Excavator Engine Stop Control With Automatic Idle Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of hydraulic work machines may inadvertently leave the engine running due to unawareness of automatic cooling operation functions, leading to unintended engine operation.
Innovation Solution
A shovel equipped with an upper swing structure, lower traveling structure, a first switch to stop the engine, and a hardware processor that initiates an automatic cooling operation when the engine stop switch is activated, ensuring the engine is properly shut down.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the engine stop switch is activated to immediately stop the engine, then the engine can be stopped without unnecessary idling, but the engine may overheat and burn out due to lack of cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cooling action by automatically running the engine at idle speed for a predetermined cooling period after the stop switch is activated. This preliminary cooling ensures the engine temperature is reduced safely before complete shutdown, preventing overheating while still enabling quick engine cessation.
Solution Approach 2:
The engine operation mode dynamically transitions from work mode to idle cooling mode automatically. The hardware processor controls the engine to maintain idle rotation during the cooling period, then stops the engine completely after cooling is sufficient, adapting the engine state based on thermal conditions.
2Reliability
If the automatic cooling operation is implemented, then the engine can be cooled properly before shutdown, but the operator cannot immediately stop the engine as intended
Solution Approach 1:
The hardware processor monitors engine operation status and automatically controls the cooling period duration. By providing feedback on engine temperature and operational state, the system determines the appropriate cooling time, balancing reliable cooling with operational responsiveness without requiring manual temperature monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service cooling control by automatically managing the idle cooling period based on its own operational state. The hardware processor independently determines when cooling is sufficient and stops the engine, eliminating the need for operator intervention in the cooling decision-making process.
3Temperature
If the engine runs at low load for cooling, then the engine temperature is reduced, but unnecessary operation and fuel consumption occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial cooling action by running the engine at idle speed for a predetermined period rather than continuous cooling. This partial action provides sufficient cooling for most operational scenarios while limiting fuel consumption by establishing a fixed, bounded cooling duration that prevents excessive idle operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A shovel includes an upper swing structure, a lower traveling structure, a first switch configured to stop an engine, and a hardware processor configured to control the engine. The hardware processor is configured to determine to start an automatic cooling operation in response to recognizing a predetermined operation and recognizing that an operation to stop the engine has been performed on the first switch.