Engine Controller Mode Switching for Industrial Vehicle Operability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of exhaust gas purification devices on working vehicles is hindered by their larger and heavier size, restricting engine room space and exposing engine controllers to high exhaust heat and low-frequency oscillations, leading to poor operability and comfort due to the gap between operator expectations and vehicle responses, especially under isochronous control.
Innovation Solution
A working vehicle with an engine controller that can select between isochronous and droop control modes based on brake operation states, allowing for improved control mode switching and maintaining a fixed rotation speed during travel while adjusting to load changes during work, along with a control mode selection switch and display device for operator convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If exhaust gas purification device is mounted to the engine, then emission control is improved, but engine room space is restricted and engine controller installation is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The engine controller is relocated from the traditional engine compartment to the driver's cab, utilizing a different spatial dimension. This resolves the space constraint caused by the exhaust gas purification device while maintaining emission control functionality through continued connection to the engine via communication interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
A communication interface (CAN bus or similar) acts as an intermediary between the engine controller in the cab and the engine in the engine room. This allows the controller to be positioned away from the engine while still maintaining control functionality, thus resolving the spatial conflict.
2Speed
If engine controller is installed near the engine, then control responsiveness is improved, but exposure to exhaust heat and oscillation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engine controller is extracted from the harsh environment near the engine and relocated to the protected driver's cab. This eliminates exposure to exhaust heat and low-frequency oscillation while maintaining control functionality through remote communication interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Communication interfaces serve as intermediaries that transmit control signals and data between the engine controller in the cab and the engine, enabling responsive control without direct physical proximity to the engine's harmful environment.
3Speed
If isochronous control is used, then vehicle speed regulation is improved, but brake response feels delayed and operability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically switches between isochronous control and droop control based on operating conditions. During braking operations, the system transitions to droop control which provides more natural brake response characteristics, while maintaining isochronous control for steady-state speed regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control parameter (control mode) is changed based on operating conditions. The system monitors brake operation status and switches control modes accordingly, changing from isochronous control to droop control during braking to improve operability while maintaining speed regulation during normal operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention aims at providing a working vehicle which can make an operator feel favorable operability. An engine controller (311) selects any one of an isochronous control and a droop control and controls an engine (5), and is provided with a control mode selection switch (350) which can alternatively select the isochronous control and the droop control. In the case that the isochronous control is designated by the control mode selection switch (350), the engine (5) is controlled according to the isochronous control when one of right and left brake operation devices (251, 251) is in a non-operation state, and the engine (5) is controlled according to the droop control when both of the right and left brake operation devices (251, 251) are in an operation state.