Truck Engine Auto-Stop via Hydraulic Pressure Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling power in vehicle transport trailers are inefficient, leading to fuel losses as they cannot detect when work is being performed by the trailer and fail to automatically shut off the truck engine when power is no longer needed, especially when manual valves are used in hydraulic systems.
Innovation Solution
A remote start/stop system that includes a pressure transducer to measure hydraulic pressure and a start/stop controller to determine when to shut off the truck engine, with override options and indicators to provide user feedback, allowing for fuel savings by automatically shutting off the engine when the hydraulic system is not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the truck engine continues to run to power the hydraulic system, then the hydraulic system can operate reliably, but fuel is wasted when the hydraulic system is not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pressure transducers to continuously monitor hydraulic system pressure and provide feedback to the controller. When the controller detects that hydraulic pressure is within a normal range indicating no work is being performed, it automatically shuts off the truck engine to save fuel. This feedback mechanism ensures the engine only runs when actually needed for hydraulic operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the hydraulic system to automatically manage the truck engine operation without requiring manual intervention from the operator. The pressure transducers and controller work together to automatically start or shut off the engine based on actual hydraulic system needs, making the system self-regulating and eliminating fuel waste from unnecessary engine operation.
2Loss of energy
If a pressure transducer and automatic controller are added to detect hydraulic pressure and control engine shutdown, then fuel efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual monitoring and control of the hydraulic system with automated electronic detection and control. Pressure transducers electronically sense hydraulic pressure conditions, and a controller automatically processes this information to manage engine operation. This substitution of mechanical/manual control with electronic automation achieves fuel savings while keeping the added complexity manageable through standardized electronic components.
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
The system effectively saves fuel by automatically shutting off the truck engine when the hydraulic system is inactive, while allowing users to override the shutdown and receive status updates, improving efficiency and reducing fuel consumption.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure transducer in communication with the hydraulic system is configured to measure a change in hydraulic pressure
Data Source
AI summary
Improved remote start/stop systems and methods for use with a truck and/or vehicle transport trailer. Embodiments include a transport trailer and truck, the trailer comprising a platform that moves in response to a hydraulic system coupled to the platform. The hydraulic system is powered by the truck engine. A pressure transducer in communication with the hydraulic system is configured to measure a change in hydraulic pressure. A start/stop controller is in communication with the pressure transducer. The start/stop controller is configured to receive the measurements from the pressure transducer, determine to turn off the truck engine in response to the measurements, and provide an message via an indicator in communication with the start/stop controller, the indicator located proximate to a hydraulic control for the first hydraulic system. Some embodiments include a button that may override turning off the truck engine, or cause the truck engine to restart.