Work Machine Engine Speed Control for Fuel-Saving Intervention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Work machines, such as hydraulic excavators, consume unnecessary fuel even during operations that do not require engine output, leading to inefficient fuel usage, particularly in modes like 'heavy excavation' where engine rotation is high.
Innovation Solution
A control device for work machines that includes a rotation speed setting member and a controller capable of ordinary control and intervention control. The controller estimates the work being performed and sets a target engine rotation speed accordingly, allowing the engine to operate at optimal levels regardless of user input, thereby reducing fuel consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the engine rotation speed is maintained high in heavy excavation mode, then the engine output is sufficient for heavy work, but fuel is unnecessarily consumed during works not requiring engine output
Solution Approach 1:
The control device dynamically adjusts the engine rotation speed based on real-time detection of work implement position and operation state. The controller switches between ordinary control (operator-defined speed) and intervention control (system-optimized speed), enabling the engine rotation speed to adapt to actual work requirements rather than maintaining a fixed high speed, thus reducing unnecessary fuel consumption while ensuring sufficient power output when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the engine rotation speed parameter based on detected work conditions. When the work implement is in a standby position with no operation detected, the controller reduces the engine rotation speed to a lower level. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by matching engine output to actual demand, eliminating excessive fuel consumption during low-power phases while maintaining high power availability when required
2Use of energy by moving object
If the engine rotation speed is reduced during works not requiring engine output, then fuel consumption is reduced, but the engine may not provide sufficient power when work is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The control device continuously monitors the position of the work implement and detects operation inputs from the operator. This feedback mechanism enables the system to distinguish between standby conditions (where speed reduction is appropriate) and active work conditions (where full power is needed). The real-time feedback ensures the engine rotation speed is adjusted appropriately, preventing both unnecessary fuel consumption and insufficient power output
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of work implement position and operation state before adjusting engine speed. By detecting whether the work implement is in a standby position and whether operation is being input, the controller proactively adjusts the engine rotation speed in advance, ensuring fuel efficiency during standby while maintaining readiness for immediate power delivery when work begins
Data Source
AI summary
A work machine includes a vehicular body, a work implement supported on the vehicular body, and an engine which is a drive source of the work implement. The control device of the work machine includes a rotation speed setting member manually operable for setting a target rotation speed of the engine and a controller that selectively carries out any one of ordinary control and intervention control. When ordinary control is carried out, an engine controller controls the engine at the target rotation speed based on an operation onto the rotation speed setting member. When intervention control is carried out, an intervention controller estimates contents of works by the work implement. The engine controller sets the target rotation speed corresponding to the estimated contents of works and controls the engine at the set target rotation speed regardless of an amount of operation onto the rotation speed setting member.