Parallel Starter Logic for Engine Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parallel starting systems for large internal combustion engines are prone to failure due to the increased probability of faults when multiple starters are connected in series, leading to overloading and complete system failure if a single starter or cabling fault occurs, and they consume excessive current in the control path.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a parallel starting system that uses information technology to control multiple starters via logic units with data interfaces, allowing for flexible operation and reduced current consumption, where one starter acts as a master to coordinate the others, enabling continued operation even if a single starter malfunctions, and utilizing a bidirectional data interface for communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple starters are connected in parallel with series-connected switching contacts, then high starting power is provided, but the probability of complete system failure increases due to faults in single starters or wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into independent logic units, each associated with a individual starter. Each logic unit can independently control its respective starter motor and switching relay without being affected by other starters. This segmentation ensures that a fault in one starter does not propagate to other starters, maintaining system reliability while providing high starting power through parallel operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A data bus serves as an intermediary communication medium between logic units, replacing direct electrical connections through switching contacts. This data bus allows logic units to exchange control signals and status information without creating series-dependent electrical paths, thereby eliminating the risk that a single contact failure will disable the entire starting system.
2Productivity
If excitation coils of switching relays for all starters are activated simultaneously, then all starters engage at the same time, but current consumption in the control path and switching element is multiplied
Solution Approach 1:
The control system employs periodic or sequential activation of starters rather than simultaneous activation. The engine control unit can activate starters in a controlled sequence or with staggered timing, reducing the peak current demand on the control path and switching elements while still achieving rapid engine starting through coordinated parallel operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional electrical control mechanism (simultaneous relay activation) with a data-based control system. Logic units communicate starter status and control commands through a data bus, allowing the engine control unit to manage starter activation timing and current distribution intelligently, thereby reducing peak current consumption while maintaining fast starting response.
3Device complexity
If a fixed series connection of individual contacts is used, then simple wiring is achieved, but a fault in a single starter or wiring leads to complete failure of the starting system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical series connection of switching contacts with a data-based control architecture. Logic units communicate over a data bus, eliminating the series-dependent electrical contact paths. This substitution maintains relatively simple wiring while dramatically improving reliability, as faults in individual starters or their local wiring no longer cause complete system failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The control architecture is segmented into independent logic units, each managing its own starter. This segmentation isolates faults to individual units rather than affecting the entire system. The wiring complexity remains manageable because each logic unit handles its own control signals locally, while the data bus provides a simple standardized interface for inter-unit communication.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a parallel starting system (100) for starting an internal combustion engine (10), comprising at least two starters (110, 120, 130), wherein each of the at least two starters (110, 120, 130) comprises a pinion (113, 123, 133) for engaging a ring gear of the internal combustion engine to be started, a starter motor (M) for turning the pinion (113, 123, 133), a mechanical actuator (112, 122, 132) for moving the pinion (113, 123, 133) into a single-track position, and a logic unit (111, 121, 131) with a data interface (111a, 111b, 121b, 131b), wherein the logic unit (111, 121, 131) is configured to is to control the mechanical actuator (112, 122, 132) to move the pinion (113, 123, 133) into the single-track position and to control the starter motor (M) to turn the pinion (113, 123, 133), wherein the logic unit (111) of a first of the at least two starters (110, 120, 130) is configured toUpon receiving a start request, the logic unit (121, 131) of at least one of the at least two starters (110, 120, 130) is configured to, upon receiving the single-track request, control the mechanical actuator (112, 122, 132) to move the pinion (113, 123, 133) into the single-track position and, upon receiving the spin-through request, to control the starter motor (M) to spin the pinion (113, 123, 133).