Push Button Starting System Controller Logic for Outdoor Power Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inexperienced users find it challenging to start internal combustion engines in outdoor power equipment like lawn tractors, and existing systems can drain the battery if the ignition key is left in an auxiliary position, rendering the equipment inoperable.
Innovation Solution
A push button starting system that requires both an enable device and a start button to be activated, using a controller to manage the engine's operation, ensuring the enable device is present and the operator is seated before initiating the engine, with a timer to manage electric load power to prevent battery drain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional ignition switch and key system is used, then the engine starting process is simple and reliable, but inexperienced users may not understand how long to crank the engine and the system allows battery drain when the key is left in the auxiliary position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical ignition switch system with an electronic push-button starting system that uses a controller to manage engine cranking duration and monitor enable device presence, eliminating the need for manual key positioning and preventing battery drain through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors whether the enable device is present in the receptacle and automatically controls the starter motor operation duration, adjusting the cranking process based on real-time conditions to prevent both insufficient and excessive cranking
2Adaptability or versatility
If the ignition key is left in the auxiliary position to operate electrical components, then the operator can use electrical components without starting the engine, but the electric load will eventually drain the battery
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification by checking for the presence of the enable device in the receptacle before allowing electrical components to operate, and implements a timer that automatically de-energizes the electric load after a predetermined period, preventing battery drain before it occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the start button and the electric load, managing power distribution and implementing time-based control to allow electrical component operation while preventing excessive battery drain through automated de-energization
3Ease of operation
If a push button starting system with enable device verification is implemented, then the starting process is simplified and battery drain is prevented, but the system complexity increases with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions simultaneously: it verifies enable device presence, manages starter motor operation timing, controls electric load de-energization, and monitors various sensors, consolidating what would otherwise require separate components into a single multi-functional unit
Data Source
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AI summary
A starting system (36) for outdoor power equipment that has a controller (38) and a start button (26) to control the activation of an internal combustion engine. The starting system includes a controller that receives a start signal from a start button. The controller monitors for the presence of an enable (30) device in an enable device receptacle (24) and, upon activation of the start button (26) and the presence of the enable device (30) in the enable device receptacle (24), the controller provides electric power to the electric load of the power equipment. When the start button is depressed for longer than a minimum engagement period, the controller initiates (38) operation of the engine. If the start button (26) is pressed for less than the minimum engagement period, the controller activates the electric load for an auxiliary period without starting the engine. During engine operation, if the start button is depressed, the controller (38) terminates operation of the engine.