Electric Utility Vehicle Eco-Mode for Blade Power and Runtime Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electric utility vehicles, such as lawn mowers, face challenges in extending runtime due to high power consumption, particularly in operations like cutting blades, where reducing power without compromising performance is desirable.

Innovation Solution

An electric utility vehicle system that includes an electronic processor and user actuable input device, allowing the vehicle to operate in different power-saving modes by adjusting blade tip speed and power distribution to the deck motors, thereby limiting electrical power consumption based on user-selected operational modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If power is reduced for cutting blade operations, then energy consumption is decreased, but cutting performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcutting performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts blade tip speed based on operating conditions and selected mode. In eco-mode, the blade tip speed is reduced compared to standard mode, allowing lower power consumption while maintaining adequate cutting performance for typical mowing operations. The controller modulates motor output to achieve variable blade speeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameter of blade tip speed to balance power consumption and performance. By reducing blade tip speed in eco-mode rather than maintaining maximum speed, the system achieves lower energy consumption while still providing sufficient cutting capability for normal grass conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If blade tip speed is reduced, then power consumption is decreased, but cutting effectiveness is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcutting effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

In eco-mode, the system applies partial action by operating the blade at reduced tip speed rather than maximum speed. This partial operation is sufficient for typical mowing conditions, providing adequate cutting effectiveness while significantly reducing power consumption. The system accepts that maximum cutting effectiveness is not always required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts blade tip speed based on the selected operational mode. The controller modulates motor output to maintain an optimal balance between power consumption and cutting effectiveness, adjusting the parameter in real-time based on operating conditions and user selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20240180070A1Electric utility vehicle eco-mode selection and operation

Publication Date: 2024.06.06 ARIENS CO

AI summary

Systems and methods for implementing an eco-mode in an electric utility vehicle. One example system includes an electric utility vehicle comprising an electrically driven component. a user actuable input device, and an electronic processor. The electronic processor is configured to receive an input from the user actuable input device. The electronic processor is configured to determine, based on the input. an operational mode for the electric utility vehicle. The electronic processor is configured to operate the electrically driven component based on the operational mode to limit an amount of electrical power consumed by the electrically driven component.