Vehicle Speed Retarder Control for Downhill Overspeeding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for regulating and controlling the speed of vehicles, particularly in mining industries, rely on operator intervention, leading to increased risk of accidents, premature wear on components, and inefficient energy use.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle speed regulating and controlling system that uses a controller, sensors for throttle, brake, and vehicle speed, and a retardive braking system to automatically regulate speed without operator intervention, even when the vehicle is in neutral.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If operator intervention is used to control vehicle speed on declines, then speed regulation can be achieved, but brake wear increases and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical brake system with an electrical retarder system that uses electromagnetic induction to generate retarding force. The retarder converts the vehicle's kinetic energy into electrical energy through the motor-generator, eliminating the need for mechanical friction-based braking and thereby reducing brake wear and heat generation while maintaining reliable speed control on declines
Solution Approach 2:
The motor-generator automatically regulates vehicle speed by converting excess kinetic energy into electrical energy during downhill operation. The system self-adjusts based on vehicle speed feedback, eliminating the need for operator intervention and continuously preventing overspeed conditions without manual brake engagement
2Ease of operation
If manual speed regulation is used, then operator control is maintained, but operator error increases accident risk
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a feedback control mechanism where vehicle speed is continuously monitored by sensors and compared against safe operating limits. The controller automatically adjusts the retarding force applied by the motor-generator based on this feedback, ensuring reliable speed regulation that prevents operator error while maintaining operational control
Solution Approach 2:
The automated speed regulation system performs the speed control function independently without requiring operator judgment or intervention. The system monitors its own operation and self-adjusts the retarding force to maintain safe speeds, eliminating accidents caused by operator error while preserving ease of operation
3Speed
If service brakes are used for speed regulation on declines, then speed control is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of excessive kinetic energy during downhill travel into a beneficial resource by using the motor-generator to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy. This regenerative process both controls vehicle speed and recovers energy that would otherwise be wasted, reducing overall energy consumption while achieving effective speed regulation
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
The system effectively mitigates overspeeding, reduces wear and heat on brakes, improves energy efficiency, and maintains safe vehicle speeds, thereby enhancing safety and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
The motor acts as a generator to provide resistance and regulate and/or control the speed and/or acceleration of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A system for regulating speed of a vehicle along a road surface, the system including: at least one controller; at least one throttle sensor in communication with the at least one controller; at least one brake sensor in communication with the at least one controller; at least one gear sensor in communication with the at least one controller; at least one speed sensor in communication with the at least one controller; at least one motor in communication with the at least one controller; and at least one energy source in communication with the at least one controller and the at least one motor; wherein the at least one controller further includes a proportional integral and derivative controller; and at least one retardive braking system in communication with the at least one controller and controlled by the proportional integral and derivative controller.