Idle State Determination for Articulated Dump Trucks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the construction industry, articulated dump trucks often experience increased cycle times and fuel consumption due to idle states during operations, which are not accurately monitored by owners or site managers.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for determining the idle state of a work vehicle, including a controller that processes operational parameters such as speed, engine state, and load bin position to classify idle states like waiting, loading, and cooling, and transmits this data to a remote processing system for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the articulated dump truck operates during idle states, then the engine continues to run and consume fuel, but the vehicle is not performing productive work, leading to increased fuel consumption without output
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors operational parameters (speed, engine state, load bin position) and provides feedback to the controller, which then determines and classifies idle states. This feedback mechanism enables real-time identification of non-productive periods, allowing operators to take corrective actions to reduce fuel consumption during idle states.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the various vehicle systems (engine, hydraulic circuit, drivetrain) and the monitoring system. It processes data from multiple sensors and coordinates the determination of idle states, enabling comprehensive monitoring without requiring direct intervention in the operational systems.
2Productivity
If the articulated dump truck is stationary during loading or waiting, then the cycle time increases, but the vehicle remains idle without completing productive operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the operational cycle into distinct phases by classifying idle states into specific categories (waiting to load, loading, waiting to dump, cool-down). This segmentation allows for precise identification and measurement of time lost in each phase, enabling targeted improvements to reduce overall cycle time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its monitoring and classification based on real-time operational conditions. By continuously evaluating operational parameters and transitioning between different idle state classifications, the system adapts to changing work conditions, providing accurate real-time data on time loss during various operational phases.
3Measurement precision
If the owner or worksite manager monitors idle states continuously, then accurate data on fuel consumption and idle time can be obtained, but the system complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs multiple functions: it manages engine operation, monitors operational parameters, determines idle states, classifies different types of idle states, and transmits data to the remote system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated monitoring hardware, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
An idle state determination system and method are disclosed for a work vehicle having an engine and at least one movable work implement. The movable work implement includes a load bin. The idle state determination system includes a source of work vehicle data that indicates one or more operational parameters of the work vehicle, including at least a speed, a state of an engine and a position of the load bin. The idle state determination system including a source of idle state classifications that include a plurality of idle states associated with the work vehicle, and the plurality of idle states including at least a waiting idle state and a loading idle state. The idle state determination system includes a controller that processes the work vehicle data to determine an idle state of the work vehicle. The controller classifies the idle state as one of the plurality of idle states.