Engine-Pump Power Matching via Auto Mode Index

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Unskilled operators face difficulties in manually selecting the optimal power mode for construction machines like excavators, leading to inconsistent engine-pump power matching and decreased fuel efficiency due to variations in workload and operator intention not being considered automatically.

Innovation Solution

An integrated control apparatus and method that automatically adjusts the power mode of the engine and hydraulic pump using an auto mode change index, calculated based on discharge pressure, pump power, and operator input, to determine whether the current power mode should be changed, thereby optimizing power mode selection and engine speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual power mode selection is used, then operator control flexibility is maintained, but fuel efficiency deteriorates due to inconsistent power matching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator control flexibilityVSAvoidfuel efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The control apparatus enables the system to automatically determine and adjust power mode based on detected workload and operator intention, eliminating the need for manual selection while optimizing fuel efficiency through self-adjusting power matching between engine and hydraulic pump

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously detects workload conditions and operator intention, processes this information through the controller, and automatically adjusts power mode settings accordingly, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that maintains optimal fuel efficiency without operator intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of energy

If automatic power mode selection is implemented, then fuel efficiency improves through consistent power matching, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting workload, determining operator intention, calculating auto mode change index, and automatically adjusting power mode settings, thereby implementing comprehensive automatic power management within a single integrated control unit without requiring separate specialized devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically adjusts power mode parameters based on calculated auto mode change index derived from workload and operator intention detection, enabling dynamic optimization of engine-pump power matching through parameter modification rather than structural changes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If power mode is not automatically adjusted, then device complexity remains low, but productivity decreases due to suboptimal power matching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system simplicityVSAvoidfuel efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control apparatus enables the system to automatically determine and adjust power mode based on detected workload and operator intention, eliminating the need for manual selection while optimizing fuel efficiency through self-adjusting power matching between engine and hydraulic pump

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically adjusts power mode parameters based on calculated auto mode change index derived from workload and operator intention detection, enabling dynamic optimization of engine-pump power matching through parameter modification rather than structural changes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2937572B1Integrated control apparatus and method for engine and hydraulic pump in construction machine
Publication Date: 2017.08.23 DOOSAN INFRACORE CO LTD
  • EP2937572B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2937572B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2937572B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An integrated control apparatus for engine and hydraulic pump in an engine system, the engine system including an engine (10), a hydraulic pump (20) driven by the engine, a control valve (30) for controlling a hydraulic oil discharged from the hydraulic pump and a hydraulic actuator (40) operated by the hydraulic oil from the control valve, includes a power mode determiner (64) calculating an auto mode change index as a function of a first state value representing a work load of the hydraulic pump and a second state value representing a work speed required by an operator to determine whether a current power mode of the hydraulic pump is to be changed, a pump power determiner (67) determining a power mode of the hydraulic pump based on a result of whether a current power mode of the hydraulic pump is to be changed, and an engine speed determiner (66) determining an engine speed based on the result of whether a current power mode of the hydraulic pump is to be changed.