Hybrid Motor-Generator Starter Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid electric vehicles face challenges in efficiently starting the engine after an extended period of inactivity, as existing systems require a separate starter motor and motor-generator operation, leading to increased complexity and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
An electrical system with a motor-generator and a starter mechanism, controlled by a processor and memory, uses energy storage devices and switching devices to deliver current for engine starting, optimizing energy use and simplifying the starting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate starter motor and motor-generator are used in hybrid electric vehicles, then the engine can be started after extended inactivity, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the starter motor and motor-generator into a single integrated unit that can function as both a starter motor for cold starts and a motor-generator for restarts. This integration eliminates the need for separate components while maintaining both starting capabilities, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
2Reliability
If a separate starter motor and motor-generator operate independently, then the engine can be started reliably, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated starter motor-motor-generator unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it operates as a starter motor when the engine is cold and needs initial starting, and as a motor-generator when the engine needs restarting after shutdown. This multi-functionality allows the system to use the same component for both operations, reducing overall energy consumption compared to having two separate components operating independently.
3Use of energy by moving object
If current is delivered through multiple energy storage devices, then the engine can be started with optimized energy use, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the energy storage system into multiple segments or modules, each capable of independently storing and delivering current. This segmentation allows the system to optimize energy delivery by drawing from different energy storage devices based on their charge levels and capabilities, improving overall energy efficiency while managing complexity through modular architecture.
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 system efficiently starts the engine by utilizing energy storage devices and switching devices to transfer torque from the motor-generator to the starter mechanism, reducing complexity and energy consumption while ensuring reliable engine restarts.
Implementation Method 1
a motor-generator and a starter mechanism... Current from at least one of the first and second energy storage devices is delivered to the motor-generator... such that the motor-generator transfers torque to the starter mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical system includes an engine, a motor-generator and a starter mechanism, and engine systems also include the engine. The electrical system includes a first energy storage device having a first voltage level and a second energy storage device having a second voltage level less than the first voltage level. The electrical system further includes a controller configured to control the motor-generator, the starter mechanism and first and second switching devices. Current from at least one of the first and second energy storage devices is delivered to the motor-generator when at least one of the first switching device is in a first closed state and the second switching device is in a second closed state such that the motor-generator transfers torque to the starter mechanism and the starter mechanism uses the torque to start the engine.