System for evaluating and improving driving performance and fuel efficiency

• US 20070143002A1
• Filed: 12/21/2005
• Published: 06/21/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 12/21/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Inventors: Leman, Scott, Crowell, Thomas, Funko, Steven
• Application Number:
  US11/312,759
• Publication Number:
  US 20070143002A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/123
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/004 Indicating the operating range of the engine economical driving B60R16/0236, F02B77/084; measuring liquid fuel of an engine G01F9/00

Abstract

A method for monitoring driving performance is provided. The method may include determining an engine fuel efficiency based on an engine speed and power output and determining a transmission fuel efficiency based on a drive ratio. A drive-train fuel efficiency may be determined based on the engine fuel efficiency and transmission fuel efficiency, and the drive-train efficiency may be compared to a target drive-train efficiency.

Claims

1. A method for monitoring driving performance, comprising:

determining an engine fuel efficiency based on an engine speed and power output;

determining a transmission fuel efficiency based on a selected drive ratio;

determining a drive-train fuel efficiency based on the engine fuel efficiency and transmission fuel efficiency; and

comparing the drive-train fuel efficiency to a target fuel efficiency.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to compare the drive-train efficiency with an optimum drive-train efficiency and to determine an efficiency score.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the efficiency score is a current efficiency score.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the efficiency score is an average efficiency score for a period of machine operation.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the efficiency score is updated at predetermined time intervals.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the efficiency score is updated when a change in engine power output is detected.

7. The method of claim 4, wherein the efficiency score is updated when a change in drive ratio is detected.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the efficiency score is updated when a change in gear is detected.

9. The method of claim 1, further including determining the location of a machine using a positioning system.

10. The method of claim 9, further including determining at least one machine-operating instruction based on the machine location, a machine speed, and a route to be traveled.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the at least one machine-operating instruction includes at least one of producing an engine power output and changing a gear.

12. The method of claim 10, further including displaying the machine-operating instruction to a driver.

13. A system for monitoring driving performance, comprising:

at least one engine sensor configured to monitor at least one engine-operating parameter;

at least one transmission sensor configured to monitor at least one transmission-operating parameter; and

a control unit configured to determine a drive-train efficiency based on the at least one engine-operating parameter and the at least one transmission-operating parameter.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the at least one engine-operating parameter includes an engine load.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein the at least one engine-operating parameter includes at least one of an engine torque, an engine speed, and a fuel rate.

16. The system of claim 13, wherein the at least one transmission-operating parameter includes a drive ratio.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the at least one transmission-operating parameter includes a gear.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein the transmission includes a continuously variable transmission.

19. The system of claim 13, wherein the control unit is configured to compare the drive-train efficiency with a target drive-train efficiency and to determine an efficiency score.

20. The system of claim 19, further including a display unit configured to display the efficiency score to a machine operator.

21. The system of claim 19, wherein the efficiency score is an current efficiency score.

22. The system of claim 19, wherein the efficiency score is an average efficiency score for a period of machine operation.

23. The system of claim 13, further including a positioning system configured to produce a signal indicative of a machine location;

and

a trip-mapping system configured to store a map of a route to be traveled.

24. The system of claim 23, wherein the control unit is configured to receive the signal indicative of the machine location and determine at least one machine-operating instruction based on the machine location, a machine speed, and the route to be traveled.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the set of machine-operating parameters includes at least one of a change in gears and an engine power.

26. A method for improving driving performance, comprising:

determining a machine location;

evaluating current machine-operating parameters; and

determining at least one machine-operating instruction based on the machine location and operating parameters.

27. The method of claim 26, further including recording the occurrence of an inefficient driving operation and recording a road condition associated with the inefficient driving operation.

28. The method of claim 26, further including displaying the at least one operating instruction to a driver.

29. The method of claim 28, further including comparing a driver response with the displayed operating instruction.

30. A work machine, comprising:

an engine;

a transmission operably connected to the engine; and

a system for monitoring driving performance, including;

at least one engine sensor configured to monitor at least one engine-operating parameter;

at least one transmission sensor configured to monitor at least one transmission-operating parameter; and

a control unit configured to determine a drive-train efficiency based on the at least one engine-operating parameter and the at least one transmission-operating parameter.

31. The work machine of claim 30, wherein the system for monitoring engine performance further includes a positioning system configured to produce a signal indicative of a machine location;

and

a trip-mapping system configured to store a map of a route to be traveled.