Work Vehicle Control Device for Fuel Efficiency Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Improving fuel efficiency in work vehicles like wheel loaders is challenging due to the difficulty in maintaining efficient operation throughout the entire work process, as existing methods primarily focus on fuel consumption per distance without considering the dynamic nature of work operations.
Innovation Solution
A control device that monitors the torque converter speed ratio and accelerator pedal operation to detect fuel efficiency deteriorating conditions, prompting operators to adjust their driving habits by displaying an ECO mark and allowing for optimal gear shifting based on torque converter efficiency, ensuring better fuel efficiency throughout the work operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If real fuel consumption calculation method is used (fuel consumption quantity divided by traveling distance), then fuel efficiency can be monitored, but it fails to account for the dynamic nature of work operations in wheel loaders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from simple fuel consumption per distance to a comprehensive evaluation system that includes torque converter speed ratio, engine rotation speed, accelerator pedal operation position, and vehicle speed. This allows the system to adapt to different work conditions while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically evaluates fuel efficiency by continuously monitoring multiple operating parameters and comparing actual values with reference values. The evaluation adapts to changing work conditions through real-time parameter comparison, making the fuel efficiency measurement suitable for dynamic work operations.
2Loss of information
If operator is prompted based on simple fuel consumption data, then basic fuel efficiency information is provided, but the operator cannot understand the specific operating conditions affecting fuel efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fuel efficiency evaluation into multiple independent parameters (torque converter speed ratio, engine rotation speed, accelerator pedal position, vehicle speed). Each parameter is evaluated separately against reference values, and the results are integrated to provide comprehensive feedback to the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback to the operator by comparing actual operating parameters with reference values and displaying the results. This feedback mechanism helps operators understand which specific parameters are affecting fuel efficiency and how to adjust their operations.
3Measurement precision
If the system monitors multiple parameters (torque converter speed ratio, engine speed, accelerator pedal position), then accurate fuel efficiency evaluation is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs multiple functions: it monitors various operating parameters, calculates torque converter speed ratio, compares with reference values, determines fuel efficiency evaluation results, and provides feedback. This multi-functional approach consolidates the monitoring system while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the monitoring of multiple parameters (torque converter speed ratio, engine rotation speed, accelerator pedal operation position, vehicle speed) into a single integrated control device that processes all parameters together to determine fuel efficiency evaluation results.
Data Source
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AI summary
A work vehicle control device includes: a rotation speed control unit that controls a rotation speed of an engine in correspondence to an accelerator pedal operation quantity indicating an extent to which an accelerator pedal is operated; a speed ratio detection unit that detects a speed ratio of a speed at an input shaft and a speed at an output shaft of a torque converter, which is disposed between the engine and wheels to transmit rotation of the engine to the wheels; a decision-making unit that makes a decision that a fuel efficiency deteriorating condition exists if the torque converter speed ratio detected via the speed ratio detection unit is less than a predetermined value or if the torque converter speed ratio detected via the speed ratio detection unit is equal to or greater than the predetermined value and a target engine rotation speed corresponding to an operation of the accelerator pedal is greater than a preset value; and an informing unit that informs results of the decision made by the decision-making unit.