Vehicle Power Control System for On-Demand Engine Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems limit the power output of prime movers, preventing operators from utilizing the full power capacity of the engine, even when additional power is needed for short periods, which can hinder efficient operation and require the purchase of more expensive vehicles to achieve higher power capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A control system with a user interface and communication circuitry that allows operators to select and download software components from a library to adjust the power supplied by the prime mover, enabling increased power output for specific tasks, with payment options for enhanced features and time-based selection of power levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the control system limits the power output of the prime mover to protect accessories and equipment, then the reliability and longevity of accessories are improved, but the power availability for operational tasks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the power output limit of the prime mover based on real-time conditions. The control system monitors accessory status, operational demands, and component health, then adaptively modifies power delivery constraints. This allows the vehicle to operate at full power when conditions permit while automatically reducing power to protect accessories when needed, resolving the contradiction between power availability and accessory protection.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the control system restricts prime mover power to match accessory capacity, then the longevity of equipment is improved, but the productivity for high-power tasks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic monitoring and adjustment cycles, allowing the prime mover to operate at elevated power levels for specific time periods when high productivity is needed, then returning to protective power limits. The control system can schedule temporary power increases for critical operations while maintaining long-term equipment longevity through periodic cycles of high and protective power delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system changes operational parameters dynamically, adjusting power delivery based on task requirements, accessory status, and equipment health metrics. By modifying power parameters in response to changing conditions, the system achieves both high productivity when needed and extended equipment longevity through adaptive parameter management rather than fixed restrictions.
3Ease of operation
If the vehicle is configured with fixed power limits in the control system, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to different power requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system provides self-service by automatically monitoring vehicle conditions, accessory status, and operational context, then autonomously adjusting power delivery without requiring manual intervention. This maintains ease of operation while achieving high adaptability, as the system serves itself by making intelligent power management decisions based on real-time data from sensors and system status indicators.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates continuous feedback loops that monitor accessory performance, prime mover output, and operational demands. This feedback enables the control system to adapt power delivery dynamically while maintaining simple operation for the user. The automatic feedback-driven adjustments provide versatility without complicating the operator interface or control process.
Data Source
AI summary
An vehicle with defined power on demand including a control system configured to provide to an operator a plurality of selectable features each have selectable options. The defined power on demand utilizes unrealized engine power which is limited by an engine control system for reasons of fuel savings and cost effectiveness. The selectable features include power take off (PTO), mechanical front wheel drive (MFD), front hitch, and rear hitch. Selectable options include a plurality of defined amounts of power delivered by a vehicle engine over a period of time with respect to a selected feature. The defined amount of power is greater than the power at which the engine typically operates as limited by the engine control system. The greater power is provided over a period of time to complete each of the selectable features.