Wheel Loader Engine Mode Control via Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wheel loader operations, manual adjustment of engine modes by workers leads to inefficient fuel usage, as the engine output is not optimized for varying working conditions, resulting in wasted energy and decreased fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that utilize sensors to automatically select engine modes based on boom angle, pressure, vehicle speed, and direction, allowing the engine output to be controlled according to specific working conditions such as 'heavy/load', 'digging', 'dumping', and 'load carry', thereby optimizing fuel efficiency without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If manual engine mode adjustment is used, then worker control flexibility is maintained, but fuel efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary engine output waste
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation by automatically selecting engine modes based on sensor inputs from the working conditions. The controller independently determines the appropriate engine mode without requiring manual worker intervention, allowing the system to optimize its own fuel efficiency through automated decision-making based on real-time operational parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring working conditions through sensors and using this information to automatically adjust engine modes. The controller receives feedback from various sensors detecting operational parameters and dynamically selects the most appropriate engine mode to optimize fuel efficiency while maintaining performance
2Loss of energy
If automatic engine mode selection is implemented, then fuel efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions by integrating both the engine mode selection logic and the coordination of existing hydraulic and propulsion systems. Rather than adding completely separate control systems, the invention makes the existing controller multi-functional, using it to process sensor data, determine working conditions, select engine modes, and coordinate system operations, thereby reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the engine mode selection function with the existing hydraulic control and propulsion control systems. By combining these control functions into a unified automated system that processes sensor inputs and coordinates multiple subsystems, the invention reduces the need for separate complex control mechanisms while achieving fuel efficiency optimization
3Loss of energy
If engine output is optimized for specific working conditions, then fuel efficiency is improved, but adaptability to varying conditions requires complex mode selection logic
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic adaptation by continuously adjusting engine modes based on real-time working conditions detected by sensors. Rather than using fixed mode settings, the controller dynamically selects from multiple engine modes (including power mode, normal mode, and economical mode) based on current operational parameters such as hydraulic pump displacement, vehicle speed, and brake status, enabling the system to adapt flexibly to varying conditions while optimizing fuel efficiency
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for controlling an engine of a wheel loader, and the apparatus includes: a sensor unit, and configured to sense vehicle information and working machine information; a vehicle control unit configured to select a working condition according to a priority of the vehicle information and the working machine information sensed by using the sensor unit, select an engine mode corresponding to the selected working condition, and output an engine mode signal representing the selected engine mode; and an engine control unit configured to control the engine output according to the engine mode signal output from the vehicle control unit. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides the method and the apparatus for controlling an engine according to a working condition of a wheel loader, thereby smoothly maintaining performance of equipment without requiring a separate manipulation by a worker, and thus achieving an effect of improving fuel efficiency.