Start-Stop Retrofit Kit for Vehicle Fuel Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Many vehicles without integrated start-stop systems suffer from fuel inefficiency and increased emissions due to prolonged engine idling, as they lack the technology to automatically stop and restart the engine during operation.
Innovation Solution
A start-stop retrofit kit is introduced, comprising a module that monitors vehicle parameters to automatically stop and start the engine, connected via a wire harness to the ignition and starter motor, and includes a method for controlling engine operation based on driver input and vehicle conditions, allowing for reduced idling time and improved fuel efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a start-stop system is integrated into new vehicles, then fuel efficiency is improved and emissions are reduced, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the start-stop system into separate retrofit components: a control module, a wire harness, a switch, and a battery. This segmentation allows the system to be added to existing vehicles without redesigning the entire vehicle architecture, thereby reducing the complexity burden compared to integrated systems while achieving the same fuel savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control module as an intermediary device that interfaces with existing vehicle components (ignition system, brake system, transmission). This intermediary approach allows the start-stop functionality to be implemented without directly modifying the core vehicle systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effectiveness.
2Loss of energy
If a start-stop retrofit system is installed in existing vehicles, then fuel efficiency improves, but the ease of manufacture and installation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control module is designed with universal interfaces that can connect to various vehicle types' existing systems (ignition, brake, transmission). The wire harness is configured with standardized connectors that can interface with different vehicle architectures, making the retrofit system broadly applicable and simplifying the manufacturing and installation process across multiple vehicle models.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides detailed pre-configured wiring diagrams and installation procedures that prepare the retrofit kit for immediate installation. The control module comes pre-programmed with start-stop logic, and the wire harness is pre-assembled with appropriate connectors, eliminating the need for complex custom wiring and programming during installation, thereby improving ease of manufacture and installation.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the engine is stopped during idling, then emissions are reduced, but the reliability of vehicle operation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The control module continuously monitors vehicle operating conditions through feedback from sensors connected to the brake system, transmission, and ignition system. Based on this real-time feedback, the module intelligently determines when to stop and start the engine, ensuring that emissions are reduced during appropriate idle conditions while maintaining reliability by preventing engine stoppage when vehicle operation requires continuous power.
Solution Approach 2:
The start-stop system dynamically adapts its operation based on real-time vehicle conditions. The control module adjusts engine stop/start decisions according to changing operational requirements detected through sensor feedback, allowing the system to optimize emissions reduction while maintaining vehicle operation reliability under varying driving conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A start-stop retrofit kit includes a start-stop module configured to monitor one or more parameters of a vehicle, configured to automatically stop an engine of the vehicle when the vehicle is idling during operation, and configured to automatically start the engine when the vehicle is not idling during operation. The retrofit kit further includes a wire harness configured to couple the start-stop module to a switch disposed between a starter motor and an ignition of the engine of the vehicle, wherein the switch is disposed in parallel with an existing connection between the ignition and the starter motor.