Variable Auto Idle Engine RPM Control for Heavy Construction Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heavy construction equipment experiences slow work performance and reduced productivity due to a fixed auto idle engine RPM, which takes a long time to switch back to the worker-set engine RPM, leading to inefficiencies in fuel usage and workability.
Innovation Solution
A method that dynamically adjusts the auto idle engine RPM based on the average worker-set engine RPM over a predetermined time, allowing for a variable auto idle engine RPM that reflects the work situation, enabling quicker transitions between operational and idle states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the auto idle engine RPM is fixed to a specific RPM, then fuel efficiency is improved by maintaining a lower idle state, but the time required to switch back to the worker-set engine RPM increases, degrading workability and productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the auto idle engine RPM variable rather than fixed. The controller adjusts the auto idle RPM based on the relationship between the worker-set RPM and a reference RPM, creating multiple auto idle levels (first auto idle RPM when worker-set RPM > reference RPM, second auto idle RPM when worker-set RPM ≤ reference RPM). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize both fuel efficiency and productivity by selecting appropriate idle levels based on operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the RPM parameter dynamically based on working conditions. By monitoring whether the worker-set RPM is higher or equal to the reference RPM, the system adjusts the auto idle RPM parameter accordingly. This parameter change enables faster recovery to working RPM while maintaining fuel efficiency during idle periods, resolving the contradiction between energy loss and productivity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the auto idle engine RPM is set lower to improve fuel efficiency, then energy consumption is reduced, but the engine load increases when switching back to worker-set engine RPM, extending return time and reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the auto idle RPM based on the worker-set RPM level. When the worker-set RPM is high (greater than reference RPM), the system uses a first auto idle RPM that is lower than the reference, maximizing fuel efficiency. When the worker-set RPM is low (less than or equal to reference RPM), the system uses a second auto idle RPM that is higher (between worker-set and reference RPM), reducing the engine load during transition and shortening return time. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between energy consumption and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the auto idle RPM parameter based on the relationship between worker-set RPM and reference RPM. By implementing conditional parameter changes (first auto idle RPM vs. second auto idle RPM), the system optimizes the balance between energy consumption during idle and the time required to return to working state, thereby resolving the contradiction between these two parameters.
3Loss of energy
If the difference between worker-set engine RPM and auto idle RPM is large, then fuel efficiency is improved during idle, but the time to reach worker-set RPM from auto idle RPM increases significantly, degrading productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic two-level auto idle RPM system that adapts to different worker-set RPM levels. When worker-set RPM is high, a larger difference is maintained for fuel efficiency. When worker-set RPM is low, the difference is reduced to minimize return time. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between energy loss and work performance by optimizing the RPM difference based on operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the auto idle RPM parameter based on the worker-set RPM level relative to the reference RPM. By implementing conditional parameter changes, the system optimizes the balance between fuel efficiency (larger RPM difference) and productivity (smaller RPM difference), resolving the contradiction between these two opposing requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for controlling an auto idle state of heavy construction equipment of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: storing, by a vehicle controller (VCU) that receives engine actuation information from an engine controller (ECU), an average traveling value of a worker-set engine RPM for a first set time when the heavy construction equipment is actuated at the worker-set engine RPM; and actuating, by the engine controller (ECU) that receives information on the average traveling value of the worker-set engine RPM for the first set time from the vehicle controller (VCU), an engine at a variable auto idle engine RPM, which varies depending on the average traveling value of the worker-set engine RPM for the first set time, when work is temporarily stopped and the worker-set engine RPM is switched to an auto idle engine RPM.