Engine Shutdown Restart System Hydraulic Starter Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing idle reduction engine shutdown and restart systems for machines are limited by lack of responsiveness, interference with operator interaction, insufficient power for climate control, and high complexity and cost, making them impractical for large-scale machines.
Innovation Solution
An idle reduction engine shutdown and restart system that includes a starter and controller connected to the engine, hydraulic pumps, accumulators, and electric motors, allowing for efficient engine shutdown and restart while maintaining power for climate control and minimizing operator disruption, using a hydraulic starter circuit and electronic control for rapid and reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If existing idle reduction systems shut down the engine during idle conditions, then fuel consumption is reduced, but the system lacks responsiveness and cannot achieve quick engine restart
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-conditions the engine for rapid restart by maintaining specific parameters before shutdown. The controller monitors and prepares the engine state in advance, ensuring that when restart is commanded, the engine can ignite quickly without full idle cycling. This preliminary preparation resolves the contradiction by enabling fast restart while keeping the engine shutdown during idle for fuel savings.
2Loss of energy
If existing systems shut down the engine during idle, then fuel economy improves, but the system interferes with operator interaction and expected machine operation
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors operator inputs and machine state, providing feedback-based control. When the operator interacts with controls or indicates readiness to operate, the system detects these signals and prevents engine shutdown or initiates restart accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures the engine remains available when the operator needs it, eliminating interference with normal operation while maintaining fuel economy during genuine idle periods.
3Loss of energy
If existing systems shut down the engine during idle, then fuel consumption decreases, but insufficient power is available to maintain HVAC system operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-conditions power availability for HVAC needs before engine shutdown. The controller assesses HVAC requirements in advance and maintains necessary power supply arrangements. When the engine is shutdown during idle, the HVAC system continues to receive adequate power through alternative means or pre-established conditions, resolving the contradiction by ensuring power availability without requiring the engine to remain running.
4Speed
If hydraulic or electric launch assist power is used to initiate movement during restart, then the system can compensate for inability to rapidly provide engine-driven power, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The engine startup system is made self-sufficient by optimizing the engine's own startup capability rather than adding external assist systems. The controller manages fuel delivery, air intake, and ignition timing to enable the engine to quickly self-start and provide power without requiring hydraulic or electric launch assist. This self-service approach achieves rapid movement initiation while avoiding the complexity and cost of additional assist systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An idle reduction engine shutdown and restart system for a machine is disclosed. The machine can include an engine operably connected to a drivetrain including ground engaging propulsion members. The drivetrain can be configured to transmit mechanical energy between the engine and the ground engaging propulsion members. The idle reduction engine shutdown and restart system for the machine can include a starter operatively associated with the engine and configured to effectuate ignition of the engine. The idle reduction engine shutdown and restart system for the machine can further include an idle reduction engine shutdown and restart controller electronically and controllably connected to the engine and configured to shut down the engine in an engine shutdown mode. The idle reduction engine shutdown and restart controller can additionally be electronically and controllably connected and configured to actuate the engine and the starter to start the engine in one or more of an initial engine start mode and one or more engine restart modes.