Caterpillar Inc.

Jeremy T Sharp

Mark E Rettig

Suman Goli

Daniel Tisza

A work machine includes an engine configured to generate power to operate the machine and a controller. The controller is configured to determine an actual load on the engine, determine a machine acceleration, and select an engine high idle speed based upon the actual engine load and the machine acceleration.

Acceleration based high idle

A machine includes an engine, one or more machine retarder systems, a grade sensor, a load sensor, and a controller. Each of the retarder systems has a retarding capability including an amount of energy the respective retarder system can dissipate in one or more systems of the machine powering or transmitting power to propel the machine. The grade sensor is configured to measure a grade at which the machine is disposed. The load sensor configured to measure a load on the machine. The controller is in electrical communication with the engine, the one or more retarder systems, the grade sensor, and the load sensor. The controller determines a machine speed limit based on the grade, the load and the retarding capability of each of the one or more retarder systems.

Methods and systems for controlling machine speed

A control system for a powertrain system includes an electronic control unit structured to receive ground speed data and load factor data. The electronic control unit determines an engine speed command to an engine and a torque command to a variable-torque transmission based upon an engine speed limit and a torque scale factor that can vary with ground speed and load factor. The commands produce an economy output of the powertrain to reduce fuel consumption.

Control strategy for reduced fuel consumption in machine and powertrain system with same

A control system for a powertrain in a machine includes a first sensor which generates a first signal indicative of a ground speed of the machine. The control system includes a second sensor which generates a second signal indicative of a load of an engine in the powertrain. The control system includes a third sensor which generates a third signal indicative of an operational state of the machine. The control system includes an input device which enables an operator to generate a request for a powertrain output. The control system further includes a controller in communication with the first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor and the input device. The controller determines an engine speed command and a transmission output torque command to produce a powertrain output based at least on the first signal, the second signal and the third signal in response to the requested powertrain output.

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St. Charles, IL, United States of America

Jeremy T Sharp