Push Button Starting Module 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 key-switch systems can drain batteries if left in an auxiliary position, leading to operational issues.
Innovation Solution
A push button starting system with a self-contained starting module that requires both an enable device and the depression of a start button to initiate engine operation, featuring internal circuitry that controls the engine start and electric load, including a starter solenoid relay and an auxiliary period timer to manage power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a key-switch system is used to start the engine, then the engine can be started by turning the key, but inexperienced users may be confused about how long to crank the engine and the system may allow battery drain if left in auxiliary position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical key-switch system with an electronic push-button starting system. The key-switch mechanism is substituted with electronic sensors, microprocessors, and push-button interfaces that detect user input and control engine starting through electronic circuits rather than mechanical key positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the microprocessor monitors button press duration, enable device presence, and system state to determine whether to activate the starter solenoid. The system provides feedback to the user through visual or audible indicators and automatically prevents battery drain by timing auxiliary power delivery.
2Ease of operation
If the key is turned to cranking position to start the engine, then the engine can be started, but users may not know how long to hold the key in cranking position
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical key-turning action is replaced with an electronic push-button press. The microprocessor measures the duration of the button press and automatically determines whether it exceeds the threshold required for engine starting, eliminating the need for users to know or estimate the correct cranking duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring of the button press duration and automatically makes the decision whether to activate the starter. The microprocessor counts the button press duration and autonomously determines if the press was sufficient to warrant engine starting, without requiring user knowledge of proper cranking time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the key is left in the auxiliary position to operate electrical components, then the electrical load can be powered, but the battery will eventually drain and render the tractor inoperable
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic monitoring of the enable device presence and button press events. The microprocessor controls auxiliary power delivery in discrete time intervals, checking for valid user input (enable device + button press) before activating the load relay, and automatically deactivating it after a predetermined time period to prevent continuous battery drain.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the presence of the enable device and user button presses to control auxiliary power delivery. The microprocessor receives feedback about system state and user input, and adjusts power delivery to electrical components accordingly, preventing battery drain by limiting auxiliary operation to periods when proper authentication and activation occur.
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 simplifies engine starting for users by requiring only a push button and enable device presence, preventing battery drain by limiting auxiliary power to a set period, ensuring the engine only starts when the enable device is present and the start button is held long enough.
Implementation Method 1
The control circuit closes the contacts of a starter solenoid relay to crank the engine
Implementation Method 2
A start button generates a start signal sensed by the control circuit when the start button is in the activated position and an enable device is present
Data Source
AI summary
A self-contained starting module for outdoor power equipment that has control circuit and a start button. The starting module includes internal control circuit that can be either microprocessor based or analog. The control circuit receives a start signal from a start button of the starting module. The control circuit monitors for the presence of an enable device and, upon activation of the start button and the presence of the enable device, 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 control circuit initiates operation of the engine. If the start button is pressed for less than the minimum engagement period, the control circuit activates the electric load for an auxiliary period without starting the engine. During engine operation, if the start button is depressed, the operation of the engine is terminated.