Removable Electronic Assembly for Engine Idling Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Idling engines in semi-tractor trailers lead to increased emissions and fuel consumption, as operators often leave engines running to maintain cab climate control and power auxiliary devices, resulting in undesirable emissions and inefficient fuel use.
Innovation Solution
An integrated electronic assembly with a control unit and conductive traces, connected via a substrate and connectors, that can be removably coupled to a vehicle's control system, allowing for adaptive configuration and control of engine operation, climate control, and battery charging, thereby reducing idling time and emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the engine is kept running to maintain cab climate control and power auxiliary devices, then the cab temperature and battery charge are maintained, but emissions increase and fuel consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-heating the cab and pre-charging the battery before the operator needs them. The control unit monitors battery charge levels and cab temperature, then proactively starts the engine to charge the battery and heat the cab before the operator arrives or before climate control is needed, allowing the engine to be turned off during operator absence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring of battery charge levels, cab temperature, and engine status. The control unit receives signals from temperature sensors and battery charge indicators, processes this information, and automatically adjusts engine operation accordingly - starting the engine when charge or temperature thresholds are met and stopping it when thresholds are satisfied, optimizing fuel consumption while maintaining operational requirements.
2Ease of operation
If the engine is kept running to power auxiliary devices, then the auxiliary devices remain operational, but emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging of the battery before auxiliary devices need to operate. The control unit monitors battery charge levels and proactively starts the engine to charge the battery in advance, ensuring sufficient energy is stored before auxiliary devices are activated, allowing the engine to be turned off during operator absence while maintaining auxiliary device readiness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring of battery charge levels and auxiliary device status. The control unit receives signals from battery charge indicators and auxiliary device operation signals, processes this information, and automatically adjusts engine operation - starting the engine when battery charge falls below thresholds or auxiliary devices are activated, and stopping it when charge thresholds are satisfied and no auxiliary devices are operating.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a removable electronic assembly is used to control engine operation, then adaptability and ease of installation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into a removable electronic assembly that can be independently installed and configured. The electronic assembly includes separate functional components - temperature monitoring, battery charge monitoring, engine control signals - that are integrated into a single removable unit. This segmentation allows the assembly to be easily installed or removed from the vehicle without modifying other systems, providing adaptability while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable electronic assembly is designed to perform multiple functions within a single integrated unit - monitoring cab temperature, monitoring battery charge levels, controlling engine start/stop operations, and providing operator interface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate components and wiring harnesses, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high adaptability to different vehicle configurations and operational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Removable circuits and related mounting hardware for removably connecting circuits to a vehicle's control system. Circuits and connectors form an addressable assembly which may be enclosed in a flowable material.