Method for adjusting engine speed based on power usage of machine

• US 20090299581A1
• Filed: 06/02/2008
• Published: 12/03/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 06/02/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Inventors: Price, Robert J.
• Granted Patent: US 8,095,280 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/50
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 2400/12 Engine control specially adapted for a transmission comprising a torque converter or for continuously variable transmissions
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 41/021 Introducing corrections for particular conditions exterior to the engine conjoint control of vehicle sub-units for propelling the vehicle B60W30/18

Abstract

A method for controlling an engine of a machine includes a step of setting an initial engine speed of the engine based on a position of an operator engine speed selection device. The machine is operated for a period of time at the initial engine speed, and a power usage value for the machine during that period of time is identified. The initial engine speed of the engine is then lowered to a reduced engine speed corresponding to the power usage value.

Claims

1. A method for controlling an engine of a machine, comprising:

setting an initial engine speed of the engine based on a position of an operator engine speed selection device;

operating the machine for a period of time;

identifying a power usage value for the machine during the period of time; and

lowering the initial engine speed of the engine to a reduced engine speed corresponding to the power usage value.

2. The method of claim 1, further including identifying a repeated pattern of power usage, wherein the repeated pattern of power usage includes a plurality of segments.

3. The method of claim 2, further including identifying the power usage value for each of the plurality of segments.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the step of identifying the power usage value for each of the plurality of segments includes operating the machine through the repeated pattern of power usage a predetermined number of times.

5. The method of claim 3, further including:

detecting a transition to each of the plurality of segments; and

adjusting the reduced engine speed to an adjusted engine speed corresponding to the power usage value for each of the plurality of segments in response to detecting the transition.

6. The method of claim 3, further including:

detecting an anticipated transition to each of the plurality of segments; and

adjusting the reduced engine speed to the adjusted engine speed corresponding to the power usage value for each of the plurality of segments in response to detecting the anticipated transition.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the identifying step includes evaluating a power demand of at least one of a hydraulic system and a drive system.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the identifying step includes:

measuring a payload value for the machine during the period of time; and

identifying the power usage value for the machine based on the payload value.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the lowering step includes selecting the reduced engine speed from an engine speed map stored in a memory.

10. The method of claim 1, further including:

changing the position of the operator engine speed selection device; and

adjusting the reduced engine speed to a value corresponding to the changed position of the operator engine speed selection device.

11. A machine having a control system for controlling an engine, comprising:

an operator engine speed selection device configured to receive an operator input of a desired engine speed setting;

an electronic controller configured to set an initial engine speed of the engine to correspond to the desired engine speed setting; and

wherein the electronic controller is further configured to identify a power usage value for the machine during an operation period, and lower the initial engine speed of the engine to a reduced engine speed corresponding to the power usage value.

12. The machine of claim 11, wherein the electronic controller is further configured to identify a repeated pattern of power usage having a plurality of segments.

13. The machine of claim 12, wherein the electronic controller is further configured to identify the power usage value for each of the plurality of segments.

14. The machine of claim 13, wherein the operation period includes operation of the machine through the repeated pattern of power usage a predetermined number of times.

15. The machine of claim 13, wherein the electronic controller is further configured to detect a transition to each of the plurality of segments, and adjust the reduced engine speed to an adjusted engine speed corresponding to the power usage value for each of the plurality of segments in response to detecting the transition.

16. The machine of claim 13, wherein the electronic controller is further configured to detect an anticipated transition to each of the plurality of segments, and adjust the reduced engine speed to the adjusted engine speed corresponding to the power usage value for each of the plurality of segments in response to detecting the anticipated transition.

17. The machine of claim 11, wherein the electronic controller is further configured to evaluate a power demand of at least one of a hydraulic system and a drive system to identify the power usage value for the machine.

18. The machine of claim 11, wherein the electronic controller is further configured to measure a payload value for the machine during the period of time, and identify the power usage value for the machine based on the payload value.

19. The machine of claim 11, wherein the electronic controller is further configured to select the reduced engine speed from an engine speed map stored in a memory.

20. The machine of claim 11, wherein the electronic controller is further configured to detect a change in position of the operator engine speed selection device, and adjust the reduced engine speed to a value corresponding to the changed position of the operator engine speed selection device.