Modular Control
Rationale
The GVCS already contains several machines that will require relatively complex control systems (at least compared to a tractor). Since the entire GVCS is being designed from scratch, it makes sense to integrate the control systems for all the machines in such a way that a single controller can handle the most complex machine to the least complex machine.
Benefits of modular control architecture:
- Less machine down time. Just swap out the malfunctioning control unit with a backup.
- Simpler training. It's easier to train people on one control system than a bunch.
- Easier maintenance/troubleshooting. Identical control units will have identical problems that only need to be documented once.
- Economies of scale. Make a lot of one thing, rather than a few of several different things.
- Faster prototyping. New machines can use the existing standards rather than require their own controller design.
Examples
3D Printer
3D printers are special purpose CNC machines. Locating the toolhead in 3D space requires at least 3 axes of controlled motion. Typically, these are linear axes controlled by stepper motors with one or two end stops. The toolhead itself is usually an extruder where raw material is fed by a stepper motor. Temperature needs to be controlled in the extruder.
Some upgrades that are not strictly necessary, but can be useful, are a heated build surface, a heated build chamber, and additional axes. Typically, a 5-axis CNC system (add rotary axis to build surface and z-axis) is the practical limit.
Thermoplastic 3D Printer Control
- linear motion axis = stepper motor + 2(on/off sensor)
- extrude axis = stepper motor
- melt chamber = heater + temp sensor
- 3D printer = 3(linear motion axis) + extrude axis + melt chamber
Optional
- built surface = heater + temp sensor
- build chamber = heater + temp sensor
- rotary motion axis = stepper motor + on/off sensor
3D Scanner Aluminum Extractor from Clay Backhoe Bakery Oven Baler Bioplastic Extruder Bulldozer CEB Press Cement Mixer Chipper / Hammermill CNC Circuit Mill CNC Torch Table Dairy Milker Dimensional Sawmill Electrical Motor / Generator Gasifier Burner Hay Cutter Hay Rake Hydraulic Motor Induction Furnace Industrial Robot Ironworker Laser Cutter Metal Roller Microcombine Microtractor Modern Steam Engine Multimachine Nickel-Iron Battery Nursery Open Source Car Open Source Truck Pelletizer Plasma Cutter Power Cube Press Forge Rod and Wire Mill Rototiller Solar Concentrator Spader Steam Generator Tractor Trencher Universal Power Supply Universal Rotor Universal Seeder Universal Welder Well-Drilling Rig Wind Turbine