DESC:FIELD OF INVENTION
The present disclosure generally relates to the field of governing features in a combustion engine. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a system and a method for operating a vehicle using multi-mode governing features.
DEFINATION
Governor: The term “governor” hereafter refers to a device that automatically maintains the rotary speed of an engine or other prime mover within reasonably close limits regardless of the load.
Isochronous Mode: The term “Isochronous Mode” hereafter refers to maintaining constant engine speed applied for a within engine full load limits For, Ex. The engine governor attempts to keep the engine speed fixed at its set speed.
Droop Mode: The term “Droop Mode” hereafter refers to maintaining variable speed against change in load as per pre-defined speed range.
Governing Curve Slope: The term “Governing Curve Slope” hereafter refers to the speed range between no load to full load speed at any given throttle condition.
Fuel Injection Pump Rack Rod/ Rack Rod: The term “Fuel Injection Pump Rack Rod/ Rack Rod” hereafter refers to shaft connected to fuel injection pump whose linear movement controls the fuel quantity delivered by fuel injection pump.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
The tractors are used on the farms to execute various applications. The applications of farming for which machines are used are diversified. The tractor is used not only used for pulling the implements for tillage operations and sowing of various crops but also used to power light load to heavy load applications such as threshing of crops, pumping water from tube-wells, spraying, rotavator, and other light loads to heavy load applications. Different applications require different power requirements.
Therefore, an engine speed governor is used to maintain the mean speed of an engine under variable load conditions within certain limits based on the tractor’s end application. The governor does this by governing the fuel supplied to the engine speed so that the engine does not exceed the maximum value as specified by the manufacturer.
Typically, tractor engines are provided with mechanical governors. The mechanical governors are defined with a single type of pre-defined governing droop. The productivity and fuel efficiency depends on the type of pre-defined droop used in the engine. During heavy load application, high productivity can be achieved by a steeper governing droop which uses more fuel resulting in lesser fuel economy whereas during light load application higher fuel efficiency can be achieved with a flatter governing droop which uses less fuel but resulting in less productivity.
There are a variety of agricultural applications for which Tractor has used ranging from light load applications to heavy load applications. Tractor productivity and fuel efficiency depending on the type of governing which is pre-defined in the engine.
The tractor engines with a mechanical governor system are defined with a fixed governing droop and when the load acts on the engine during operation, the engine speed drop will follow as per the pre-defined governing droop.
The high productivity demands for steeper governing droop but lesser fuel efficiency whereas higher fuel efficiency can be achieved with a flatter governing droop but with less productivity.
The limitation in engines with a mechanical governing system is that they can be defined with only one type of governing droop, hence the customer can achieve either high productivity or high fuel efficiency based on the pre-defined governing droop. It is not possible to achieve multiple governing droops with mechanical governing systems.
As there is a variety of agricultural applications the mechanical governors with pre-defined governing droop will operate according to the application load. Further, the operator is restricted to choose the governing droop as per the application load. Therefore, the operator can achieve either high productivity or high fuel efficiency based on the pre-defined governing droop.
There is, therefore, felt a need for a system and a method for operating a vehicle using multi-mode governing features.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
It is an object of the present disclosure to ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative.
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a system for operating a vehicle using multi-mode governing features.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide multi-mode governing features.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system for high productivity and high fuel efficiency.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system for switching driving mode during vehicle operating conditions.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that provides fuel efficiency during operating conditions.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system to provide an option to choose the driving mode according to application requirements.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system to provide multi-mode drivability in agricultural tractors.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages a system for operating a vehicle using multi-mode governing features. The present disclosure includes a control unit, multiple driving modes, a plurality of vehicle and engine parameters, and a linkage assembly.
The control unit is configured to store a set of rules and receive a set of control signals from a plurality of vehicle and engine parameters and is further configured to receive a signal of selected driving mode and generate output signals based on a set of rules to actuate fuel control device.
In an embodiment, the system comprises multiple driving modes which include,
an isochronous mode is configured to maintain constant engine speed applied for a no-load condition to max-load condition until the load reaches maximum permissible load carrying capacity and
a droop mode is configured to maintain engine speed in accordance with the set of rules from the control unit for a no-load condition to max-load condition until the load reaches maximum permissible a load carrying capacity.
