Wheel Loader Drivetrain Automatic Traction Mode Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wheel loaders typically do not utilize the traction control mode for enhanced fuel economy, as operators often fail to switch to this mode upon starting the vehicle, resulting in missed fuel efficiency benefits.
Innovation Solution
A wheel loader system that automatically starts in a traction control mode with reduced traction force when the vehicle is turned on, which is determined by a controller based on the selected mode and work phase, ensuring better fuel economy even if the operator does not manually switch to this mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the wheel loader starts in normal mode with large traction force, then the vehicle can perform work effectively, but fuel economy is not enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is configured to automatically start the drivetrain in the second mode (traction control mode with reduced traction force) when the start switch is turned on, before the operator can manually select a mode. This preliminary automatic mode selection ensures fuel economy is enhanced from the moment the vehicle starts, without requiring operator intervention to switch modes later.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the operator manually switches to traction control mode, then fuel economy is enhanced, but operator intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically determines the appropriate control mode based on the detected work phase and vehicle state, and autonomously switches between modes without requiring operator intervention. The system serves itself by monitoring its own operational state and making mode selection decisions, thereby enhancing fuel economy automatically while simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously detects the work phase of the vehicle and uses this feedback information to automatically select and switch between control modes. The system monitors operational parameters, processes this information, and adjusts the traction force mode accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that enhances fuel economy based on real-time vehicle state.
3Productivity
If the wheel loader uses maximum traction force in all modes, then work performance is maximized, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel loader dynamically adjusts the traction force based on the detected work phase. The controller switches between a first mode with large traction force and a second mode with reduced traction force, making the traction characteristics adaptable to current operational conditions rather than fixed at maximum levels, thereby reducing fuel consumption while maintaining work performance when appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes the traction force parameter by switching between different control modes. In the second mode (traction control mode), the maximum traction force is reduced compared to the first mode (normal mode). This parameter change allows the vehicle to operate with lower fuel consumption during phases where maximum traction is not required, while still maintaining adequate work performance.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mode selecting unit is configured to generate an operation signal indicating one selected from a plurality of control modes including a predetermined first mode and a second mode in which a traction force is controlled to be smaller than a traction force in the first mode. A controller is configured to obtain the operation signal from the mode selecting unit and control a drivetrain in accordance with the selected control mode. The controller is configured to start controlling the drivetrain in the second mode in starting of a vehicle.