Wheel Loader Torque Curve Selection for Fuel Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current engine control methods for wheel loaders limit fuel-saving performance during loading operations while compromising work efficiency, as they either provide excessive torque when fully loaded or insufficient power when partially loaded, due to the inability to selectively adjust torque curves based on operation types.
Innovation Solution
A wheel loader system with a controller that detects the operation state and selects from multiple torque curves, including an excavation torque curve and non-excavation torque curves, to optimize engine performance for excavation and loading operations, ensuring appropriate power and speed while saving fuel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a large-torque curve is selected for the loading operation to lift the boom with a fully loaded bucket, then the power and speed are sufficient, but the output torque becomes excessive when the bucket is less loaded or boom-lifting speed is reduced, lowering fuel-saving performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the torque curve selectable and changeable during operation. The operator can switch between a first torque curve (higher torque) and a second torque curve (lower torque) based on the actual loading condition. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt torque output to the actual workload, providing sufficient power when fully loaded while reducing excessive torque consumption when partially loaded, thereby improving fuel-saving performance without compromising necessary power availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the torque parameter by providing multiple torque curves with different torque characteristics. The controller stores both a first torque curve and a second torque curve, and selectively switches between them based on operation type and loading condition. This parameter change approach allows optimization of the torque-output parameter to match actual operational needs, preventing excessive torque consumption and improving fuel efficiency while maintaining adequate power when required.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a low-torque curve is selected for the loading operation to enhance fuel-saving performance, then fuel consumption is reduced, but power is insufficient to lift the boom with the bucket being fully loaded or the boom-lifting speed drops, decreasing work efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically allows torque curve switching based on actual operational conditions. When the bucket is fully loaded and high power is needed, the operator can select the first torque curve to ensure sufficient boom-lifting power and speed, maintaining work efficiency. When the loading is reduced or speed requirements are lower, the operator can switch to the second torque curve to reduce fuel consumption. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between fuel-saving performance and work efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides parameter changes through multiple torque curves that can be selectively applied. The first torque curve offers higher torque for heavy loading conditions to maintain productivity, while the second torque curve provides lower torque for lighter conditions to improve fuel efficiency. The controller enables switching between these parameter sets based on operational needs, allowing optimization of both fuel-saving performance and work efficiency depending on the specific working condition.
3Device complexity
If one torque curve is selected for one operation type, then the control is simple, but the fuel-saving performance is limited because the torque curve cannot be adjusted according to the actual loading condition
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic torque curve selection where the operator can switch between multiple torque curves during operation based on actual loading conditions. This dynamic capability allows the system to move beyond fixed torque curve selection, enabling fuel-saving optimization by choosing appropriate torque curves for different loading scenarios while maintaining relatively simple control through operator-selectable modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by providing multiple torque curves with different torque characteristics that can be selectively applied. The controller stores both a first torque curve and a second torque curve, allowing the torque parameter to be changed based on operation type and loading condition. This parameter flexibility improves fuel-saving performance without significantly increasing control complexity, as the switching is based on straightforward operational criteria.
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel loader includes detectors and a controller. The detectors include at least an accelerator pedal angle detector that detects an accelerator displacement. The controller includes: a state judging unit that judges from a detection result provided by the detectors whether or not the wheel loader is in an excavation operation; and a torque-curve selector. The torque-curve selector selects one excavation torque curve when the wheel loader is judged to be in the excavation operation by the state judging unit, and selects one of two or more non-excavation torque curves depending on the accelerator displacement when the wheel loader is judged not to be in the excavation operation.