In an embodiment, the system comprises a control unit that includes the set of rules comprising a pre-defined governing curve slope for each mode. The control unit is a part of the e-governor and is a fuel control device
In an embodiment, the system comprises a plurality of vehicle and engine parameters including engine RPM and throttle position, wherein
The engine RPM sensors are mounted on the flywheel housing on the engine; and
The throttle position sensors are mounted on the vehicle.
In an embodiment, the system comprises an e-governor configured to connect with linkage assembly to control the flow of fuel to an engine. The e-governor is connected with the fuel injection pump rack rod by means of the linkage assembly. The e-governor mounted on governor housing by fastening means, and wherein the governor housing is mounted on engine front cover of the engine.
In an embodiment, the system comprises a linkage assembly includes an actuator lever, a fuel rack lever, and a spring and is further configured to connect with the fuel injection pump rack rod to move the rack rod to a predefined rack position to inject specified an amount of fuel into the cylinders of the engine. The linkage assembly is housed inside governor housing.
In an embodiment, the system enables the operator to switch the driving mode during vehicle in operating conditions and control the flow of fuel by means of the linkage assembly.
In an embodiment, the system comprises a control unit configured to collect signal Engine RPM and throttle position sensor and input from switching device and generating output signal by means of the set rule to actuate linkage mechanism to supply predefined quantity of fuel to the engine.
The present disclosure also envisages a method operating a vehicle using multi-mode governing features. The method comprising the following steps:
• storing, by a control unit, a set of rules;
• receiving, by the control unit, a set of control signals from a plurality of vehicle and engine parameters sensors, and selected driving mode;
• giving, by the control unit, the set of output signals to actuate fuel control device.
The method comprising the following determining steps:
• sensing, by an Engine RPM sensor, the engine speed/ RPM signals;
• collecting, by the control unit, the engine speed/ RPM signals;
• sensing, by Throttle position sensor, the position signals; and
• collecting, by the control unit, the position signals.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A system and a method for operating a vehicle using multi-mode governing features. The present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system for operating a vehicle using multi-mode governing features;
Figure 2A and Figure 2B illustrates a method for operating a vehicle using multi-mode governing features;
Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram of the governor housing assembly;
Figure 4 illustrates a block diagram of the linkage assembly;
Figure 5 illustrates a block diagram of the e-governor assembly;
Figure 6 illustrates a block diagram of the governor housing and front cover;
Figure 7 illustrates a block diagram of the engine with engine RPM sensors, speed sensors, and E- governor assembly, and
Figure 8 illustrates a graph plot of the speed and torque with respect to multi-drive mode.
LIST OF REFERENCE INDICIA
100 - System
102 - Control Unit
104 - Multiple Driving Modes
104a - Isochronous Mode
104b - Droop Mode
106 - Plurality of Vehicle and Engine Parameters
106a - Engine RPM
106b - Throttle Position
108 - Linkage Assembly
108a - Actuator Lever
108b - Fuel Rack Lever
108c - Spring
108d - Fuel Injection Pump Rack Rod
108e - Front Cover
110 - E-Governor
110a - Plate Housing
110b - Governor Housing
TP-1 - Throttle Position 1
TP-2 - Throttle Position 2
TP-3 - Throttle Position 3
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details, are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms "a,” "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “including,” and “having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present disclosure is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
When an element is referred to as being “engaged to,” "connected to," or "coupled to" another element, it may be directly engaged, connected or coupled to the other element. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.
Currently, Engine speed governors are used to control the speed of the engine due to load variations during vehicle operations. Different types of governing droops are followed across engines based on the end application requirement. There are a variety of agricultural applications for which tractor is used ranging from light load applications to heavy load applications. The productivity and fuel efficiency depends on the type of governing which is pre-defined in the engine. The Limitation in engines with mechanical governing systems is that they can be defined with only one type of governing droop, hence the customer can achieve either high productivity or high fuel efficiency based on the pre-defined governing droop. It is not possible to achieve multiple governing droops with mechanical governing systems
To overcome the above-mentioned problems, the present disclosure discloses a system (hereinafter referred to as “system 100”) and a method (hereinafter referred to as “method 200”) for operating a vehicle using multi-mode governing features. The operating vehicle using multi-mode governing features for light load applications to heavy load applications to provide productivity and fuel efficiency. The system 100 is operating a vehicle using multi-mode governing features to control the flow of fuel to an engine. The method 200 of for operating a vehicle using multi-mode governing features. The system 100 and method 200 are now being described with reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2A and 2B.
