Mobile Machine Drive Train Power Control via Ground Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern work machines experience significant power losses due to their dependency on engine speed, particularly at low ground speeds, leading to inefficient operation and wasted energy, as they lack mechanisms for independent ground travel control.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that adjust the operation of a work machine's drive train by using a motor control system to generate signals based on ground speed, optimizing engine power to match load demands, and utilizing performance maps to shape power curves, allowing the machine to operate efficiently across varying speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the machine controls power based on engine speed, then the engine can operate at optimal RPM, but significant power losses occur at low ground speeds due to dissipated heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from engine speed to ground speed. The ECU now receives ground speed signals and uses performance maps that correlate ground speed with optimal engine power settings, allowing the engine to operate efficiently across varying ground speeds without the excessive power losses that occur when controlling solely by engine RPM
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring ground speed through sensors and using this information to dynamically adjust engine power output. The ECU receives real-time ground speed data and modifies engine control signals accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes power delivery based on actual machine movement rather than just engine rotation
2Power
If the machine uses torque converter and gears, then power can be transmitted to the drive train, but significant power losses occur due to the nature of these components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes how drive train power is controlled by using ground speed as the primary parameter instead of torque converter operation parameters. Performance maps establish direct relationships between ground speed and optimal drive train power delivery, bypassing the inefficient torque converter slip that causes power losses in conventional systems
3Power
If the machine operates at high engine power at low ground speeds, then the engine produces sufficient power, but the power is wasted due to the machine not moving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control paradigm from engine-centric to ground-speed-centric operation. By using ground speed as the primary control parameter, the system ensures engine power output is directly correlated with actual machine movement and productive work, eliminating the waste of generating high engine power when the machine remains stationary or moves minimally
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for controlling power provided by a drive train system of a mobile machine, which includes an engine that provides engine power to a generator that, in turn, provides generator power to a motor. The motor provides ground power to a travel mechanism that enables the mobile machine to travel across a terrain surface. In one embodiment, the method includes adjusting operation of the motor based on a determined ground speed of the mobile machine. Based on the adjusted motor operations, the operation of the generator is adjusted. Also, the operation of the engine is adjusted such that the engine produces an amount of engine power that meets a load demand corresponding to the adjusted operation of the generator.