Governor Selection for Torque Converter Lockup Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current engine controller systems experience sudden vehicle speed increases when transitioning from an unconnected to a connected torque converter state, leading to uncomfortable jolts and inefficiencies, particularly in work vehicles where lockup mode is manually inhibited due to discomfort but results in reduced fuel economy.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a torque converter coupled to an internal combustion engine and transmission, with two governors (torque and all-speed governors) controlled by a vehicle control unit that adjusts engine parameters based on speed signals and inhibits lockup mode when boom speed exceeds a threshold, enabling the torque governor to reduce sudden speed changes and maintain efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the torque converter is switched from unconnected state to connected state (lockup mode), then fuel economy is improved, but vehicle speed suddenly increases causing uncomfortable jolts
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by enabling the appropriate governor (torque or all-speed) before the torque converter lockup engagement occurs. The controller determines lockup status in advance and pre-configures the governor to limit sudden speed changes, thereby preparing the system to handle the upcoming transition smoothly and eliminate uncomfortable jolts while maintaining fuel efficiency improvements.
2Ease of operation
If the torque converter lockup mode is manually inhibited, then uncomfortable jolts are eliminated, but fuel economy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring lockup status and dynamically selecting between torque governor and all-speed governor based on real-time conditions. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically enable lockup mode when conditions are favorable (no uncomfortable jolts) while disabling it when conditions indicate potential discomfort, thereby optimizing fuel economy without sacrificing operator comfort through manual inhibition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies dynamics by making the governor selection adaptive and changeable based on operating conditions. Rather than a fixed manual inhibition, the controller dynamically switches between torque governor and all-speed governor modes according to real-time lockup status and vehicle operating parameters, allowing the system to optimize both comfort and fuel economy under varying conditions.
3Reliability
If governor selection is based on torque converter lockup status, then appropriate governor control is achieved, but sudden vehicle speed increases occur causing jolts
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies parameter changes by selecting different governor types (torque governor versus all-speed governor) based on lockup status and operating conditions. This parameter change in control strategy allows the system to maintain reliable governor control accuracy while avoiding sudden speed increases - the torque governor limits torque to prevent jolts during lockup transitions, while the all-speed governor provides comprehensive speed control when lockup is disengaged, thereby achieving both reliability and smooth operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes a system for improving the perceived ease of operation in a work vehicle with an internal combustion engine. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the system comprises a torque converter coupled at one end to the internal combustion engine and is coupled to a transmission at an opposite end via at least a transmission input shaft. The system also comprises at least two governors coupled to the internal combustion engine, wherein the governors are configured to adjust an operating parameter of the internal combustion engine. In addition, the system comprises a vehicle control unit communicatively coupled to the governors wherein the vehicle control unit is configured to receive a first and a second speed signal. This vehicle control unit commands the engine control unit to enable to at least one of the governors when a ratio of the first speed signal to the second speed signal exceeds a first predetermined threshold.