Electric Starting System with Overrunning Clutch for Engine Cranking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power equipment driven by internal combustion engines, such as pressure washers, often require manual effort to start the engine, which can be labor-intensive and inefficient, especially in applications where higher pressures are needed for effective cleaning tasks.
Innovation Solution
An electric starting system that includes a self-contained housing with an electric motor to rotationally engage the engine's output shaft, utilizing a drivetrain for rotational motion transmission and an overrunning clutch for selective engagement, allowing for easier engine starting by reducing physical effort required from the operator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual starting method is used for engine, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to labor-intensive starting effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical starting method with an electric motor-based starting system. The electric motor converts electrical energy to mechanical rotation, substituting the need for manual physical effort to crank the engine, thereby improving ease of operation while introducing electrical components to the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a drivetrain as an intermediary mechanism between the electric motor and the engine's output shaft. This drivetrain includes transmission elements that transfer rotational motion from the motor to the engine, enabling the electric starting system to interface with the engine through a mediating mechanical structure.
2Ease of operation
If electric starting system is added to engine, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electric motor, drivetrain components, and mounting structure into an integrated starting system assembly. This consolidation combines multiple functional elements (motor, transmission, mounting features) into a unified device that can be installed as a single unit between the engine and tool, managing complexity through integration rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing of the starting system is designed with multiple sets of mounting holes that can accommodate different mounting flange hole patterns. This universal mounting capability allows the same starting system to be adapted to various engine configurations and tool types, reducing the need for multiple specialized designs and managing complexity through versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If self-contained housing is used for mounting, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing includes two or more sets of mounting holes with different patterns, allowing the starting system to be dynamically configured for different mounting flange arrangements. This dynamic adaptability enables the same component to accommodate various engine and tool combinations by selecting the appropriate mounting hole set, improving versatility without requiring custom-designed housings for each application.
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 electric starting system enhances the ease of use and operation of power equipment by providing electric starting capabilities, reducing the physical effort needed to start the engine and improving the efficiency of tasks that require higher pressures, such as in pressure washers.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor mounted to the housing. The electric motor configured to rotationally engage an output shaft of the engine
Implementation Method 2
The drivetrain may include one or more of a gear-based drivetrain, a belt-based drivetrain, and a chain-based drivetrain
Implementation Method 3
utilizing a drivetrain for rotational motion transmission and an overrunning clutch for selective engagement
Data Source
AI summary
An electric starting system is provided for an engine. The electric starting system may include a self-contained housing configured to be mounted between an engine and a tool driven by the engine. The electric starting system may also include an electric motor mounted to the housing, the electric motor configured rotationally engage an output shaft of the engine to effectuate starting of the engine.