Work Vehicle Engine Idle Control via Operator Presence Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current engine control systems for work vehicles are inefficient in determining when to switch from idle to a lower idle state, often resulting in unnecessary engine idling due to indirect parameter checks and reliance on operator-set timers, which can lead to increased fuel consumption and mechanical wear.
Innovation Solution
An engine control device equipped with a presence sensor to detect the operator's absence, allowing immediate and instantaneous reduction of engine speed from first idle to second idle without a time delay, along with additional sensors to verify specific vehicle operating parameters, ensuring accurate and timely transitions between idle states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the control unit checks multiple operating parameters and waits for a time interval before switching to second idle state, then the switching decision is more reliable, but the engine remains at idle longer causing unnecessary fuel consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical timer-based delay system with an electronic sensor system that directly detects operator presence. The presence sensor (e.g., weight sensor on the seat) provides immediate electronic signals to the control unit, eliminating the need for time-based delays and enabling instantaneous response to operator absence, thereby reducing unnecessary idle time and fuel consumption while maintaining reliable switching decisions.
2Device complexity
If the control unit relies on operator-set timer to determine idle switching, then the system is simple to implement, but the operator may forget to activate it or set incorrect interval causing the engine to remain at idle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the presence sensor automatically detects operator presence and sends signals to the control unit without requiring any operator intervention. The system self-activates and self-regulates the idle switching based on actual operator presence, eliminating the need for operator-configured timers and ensuring reliable operation regardless of operator attention or knowledge.
3Device complexity
If the control unit checks operating parameters indirectly, then the check process is simpler, but it cannot accurately determine the vehicle's actual operating status
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect parameter checking with direct physical sensing of operator presence. The presence sensor (weight sensor, pressure sensor, or motion sensor) directly detects the operator's physical state, providing accurate and immediate information about whether the operator is actually present and capable of operating the vehicle, thereby improving measurement precision without significantly increasing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An engine control device for a vehicle is provided, which comprises a control unit configured to be connected to the engine of a vehicle and to control the switching of the engine from a first idle rotation speed to a second idle rotation speed in which the number of engine revolutions is lower compared to the number of revolutions of the first idle speed. The control device also includes a first sensor, configured to be connected to the engine and to instantaneously sense and transmit to the control unit the number of revolutions completed by the engine in the unit of time. The control device further includes a second sensor for detecting the presence of an operator at the vehicle controls, and the second sensor is configured to transmit to the control unit a signal indicating the presence of an operator at the vehicle controls. The control unit is configured to actuate a decrease in the engine rotation speed from the first idle speed toward the second idle speed if the signal transmitted by the second sensor indicates the operator's absence and the signal transmitted by the first sensor indicates that the engine is running at the first idle speed.