Work Vehicle State Estimation for Engine Speed and Implement Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-propelled work vehicles, such as excavators and forestry machines, often operate inefficiently due to repetitive operations requiring manual engine speed adjustments, leading to fuel waste and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automated work state estimation and control, utilizing sensors and machine learning algorithms to optimize engine speed, implement positioning, and steering based on detected work conditions and operator commands, enabling automated operation of repetitive tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If operators manually adjust engine speed settings on high idle to ensure adequate power for all operations, then the vehicle has sufficient power for all work conditions, but fuel consumption increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The engine speed dial is changed from a static high idle setting to a dynamic setting that automatically adjusts engine speed based on real-time work conditions and load detection, allowing the engine to operate at optimal speed for each specific operation rather than maintaining constant high idle
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates load detection and work condition monitoring that provides feedback to automatically adjust engine speed settings, enabling the engine to respond to actual work demands and reduce fuel consumption when full power is not required
2Loss of energy
If operators continuously manually adjust engine speed during field operations to optimize for current work, then fuel consumption is reduced, but operator workload and complexity of operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic engine speed optimization through load detection and work condition monitoring, eliminating the need for continuous manual adjustment by the operator while maintaining fuel efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
Manual engine speed adjustment is replaced with an automated electronic control system that uses sensors and processors to detect work conditions and automatically set appropriate engine speed, substituting mechanical/operator action with automated electronic control
3Adaptability or versatility
If operators perform repetitive coordinated operations manually, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but operator fatigue increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs repetitive coordinated operations such as implement positioning and sequence control based on detected work conditions, freeing the operator from manual repetition while maintaining operational flexibility for non-routine tasks
Data Source
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AI summary
A self-propelled work vehicle is provided with work state estimation and associated control techniques. The work vehicle comprises ground engaging units, a work implement configured for controllably working terrain, and various onboard sensors. A controller is functionally linked to at least the one or more onboard sensors and configured to ascertain a first parameter or operation of the work vehicle, determine a work state of the work vehicle, based at least in part on respective input signals from one or more onboard sensors, and generate a control signal for controlling at least a second parameter or operation of the work vehicle, responsive to the ascertained first parameter or operation and the determined work state. The control signals may be provided for proactive adjustments to engine speed, movements of the work implement, movements of the work vehicle itself, etc.