Auxiliary Power Source Control for Work Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle systems lack efficient methods to determine when a work vehicle is stationary or its engine is not running, limiting the operation of auxiliary power sources like service packs, which can only safely operate when the vehicle is stationary or the engine is off to avoid interference with vehicle systems.

Innovation Solution

Integrating service packs with the vehicle's communication network, such as a CAN Bus or wireless network, to receive data on the vehicle's state, allowing the control system to determine if the vehicle is stationary or the engine is off, and control the operation of the service pack accordingly, enabling safe operation of systems like generators, hydraulic pumps, and air compressors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If service packs are integrated with vehicle systems to provide auxiliary power, then the functionality and utility of the vehicle system is improved, but the risk of interference with vehicle systems increases when the vehicle is in motion or engine is running

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality of auxiliary power sourcesVSAvoidinterference with vehicle systems

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control system continuously monitors vehicle state parameters (motion status, engine running status) through the communication network and uses this feedback to dynamically control the operation of auxiliary power sources, enabling them to operate safely only when conditions permit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

A control system acts as an intermediary between the vehicle systems and auxiliary power sources, mediating their interaction by monitoring vehicle state and controlling power source operation to prevent harmful interference while enabling useful functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the vehicle communication network is used to monitor vehicle state, then the measurement capability and control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to integration requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle state detection accuracyVSAvoidintegration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle communication network serves multiple functions: it not only enables precise measurement of vehicle state for control purposes but also provides general data communication between various vehicle systems, eliminating the need for separate dedicated monitoring systems and reducing overall complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11598254B2Systems and methods of connecting service packs including auxiliary power sources to vehicle data and vehicle systems

Publication Date: 2023.03.07 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC

AI summary

Systems are disclosed for providing a work vehicle with a mounted auxiliary power source. The control system of the auxiliary power source may be connected to a communication network of the work vehicle to receive data from various systems of the work vehicle and control and power various systems of the work vehicle.