Dynamic Engine Speed Control for Agricultural Harvesters
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine control systems for agricultural harvesters face instability and inefficiency due to sudden load changes, leading to premature speed adjustments and potential processing issues, as they rely on fixed speed regimes that fail to account for rapid changes in crop intake or terrain conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling engine speed in agricultural machines that uses a control curve to adjust engine speed based on load changes, with active control characteristics selected based on the degree of speed change, allowing for dynamic updates and differentiation between crop load and traction load, thereby stabilizing engine speed during load fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the engine speed is maintained at a constant maximum for engine loads up to a first level, then homogeneous processing of crops is ensured, but fuel consumption increases and noise levels become high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic engine speed control where the target speed varies continuously based on the actual engine load, rather than maintaining a fixed maximum speed. The control curve dynamically adjusts the target engine speed according to load conditions, allowing the system to operate at lower speeds when load is low, thereby reducing fuel consumption while maintaining processing stability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the engine by introducing a control curve that defines target speeds as a function of engine load. This parameter change allows the engine to operate at optimized speeds for different load conditions, reducing fuel consumption during low-load operations while maintaining adequate processing capability during high-load conditions
2Use of energy by moving object
If the engine speed decreases linearly as load increases up to a second load level, then energy efficiency is improved, but control stability deteriorates during sudden load changes
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts the target engine speed based on the rate of load change. When sudden load changes are detected, the system modifies the control characteristics to prevent excessive speed adjustments, thereby maintaining control stability. The system transitions between different control modes depending on whether the load change is gradual or abrupt
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by detecting sudden load changes before they cause instability and counteracting them through adjusted control characteristics. When a rapid load increase is detected, the system modifies the target speed adjustment rate to prevent the engine speed from decreasing too quickly, thereby maintaining processing stability during transient conditions
3Use of energy by moving object
If the target engine speed is reduced quickly in response to rapid load increase, then energy efficiency is improved, but processing stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts the rate of speed change based on the detected load change characteristics. When rapid load changes are detected, the system modifies the control characteristics to limit the maximum rate of speed reduction, preventing processing instability while still allowing efficient speed adjustment for gradual load changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by preparing alternative control characteristics that can be activated when sudden load changes are detected. These pre-prepared control modes provide cushioning protection against processing instability by preventing excessive speed adjustments during transient load conditions
4Device complexity
If the load level for speed change is based on total engine load measurement, then control is simplified, but premature speed activation occurs due to terrain effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total engine load into different components and applies different control strategies to each. By separating the analysis of load components, the system can distinguish between load increases due to crop intake (which warrant speed adjustment) and those due to terrain effects (which do not), thereby avoiding premature speed activation while maintaining control sophistication
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~4b
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention is related to a method for controlling the rotational speed of an engine operating as the power source of a work machine, preferably an agricultural harvester, wherein a change in the load required from the engine during operation of the machine results in the controlled change of the engine speed towards a target value defined by a control curve, wherein the controlled change takes place according to one of a plurality of active control characteristics, depending on the degree of change in the engine speed detected as a direct consequence of the load change. A faster or slower speed change may for example be selected, and/or the target value may be continuously updated. According to a further embodiment, the control curve is referenced to the crop load, being the part of the load related to crop processing. The invention is related also to a machine equipped with a control mechanism configured to implement the method of the invention.