Engine Retarder and Fan Activation Logic
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle braking systems, such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,921,883, can be inefficient as they activate the engine cooling fan whenever the engine brake is activated, even when supplemental retarding torque is not necessary, leading to unnecessary resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle braking system where the engine retarder and fan are activated only when the transmission gear ratio is greater than or equal to a threshold gear ratio, allowing the fan to provide additional retarding torque only when needed, thereby optimizing resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the cooling fan is activated whenever the engine brake is activated, then additional retarding torque is provided, but unnecessary resource utilization occurs when supplemental retarding is not necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts fan activation based on real-time operating conditions. The controller monitors gear ratio, engine brake status, and other parameters to determine when fan activation is necessary, transitioning the fan between active and inactive states based on changing conditions rather than using a fixed activation rule
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the activation parameter from a simple binary state (engine brake on/off) to a multi-parameter decision process involving gear ratio, engine brake status, and controller logic. This allows the system to optimize fan activation based on the specific combination of operating parameters rather than always activating when the engine brake is engaged
2Reliability
If the fan is activated to provide additional retarding torque, then braking performance is improved, but system complexity increases due to conditional activation logic
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors system state (gear ratio, engine brake activation) and uses this feedback to make intelligent decisions about fan activation. This closed-loop control ensures the fan is activated only when conditions warrant additional retarding torque, optimizing braking performance while avoiding unnecessary activation
Solution Approach 2:
The existing fan component, originally designed solely for cooling, is given a multi-functional role by enabling it to provide retarding torque under specific conditions. This allows the same hardware to serve both cooling and braking functions, improving braking performance without adding dedicated hardware complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the efficiency of the braking system by avoiding unnecessary fan operation, tailoring the level of engine retarding and vehicle braking to the specific needs of the vehicle, and reducing resource consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the fan assists in providing additional retarding torque to the engine while activated
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle (10) includes an engine (12), a transmission (16) associated with the engine (12), and an engine retarder (30) having a deactivated state and an activated state. The engine retarder (30) is configured to provide a retarding torque to the engine (12) in the activated state. The vehicle (10) also includes a fan (48) associated with the engine (12). The fan (48) is configured to be activated in response to a selection of a transmission gear ratio greater than or equal to a threshold gear ratio while the engine retarder (30) is in the activated state. The fan (48) assists in providing additional retarding torque to the engine (12) while activated.