Supplemental Engine Braking via Accessory Load Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing engine braking systems lack the ability to effectively supplement retarding power during grade descents, leading to inefficient vehicle speed control and potential noise and accessory wear issues.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that control engine accessories such as fans, hydraulic pumps, air compressors, and alternators to provide supplemental engine braking by determining engagement and disengagement conditions based on predefined parameters, allowing for targeted vehicle speed control and optimized accessory operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If engine braking is used alone during grade descents, then vehicle speed control is limited, but accessory wear and thermal loading increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle speed controlVSAvoidaccessory lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines engine braking with accessory-driven braking (fan, alternator, air compressor) to create a supplemental braking system. Multiple braking mechanisms work together to provide enhanced speed control during descents, distributing the braking load and reducing wear on individual components while improving overall vehicle speed control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If accessory-driven supplemental braking is engaged continuously, then vehicle speed control improves, but energy consumption and accessory wear increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle speed controlVSAvoidaccessory energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts accessory engagement and operating parameters based on real-time vehicle conditions (speed, throttle position, brake application). The controller modulates accessory load and engagement duration to provide supplemental braking only when needed, optimizing the balance between speed control performance and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from vehicle speed sensors, throttle position sensors, and brake system sensors to continuously monitor braking effectiveness and adjust accessory operation accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures accessories engage at optimal moments and disengage when braking demand decreases, minimizing energy consumption while maintaining effective speed control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Power

If fan speed is increased to supplement engine braking, then retarding power increases, but noise and vibration increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretarding powerVSAvoidnoise and vibration

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial action by engaging the fan at moderate speeds rather than maximum speed, providing sufficient supplemental retarding power through coordinated operation with engine braking and other accessories. This partial engagement approach achieves the needed braking effect while avoiding the excessive noise and vibration that would result from high-speed fan operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11225899B2Supplemental engine braking system

Publication Date: 2022.01.18 CUMMINS INC

AI summary

Systems and apparatuses include method of controlling a fan to supplement engine braking, including determining that an engagement condition for the fan exists, interpreting an operating parameter of the fan, determining a modified operating parameter for the fan based on a predefined limit, operating the fan according to the modified operating parameter, and ceasing operation of the fan according to the modified operating parameter when a disengagement condition for the fan exists.