Turf Maintenance Vehicle Engine Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Turf maintenance vehicles with internal combustion engines face inefficiencies as the engine speed remains constant, leading to excessive fuel consumption and noise when demand is low, and inadequate power when demand is high, due to the lack of adaptive speed control based on electrical demand.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a demand sensor and controller system that adjusts the internal combustion engine's speed range in response to detected electrical demand, allowing the energy converting device to produce electric energy within varying voltage ranges, thereby optimizing engine speed and power output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the internal combustion engine operates at a constant high speed to ensure adequate power supply, then the electrical demand of subsystems is adequately met, but fuel consumption increases and noise level increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the engine speed variable rather than constant. The controller dynamically adjusts the engine speed range based on real-time electrical demand signals from subsystems, allowing the engine to operate at optimal speeds for different load conditions. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the engine to maintain reliability when needed while reducing energy consumption during low-demand periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of engine speed from a fixed value to a variable range. The controller modifies the engine speed parameter in response to electrical demand signals, adjusting it between a lower speed range (reducing fuel consumption) and an upper speed range (ensuring adequate power supply). This parameter change strategy directly addresses the contradiction between reliable power supply and fuel efficiency.
2Reliability
If the internal combustion engine operates at a constant high speed to ensure adequate power supply, then the electrical demand of subsystems is adequately met, but noise level increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic speed adjustment mechanism allows the engine to operate at lower speeds during low electrical demand, thereby reducing noise generation. The controller responds to electrical demand signals by modulating engine speed, ensuring that the engine only operates at higher (noisier) speeds when actually needed to meet power demands, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable power supply and noise reduction.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the internal combustion engine reduces speed to decrease fuel consumption, then fuel efficiency improves, but the electrical demand may not be adequately met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control where the controller continuously monitors electrical demand signals from subsystems and adjusts engine speed accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that fuel efficiency is improved through reduced speed operation while maintaining reliable power supply, as the engine speed is increased when electrical demand requires it and decreased when demand is low.
4Use of energy by moving object
If a demand sensor and controller system is added to adjust engine speed, then fuel consumption and noise are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system operates autonomously by receiving electrical demand signals from subsystems and automatically adjusting engine speed without requiring external intervention. The demand sensor and controller form a self-regulating system that monitors its own operational conditions and makes real-time adjustments, minimizing the need for additional complex control infrastructure while achieving fuel consumption reduction.
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 solution reduces fuel consumption and noise when demand is low and ensures adequate power when demand is high, improving the overall efficiency and performance of the vehicle by dynamically adjusting engine speed and voltage output.
Implementation Method 1
an energy converting device operatively coupled to the internal combustion engine. The energy converting device converts mechanical energy from the internal combustion engine to electric energy
Data Source
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AI summary
A turf maintenance vehicle (10) includes an internal combustion engine (50) and an energy converting device (54) that converts mechanical energy from the engine to electric energy. The vehicle (10) also includes at least one subsystem powered by the electric energy from the energy converting device (54). The vehicle (10) further includes a demand sensor (49) that detects electrical demand from the subsystem. Also, the vehicle (10) includes a controller (48) that changes a speed range of the engine (50) based on the electrical demand, which changes the operating voltage range output from the energy converting device (54). A method of operation of the vehicle is also disclosed.