Ground Maintenance Drive System Abnormality Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drive systems for ground maintenance vehicles lack the ability to take appropriate measures based on the content of engine abnormalities, often resulting in unnecessary engine stoppages.
Innovation Solution
A drive system with a first control unit for the engine, a second control unit for the working mechanism, and a signal transmitter to share information, allowing for appropriate measures to be taken based on engine abnormalities, including the use of an electromagnetic clutch and oil pump for power transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ECU of the engine merely stops the engine when abnormality is detected, then the engine is protected, but unnecessary engine stoppages occur when the abnormality does not require stopping
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by having the engine ECU communicate abnormality information to the mower ECU, which then determines the appropriate response based on the current operating state. The mower ECU feeds back control decisions to the engine, creating a closed-loop system that adjusts engine operation based on both engine status and mower operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static engine protection approach (always stop when abnormality detected) to a dynamic approach where the response varies based on the type of abnormality and the current mower operating state. The control strategy adapts in real-time based on feedback from both ECUs.
2Device complexity
If the engine ECU makes control decisions independently, then the control system is simple, but it cannot determine appropriate measures based on working mechanism state
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two independent ECUs (engine ECU and mower ECU), each responsible for specific functions. The engine ECU monitors engine status and communicates abnormalities, while the mower ECU monitors working mechanism state and makes final control decisions. This segmentation allows each unit to remain relatively simple while the integrated system achieves high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mower ECU acts as an intermediary between the engine ECU and the engine itself. It receives abnormality information from the engine ECU, processes it in conjunction with mower operational data, and determines the appropriate control response. This intermediary role enables sophisticated decision-making without requiring the engine ECU to be overly complex.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables determination of abnormality causes and avoids unnecessary engine stoppages by allowing controlled measures based on shared information, facilitating operation and stop control of the engine.
Implementation Method 1
the second power transmitting mechanism preferably includes an electromagnetic clutch
Data Source
AI summary
A mower includes an engine which is a power source for a drive wheel and a mowing mechanism. A drive system for the mower includes: a first control unit that controls operation and stop of the engine; a first power transmitting mechanism that performs transmission of power between the engine and the drive wheel; a second power transmitting mechanism that performs transmission of power between the engine and the mowing mechanism; and a second control unit that controls the second power transmitting mechanism. The first control unit also controls the first power transmitting mechanism. A signal transmitter is provided which transmits a control signal between the first control unit and the second control unit.