Work Vehicle Engine Idle Speed Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Work vehicles, such as loaders and bulldozers, continue to consume fuel and experience engine wear when their engines are left in idle states, even during non-use periods, without effective reduction in fuel consumption or wear in existing control systems.
Innovation Solution
A control system with an idle function that operates the engine in a first idle state for a set period, then transitions to a second idle state at a lower speed, and eventually shuts down the engine after a predetermined shutdown timer expires, using timers to manage these states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the engine is left running in idle state during non-use periods, then the vehicle is ready for immediate use, but fuel consumption increases and engine wear occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts engine idle speed in two stages: first reducing to a lower idle speed after a predetermined idle period, then shutting down completely after a second predetermined period. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting engine operation to actual usage needs, maintaining readiness when necessary while eliminating unnecessary fuel consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system implements periodic monitoring of vehicle usage status through timer circuits that track idle periods. The system periodically transitions between different operational states (normal idle, reduced idle, shutdown) based on elapsed time, resolving the contradiction through structured periodic assessment of whether continued idle operation is necessary.
2Reliability
If the engine is left running in idle state, then the vehicle is ready for immediate use, but engine wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts engine idle speed in two stages: first reducing to a lower idle speed after a predetermined idle period, then shutting down completely after a second predetermined period. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting engine operation to actual usage needs, maintaining readiness when necessary while eliminating unnecessary engine wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system implements periodic monitoring of vehicle usage status through timer circuits that track idle periods. The system periodically transitions between different operational states (normal idle, reduced idle, shutdown) based on elapsed time, resolving the contradiction through structured periodic assessment of whether continued idle operation is necessary.
3Loss of energy
If the engine speed is reduced to lower idle state, then fuel consumption decreases, but engine performance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts engine idle speed in two stages: first reducing to a lower idle speed after a predetermined idle period, then shutting down completely after a second predetermined period. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting engine operation to actual usage needs, maintaining readiness when necessary while eliminating unnecessary fuel consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system implements periodic monitoring of vehicle usage status through timer circuits that track idle periods. The system periodically transitions between different operational states (normal idle, reduced idle, shutdown) based on elapsed time, resolving the contradiction through structured periodic assessment of whether continued idle operation is necessary.
Data Source
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AI summary
A work vehicle (10) is disclosed. The work vehicle (10) including a chassis (12), a ground engaging mechanism (14) configured to support and propel the chassis (12), an engine (22) coupled to the ground engaging mechanism (14) to power the ground engaging mechanism (14), a work tool (18) supported by the chassis (12) to move material and a control system (24, 26) for adjusting a speed of the engine (22) of the work vehicle (10). To improve fuel consumption and wear conditions of the engine (22) it is proposed that the control system (24, 26) having an idle function configured to operate the engine (22) in a first idle state (40) for a first period of time (42) wherein an idle timer controlling the first period of time (42), and to operate the engine (22) in a second idle state (44) after the first period of time (42) expires, the engine (22) operating at a lower speed in the second idle state (44) than in the first idle state (40). Furthermore a method for automatically adjusting a speed of an engine (22) of the work vehicle (10) is proposed.