Dynamic Torque Curve Switching for Engine Load Adaptation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current engine torque curves in agricultural harvesters are inefficient at low loads, leading to poor fuel economy and inadequate exhaust temperatures for after-treatment devices, and fail to effectively handle transient overloads such as slugs, requiring a more adaptive power management system.
Innovation Solution
A control system that detects engine load and automatically switches between multiple torque power curves to optimize engine operation based on load conditions, using a combination of sensors and a controller to select the appropriate torque curve for fuel efficiency and performance, including a low power curve for light loads and a boost curve for handling transient overloads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a high power torque curve is used to handle transient overloads and slugs, then the ability to handle slugs and transient overloads is improved, but fuel economy deteriorates at light loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between multiple torque curves based on real-time operating conditions. The controller monitors engine load and automatically selects the appropriate torque curve (high power for overload conditions, optimized for fuel economy at light loads), making the system adaptable rather than static. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the engine to exhibit different characteristics depending on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the torque curve parameters dynamically by selecting from multiple pre-defined torque curves with different characteristics. Instead of using a single fixed torque curve, the system modifies the torque-output characteristics based on detected load conditions, enabling optimal performance across varying operating scenarios without compromising either overload handling or fuel economy.
2Reliability
If a high power torque curve is used to provide power bulge for slug handling, then slug acceptance capability is improved, but exhaust temperature for after-treatment device regeneration deteriorates at light loads
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts exhaust temperature management by selecting different torque curves. At light loads, it chooses torque curves optimized for maintaining exhaust temperature above 300°C to enable after-treatment device regeneration. During transient overloads, it switches to high power torque curves that prioritize slug handling. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between maintaining temperature for regeneration and providing power for slug acceptance.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a single torque curve is used to optimize for light load fuel economy, then fuel economy at light loads is improved, but the ability to handle transient overloads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the torque curve into multiple distinct curves, each optimized for specific operating conditions. One torque curve is optimized for light load fuel economy, while another provides high power for transient overload handling. The controller segments the operational envelope and selects the appropriate torque curve based on current conditions, resolving the contradiction by providing specialized optimization for each operating regime rather than compromising with a single intermediate curve.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating an internal combustion engine including the steps of detecting, determining, and switching. The detecting step detects a load on the engine. The determining step determines if the load is below a predetermined value. The switching step switches the engine to operate at a selected one of a plurality of torque power curves, dependent upon the determining step.