Referring to Figure 1, the system 100 comprises a control unit 102, multiple driving modes 104, an isochronous mode 104a, a droop mode 104b, a plurality of vehicle and engine parameters 106, an engine RPM 106a, a throttle position 106b, and a linkage assembly 108.
The control unit 102 is configured to store a set of rules and receive a set of control signals from a plurality of vehicle and engine parameters 106 and is further configured to receive a signal of selected driving mode and generate output signals based on a set of rules to actuate fuel control device.
In an embodiment, the system comprises multiple driving modes 104 which include,
an isochronous mode 104a is configured to maintain constant engine speed applied for a no-load condition to max-load condition until the load reaches maximum permissible load carrying capacity and
a droop mode 104b is configured to maintain engine speed in accordance with the set of rules from the control unit 102 for a no-load condition to max-load condition until load reaches maximum permissible a load carrying capacity.
In an embodiment, the system comprises a control unit 102 that include the set of rules comprising a pre-defined governing curve slope for each mode. The control unit is a part of the e-governor and is a fuel control device
In an embodiment, the system comprises a plurality of vehicle and engine parameters 106 including engine RPM 106a and throttle position 106b, wherein
The engine RPM sensors 106a are mounted on the flywheel housing on the engine; and
The throttle position sensors 106b are mounted on the vehicle.
In an embodiment, the system comprises an e-governor configured to connect with linkage assembly 108 to control the flow of fuel to an engine. The e-governor is connected with the fuel injection pump rack rod by means of the linkage assembly 108. The e-governor mounted on governor housing by fastening means, and wherein the governor housing is mounted on engine front cover of the engine.
In an embodiment, the system comprises a linkage assembly 108 includes an actuator lever, a fuel rack lever, and a spring and is further configured to connect with the fuel injection pump rack rod to move the rack rod to predefined rack position to inject specified an amount of fuel into the cylinders of the engine. The linkage assembly 108 is housed inside governor housing.
In an embodiment, the system enables the operator to switch the driving mode during vehicle in operating conditions and control the flow of fuel by means of the linkage assembly 108.
In an embodiment, the system comprises a control unit 102 configured to collect signal Engine RPM 106a and throttle position sensor 106b and input from switching device and generating output signal by means of the set rule to actuate linkage mechanism to supply predefined quantity of fuel to engine.
The present disclosure also envisages a method operating a vehicle using multi-mode governing features. The method comprising the following steps:
• storing, by a control unit 102, a set of rules;
• receiving, by the control unit 102, a set of control signals from a plurality of vehicle and engine parameters, and selecting driving mode;
• giving, by the control unit 102, the set of output signals to actuate fuel control device.
The method comprising the following determining steps:
• sensing, by an Engine RPM sensor 106a, the engine speed/ RPM signals;
• collecting, by the control unit 102, the engine speed/ RPM signals;
• sensing, by Throttle position sensor 106b, the position signals; and
• collecting, by the control unit 102, the position signals.
Figure 2A and Figure 2B illustrates a method 200 operating a vehicle using multi-mode governing features, the method 200 comprises the following steps:
At step 202, storing, by a control unit 102, a set of rules;
At step 204, receiving, by the control unit 102, a set of control signals from a plurality of vehicle and engine parameters sensors, and selected driving mode;
At step 206, giving, by the control unit 102, the set of output signals to actuate fuel control device.
The determining step 206 comprises essentially of:
At step 206a, sensing, by an Engine RPM sensor 106a, the engine speed/ RPM signals;
At step 206b, collecting, by the control unit 102, the engine speed/ RPM signals;
At step 206c, sensing, by a Throttle position sensor 106b, the position signals; and
At step 206d, collecting, by the control unit 102, the position signals.
