System and method for efficient engine operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Material collection systems often inefficiently consume fuel or battery power by maintaining vacuum generators at work speed during non-collection operations, leading to increased costs, environmental impact, and wear on components.
Innovation Solution
A control system that adjusts the vacuum generator speed based on sensors detecting boom position, material presence, travel speed, and battery power levels, switching to idle speed during non-collection operations to conserve energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vacuum generator is maintained at work speed during non-collection operations, then the material collection system is ready for immediate operation, but fuel or battery power is consumed inefficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum generator speed is made dynamic rather than static. The control system continuously adjusts the vacuum generator speed between idle and work settings based on real-time sensor inputs (boom position, material presence, travel speed), allowing the system to adapt its power consumption to actual operational needs while maintaining readiness when required
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by using sensors to monitor operational conditions (boom position, material presence, travel speed) and automatically adjusting the vacuum generator speed accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures the vacuum generator operates at appropriate speed settings based on actual work requirements, preventing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining operational readiness
2Productivity
If the vacuum generator operates at work speed continuously, then material collection can begin immediately when needed, but operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum generator operates dynamically at different speed settings (idle or work speed) based on actual operational conditions detected by sensors, rather than running continuously at full work speed. This dynamic operation reduces energy loss and operating costs while maintaining the ability to transition to full productivity when material collection is actually needed
3Reliability
If the vacuum generator runs at high speed during non-collection operations, then the system remains fully operational, but noise and particulate matter production increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum generator speed is dynamically adjusted based on operational conditions. During non-collection operations (when the boom is stowed or no material is present), the system reduces vacuum generator speed to idle setting, thereby minimizing noise and particulate matter generation while maintaining system operability. When collection operations begin, the speed increases to work setting to restore full operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter (vacuum generator speed) from high (work speed) to low (idle speed) based on detected operational conditions. This parameter change directly reduces the generation of harmful factors (noise and particulate matter) during periods when full operational capacity is not required, while preserving the ability to return to full operation when needed
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
Reduces fuel or battery consumption by up to three gallons per hour, lowers operating costs, decreases noise and particulate matter production, and extends component lifespan by managing power usage efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum generator mounted to the vehicle to develop an airflow and draw material into the material inlet
Data Source
AI summary
A material collection system is provided. The system can include a vehicle, a conduit, a vacuum generator mounted to the vehicle to develop an airflow and to draw material into the conduit, and a moveable boom mounted to the vehicle to support the conduit. The system can include a control system to control a speed of the vacuum generator.