Dual Powertrain Speed Limiting via Electronic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for limiting the speed of dual powertrain machines are inefficient, leading to increased fuel consumption and potential engine wear, as they restrict the selection of maximum machine speeds to discrete gear ratios, failing to allow for a wide range of speed options and often operate at suboptimal engine speeds.
Innovation Solution
A method involving two electronically controlled powertrains, where controllers execute machine speed limiting algorithms to determine engine control commands, allowing for continuous adjustment of engine speeds and power outputs to maintain machine speed within a set limit, while optimizing gear ratios and operation modes to enhance efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional gear-based speed limiting is used, then machine speed can be limited, but the selection of maximum machine speeds is restricted to discrete gear ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical gear-based speed limiting system with an electronic control system that uses algorithms to calculate and enforce speed limits. The electronic controller computes maximum machine speeds based on current gear ratios and engine operating conditions, allowing continuous speed limit adjustment rather than discrete gear-based limits. This substitution enables versatile speed selection while simplifying the control mechanism through software-based logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from discrete gear ratios to continuous engine speed and power output parameters. By controlling engine speed and power rather than relying solely on gear selection, the system can achieve any speed limit within the operating range. The electronic controller dynamically adjusts engine parameters to maintain machine speed within the desired limit, providing adaptability across the full speed range.
2Speed
If top gear is limited to maintain speed below machine speed limit, then speed control is achieved, but transmission may operate at suboptimal engine speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic speed limiting where the maximum machine speed is continuously adjusted based on current operating conditions including gear ratio, engine speed, and load. Rather than statically limiting to a fixed top gear, the electronic controller dynamically calculates the maximum allowable speed in each gear and adjusts engine power output accordingly. This allows the transmission to operate at optimal engine speeds for each operating condition while maintaining machine speed below the limit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from sensors monitoring machine speed, engine parameters, and transmission state to continuously adjust engine control commands. The electronic controller receives real-time data about current operating conditions and adjusts engine power output to maintain machine speed within the limit while optimizing fuel consumption. This closed-loop control ensures the transmission operates efficiently rather than at suboptimal speeds.
3Reliability
If gear hold feature is used for machine speed limiting, then speed can be maintained, but efficiency is reduced and fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static gear hold feature with a dynamic electronic control system that continuously adjusts engine power output based on current operating conditions. Instead of mechanically holding the transmission in a fixed gear, the electronic controller dynamically modulates engine torque and power to maintain machine speed within the limit. This dynamic approach maintains speed control reliability while allowing the transmission to shift to more efficient gears when appropriate, improving overall operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical gear hold mechanism with an electronic control algorithm that achieves speed limiting through software-based power management. The electronic controller calculates the maximum allowable power output based on current gear ratio and speed limit requirements, then commands the engine to operate within these parameters. This eliminates the need for mechanical gear holding while maintaining speed control, allowing more flexible and efficient operation.
4Speed
If conventional speed limiting methods are used, then machine speed is controlled, but engine wear increases due to suboptimal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control approach from gear-ratio-based speed limiting to engine parameter-based control. The electronic controller directly manages engine speed and power output parameters to achieve speed limiting, allowing the engine to operate in its optimal performance and efficiency ranges. By controlling engine parameters rather than relying on gear selection, the system maintains machine speed limits while keeping the engine operating under optimal conditions, reducing wear and improving durability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of limiting machine speed of a dual powertrain machine includes propelling the dual powertrain machine by transmitting power from a first engine of a first electronically controlled powertrain to a first set of ground engaging elements, and transmitting power from a second engine of a second electronically controlled powertrain to a second set of ground engaging elements. The method also includes identifying a machine speed limit, executing a first machine speed limiting algorithm in a first controller of the first electronically controlled powertrain to determine a first engine control command based on the machine speed limit, and controlling the first engine using the first engine control command. A second machine speed limiting algorithm is executed in a second controller of the second electronically controlled powertrain to determine a second engine control command based on the machine speed limit, and the second engine is controlled using the second engine control command.