Dynamic Fuel Refilling Control for Vehicle Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles like large dump trucks face inefficiencies due to excessive fuel reserves, which increase weight and energy requirements, leading to higher fuel usage and reduced efficiency, especially in varying operational environments and refueling schedules.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for optimizing fuel reservoir levels by recording past refueling amounts, determining an optimal level based on usage profiles, and adjusting current levels to minimize excess fuel, using an automated fill level shutoff device to maintain an optimal refuel amount that balances operation with efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large capacity reservoir is provided to meet worst case fuel usage requirements, then sufficient fuel is available for operation, but fuel usage rate efficiency decreases due to excessive weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic refilling system that adjusts the refilling amount based on real-time operational conditions. The controller monitors fuel consumption rates, operational environment, and work cycle requirements to dynamically determine the optimal refilling amount, transitioning from a static worst-case approach to a dynamic adaptive approach that balances fuel availability with weight management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors fuel consumption patterns, operational conditions, and refilling history. This feedback loop enables the system to learn from past operations and adjust future refilling amounts optimally, ensuring sufficient fuel is provided while minimizing excess weight that would increase fuel consumption.
2Ease of operation
If refilling occurs at regular intervals with fixed amounts, then operational simplicity is maintained, but excessive reserve fuel is carried increasing vehicle weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service refilling system where the vehicle automatically determines and executes its own refilling requirements. The controller calculates the optimal refilling amount based on monitored operational data and automatically controls the refilling process, eliminating the need for manual intervention while optimizing fuel carry-over to minimize weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the refilling parameter (amount) based on operational conditions rather than using a fixed refilling amount. The controller adjusts this parameter in real-time based on factors such as fuel consumption rate, operational environment, and work cycle requirements, maintaining operational simplicity while optimizing weight management.
3Duration of action of moving object
If maximum capacity reservoir is used to accommodate variable refueling schedules, then operation continuity is ensured, but fuel efficiency decreases due to excessive weight
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of operational requirements and refilling patterns to determine the optimal refilling amount before each refilling event. By predicting future fuel needs based on historical data and current operational conditions, the system ensures sufficient fuel is provided to maintain operation continuity while avoiding excessive weight that would reduce fuel efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle or machine may include a consumable that requires refilling, such as fuel. Refilling the consumable may occur at a regular interval and the amounts may be recorded. Based on the past intervals and amounts, there may be modifications to future amounts. The weight of the consumable on a vehicle may decrease efficiency. Accordingly, the amount of consumable should be kept to a minimum to avoid carrying excess weight. Reducing an amount of the consumable upon replenishment can improve efficiency of the vehicle.