Idle-Stop Engine Restart via Brake Pedal Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine restart systems after idle-stop often fail to initiate engine startup promptly, leading to operator dissatisfaction and traffic delays, especially when the engine stalls during restart attempts without proper engagement of the brake pedal.
Innovation Solution
The system automatically prompts the driver to engage the brake pedal via a human-machine interface (HMI) after an unsuccessful restart attempt, allowing for successive restart attempts within a threshold duration, and if all attempts fail, prompts a manual restart by shifting the transmission to park and turning the ignition key.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the engine automatically restarts after an idle-stop without prompting the driver, then the restart process is fully automated, but the engine may stall and the operator may be dissatisfied due to lack of control
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors engine start attempts and detects when the engine stalls. Based on this feedback, it automatically prompts the operator to engage the brake pedal, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to actual engine performance and resolves startup failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system attempts to resolve engine stall issues automatically by prompting the operator to engage the brake pedal without requiring full manual intervention. The system self-diagnoses the problem and guides the operator through the corrective action, reducing the need for complete manual restart procedures.
2Ease of operation
If the system waits for operator response after a stall, then operator control is maintained, but traffic delays increase due to slower restart
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively prompts the operator to engage the brake pedal immediately after detecting a stall, before the operator would naturally respond. This preliminary action reduces the reaction time and gets the engine restarted faster while still maintaining operator awareness and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system skips the traditional lengthy manual restart sequence by directly prompting the operator to engage the brake pedal, which is the critical action needed to resolve the stall. This streamlined approach rushes through the essential steps while maintaining safety and control.
3Productivity
If multiple restart attempts are made within a threshold duration, then the need for manual restart is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic restart attempts at defined intervals within a threshold duration after a stall. This structured periodic approach systematically tries to restart the engine multiple times without requiring complex real-time decision-making, balancing productivity with manageable system logic.
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 approach ensures a quicker engine restart with minimal operator intervention, improving fuel efficiency, emissions quality, and reducing traffic delays by ensuring the engine is restarted within a shorter time frame.
Implementation Method 1
the engine may be restarted by cranking the engine via a starter motor until the engine is driven by combustion
Implementation Method 2
the engine may be restarted by cranking the engine via a starter motor until the engine is driven by combustion
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for restarting an engine following an engine idle-stop. In one example, a method may include, following a first unsuccessful engine restart attempt, prompting a driver, via a human machine interface (HMI) to apply a brake pedal and upon application of the brake pedal, carrying out one or more restart attempts. If the driver does not apply the brake pedal within the threshold duration, the driver may be prompted to manually restart the engine.