machine

Publication Date: 2025.10.15 KUBOTA CORP

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AI summary

A program update system for a working machine (1), includes: a machine body (3); a working device (2) to be used for work, the working device (2) being provided to the machine body (3); a storage device (43) to store an update program for the machine body (3) or the working device (2); and an update controller (53, 53A, 53B) to control the update program. The update controller (53, 53A, 53B) executes the update program for the working device (2) based on a state of the machine body (3) or the working device (2).