In an operative configuration, the control unit 102 store a set of rules and receive a set of control signals from a plurality of vehicle and engine parameters 104 and is further configured to receive a signal of selected driving mode and generate output signals based on a set of rules to actuate fuel control device. The control unit 102 is part of an e-governor and is a fuel control device. Initially, the driver selects a driving mode as an isochronous node or droop mode, wherein isochronous mode 104a is used to maintain constant engine speed applied for a no-load condition to max-load condition until load reaches maximum permissible load carrying capacity and droop mode 104b is used to maintain engine speed in accordance with the set of rules from the control unit 102 for a no-load condition to max-load condition until load reaches maximum permissible a load carrying capacity. The control unit 102 fetches the plurality of vehicle and engine parameters 106. The plurality of vehicle and engine parameters 106 includes the Engine RPM 106a and Throttle position 106b, wherein Engine RPM sensors 106a are mounted on the flywheel housing on the engine, and the throttle position sensors 106b are mounted on the vehicle. The e-governor is mounted on governor housing by fastening means, and wherein the governor housing is mounted on engine front cover of the engine and linkage assembly 108 is housed inside governor housing. The e-governor is configured to connect with linkage assembly 108 to control the flow of fuel to an engine and e-governor is connected with the fuel injection pump rack rod by means of the linkage assembly 108. The linkage assembly 108 includes an actuator lever, a fuel rack lever, and a spring and is further configured to connect with the fuel injection pump rack rod to move the rack rod to a predefined rack position to inject an amount of fuel into the cylinders of the engine. The operator is enabled to switch the driving mode during vehicle in operating conditions and control the flow of fuel by means of the linkage assembly. The control unit 102 collect signal Engine RPM 106a and throttle position sensor 106b and input from switching device and generating output signal by means of the set rule to actuate linkage mechanism to supply predefined quantity of fuel to engine.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a system and a method for operating a vehicle using multi-mode governing features that:
• provide high fuel efficiency;
• provide run-time switching driving mode;
• increase productivity;
• provide multi-mode drivability; and
• provide reliable features.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveals the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation. ,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A system (100) for operating a vehicle using multi-mode governing features, said system (100) comprising:
• a control unit (102) configured to store a set of rules and receive a set of control signals from a plurality of vehicle and engine parameters, and further configured to receive a signal of a selected driving mode and generate output signals based on the set of rules to actuate fuel control device.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said system includes said multiple driving modes (104) which include:
• an isochronous mode (104a) configured to maintain constant engine speed applied for a no-load condition to max-load condition until load reaches a maximum permissible load carrying capacity;
• a droop mode (104b) configured to maintain engine speed in accordance with said set of rules from said control unit (102) for a no-load condition to max-load condition until load reaches maximum permissible a load carrying capacity;
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control unit (102) is a part of an e-governor (110) and is a fuel control device, and further include said set of rules comprises a pre-defined governing curve slope for each mode.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of vehicle and engine parameters (106) include:
• an engine RPM (106a), wherein said engine RPM sensors (106a) are mounted on the flywheel housing on the engine; and
• a throttle position (106b), wherein said throttle position sensors (106b) are mounted on the vehicle.
5. The system as claimed in claim 3, wherein said e-governor (110) is mounted on governor housing by fastening means, and wherein said governor housing (110) is mounted on engine front cover (108e) of the engine, further said e-governor (110) is configured to connect with linkage assembly (108) and further said linkage assembly (108) is connected with said fuel injection pump rack rod (108d) to control the flow of fuel to an engine.
6. The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein said linkage assembly (108) is housed inside governor housing (110b), and further said linkage assembly (108) includes an actuator lever (108a), a fuel rack lever (108b), and a spring (108c) and is further configured to connect with the fuel injection pump rack rod (108d) to move said rack rod to predefined rack position to inject specified an amount of fuel into the cylinders of the engine.
7. The system as claimed in claim 4, wherein said system (100) enables the operator to switch said driving mode during vehicle in operating conditions and control the flow of fuel by means of said linkage assembly (108).
8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control unit (102) configured to collect signal engine RPM (106a) and throttle position sensor (106b) and input from switching device and generating output signal by means of said set rule to actuate linkage mechanism to supply predefined quantity of fuel to the engine.
9. A method (200) for operating a vehicle using multi-mode governing features, said method (200) comprising the following steps:
• storing (202), by a control unit (102), a set of rules;
• receiving (204), by said control unit (102), a set of control signals from a plurality of vehicle and engine parameters sensors, and selected driving mode; and
• giving (206), by said control unit (102), said set of output signals to actuate fuel control device.
10. The method (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein said determining step (206) comprises essentially of:
• sensing, by an engine RPM sensor (106a), the engine speed/ RPM signals;
• collecting, by said control unit (102), the engine speed/ RPM signals;
• sensing, by a throttle position sensor (106b), the position signals; and
• collecting, by said control unit (102), the position signals.

Dated this 28th day of December, 2022

_______________________________
MOHAN RAJKUMAR DEWAN, IN/PA – 25
of R.K.DEWAN & CO.
Authorized Agent of Applicant

TO,
THE CONTROLLER OF PATENTS
THE PATENT OFFICE, AT CHENNAI