Lockup Clutch Control for Work Vehicle Fuel Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Work vehicles experience reduced work efficiency and increased fuel consumption when the lockup clutch is in a connected state during heavy load operations, leading to inefficient use of the work implement and suboptimal fuel usage.
Innovation Solution
A work vehicle system that includes a controller to monitor the operation of the work implement and switch the lockup clutch to a non-connected state during load increase conditions, preventing the clutch from switching to a connected state when a large load is imposed, thereby maintaining efficiency and optimizing fuel consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the lockup clutch is placed in a connected state during work implement operation, then fuel consumption is reduced, but work efficiency is reduced due to reduced engine speed and hydraulic fluid discharge rate
Solution Approach 1:
The lockup clutch control system dynamically adjusts its state based on real-time detection of work implement operation. The controller monitors operation members (boom, arm, bucket) and automatically switches the lockup clutch between connected and non-connected states according to the detected work phase, enabling adaptive optimization of both fuel consumption and work efficiency without operator intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by detecting the operation state of work implement members through operation detectors, processing this information through the controller, and automatically adjusting the lockup clutch state accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the lockup clutch operates in the optimal state for current work conditions, resolving the contradiction between fuel efficiency and work performance.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the lockup clutch is automatically switched by the controller according to travel state, then fuel consumption is improved during travel, but work efficiency is reduced when work implement operation requires higher engine speed
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adapts the lockup clutch operation mode based on the current operational context. During pure travel phases, the clutch operates in fuel-efficient automatic switching mode. During work implement operation phases detected through operation member monitoring, the system dynamically transitions to maintaining higher engine speed to ensure rapid and responsive work implement actuation, thus adapting to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the lockup clutch based on detected work phases. When work implement operation is detected, the controller modifies the clutch control parameters to prioritize work implement responsiveness over fuel efficiency, allowing faster engine speed response and hydraulic fluid discharge rate while maintaining improved fuel consumption during non-work phases.
3Productivity
If the operator manually nullifies lockup clutch switching control, then work efficiency is maintained, but fuel consumption increases and the system becomes less automated
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting work implement operation through operation detectors and autonomously adjusting the lockup clutch state without requiring operator intervention. This self-adjusting capability eliminates the need for manual nullification of control, simultaneously achieving both improved fuel consumption and maintained work efficiency through automated intelligent control.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system uses feedback from operation detectors monitoring work implement members to automatically determine when to adjust lockup clutch operation. This feedback mechanism enables the system to maintain work efficiency while improving fuel consumption by eliminating manual intervention and implementing intelligent automated control that optimizes both parameters simultaneously.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the lockup clutch remains in connected state during excavation work, then fuel consumption is reduced, but hydraulic fluid discharge rate decreases causing slow work implement actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the lockup clutch state based on real-time detection of excavation work phases through operation member monitoring. During excavation operations requiring high hydraulic fluid discharge rates, the controller dynamically transitions the clutch to a non-connected state to maintain high engine speed and ensure rapid hydraulic actuation, while maintaining fuel-efficient connected state during non-excavation phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes the operational parameters of the lockup clutch based on detected work phases. During excavation work, the system modifies clutch operation parameters to prioritize hydraulic fluid discharge rate over fuel consumption, ensuring rapid work implement actuation. During other phases, parameters are adjusted to optimize fuel efficiency, thus dynamically resolving the contradiction between fuel consumption and hydraulic fluid discharge rate.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution minimizes the reduction in work efficiency and improves fuel consumption by ensuring the lockup clutch remains in a non-connected state during heavy load operations, allowing for efficient use of the work implement and reducing fuel usage.
Implementation Method 1
a torque converter device having a torque converter and a lockup clutch, and transmits the drive force from the engine to the travel device
Implementation Method 2
When the lockup clutch is in a connected state, the torque converter device transmits the drive force from the engine to the travel device via the lockup clutch
Implementation Method 3
The hydraulic pump is driven by the drive force from the engine and discharges hydraulic fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
An objective of the present invention is to minimize a reduction in work efficiency and improve fuel consumption in a work vehicle. In the work vehicle of the present embodiment, a controller switches a lockup clutch between a connected state and a non-connected state in accordance with the travel state of the vehicle. The controller assesses whether load increase conditions associated with an increase in the load imposed on the work implement are satisfied. The controller controls the lockup clutch so that the lockup clutch is in a non-connected state when the load increase conditions are satisfied.