Remote Work Machine Start Using Fluid Pressure Readiness Checks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for starting work machines are inefficient due to environmental variations affecting fluid responses and require unnecessary idling, which can stress the machine and lead to delays or improper coupling issues.
Innovation Solution
A remote start system utilizing a communication device, fluid pressure sensors, and a controller to confirm safety locks and fluid pressure thresholds before initiating the engine start, with adjustable timeframes and thresholds based on ambient conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the work machine is started using current methods with fluid level sensors, then the machine can be started, but the starting process is delayed and may cause unnecessary stress on the machine due to environmental variations affecting fluid responses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from fluid level (which is affected by slope and environmental variations) to fluid pressure (which provides a more reliable indication of actual fluid availability and system readiness). The controller monitors fluid pressure parameters to determine when the machine is ready for operation, eliminating the need for extended idle running and reducing starting delays while improving reliability.
2Reliability
If the prime mover is required to run on idle for several minutes prior to confirming readiness, then the machine can be started, but this leads to unnecessary stresses on the work machine
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of fluid pressure conditions before the actual start command is executed. By checking whether fluid pressure meets predetermined thresholds before initiating engine start, the system ensures that all subsystems are ready to handle the load immediately, eliminating the need for prolonged idle running and preventing unnecessary stress on the machine during startup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of running the engine on idle for several minutes to confirm readiness with an electronic sensing and control system. The fluid pressure sensor and controller work together to electronically determine machine readiness, substituting the mechanical idle-running process with a more efficient electronic monitoring system that reduces stress on the machine.
3Measurement precision
If fluid level sensors are used to monitor fluid status, then fluid levels can be detected, but the readings can be misleading due to changes in slope
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from fluid level (which varies with slope and orientation) to fluid pressure (which remains consistent regardless of machine orientation or slope). The fluid pressure sensor provides accurate measurements of fluid availability and subsystem readiness independent of the machine's position or terrain, eliminating the misleading readings caused by slope changes.
Data Source
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AI summary
A remote start system and method for a work machine wherein the system comprises a communication device, an engine starter subsystem, a fluid pressure sensor, and a controller. In a first step, controller receives a wake signal from the communication device, The controller then confirms the lock status of a safety lock on the work machine and outputs an engine start signal to the engine starter subsystem upon confirming the lock status. The controller then receives a fluid pressure signal from the fluid pressure sensor, and outputs an engine stop signal if the fluid pressure signal is below a predetermined threshold after a specified timeframe.