Road Finisher Automatic Engine Start-Stop Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Road finishers have high fuel consumption due to their weight, numerous driven components, and the need for continuous heating, leading to significant energy costs, especially with rising energy prices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an automatic start-stop system for the engine based on sensor inputs, such as temperature sensors and positioning/navigation systems, to optimize engine operation by switching off the engine during non-essential phases and starting it only when necessary, reducing fuel usage without affecting the machine's handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the engine runs continuously to power heating elements and driven components, then the road paver can maintain operational temperature and functionality, but fuel consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The engine operates periodically rather than continuously - it is started and stopped based on whether heating is required. The control system monitors temperature sensors and activates the engine only when components need heating, creating a periodic operation cycle that reduces fuel consumption while maintaining operational temperature when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses temperature sensors to monitor the thermal state of components and feeds this information back to the control system. Based on this feedback, the control system automatically decides whether to start or stop the engine, ensuring the engine runs only when heating is actually needed rather than operating continuously
2Use of energy by moving object
If the engine is switched off during non-essential phases, then fuel consumption is reduced, but the machine's handling and responsiveness may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically monitoring its own thermal state through temperature sensors and autonomously deciding when to start or stop the engine. This eliminates the need for the operator to manually manage engine operation, and the automatic control ensures smooth transitions that do not compromise handling
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical control of engine operation is replaced with an automated electronic control system that uses temperature sensors and electronic actuators. This substitution allows for more precise and responsive control of engine start-stop operations without requiring constant operator attention, maintaining ease of operation while reducing fuel consumption
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 approach results in substantial fuel savings, reducing fuel consumption by 10-20% and lowering operating costs while maintaining efficient operation of the road finisher.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor is a temperature sensor
Implementation Method 2
electric heaters... Electric heating elements are especially common on the screed
Implementation Method 3
the engine also powers a generator, which produces electricity
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a self-propelled machine (1) for processing bituminous or concrete paving material, in particular a road paver or feeder. The machine comprises an internal combustion engine (6) as the primary drive source, a control unit (11) for the engine (6) that receives control signals, at least one further drive unit for functional and working components of the machine, and at least one hydraulic circuit comprising a hydraulic fluid reservoir. The invention is characterized in that the control unit (11) is configured to automatically initiate the starting and/or switching off of the engine (6) upon receiving at least one specific control signal.