Electric Starting System for Internal Combustion Engine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric starting systems for internal combustion engines in outdoor power equipment require a different engine block and are less efficient compared to recoil starter systems, lacking a compact and high-torque solution.
Innovation Solution
An electric starting system integrated within the blower housing of the engine, utilizing a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and electric motor to rotate the crankshaft, with a gear reduction mechanism that allows for higher torque at lower speeds, enabling a compact and efficient engine start without altering the engine block.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional electric starting system is used, then the engine can be started electrically, but a different engine block is required and the system is less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The blower housing is designed to serve multiple functions: it houses the blower assembly for cooling air intake and simultaneously accommodates the electric starting system components (battery, electric motor, gear reduction mechanism). This universal design allows the same housing to fulfill both cooling and starting functions, eliminating the need for a separate engine block modification while maintaining efficient electric starting capability.
2Weight of moving object
If a higher-speed electric motor is used, then the motor weight is reduced, but the torque output decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A gear reduction mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the high-speed electric motor and the crankshaft. The gear reduction mechanism receives the high-speed, low-torque output from the electric motor and transforms it into low-speed, high-torque output suitable for cranking the engine. This allows the use of a lighter, higher-speed motor while maintaining sufficient torque through the mechanical advantage provided by the gear reduction system.
3Device complexity
If the electric starting system is integrated within the blower housing, then the system becomes compact and efficient, but the space constraints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electric starting system components are nested within the existing blower housing structure. The battery is positioned in the lower portion of the housing, the electric motor is mounted in the upper portion, and the gear reduction mechanism is integrated into the assembly. This nesting approach allows the starting system to be accommodated within the existing housing volume without requiring additional space or increasing overall system complexity.
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
Enables efficient and compact electric starting of internal combustion engines, allowing for the use of a lighter, higher-speed electric motor while maintaining sufficient torque, and allows for easy conversion from manual recoil starters without modifying the engine block.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor and an energy storage device located within the blower housing, wherein the energy storage device is electrically coupled to the electric motor to power the electric motor
Implementation Method 2
a gear reduction mechanism that allows for higher torque at lower speeds
Data Source
AI summary
An internal combustion engine includes an engine block, a crankshaft configured to rotate about a crankshaft axis, a flywheel coupled to the crankshaft and positioned above the engine block, an outer housing positioned above the engine block and the flywheel, and an electric starting system. The electric starting system includes an electric motor and an energy storage device positioned above the flywheel and below the outer housing. The energy storage device is electrically coupled to the electric motor to power the electric motor. When the electric starting system is configured to rotate the crankshaft to start the engine when the electric starting system is activated.