Construction Machine Engine Idling Control System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional engine idling systems in construction machines maintain high idling RPM for rapid load response, leading to unnecessary fuel consumption and delayed engine response when transitioning to work mode.

Innovation Solution

An engine idling control system that sets the lowest idling RPM and introduces an auto idle mode, using a feed-forward method to calculate torque and engage an engine transient mode for rapid load response, reducing fuel consumption and response time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the engine maintains high idling RPM for rapid load response, then the response time to work mode is improved, but fuel consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine response speedVSAvoidfuel consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts engine RPM based on operational state, transitioning from low idle RPM during non-work periods to high RPM when work is detected, optimizing both fuel efficiency and response capability through state-dependent control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of work mode activation and pre-adjusts engine RPM before actual work begins, allowing the engine to prepare in advance and reduce response delay while avoiding sustained high RPM operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Use of energy by moving object

If the engine maintains low idling RPM to reduce fuel consumption, then fuel efficiency is improved, but the response time to work mode is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system detects work mode activation in advance and initiates RPM adjustment before actual work begins, allowing the engine to prepare and reach optimal operating speed proactively, thereby minimizing response delay

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors operational state through feedback from the operation control device and dynamically adjusts engine RPM based on detected work conditions, ensuring optimal performance while minimizing fuel consumption during non-work periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3279455B1Engine idling control system of construction machine
Publication Date: 2020.06.03 VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB
  • EP3279455B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3279455B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3279455B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An engine idling control method for a construction machine according to the present disclosure comprises the steps of: setting, by an E-ECU, an initial engine RPM as a starting mode (S mode) by receiving a signal from a V-ECU at the time of an engine startup; receiving, by the E-ECU, a first instruction via an engine speed control switch in a state other than an automatic idle mode; activating the automatic idle mode when the first instruction is not input to a machine during a certain time period, and setting the engine RPM as the starting mode (S mode); deactivating the automatic idle mode when a second instruction is input to the machine via the engine speed control switch while the automatic idle mode is activated; and calculating, by the V-ECU, an actual torque required for a pump for starting the machine according to the second instruction when the automatic idle mode is deactivated, and sending the actual torque to the E-ECU.