Multi-Engine Vehicle Control System for Fuel Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles, such as marine vessels, face challenges in meeting regulations for reduced exhaust emissions and noise while maintaining horsepower and fuel efficiency, particularly when transitioning from two to three or more powertrains, as increasing engine size or using multiple lower horsepower engines to mitigate fuel consumption increases costs and operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system with an operator interface that includes multiple throttles and a controller to deliver power control signals to multiple powertrains, allowing for seamless operation and mode selection, ensuring consistent operator experience and efficient power distribution across multiple engines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If engine size is increased to meet power demands, then horsepower is improved, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power generation task across multiple independent powertrains (engines) instead of using a single large engine. Each engine operates at optimal fuel efficiency points while collectively delivering the required total horsepower, thus resolving the contradiction between power output and fuel consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a greater number of lower horsepower engines are used instead of fewer higher horsepower engines, then fuel consumption is reduced and regulation requirements are met, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to universally manage any number of powertrains (two, three, or more) through a single unified interface and control algorithm. The system can adapt to different configurations and seamlessly switch between various operational modes, making the increased number of engines manageable without proportionally increasing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple independent powertrain control functions into a single integrated control system that manages all engines through one operator interface. This merging of control functions allows the system to handle multiple powertrains efficiently without requiring separate control mechanisms for each engine.
3Power
If multiple powertrains are added to meet power and fuel efficiency requirements, then horsepower and fuel economy are improved, but operator interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operator control interface is designed as a universal system that can control any number of powertrains (two, three, or more) using the same familiar controls. The interface maintains consistent functionality regardless of the number of engines, allowing operators to manage multiple powertrains without increased operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle control system includes a first powertrain, a second powertrain, and a third powertrain. The first powertrain includes a first power source. The second powertrain includes a second power source. The third powertrain includes a third power source. The vehicle control system also includes an operator control interface. The operator control interface includes a first portion configured to receive a first operator input and a second portion configured to receive a second operator input. The first operator input and the second operator input are indicative of a desired speed and a desired direction. The vehicle control system additionally includes a controller configured to deliver a power control signal to at least one of the first powertrain, the second powertrain, and the third powertrain. The power control signal is a function of the first operator input and the second operator input.