Automatic Engine Start-Stop Control for Portable Power Sources

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Solution Overview

Problem

Large engines used in work vehicles for auxiliary services like air compressors and generators are often noisy, fuel-inefficient, and have reduced lifespan due to unnecessary idling, leading to wasteful energy consumption and emissions.

Innovation Solution

A control system that automatically starts and stops a portable engine-driven power source based on load demand, using sensors to monitor RPM and output load, determining when to shut down or initiate the engine, thereby reducing energy waste and emissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the engine is left idling for extended periods to maintain the option of using auxiliary resources, then the operator can quickly access resources without manual startup, but fuel consumption increases and engine lifespan decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveQuick access to auxiliary resourcesVSAvoidFuel consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The control system performs preliminary actions by automatically starting the engine when auxiliary resources are needed and automatically shutting it down when not needed, eliminating the need for operator intervention and preventing unnecessary idling while ensuring quick resource availability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the engine is left idling for extended periods to maintain the option of using auxiliary resources, then the operator can quickly access resources without manual startup, but engine lifespan is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveQuick access to auxiliary resourcesVSAvoidEngine lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The control system automatically manages engine startup and shutdown based on the operational status of auxiliary resources, ensuring the engine runs only when necessary and minimizing total operating hours to extend engine lifespan while maintaining quick resource availability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Power

If a large engine is used for auxiliary services, then sufficient power is available for all services, but the engine is noisy and fuel inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePower availability for auxiliary servicesVSAvoidFuel efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically adjusts engine operation based on real-time demand for auxiliary resources, starting and stopping the engine as needed to provide full power when required while minimizing operation during low-demand periods to improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9206780B2Automatic start and stop of a portable engine driven power source
Publication Date: 2015.12.08 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • US9206780B2 patent drawing
  • US9206780B2 patent drawing
  • US9206780B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present embodiments provide a control system and method that is able to automatically start and/or stop a portable engine-driven power source. For example, in one embodiment, a system includes an engine-driven power source having an engine, a compressor driven by the engine, a sensor configured to generate a first signal indicative of a demand for air pressure from the compressor and a second signal indicative of no demand for air pressure from the compressor. The engine-driven power source also includes a controller configured to stop the engine in response to the second signal.