Turf-Care Engine Speed Control Using Sensor-Based Mode Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Turf-care vehicles experience inefficient fuel consumption and excessive wear due to imprecise operator control of engine speed, leading to suboptimal performance for specific tasks.
Innovation Solution
An electronic engine speed control module that monitors vehicle systems and sensors to automatically adjust engine speed based on selected modes, optimizing speed control for efficient operation and reduced wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If operator manually controls engine speed using throttle control, then operator can adjust engine speed, but imprecise control results in inefficient fuel consumption and excessive wear
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors engine operating conditions and vehicle speed, then automatically adjusts throttle position to maintain optimal engine speed. This closed-loop feedback control eliminates imprecise manual control and ensures fuel-efficient operation by preventing both excessive and insufficient engine speed conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The engine control system automatically regulates its own speed based on monitored conditions without requiring continuous operator intervention. The system serves itself by detecting suboptimal operating conditions and making autonomous throttle adjustments to maintain peak efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If operator manually controls engine speed using throttle control, then operator can adjust engine speed, but imprecise control causes additional wear on engine and components
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors engine parameters and automatically makes throttle adjustments to prevent operating conditions that cause excessive wear. By maintaining engine speed within optimal ranges, the system protects engine components and vehicle systems from damage associated with improper speed control.
3Loss of energy
If automatic engine speed control is implemented, then fuel efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system integrates multiple functions into a single integrated controller that monitors engine parameters, determines optimal throttle positions, and executes control commands. This multi-functional approach achieves precise automatic control while minimizing the number of separate components needed.
4Loss of energy
If automatic engine speed control is implemented, then fuel efficiency improves, but ease of operation changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically manages engine speed control without requiring operator knowledge or action. The control algorithm independently determines optimal throttle positions based on monitored conditions, eliminating the need for operator skill in precise throttle control while improving fuel efficiency.
Data Source
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Figure 2B~3
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AI summary
A system and method for automatically controlling an engine of a turf-care vehicle. The method comprises receiving, at an engine speed control module, a mode selection input from an engine speed control mode selection device. The mode selection input is indicative of one a plurality of engine speed control modes, and all of the engine speed control modes are implementable by the engine speed control module. The method additionally comprises monitoring, via the engine speed control module, an operating status of one or more vehicle systems and/or one or more vehicle sensors. The method further comprises automatically controlling, via the engine speed control module, a rotational speed of the engine based at least in part on the selected engine speed control mode and the operating status of the one or more vehicle systems and/or one or more vehicle sensors.