Vehicle Transmission Disengagement Based on Work Cycle State
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Solution Overview
Problem
In transport vehicles, particularly in industrial and construction settings, excessive engine load and fuel consumption occur when the vehicle is left in gear with the service brake applied, leading to inefficiencies during idle times, which account for a significant portion of total operation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for automatically and conditionally controlling the transmission state of a transport vehicle, allowing it to shift to a neutral state based on sensor inputs and predefined conditions, without requiring manual operator input, to reduce engine load and fuel consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vehicle is left in gear with the service brake applied during idle time, then the vehicle remains ready for immediate movement, but the engine load increases excessively and fuel consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions the transmission between engaged and neutral states based on real-time detection of operator actions and vehicle conditions. The controller monitors brake pedal position, gear selector state, and vehicle speed to determine when to shift to neutral (reducing fuel consumption) and when to re-engage (maintaining readiness), creating a dynamic adaptation to operational needs
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages transmission engagement without requiring manual operator input. The controller self-determines when to disengage and re-engage the transmission based on sensor inputs, eliminating the need for the operator to manually shift gears during idle periods while still maintaining vehicle readiness when needed
2Use of energy by moving object
If the transmission is shifted to neutral to reduce fuel consumption, then fuel efficiency improves, but the vehicle response time may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of conditions indicating imminent vehicle movement (brake release, gear selector change, vehicle speed increase) and proactively re-engages the transmission before the operator would need to press the accelerator. This anticipatory action ensures the vehicle is ready for immediate movement when the operator intends to move, eliminating response delays
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors multiple sensor inputs (brake pedal position, gear selector state, vehicle speed, accelerator position) and uses this feedback to determine when to re-engage the transmission. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the transmission is re-engaged at the optimal moment to maintain both fuel efficiency and rapid vehicle response
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for selectively enabling transmission state disengagement in a transport vehicle equipped with a transmission operable among multiple states. The method involves receiving signals from various sources: a propulsion control unit indicating powertrain speed, perception sensors providing the vehicle's position relative to a work area, or a signal indicating the hydraulic control state. Based on these inputs, the method dynamically estimates the vehicle's work state, distinguishing between traveling and working modes. A transmission state control signal is conditionally generated according to the estimated work state, enabling transmission state disengagement exclusively during the working mode. This approach ensures efficient operation by adapting the transmission state to the vehicle's current operational context, enhancing performance and safety in work environments.