Cooling Fan Reversal Control Using Debris Perception on Work Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Construction and agricultural work vehicles face challenges in automatically detecting and managing contamination within their cooling systems, leading to inefficient cleaning processes that rely on manual intervention or predetermined schedules, which can result in system degradation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a perception system with machine learning algorithms and camera inputs to identify and classify debris near the cooling system inlet, dynamically controlling fan speed and reversal based on debris characteristics, type, and quantity, allowing for automatic and adaptive cleaning routines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual intervention or predetermined schedules are used for cooling fan reversal, then the cleaning process is simple to implement, but it results in system degradation due to inefficient cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling fan system automatically detects debris contamination and initiates reversal cleaning without manual intervention. The perception system monitors the cooling inlet area and triggers fan reversal when debris is detected, enabling the system to self-regulate its cleaning needs based on actual contamination levels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control of fan reversal with an automated perception-based control system. Cameras and image processing algorithms substitute for manual inspection and decision-making, automatically determining when cleaning is needed based on visual detection of debris
2Productivity
If predetermined intervals are used for cleaning, then the control system is simple, but it may clean unnecessarily or fail to clean when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The perception system continuously monitors the cooling inlet area and provides real-time feedback about debris presence to the control system. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of fan operation, reversing the fan only when debris is actually detected rather than following a fixed schedule
Solution Approach 2:
The perception system detects debris contamination before it causes significant system degradation. By identifying the presence of debris early, the system can initiate cleaning operations proactively, preventing performance loss before it occurs
3Ease of operation
If the operator manually monitors and initiates cleaning, then no additional sensors are needed, but the operator must continuously watch the monitor which reduces operational awareness
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs the monitoring and decision-making functions previously requiring operator attention. The perception system and control algorithm work together to autonomously determine when cleaning is needed, freeing the operator from continuous monitor surveillance
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the operator to actively monitor screens for cleaning needs, the system inverts the approach by having the automated system actively monitor and notify the operator only when action is required. This transforms the operator's role from active monitor to passive recipient of alerts
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed herein for controlling cooling fans in a self-propelled work vehicle having a main frame supported by wheels or tracks. The cooling fans direct ambient air in accordance with at least one inlet in the main frame, and selectively operate in first and second opposing directions. A perception system is supported by the main frame and configured to provide perception data (e.g., perception data) corresponding to a field of vision which includes the at least one inlet and at least a portion of an associated working area. A controller obtains the perception data and automatically determines characteristics relating to contamination of the cooling system based at least on the perception data. The controller further generates output signals to the cooling fans based on at least one of the determined contaminant characteristics, for example a debris location, type, density, and/or quantity as relating to contamination of the cooling system.