COM Starter Pinion Speed Synchronization via Electrical Parameter Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard starter motors for internal combustion engines often result in gear damage due to clashing gears when engaging a rotating ring gear, and existing change of mind (COM) starters require additional sensors and complex wiring for synchronization.
Innovation Solution
An internal combustion engine with a COM starter system that includes a solenoid, armature, and electronic control unit (ECU) to indirectly detect the rotational speed of the pinion by analyzing changes in electrical parameters like voltage and current, eliminating the need for pinion speed sensors and simplifying the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standard starter motor is used to engage a rotating ring gear, then the engine can be restarted, but gear damage occurs due to clashing gears
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of ring gear rotational speed before engagement, and pre-rotates the pinion to match speeds. The ECU activates the pinion motor before solenoid engagement to ensure speed synchronization, preventing gear clash damage while enabling engine restart.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the rotational speed parameter of the pinion to match the ring gear speed before engagement. By dynamically adjusting pinion speed through the pinion motor and verifying synchronization through speed sensors, the system enables safe engagement with rotating ring gears.
2Reliability
If a COM starter with pinion speed sensor and ring gear speed sensor is used, then gear engagement is synchronized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing ring gear speed sensor serves dual purposes: detecting ring gear speed for synchronization and providing feedback for ECU control decisions. This multi-functional use eliminates the need for separate sensors, reducing complexity while maintaining reliable synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The ECU uses feedback from speed sensors to dynamically control the pinion motor and solenoid timing. The continuous speed feedback enables the ECU to adjust engagement timing precisely, ensuring reliable synchronization without requiring additional complex sensing infrastructure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution allows for safe and efficient re-initiation of the engine operation by synchronizing the pinion and ring gear without additional sensors, reducing manufacturing and maintenance complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
The ECU is configured and disposed to indirectly detect a rotational speed of the pinion and selectively energize the solenoid to axially shift the pinion into engagement with the ring gear when the pinion reaches a particular rotational speed relative to a rotational speed of the ring gear.
Implementation Method 2
A solenoid is operatively connected to the COM starter motor. The solenoid selectively moves the pinion into engagement with the ring gear.
Data Source
AI summary
An internal combustion engine includes a ring gear, a speed sensor operatively associated with the ring gear, and a change of mind (COM) starter motor mechanically linked to the internal combustion engine. The COM starter motor includes an armature and a pinion operatively connected to the armature. A solenoid is operatively connected to the COM starter motor. The solenoid selectively moves the pinion into engagement with the ring gear. An electronic control unit (ECU) is operatively connected to the speed sensor and the solenoid. The ECU is configured and disposed to indirectly detect a rotational speed of the pinion and selectively energize the solenoid to axially shift the pinion into engagement with the ring gear when the pinion reaches a particular rotational speed relative to a rotational speed of the ring gear.