Work Vehicle Downhill Speed Control via Pre-Conditioned Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems lack the ability to properly regulate the speed of work vehicles traveling downhill, leading to over-speeding and inefficient fuel consumption due to the lack of active control over engine speed.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a computing device to control the operation of a work vehicle's engine or transmission, including identifying downhill conditions and downshifting the transmission only when pre-conditions are met to maintain requested speeds while minimizing fuel consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the transmission is downshifted to control vehicle speed downhill, then the vehicle speed is regulated, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors vehicle speed, engine torque, and gear ratio, and adjusts transmission shifting decisions based on real-time feedback. The system determines whether downhill conditions exist and evaluates pre-conditions before executing downshifts, ensuring speed control while minimizing unnecessary fuel consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes transmission gear ratio parameters dynamically based on detected operating conditions. By monitoring vehicle speed, engine torque, and other parameters, the system adjusts the gear ratio only when pre-conditions are satisfied, optimizing the balance between speed control and fuel efficiency.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional transmission control is used downhill, then fuel consumption is reduced, but vehicle speed cannot be properly regulated
Solution Approach 1:
The control system autonomously monitors vehicle operating conditions and makes independent decisions about transmission shifting without requiring constant driver input. The system self-determines when downhill conditions exist and automatically executes downshifts when pre-conditions are met, maintaining speed control while preserving fuel efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If the transmission is downshifted without pre-condition checks, then speed control is simplified, but fuel efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of pre-conditions (vehicle speed, engine torque, current gear ratio) before executing downshift commands. This preliminary action ensures that downshifts are only executed when necessary and appropriate, maintaining control simplicity while preventing unnecessary fuel consumption.
4Adaptability or versatility
If no active engine control is provided downhill, then the engine operates without restrictions, but over-speeding occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the driver's speed request and the transmission/engine operation. It monitors engine speed and transmission gear ratio, and executes downshifts as an intermediate action to prevent over-speeding while allowing the engine to operate freely within safe parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling the speed of a work vehicle during downhill operation may include controlling an operation of at least one of an engine or a transmission of a work vehicle so as to maintain the work vehicle operating at a requested speed and identifying an operating condition of the work vehicle that provides an indication that the work vehicle is traveling downhill. In addition, the method may include determining whether at least one pre-condition for downshifting the transmission from a current gear ratio to a downshift gear ratio is satisfied when the operating condition indicates that the work vehicle is currently traveling downhill. Moreover, when it is determined that the pre-condition(s) is satisfied, the method may include controlling the operation of the transmission such that the transmission is downshifted from the current gear ratio to the downshift gear ratio.