Electricity Supply Device for Engine Start Delay Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In ECU-equipped vehicles for competition, the absence of a main switch leads to delays in starting the engine due to the sequential activation of the clutch switch and start switch, causing a delay in fuel supply and engine start.
Innovation Solution
An electricity supply device with a main relay, clutch switch, start switch, and diode configuration that allows current flow from the battery to the main relay when the clutch switch is engaged, enabling engine start before the start switch is activated, and controlled by a unit to manage the main relay's state for efficient power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the main switch is omitted to reduce switch parts, then the device complexity is reduced, but the engine start time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by enabling the main relay to be activated in advance through the diode circuit. When the clutch switch is turned on, current flows through the diode to the main relay coil, closing the main relay contact before the start switch is operated. This preliminary closing of the main relay ensures that power is already supplied to the fuel pump and control unit when the starter motor is engaged, eliminating the delay that would otherwise occur in ECU-equipped vehicles without a main switch.
2Reliability
If the clutch switch and start switch are connected in series, then the reliability of engine start control is improved, but the fuel supply response time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the diode as an intermediary element that creates a separate current path. The diode allows current to flow from the clutch switch directly to the main relay coil, independent of the start switch circuit. This intermediary pathway enables the main relay to close in advance through the diode circuit while the start switch remains open, thus decoupling the main relay activation from the starter motor engagement sequence and eliminating the fuel supply delay.
3Extent of automation
If the main relay contact is closed by ECU control after both switches are on, then the automation is improved, but the engine start delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by enabling the main relay to be activated in advance through the diode circuit. When the clutch switch is turned on, current flows through the diode to the main relay coil, closing the main relay contact before the start switch is operated. This preliminary closing of the main relay ensures that power is already supplied to the fuel pump and control unit when the starter motor is engaged, eliminating the delay that would otherwise occur in ECU-equipped vehicles without a main switch.
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
This configuration reduces or prevents engine start delays by ensuring the engine can be started promptly and conserves battery charge by managing the main relay's state based on predetermined times.
Implementation Method 1
a diode allowing a current to flow from a point of connection between the clutch switch and the start switch to a coil of the main relay
Data Source
AI summary
An electricity supply device that reduces a delay in starting an engine. A vehicle includes a starter motor for starting an engine, a start magnet making and breaking connection between the starter motor and a battery, a fuel pump, and a control unit controlling fuel injection and ignition timing of the engine. An electricity supply device of the vehicle includes: a main relay making and breaking connection between a load of the vehicle, the load not including the starter motor, the start magnet, and the battery; a clutch switch connected to the battery, and set in a conducting state when a clutch lever is gripped; a start switch connected between the clutch switch and a coil of the start magnet; and a diode allowing a current to flow from a point of connection between the clutch switch and the start switch to a coil of the main relay.