Wheel Loader Engine Torque Control via Work State Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is challenging to manually select the optimal power mode for a wheel loader based on changing work states, leading to inefficient fuel consumption and reduced operating performance.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses sensors to determine the current work state of a wheel loader and automatically controls engine power output by limiting torque based on the detected state, employing prediction algorithms such as neural networks to classify work states into traveling, excavation, and boom raising modes, thereby optimizing engine power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If manual selection of power mode is used, then operator control flexibility is maintained, but fuel efficiency deteriorates due to inability to adapt to changing work states
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel loader system automatically detects its own work state through sensors (accelerator pedal angle detector, brake pedal angle detector, bucket position detector, etc.) and self-adjusts the power mode without operator intervention. The control unit automatically determines whether the vehicle is in traveling, excavation, or dumping work and selects the appropriate power mode, enabling the system to serve itself in optimizing fuel efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors work state parameters through multiple detectors and feeds this information back to the control unit. Based on the feedback from accelerator pedal angle, brake pedal angle, bucket position, and other parameters, the control unit dynamically adjusts the power mode to match the current work conditions, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes fuel efficiency in real-time.
2Use of energy by moving object
If automatic power mode control is implemented, then fuel efficiency improves through adaptive control, but device complexity increases due to multiple sensors and control algorithms
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it processes signals from various detectors (accelerator pedal, brake pedal, bucket position), determines work state (traveling, excavation, dumping), selects appropriate power modes, and controls the engine and transmission. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate systems into a single control unit, managing complexity while achieving automatic fuel-efficient operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple detection functions (accelerator pedal angle detection, brake pedal angle detection, bucket position detection) and control functions (engine power control, transmission control) into an integrated control system. By merging these separate systems into a unified control architecture, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to optimize fuel efficiency across multiple work parameters.
3Productivity
If precise work state detection is used, then operating performance improves through accurate power mode selection, but measurement precision requirements increase leading to higher costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into multiple specialized detectors, each responsible for detecting a specific parameter: accelerator pedal angle detector for throttle position, brake pedal angle detector for braking state, bucket position detector for load position, and other specialized detectors. This segmentation allows each detector to focus on a specific measurement task, achieving sufficient precision for its function without requiring all detectors to be high-precision instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
Different detectors are assigned different precision requirements based on their specific functions. The accelerator pedal angle detector and brake pedal angle detector require precise measurement for safe operation, while the bucket position detector requires precision appropriate for determining work state. This local quality approach optimizes measurement precision where needed while reducing costs where lower precision suffices, maintaining overall operating performance.
Data Source
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AI summary
In a method of controlling a wheel loader, signals representing a state of work currently performed by the wheel loader, are received from sensors installed in the wheel loader. One or more signals are selected of the received signals, the one or more signals able to be used to determine whether or not to be within a respective one of a plurality of individual load areas, wherein the individual load areas are divided according to work load which consumes a power output of an engine during a series of work states performed by the wheel loader. Output values representing as to whether or not to be within the respective one of the plurality of individual load areas, are calculated by using the selected signal. The output values are analyzed to determine whether or not a current load state is one of a travelling work state, an excavation work state and a travelling and boom raising work. An engine power output is controlled such that an upper limit of an output torque of the engine is limited to be smaller than a maximum output torque of the engine based on the determination result.