Engine Control Device Kick-Down Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In working vehicles, switching from economy mode to power mode requires operators to take their hand off the operation lever, disrupting work and reducing efficiency, as mode switching switches are typically located on the right side panel.
Innovation Solution
An engine control device with an engine mode determining section, gear detection section, and kick-down detection section allows for seamless switching to power mode from economy mode when a kick-down instruction is detected, with the kick-down switch integrated into the working equipment operation lever, enabling operators to increase engine output without interrupting work.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mode switching switch is located on the right side panel, then the mode switching switch can be provided in a conventional location, but the operator has to take their hand away from the operation lever, disrupting work and reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mode switching function with the kick-down switch that is already integrated into the operation lever. By merging these two functions into a single switch location, the operator can switch between power mode and economy mode without removing their hand from the operation lever, thus maintaining continuous control and improving work efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The kick-down switch on the operation lever is given multiple functions: it serves both as the kick-down switch for gear shifting and as the mode switching switch for changing between power and economy modes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate mode switching switch on the right side panel
2Adaptability or versatility
If operator takes hand off operation lever to switch modes, then mode switching can be performed, but work is disrupted and work efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mode switching operation with the existing kick-down operation on the operation lever. The operator can switch modes by operating the kick-down switch on the lever they are already holding, eliminating the need to remove their hand and thus preventing work interruption
Solution Approach 2:
The operator maintains continuous contact with the operation lever throughout the mode switching process. The useful action of holding and operating the lever continues uninterrupted, allowing seamless transition between power mode and economy mode without breaking the workflow
Data Source
AI summary
An engine control device is adapted to a working vehicle that is capable of switching between a power mode and an economy mode, and capable of forcibly downshifting through gears of a transmission so as to shift down to a lower speed side. The engine control device includes an engine mode determining section configured to determine whether the engine mode is in the power mode or the economy mode, a gear detection section configured to detect current gear of a plurality of gears, a kick-down detection section configured to detect a kick-down instruction, and a control section configured to switch the engine into the power mode when the kick-down instruction is detected while the engine mode is in the economy mode and the gears are in the lowest gear.