Engine Power Control via Tool Attachment Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-power machines operating with low-power tools or without tools experience excessive power delivery to traction devices, leading to control issues and premature wear, as existing systems fail to optimally adjust engine power based on tool configuration and operator input.
Innovation Solution
A power system with an engine and operator input device, controlled by a controller that detects tool attachment and adjusts engine power output accordingly, increasing power for high-power tools and decreasing it when they are not attached, using a wiring harness interface to differentiate between low- and high-power tools and considering operator input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the engine is designed to produce high power output for high-power tools, then the machine can operate with high-power tools effectively, but the machine experiences excessive power delivery and control issues when operating with low-power tools or without tools
Solution Approach 1:
The engine controller dynamically adjusts engine power output based on detected tool attachment status. When a high-power tool is detected, the controller enables high power modes; when low-power tools or no tools are detected, the controller reduces power output to appropriate levels, preventing excessive power delivery and control issues
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses detection mechanisms (electronic hookups, sensors) to detect tool attachment status and provides feedback to the engine controller. The controller continuously monitors tool presence and power requirements, adjusting engine output in real-time based on this feedback to match actual operational needs
2Power
If the engine operates at high power levels continuously, then the machine has sufficient power for high-power tools, but machine components experience premature wear and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The engine controller changes operating parameters (power output levels) based on tool attachment detection. The system transitions between different power modes (high power for high-power tools, reduced power for low-power tools or no tools), optimizing the match between engine output and actual tool requirements to prevent premature wear and maintain efficiency
3Productivity
If the system automatically adjusts engine power based on tool detection, then machine efficiency improves, but the detection system becomes complex and prone to error
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system utilizes existing electronic hookups and components already present in the machine for tool attachment detection. The system serves itself by using available electrical connections and sensors to detect tool presence and type, eliminating the need for separate complex detection hardware while maintaining high machine efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A power system for a machine is disclosed. The power system may have an engine, and an operator input device controllable to affect operation of a plurality of different tools that can be removably attached to the machine. The plurality of different tools may include at least a first tool capable of consuming about 50% or more of a total power output of the engine. The power system may also have a controller configured to detect attachment of the at least a first tool to the machine and, based on a signal from the operator input device, selectively increase a power output of the engine when the at least a first tool is attached to the machine. The controller may also be configured to selectively decrease the power output of the engine when the at least a first tool is not attached to the machine.